T540lixp thoughts.

[pete3d]

Has anybody felt a difference using the new 200x battery with the old 536?
Did it help the 536 at all compared to the batteries that came with that before the 200x battery?

Using the 200x in other tools is just the same as using the 200 Unfortunately it does not supercharge them.

 

[evo]

So quick question regarding the weight... In the video you stated that it was lighter than the 540xp, but it weighed in about 10 lbs? I just looked at the 540xp specs, and the 201t both weigh about 8.5 lbs naked. Can you let me know the dressed weight of both the 540xp and the 540i?

 

[Tony]

So quick question regarding the weight... In the video you stated that it was lighter than the 540xp, but it weighed in about 10 lbs? I just looked at the 540xp specs, and the 201t both weigh about 8.5 lbs naked. Can you let me know the dressed weight of both the 540xp and the 540i?

Evo,

I was pretty unscientific. I pretty much filled the 540t up with gas and oil and placed it on a mail scale. 14“bar And chain. Then weighed the 540Ti also with full oil tank and 14” bar and chain.

I can check the video scraps. Don’t remember if I have footage of the weight.

In practice I find them to be about the same hanging from my harness. I don’t notice a difference much of a difference

Tony

 

[Merle Nelson]

I have also been finding the 200 battery pretty much same operationally as 200x until you’re making notch cuts on 10 inch plus diameter. I have 1 200x and 3 200 batteries and rarely know which one I have in the saw. Always take two batteries with me to a day of contracting... and 4 if I am running a job, with a new and old electric saw and electric blower for the end of the day.

What file are folks using on the stock husq chain? Been using 4.0m, but it seems like it might be the wrong size. Halfway through the life of a chain it is just not performing. Obviously I’m hitting the rakers. This is kind of a new kind of chain so wondering if there’s another memo I am missing.

I had used a gold paint pen and marked my original batteries 1 through 4 to track one if it started performing badly etc. Hasn't happened in 2 or more years, by the way.

So when I got 200x batteries I put big letters on them A-C.

200x batteries don't supercharge the 536 because it doesn't have big enough wires/circuitry to utilize that fast of power delivery.

Husky just came out with a brush cutter/weed wacker that does - I bought it but haven't used it yet.

The second they come out with blower and pole pruner in this motor series I will want them too.

Whole days of trimming with no gas saw noise or fumes is very enjoyable.

 

[pete3d]

I have also been finding the 200 battery pretty much same operationally as 200x until you’re making notch cuts on 10 inch plus diameter. I have 1 200x and 3 200 batteries and rarely know which one I have in the saw. Always take two batteries with me to a day of contracting... and 4 if I am running a job, with a new and old electric saw and electric blower for the end of the day.

What file are folks using on the stock husq chain? Been using 4.0m, but it seems like it might be the wrong size. Halfway through the life of a chain it is just not performing. Obviously I’m hitting the rakers. This is kind of a new kind of chain so wondering if there’s another memo I am missing.

I’m also using a 4mm (5/32) and I think it’s an an appropriate diameter. It’s really important to cut back the rakers on any chain to maintain the cutting speed, and although I have an excellent adjustable raker gauge and religiously maintain my rakers height, I find all chains cut less aggressively as the teeth wear down, especially the smaller newer chains.

 

[pete3d]

The second they come out with blower and pole pruner in this motor series I will want them too.

Whole days of trimming with no gas saw noise or fumes is very enjoyable.

I have both the current husky pole pruner and trimmer (hence not minding buying more 200 series batteries). They are both highly effective tools - very pleasant to operate, and I’ve no qualms about using them for many years to come. I’m so old and like working outdoors so much, I really try to enjoy every minute of it.

 

[Merle Nelson]

Ha, great attitude.

I'm around a lot of talented artists - and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I feel similarly and that I get to be artful in the trees.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Thanks for confirming file size. Maybe I just got myself into a bad angle or something.

re battery storage: The upper pouch of this soft igloo cooler holds two batteries, bottom pouch can hold two water bottles and your lunch. Pouch holds a buff, hand sanitizer, and sena unit. $20ish at your local ACE

 

[Uldis]

I get the impression that a lot of the efficacy of this saw is from the new chain. It chews up wood like a little barracuda but don’t push it.

Don't overlook this sentence!
I have a 536LiXPT and 540LiXPT and have to say 540LiXPT is superior in performance, but in my opinion, a large part of their performance difference comes from new X-Precision bar and X-Cut SP21G chain. This combo comes standard on 540LiXPT, but can be also fitted on 536LiXPT by changing a sprocket - and it is a game changer. The difference is so obvious - the friction between the chain and bar is way less - so this new combo spends less power just to turn the chain. It is also narrower, which means less cut area to turn into sawdust, thus it does it faster with less energy spent. I liked the 536LiXPT, but never used it for larger cuts (had 201T for those), but when I upgraded to new B&C combo, the 201T is collecting dust.
Just thought to share my thoughts - Husqvarna have really done excellent with X-Cut chains!

 

[ATH]

Does the smaller chain need sharpened more than 3/8"

 

[Merle Nelson]

No.

With regard to the chain/bar combo, the Husky dealer mentioned that they were selling the same combo for other Husky and Stihl saws. Maybe I should give it another look and put it on my 536's and possibly other saws.

 

[Fivepoints]

I just got a chance to watch Tony's T540lixp thoughts and tests. I already have a t536lixp that I really like. We use it frequently even in our bucket truck if the canopy cuts are small. I also have the QC80 vehicle charger already. I think I'll be buying a T540lixp as my next climbing saw. I have a pole saw as well as the leaf blower. Both are really useful. I don't have room in my bucket truck for a backpack blower. Ours normally rides in our F550 but once in a while we do a small pruning job with just my bucket truck and chipper. I usually forget to grab the backpack blower. Now I don't have to worry about it.

 

[pete3d]

Husqvarna have really done excellent with X-Cut chains!

Although I’m still in the small Red Pine thinning business at the moment (where the 540lixp really shines with its X-Cut chain and bar), yesterday I was removing a larger Elm and a hung-up dead Butternut (that required a little climbing and trimming before falling for safety sake) and I found myself reaching for my 550.
Although the 540lixp could have done the job if I’d had no other option, the difference between the 550 with a full chisel tooth 3/8 chain and the 540 with X-Cut chain is vast when cutting notches.
Perpendicular to the grain the X-Cut chain is quick, but my experience is, on the bias you really need to be patient with it - it just does not chew up the wood the way you might expect.
I guess the 550 is not going on holiday this winter after all.

 

[pete3d]

I’m still appreciating the 540iXP.

Last week we had a 5°C (41°F) day with wet snow. Those of you who have worked in really wet snow will know that it’s about the wettest thing that a fellow can work in, in that it sticks to everything and holds the moisture there until it falls off or melts. I didn’t baby the 540iXP, figuring it was rated for such conditions and it didn’t disappoint with any unexpected behaviour.

The next day it was -10°C (14°F) and I had neglectfully left a spare battery in my bush cart all night. Although I had a warm battery, I thought I’d try the cold one in the 540iXP “just to see”. It would only operate the warning lights. I had a little pole saw work to do, and thought I’d try that cold battery in the less demanding 536liPT5 - it worked. I completed my pole saw limbing in a few minutes and tried the battery, that was now “warmed up” from use, in the 540iXP and (as we say here in Canada) “Bob’s you Uncle” - it worked. I would try using this approach again, in a pinch, as my top handled T536liXP is also more forgiving about cold batteries, and I often have it in my cart.

The next afternoon we had an extremely fluffy snowfall with temperatures just below freezing. (And as an aside I’d almost forgotten the magic of the muffled silence of a fluffy snow filled bush, when the trees fall with a fuwwumpp rather that a crash.) The virtues of the electric chain saw were again clear - not only are they quiet, but they run cool and don’t melt the snow and get soaked or ice encrusted, but stay clean and dry.

As far as cutting notches (which I previously grumbled about) with the 540iXP, I’m finding if I just relax and let the little saw take it’s time, the cuts are done well and quickly enough - for an old fellow like me.

Also for no explicable reason while becoming familiar with the 540iXP I found my felling aim was off; not dangerously off, but enough to cause me a degree of two consternation and doubt. Now after a little more experience with the saw, I’m happy to report that I’ve got (touch wood) my felling mojo back.

Seriously I do find, that for my current application, (commercial thinning of skinny red pine) the 540iXP to be an appropriate and satisfying tool.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Thanks for such an in-depth description of what you’ve seen with these saws. Particularly cool experiment with the cold as balls battery.

Side note, ‘Bob’s your uncle’ is a common saying where I grew up as well (southeastern mass). Everyone looks at me funny when I say it down here in NC but I think it’s starting to catch on...

 

[evo]

I’m still appreciating the 540iXP.

Last week we had a 5°C (41°F) day with wet snow. Those of you who have worked in really wet snow will know that it’s about the wettest thing that a fellow can work in, in that it sticks to everything and holds the moisture there until it falls off or melts. I didn’t baby the 540iXP, figuring it was rated for such conditions and it didn’t disappoint with any unexpected behaviour.

The next day it was -10°C (14°F) and I had neglectfully left a spare battery in my bush cart all night. Although I had a warm battery, I thought I’d try the cold one in the 540iXP “just to see”. It would only operate the warning lights. I had a little pole saw work to do, and thought I’d try that cold battery in the less demanding 536liPT5 - it worked. I completed my pole saw limbing in a few minutes and tried the battery, that was now “warmed up” from use, in the 540iXP and (as we say here in Canada) “Bob’s you Uncle” - it worked. I would try using this approach again, in a pinch, as my top handled T536liXP is also more forgiving about cold batteries, and I often have it in my cart.

The next afternoon we had an extremely fluffy snowfall with temperatures just below freezing. (And as an aside I’d almost forgotten the magic of the muffled silence of a fluffy snow filled bush, when the trees fall with a fuwwumpp rather that a crash.) The virtues of the electric chain saw were again clear - not only are they quiet, but they run cool and don’t melt the snow and get soaked or ice encrusted, but stay clean and dry.

As far as cutting notches (which I previously grumbled about) with the 540iXP, I’m finding if I just relax and let the little saw take it’s time, the cuts are done well and quickly enough - for an old fellow like me.

Also for no explicable reason while becoming familiar with the 540iXP I found my felling aim was off; not dangerously off, but enough to cause me a degree of two consternation and doubt. Now after a little more experience with the saw, I’m happy to report that I’ve got (touch wood) my felling mojo back.

Seriously I do find, that for my current application, (commercial thinning of skinny red pine) the 540iXP to be an appropriate and satisfying tool.

Good to hear... I think the only thing that is wetter than wet snow is the pnw

 

[colb]

Did you look at the chart? The left arm statistic would be impossible with two hands on a saw.

The left leg statistic would be impossible with the leg on the saw. My dog's vet told me that my dog would have a smaller chance of getting testicular cancer if his balls were snipped. I told him to take a couple legs off as well to reduce his chance of leg cancer...

There are multiple ways to keep the left hand from being cut, one of which is to put it on the saw handle.

 

[ATH]

The left leg statistic would be impossible with the leg on the saw...

And far less probable with a left hand on the saw...

 

[colb]

And far less probable with a left hand on the saw...

Higher risk of hand cancer tho...

 

[Crimsonking]

The left leg statistic would be impossible with the leg on the saw. My dog's vet told me that my dog would have a smaller chance of getting testicular cancer if his balls were snipped. I told him to take a couple legs off as well to reduce his chance of leg cancer...

There are multiple ways to keep the left hand from being cut, one of which is to put it on the saw handle.

Not sure what that was supposed to prove. Historically, the left leg statistic is the reason for chaps. Speaking of history, there once was a discussion in the industry on whether we should be tied in when doing tree work. If you’re so skilled that you don’t need these encumbering safety measures, go join the guys in SE Asia free climbing their removals.

Honestly, I do get it. There is a dynamic tension at play in the industry at all times- what is considered safe today wasn’t a concern in the past, and some of the future policies some are pushing for seem absurd. At what point are we so “safe” that we can’t actually work? However, are there safer practices than what we are using that don’t reduce productivity for skilled practitioners?

I think one-handing is almost always unnecessary. I’ve made a couple cuts in my career that I believe were safer to one hand, but those situations were thought out and called out when executed. Also, If the best in the industry can be super productive without onehanding, you’re only admitting a lack of skill to say you can’t be as productive if you always have to use two hands.