Husqvarna 550i XP Battery Chainsaw — Same Bar and Chain as the Gas 550 XP?

The Husqvarna 550i XP is a landmark battery chainsaw. At 4.3 HP, it matches the power output of Husqvarna’s own 50cc gas-powered 550 XP Mark II — a saw that professional arborists and serious landowners have relied on for years. But power is only part of the equation. For anyone maintaining chainsaws, the real question is whether the bar and chain from the gas model work on the battery version.

The answer is yes, and that is a bigger deal than it might sound.

The X-Cut chain carries over

Husqvarna confirmed that the 550i XP uses the same X-Cut chain as the 550 XP Mark II gas model. This is not a “similar spec” situation — it is the exact same chain. The key specifications:

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

If you already have spare X-Cut chains for your 550 XP Mark II, they mount directly on the 550i XP — no modifications, no adapters, no guesswork. This is a deliberate design choice by Husqvarna to make the transition from gas to battery seamless for professionals who have invested in chain inventory.

Bar compatibility

The guide bar compatibility follows the same principle. The 550i XP accepts the same Husqvarna guide bars designed for the 550 XP Mark II, provided the bar mount dimensions match. Key specs for the bar:

• Bar mount pattern: Small Husqvarna mount (same as 550 XP Mark II, 545, and similar mid-range models)
• Recommended bar lengths: 13” to 18”, depending on application
• Bar gauge: 0.050” (must match chain gauge)

Aftermarket bars from Oregon, Cannon, and others that are made for the Husqvarna small-mount pattern will also fit the 550i XP. When ordering, specify “Husqvarna small mount” or cross-reference with 550 XP Mark II fitment listings.

Sprocket and drive system

The 550i XP uses a spur sprocket matched to 0.325” pitch chain. This is consistent with the gas model’s sprocket specification. Sprocket replacement intervals remain the same general rule: replace the sprocket every two to three chain replacements, or whenever visible wear appears on the teeth.

One difference to note — the 550i XP’s drive system is an electric motor rather than a crankshaft-driven clutch assembly. The sprocket itself is the same spec, but the mounting and drive mechanism behind it are different. You cannot swap the entire clutch drum assembly between gas and battery models. The sprocket nose on the bar, however, is a standard replaceable component.

Battery system: B540X and B330X

The 550i XP runs on Husqvarna’s 40V battery platform, using the B540X or B330X battery packs. These are the same packs used across Husqvarna’s professional battery tool range. Key details:

• B540X — The larger pack with more amp-hours for extended cutting sessions
• B330X — A lighter, more compact pack suitable for shorter jobs or when weight matters (such as when working in a tree)
• Both packs use the same interface and are interchangeable across compatible Husqvarna battery tools

The batteries are not compatible with Husqvarna’s consumer-grade battery tools, which use different voltage platforms. Stick with the 500-series battery line for the 550i XP.

What this means for replacement parts

The 550i XP’s chain and bar compatibility with the gas 550 XP Mark II means you do not need to build a separate parts inventory for the battery saw. If you are a professional running both gas and battery saws, you can carry the same spare chains and bars for both.

When ordering replacement chains, specify Husqvarna X-Cut with 0.325” pitch and 0.050” gauge, and count your drive links to match your bar length. Check our catalog for compatible chains and bars that fit both the 550i XP and the 550 XP Mark II.