Husqvarna 550i XP vs 550 XP Mark II — Do They Share the Same Chain?

The Husqvarna 550i XP has arrived as a genuine battery-powered alternative to the petrol 550 XP Mark II — delivering 4.3 HP that matches the 50cc petrol model’s output. For professionals and landowners running both saws, or considering the switch from petrol to battery, one of the most practical questions is whether the chains are interchangeable.

The short answer: yes, they use the same chain. Here is the full breakdown.

X-Cut chain: shared across both models

Husqvarna designed the 550i XP to use the same X-Cut chain as the 550 XP Mark II. This was a deliberate engineering decision, not a coincidence. The specifications:

Chain type: Husqvarna X-Cut
Pitch: 0.325”
Gauge: 0.050” (1.3mm)
Available profiles: C85 (semi-chisel) and C83 (full chisel)
Drive link count: Determined by bar length (e.g., 64 drive links for a 15” bar)

If you have spare X-Cut chains purchased for your 550 XP Mark II, they fit the 550i XP without any modification. The reverse is also true — chains bought for the battery model work on the petrol saw.

Bar compatibility

The guide bar situation follows the same principle. Both saws use Husqvarna’s small bar mount pattern, which means:

Same bar mount dimensions — Bars designed for the 550 XP Mark II fit the 550i XP
Same bar gauge — 0.050” (1.3mm) rail groove
Same sprocket nose pitch — 0.325” to match the chain
Recommended bar lengths — Typically 13” to 18” for both models

Aftermarket bars from manufacturers such as Oregon and Cannon that list compatibility with the Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II will also fit the 550i XP. When ordering, look for “Husqvarna small mount” fitment.

Why this matters for professionals

For arborists and tree surgeons running mixed fleets of petrol and battery saws, shared chain and bar compatibility is a significant practical advantage:

Single chain inventory — No need to stock separate chains for the battery and petrol versions
Simplified ordering — One part number covers both saws
Field flexibility — If a chain dulls or breaks, any spare in the truck fits either saw
Reduced training complexity — Crews familiar with sharpening and tensioning chains for the petrol model need no retraining for the battery version

This is not something every manufacturer offers. Many battery chainsaws use different bar lengths, lighter-duty chain, or proprietary fitments compared to their petrol counterparts. Husqvarna’s decision to maintain full compatibility is a competitive advantage.

Battery system: B540X and B330X

The 550i XP runs on Husqvarna’s professional 40V battery platform:

B540X — Higher capacity pack for extended cutting sessions
B330X — Lighter pack, useful when weight matters (especially for climbing work)
Both batteries are interchangeable across Husqvarna’s professional battery tool range

These batteries are not compatible with Husqvarna’s consumer-grade battery tools, which operate on a different voltage platform. If you own both professional and consumer Husqvarna battery tools, you will need separate battery sets.

Aftermarket chain options

Because the 550i XP uses standard 0.325” pitch, 0.050” gauge chain, aftermarket alternatives are available:

Oregon chains — Oregon produces 0.325” pitch chains in multiple profiles that fit Husqvarna small-mount saws
Carlton chains — Another reputable option with consistent quality
Stihl chains — Stihl’s Rapid Micro chains are available in 0.325” pitch but are optimised for Stihl bars. Fitment on Husqvarna bars may require verification of drive link count.

That said, many Husqvarna owners prefer to stay with X-Cut chains. The X-Cut line is engineered specifically for Husqvarna saws and bars, and the performance is well-proven in professional use.

What this means for replacement parts

The Husqvarna 550i XP and 550 XP Mark II share identical chain and bar specifications. If you are adding the battery model to your toolkit, your existing chain and bar inventory carries over completely. When ordering replacement chains, specify Husqvarna X-Cut with 0.325” pitch and 0.050” gauge, and match the drive link count to your bar length. Browse our catalogue for compatible chains and bars that fit both models.