Choosing a new heated handle electronic saw...... Husky or Stihl

[Bill G]

I am inching closer to buying a new heated handle saw. Every winter I say I am going to buy one and I do not. Obviously the choices are Stihl and Husky. Sadly they are all electronic which I know zero about. I am not sure which way I am going to go. I am hoping to hear some experience with them. I am not all that concerned with which is faster, more powerful, etc. I have plenty of each brand and do not have a preference on those factors. I am strictly looking at how well the heated handles work on each and how much maintenance issues the electronic system takes. I am buying it because a need a heated handle saw.
The Stihl choices are 261, 362, 462, and 661
The Husky's are 550XPG, 562XPG, 572XPG, and 592XPG
I am leaning toward the 572/462 size but not certain. I can use any of the sizes I just want the heated feature to work and not have electronic issues.
Let's hear some real life experience with them.

 

[FederalQ]

In my experience the heated handles are like heated car seats. They seem to take forever to heat and then after 5 minutes I shut them off because it gets too warm, even wearing gloves. But a nice option to have this time of year indeed. The systems are relatively maintenance free and Stihl says most issues that arise are due to damage to an element or a wire. Just extra wires around the carburetor, etc. The system and each component can be checked with an ohm meter if a problem arises. Check with a Husqvarna dealer if the 585 is available with heat. I have seen both this and the 545 with the ‘G’ designation on the web but nothing on their site. The 585 has a regular carburetor and IMO not much heavier than a 572xp.

 

[redneckhillbilly]

i use a 550XPG and frequently turn the heat on for a few minutes, than off for a few minutes, the harder you run the saw the hotter the handles get, it does get hot enough to make soaked leather gloves steam, thats when I turn the heat off.

after using this saw for a year and a half now, I will always have a heated handle saw in the rotation to keep my hands and fingers warm, I am amazed that heated saws are not more common amongst loggers and arborists

 

[whitesnake]

The huskys are much easier to find and purchase. Hard to go wrong with a 572xpg. A 585 G model, being conventional carb, would be very tempting as mentioned above but not sure they’re available. Could be a possibility to be made as the 592 is available as a G model but not sure you’re looking to get into all that. Is the 462 non mtronic not available in an Arctic model? I know standard models can be had in carb.

 

[hacskaroly]

I am inching closer to buying a new heated handle saw.

I have a Husky 272xpg - though not on your list, it is what I have experience with heated handles. When I got it, all wires to the heating elements had been clipped and the front handle bar changed out to a non-heated unit (just plain front handle). I got the saw cleaned up and the wires reconnected to the rear handle and then its switch. I took it out and cut some firewood (back in September) and flipped on the heated handle switch to see if it worked or not. Yup, it got hot fast, wasn't cold enough to continue using it so I turned it off. Not sure if it is getting hotter than normal without the front handle element to share the voltage. For what it is worth, this is a straight up carb saw, no electronics like in the 5 series.

 

[Bill G]

The electronic stuff is a bit spooky. I bought (12) new 395's from Bruce but all were non heated as Husky killed the heated 395 for some dumb ass reason.

 

[FederalQ]

My 550xpg is a late 1st generation made in 2017 and no issues with auto tune. I once had a 661 Mtronic and I know that saw is still going strong and it’s 10 years old. I know most of the new stuff is to meet emissions and the 550 does have good fuel economy. But it does run hot as a pistol and I have not put the snow guard on the flywheel cover in recent years to allow as much cooling as possible. No problem keeping the oil tank warm!

 

[Bill G]

What bar and chain are you running?

 

[bryanr2]

There’s 2 ported Jonsered 2171w’s in the classifieds that might fit the bill if you’re looking at 70cc saws.

 

[Bill G]

I saw them

 

[IffykidMn]

I was under the impression the Stihl heated handle saws were only available in Canada now days.

I have had good luck with the standard 572XPs, only recently purchased a 572XPG limited usage but the handles heat up rather quickly and seem to get up to temp quickly much more so than my Stihl Arctic 044s from the 80/90s.

 

[FederalQ]

What bar and chain are you running?

18” .325 stihl rs23 narrow kerf.

 

[whitesnake]

18” .325 stihl rs23 narrow kerf.

Just to add, I had a mk1 550xpg ported by Randy. I ran 18” 3/8. It pulled it well thru seasoned maple. Handles got warm quick. It was loud lol.

 

[Bill G]

I was under the impression the Stihl heated handle saws were only available in Canada now days.

I have had good luck with the standard 572XPs, only recently purchased a 572XPG limited usage but the handles heat up rather quickly and seem to get up to temp quickly much more so than my Stihl Arctic 044s from the 80/90s.

Yes.
That is where I would be buying them from.

 

[Bill G]

I run 3/8 on everything so what does the 550 run for a rim? Is it that stupid small or is it standard?

 

[farminkarman]

Would a 385 with heat be too big for what you’re looking for?

 

[HumBurner]

I run 3/8 on everything so what does the 550 run for a rim? Is it that stupid small or is it standard?

Small spline

 

[Bill G]

Would a 385 with heat be too big for what you’re looking for?

I would be fine with one but Bruce does not have those.

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

I would be fine with one but Bruce does not have those.

I haven't been here long enough to remember which dealer is Bruce- is he one of the Iowa or Illinois dealers? Thanks

 

[HumBurner]

I would be fine with one but Bruce does not have those.

He's offering you one for sale, Bill.

I haven't been here long enough to remember which dealer is Bruce- is he one of the Iowa or Illinois dealers? Thanks

Florida