Husqvarna 543 XP

[Old saw fixer]

     Any love for this saw?

     @Spike60 Are you moving any of these saws?

[sawguy21]

What is the market? I couldn't sell any rear handle pro saw under 50cc.

[Spike60]

Yes, to the pro guys. Doesn't sell that well, but has a small yet loyal following. The guys that have them really love them. Nice and light, real easy to start. Supposed to be an answer to the old 242XP, but without spinning up to 15,000 it falls a little short. But a nice saw to live with every day and they rarely have any issues what so ever. And like the 242 family, it's truly on a smaller and lighter chassis than the typical 50cc saw. A lot of sub 50cc saws

Homeowners almost never buy them, as most people have this thing about equating size with price. "Why does this small saw cost so much?" 

[LabHusqvarna]

Just recently bought one for my Dad.  He's older now and light weight was a bigger factor.  We still wanted the pro quality, but in a lightweight package with decent power for its size.  This saw is perfect.  Don't expect a 346 or 365 of course, but it cuts fast, and is very light.  He's happy with the choice.

[Old saw fixer]

     Thanks for the replies! 
@sawguy21 The market is me!  I am looking to replace my Stihl 017 with a pro saw and hopefully teach the grandson how to use a chainsaw with the 017.  If he properly absorbs the knowledge and exhibits the proper respect and safety he will own the 017. 
@Spike60 T hanks for the info.  Sounds like it will work for a lot of my timber stand improvement.
@LabHusqvarna Those are the same reasons I am interested in this saw.

[kantuckid]

Does the 543 XP have carb adjuster screws, or is it electronic non-adjustable?

[Spike60]

It's adjustable; not auto-tune. Just like the good ole days.  :laugh:

[kantuckid]

I bought a near new Stihl 241 C M-tronic/non-adjustable, wires to the carb saw as my "senior saw choice" based on power, weight and having a decompression valve to ease starting. One shoulders wired together and the other ones not what it used to be for saw rope pulls. I did read the 543 has a spring assist, which also widens the saw body a bit. I also keep a Stihl 170 as an extra saw bought to cut log cabin wall dovetails. I have limbed with it and also cut my other saw out of a bucking pinch with it. My shoulders handle that little Stihl easily and I start it freehanded always for that matter.  
The 241's been good until it began to run erratic or die when warmed up. I simply could not handle my larger Stihl and sold it. Now I am waiting on my dealers prognosis on the Stihl. I would not take my saws to a dealers for carb work in the past and prefer not to now.
The 543 XP meets many of the same specs I want in a saw.
Some Echo saws have appeal too-like the 501P or maybe a 490...

[weimedog]

Have one that is been in the fence line and carpentry work detail for a couple of years. Easy starter, not going to win a cookie race but it's not going to let you down either. Seems like a really well thought out and well built little saw. Really easy on the fuel as well.

[Old saw fixer]

     I was originally interested in an MS 241 Motronic, but learned that they are not available in the US.  I want a small pro saw, I have found the quality comes built in with a pro saw.  

[Old saw fixer]

     @Spike60, I have found the newer adjustable carburetor saws aren't very adjustable any more.  They've come a long way from snipping off the plastic lugs on the screws.  I've been out of the saw shop more than 20 years and haven't kept up on the latest workarounds.

[Spike60]

Well not with a screw driver, but if you get the proper tool they are as adjustable as the good ole days. The 543 takes the same splined adjustment tool as the rest of the Husky non AT saws. Lots of places sell them online. Easier in the long run than cutting tabs or removing limiter caps. No frustration trying to seat a screw driver on a real skinny needle or having the adjustments wander because limiters are removed.

[Old saw fixer]

     Thanks, Spike60