Husqvarna 550XP Mark II Hand Guard

This Husqvarna 550XP Mark II hand guard is the replacement front guard that protects your left hand and activates the chain brake. If yours is cracked, loose or no longer trips the brake reliably, replace it before the saw goes back to work.

Why the hand guard matters

On the 550XP Mark II, the front hand guard does two jobs. It shields your left hand from branches and a thrown chain, and it is the lever that applies the chain brake, by hand or by inertia in a kickback. A cracked or sloppy guard can fail to trigger the brake when you need it most.

Felling, limbing and bucking all put this guard close to brush and stems, so it takes knocks. Check it at the start of each day: it should snap firmly into the on and off positions and the brake should stop the chain at speed.

Small cracks often start around the pivot and mounting points, so look there first when the saw is clean. A guard that has been patched with tape or zip ties is a sign it is time to replace it. Keep the chain brake mechanism clean of sawdust and pitch too, since buildup can slow the brake even with a new guard fitted.

Fitting the new guard

Follow Husqvarna's service information when swapping the guard, and test the chain brake before cutting. If the brake band or spring is also worn, replace those too. Other replacement parts are in power equipment parts.

Never run a saw with a damaged or missing chain brake. Wear chainsaw protective gear and follow ANSI Z133 and the operator's manual.