I find that the 462 'feels' lighter and a little more nimble when felling. When bucking since I am usually cutting 20" and smaller, I find that the 462 self-feeds more nicely, but that could be personal preference. On the flipside, I really like the husqvarna start/shop lever (I much prefer husky controls and simple toggles) and the husqvarna AV on the 572 is amazing to say the least. I would have to spend more time on both to maybe change my mind, but with the current setups, the weight savings on the 462 is what I reach for. (Stihl 462 has a 32" stihl ES light bar, Husqvarna 572 has a 28" Husky standard bar). I regularily clean the air filters so I cannot say much there except that it's clean inside the filter. I keep pretty hungry chains though so there isn't much for fines when cutting. The 572 is better balanced, but its a heavier powerhead... I like both and I am not opposed to either, just keep em sharp and run them hard