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.

 

[HumBurner]

542iXPG

 

[Bill G]

542iXPG

Bruce does not have those.

 

[HumBurner]

Bruce does not have those.

He's not stocking them or he can't get them?

 

[Bill G]

Not on the list he sent.

 

[Sidecarflip]

I do like my ancient 028 with the heated handle when it's real cold out. Makes it much more comfortable to use.

 

[Husky77]

I got a 550xpg and love it, light fast very easy to move around with and cuts anything I ask of it

 

[Bill G]

Ok

 

[HumBurner]

Not on the list he sent.

I would ask. Maybe they're not available yet in the US.....?

I've held off looking for one cause I want to know how much battery it drains to run the heat. I'm also not sold on their new clutch vs. the old not-clutch and haven't gotten to try one myself.

 

[Gord404]

battery? gas saws run off a dynamo under the flywheel for heated handles

 

[HumBurner]

battery? gas saws run off a dynamo under the flywheel for heated handles

542iXPG

Battery saw with heated handles.

 

[Bigjimmythunder]

I do like my ancient 028 with the heated handle when it's real cold out. Makes it much more comfortable to use.

I have an 028 with heated handles as well, have absolutely zero need for it in australia but i love it anyway

Probably need cooled handles more than heated.
There is a mission for chainsaw manufacturers!

 

[Bill G]

I am not buying a battery saw.

Around these parts trees do not have outlets.

 

[HumBurner]

I am not buying a battery saw.

Around these parts trees do not have outlets.

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I think you're confusing an electric saw with a battery saw.

 

[Bill G]

I think you're confusing an electric saw with a battery saw.

No I have plenty of cordless tools.

 

[Bill G]

One showed up................

 

[Bill G]

Pics

 

[pioneerguy600]

I find the heated handle /Arctic saws I run to be most comfortable when the weather turns wet in the fall and before winter . When the temps drop close to freezing and its wet from fog, drizzle or light rain and I can still handle the saw bare hands. Once the temps drop well below freezing then the gloves are on most times and the heat is left off.