Fire/Rescue saw

[StoneyMeadowMaple]

I am looking for a new saw for our Fire Department. Stihl offers a 462C-M direct from Stihl for about 1800. Husqvarna doesn’t offer one straight up, but through third party an “upgraded” 572xp is available with what appears to be similar options to the Stihl. I would personally prefer the Husky, but not for another 12-1400, and I know Stihl makes a very good saw, also being able to buy directly from a local dealer is appealing.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these units?
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/c...rescue/?aqid=5d51e5641a85321aad4538b80ea49892


https://firepenny.com/tempest-572-h...tEZbyibkOq1jS2fis9zfrhphHZlMjQSxoCUI8QAvD_BwE

 

[Ridgehiker]

whats the inteneded use, vent saw? or something for wildland? where im at we have a variety of saws that we use, some trucks have 550xp's, a few type6 trucks have 572's, and the accident rapid truck has a 592 mainly for log truck accidents to clear the road quickly if needed.

 

[StoneyMeadowMaple]

whats the inteneded use, vent saw? or something for wildland? where im at we have a variety of saws that we use, some trucks have 550xp's, a few type6 trucks have 572's, and the accident rapid truck has a 592 mainly for log truck accidents to clear the road quickly if needed.

This would be for house fires, ventilation, access, etc. would have the special chain, which I assume is just carbide tipped. I have seen some on what I believe is an echo platform that the bar comes down at an angle, but I think I prefer the traditional type with the depth stop.
We have a 340 on my truck which is rescue/utility. It gets used rarely and often as not just for trees in the way on accident scenes or the occasional tree in the road blocking our response. It’s woefully too small for pretty much everything. We also have a 450 rancher on a pumper for the same thing. I wasn’t involved in picking any of them out. We have had a number of occasions lately that a dedicated rescue saw has been utilized and fortunately our mutual aid departments have been equipped and present.

 

[Ridgehiker]

one of the shrouded bar stihls would probably make a good vent saw for a structure engine, but than its limited to only cutting a certain depth, personally I would get a 70cc powerhead and put what ever standard bar the saw compartment on the engine will allow, as than the saw can be used for more than just venting.

were pretty rural and dont have a very high call volume, but we get log truck rollovers and storms that require a high percentage of saws being used on calls.

I wouldnt mind even an electric saw sometimes I think it could have a place in the lineup, I really like that you can set them down and they are quiet yet ready to cut when the switch is hit.

 

[StoneyMeadowMaple]

one of the shrouded bar stihls would probably make a good vent saw for a structure engine, but than its limited to only cutting a certain depth, personally I would get a 70cc powerhead and put what ever standard bar the saw compartment on the engine will allow, as than the saw can be used for more than just venting.

were pretty rural and dont have a very high call volume, but we get log truck rollovers and storms that require a high percentage of saws being used on calls.

I wouldnt mind even an electric saw sometimes I think it could have a place in the lineup, I really like that you can set them down and they are quiet yet ready to cut when the switch is hit.

If it is being used regularly I could see electric being handy. I went to Milwaukee for work in 2016, I am still using the 4 batteries that came with the 2 tools I bought then, they live in the cold and the heat they get charged in below freezing blistering heat all the time, no evidence of being worn out.
We have Milwaukee tools on the rescue/utility fire truck and replace batteries left and right, they sit inside at 70 degrees but never get used and eventually they die. I would anticipate an electric saw to be the same. The little 340 on that truck fires 3rd pull every time, it’s a 2004.