201TC saw user, but have had it break down 4 times……..was finally ready to go Battery, almost pulled the trigger on the 540i 5 weeks ago, they told me “um you might wanna wait 2-3 weeks, the 542i is almost here” Glad I waited for the 542i Thanks for all the details Dan!! Yet another fine job providing the arbor community informative content. PNW native
What sort of issues were you having with the 201TC? I only have the older Stihl battery one, and it barely cuts anything. I have the Echo battery saw, and it cuts great. Jim in Oregon
Mtronic fuel adjustment issues, STIHL sent me a new carburetor at no cost after owning saw for 2 years, was good for 1 1/2 years, now back to constant breakdowns, continuously fouls plugs, Stihl dealer just said, computer said carburetor was out of adjustment and they said everything‘s fine🤦♂️🤪 And as you know, Em Tronic systems you’re unable to adjust the carburetor.
Well done with this review , everything i wanted to know plus more. I think this is the saw for me. No feul and smoke fumes to deal with which can get annoying, no stall outs pull starts or flooding, low noise, it can run up to a 16 inch bar and plenty of power equivilent to 40cc peterol engine which makes this the most powerful top handle huskie.
Thank You so much for doing this comparison Dan. Been waiting on this for awhile now to help make my decision on buying this over the previous version.
Thanks for the comparison! I run a couple 540ixp saws. There’s nothing about the new 542 that makes me want one. Its added complexity and $ isn’t worth it to me, when i need to cut bigger wood, i grab the 500i. I would have liked to see the new 542 model be made more durable instead of a clutch and oil sensor. Such as an aluminum handle that doesn’t snap when dropped from 5 ft… and a bar sprocket chain combo that uses a more widely available chain pitch & gauge
@@ClimbingArborist The bar/chain/sprocket can be switched to 3/8 Picco. Just spoke with the tech at Madsen's and he said he had to fasjhion a special tool to do the change.
Great video Dan! I was very skeptical but your side by side comparison really demonstrates the benefit of the added clutch. Hope Husky sent you that saw, you are doing them a solid as an excellent spokesperson!
Glad you enjoyed it! It is a good visual to see the side by side. Husqy did send the saw , which is definitely a good move on their part, as I have 3 of the 540s so would’ have bought one to test . 540 or 542 you can’t go wrong, I love their design, power and ergonomics
I'm just about to get my first top handle saw and I've been waiting for a review in the 542i before I took the plunge. I see the idea of it getting more complicated but clutches have been on 2 stroke saws for ever so I think they are pretty reliable by now. Yes the oil sensor could be a pain if it doesn't work reliably. On balance I will probably buy one as long as they are available to buy soon in the UK Also the extra efficiency may aid battery life!? Thanks for this and looking forward to the long term test review 😁
I’ve been half tempted to get one of these since I saw the leaked images about a year ago, I think I’ll stick with my standard battery T 540, As another comment said it’s just more to break, but I can definitely see the advantages
I used the T540i xp for 2 years now and i've always had issues with the X-PRECISION SP21G Semi chisel PIXEL .325" mini 1.1 mm chain on it which is the standard for this saw. No matter what I did after a few filings the chain just didn't cut well. In bigger wood (anything bigger than a small branch) halfway through the cut the chain would keep spinning but you wouldn't be able to progress further into the cut it would just bog down (and not just stopping because of putting to much pressure on the saw like you said which I know can happen also). It's as if the slightest difference in cutting length of the teeth on either side is making the chain vibrate to much or something. I put the same chain on my husqy T540 XP Mark 2 (gas powered chainsaw) and it cut's just fine, really good even. So if it's not the chain then what is the issue here? I'm hoping the T542i xp solves this problem.
i use .50 bar, chain, sprocket on my 540 gas, mainly for topping doug fir. i like the wider kerf for getting a wedge in and it cuts great. if this 542 cud run same set up wud buy. thanks for ur post.
Enjoyed the video. Excellent comparison review. Good job, Mate!😉 I run a 540i and a 2500T....both run great. Just have to go a little slower in the big cuts...easy on the pushing. I think there is good improvement, but not enough to get me to buy a new one....at least not until my 540i gives up the ghost.
Isn't this saw to bulky and heavier to cut with one hand on top of a tree? In my case I am with Stihl, I have the 161T but I have the same feeling in regard to the 220C.
The oil sensor is crap and the oil will not run out before the battery does (BLi200X why would you run anything bigger on a top handle climbing saw?) so simply check and top up the oil when you change batteries. A centrifugal clutch requires more power to spin up so keep that in mind.. This saw...It's a T540i with a clutch which adds more weight but does soften the feel of the saw - does add more noise from the clutch weights and drum even with plenty of grease on the needle bearings!. The throttle is a horribly plastic feeling thing that I really don't like and makes it a pain in the arse when reaching out with the saw in one handed mode to prune... Is it a better saw than the T540i? no, it's just different but yes I personally prefer it and have run two of them since early this year. I still think Husqvarna could handle the power output through electronics in the throttle control rather than by an old fashioned cumbersome clutch.
About the oil sensor light, could it have anything to do with the tiny oil holes in the bar? I noticed that they tend to clog much faster then regular saws. I'm going to enlarge the holes slightly and see. This oil hole mod seems to be excellent on all my other saws. Thank you for the review Dan. Jim in Oregon.
@@ClimbingArborist That depends on the type of oil, the setting you have it on, and how big the enlargement is. Canola oil is pretty thin (stream work) regular bar oil is tacky and thicker. I have no dripping with either oil.
@@rogerbarnett8412 Think before you condemn sir! The clutch is not slipping all the time it only slips when the RPM of the saw slows to a certain RPM which allows the saw not to lock down and trip out on over load. Folks are too quick to want to string someone up on a rope man. Once it gets past the slow down RPM gets back up and centrifigal force makes the clutch grab full force again.
@@RC-Heli835 I know exactly how clutches work, which is engage as soon as a speed above idle is reached, which happens as soon as the throttle is engaged. That's with a gas saw. If a battery saw was overheating, which is likely not going to happen, it wouldn't happen at low rpm. Also, gas powered chainsaw carbs are designed to be operated at full throttle as they only have low and hi speed adjustable jets. A battery saw could probably be engaged at partial throttle but why? And no, the clutch is NOT designed to slip "a bit" more than a tiny bit as the throttle is engaged. Same goes for an automotive clutch.
Nice , seems like from our little bit of use with it, it would be the choice for removals, otherwise it wouldn’t really matter which saw you choose out of the two
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201TC saw user, but have had it break down 4 times……..was finally ready to go Battery, almost pulled the trigger on the 540i 5 weeks ago, they told me “um you might wanna wait 2-3 weeks, the 542i is almost here”
Glad I waited for the 542i
Thanks for all the details
Dan!! Yet another fine job providing the arbor community informative content.
PNW native
Good stuff! I think they have just released a new battery (220x) too which will probably make it even better.
What sort of issues were you having with the 201TC? I only have the older Stihl battery one, and it barely cuts anything. I have the Echo battery saw, and it cuts great. Jim in Oregon
Mtronic fuel adjustment issues, STIHL sent me a new carburetor at no cost after owning saw for 2 years, was good for 1 1/2 years, now back to constant breakdowns, continuously fouls plugs, Stihl dealer just said, computer said carburetor was out of adjustment and they said everything‘s fine🤦♂️🤪
And as you know, Em Tronic systems you’re unable to adjust the carburetor.
@@boboustedt1309 I have a mint condition MS200T for sale, original owner, low hours. I have several. Jim
Well done with this review , everything i wanted to know plus more. I think this is the saw for me. No feul and smoke fumes to deal with which can get annoying, no stall outs pull starts or flooding, low noise, it can run up to a 16 inch bar and plenty of power equivilent to 40cc peterol engine which makes this the most powerful top handle huskie.
Thank You so much for doing this comparison Dan. Been waiting on this for awhile now to help make my decision on buying this over the previous version.
Thanks for the comparison! I run a couple 540ixp saws. There’s nothing about the new 542 that makes me want one. Its added complexity and $ isn’t worth it to me, when i need to cut bigger wood, i grab the 500i.
I would have liked to see the new 542 model be made more durable instead of a clutch and oil sensor. Such as an aluminum handle that doesn’t snap when dropped from 5 ft… and a bar sprocket chain combo that uses a more widely available chain pitch & gauge
Understandable and probably common point of view if you already own the 540s 👍
Great points.
@@ClimbingArborist The bar/chain/sprocket can be switched to 3/8 Picco. Just spoke with the tech at Madsen's and he said he had to fasjhion a special tool to do the change.
I've used both Husq chainsaws. I usually wear myself out -before the battery dies.
Whoa. In my Stihl MSA300 with an 18" bar cutting 20" diameter oak logs 11 cuts and the Stihl top battery is out of power.
Great video Dan! I was very skeptical but your side by side comparison really demonstrates the benefit of the added clutch. Hope Husky sent you that saw, you are doing them a solid as an excellent spokesperson!
Glad you enjoyed it! It is a good visual to see the side by side. Husqy did send the saw , which is definitely a good move on their part, as I have 3 of the 540s so would’ have bought one to test . 540 or 542 you can’t go wrong, I love their design, power and ergonomics
I'm just about to get my first top handle saw and I've been waiting for a review in the 542i before I took the plunge. I see the idea of it getting more complicated but clutches have been on 2 stroke saws for ever so I think they are pretty reliable by now. Yes the oil sensor could be a pain if it doesn't work reliably. On balance I will probably buy one as long as they are available to buy soon in the UK Also the extra efficiency may aid battery life!? Thanks for this and looking forward to the long term test review 😁
Thanks for watching buddy, appreciate the comments 👍
Would like to see a sprocket kit for 1/4in conversion on the 542i
very helpful!! Thanks & greetings from germany
You're welcome! 😃
I’ve been half tempted to get one of these since I saw the leaked images about a year ago, I think I’ll stick with my standard battery T 540, As another comment said it’s just more to break, but I can definitely see the advantages
Definitely hard to justify if you already own the 540s because they are already such a great battery saw
Спабибо за отличный обзор, у меня тоже есть 540i, я доволен, что не ошибся покупая хускварну.
Between the 542 and Milwaukee, which one do you think is more powerful when dawged in to bigger wood?
I used the T540i xp for 2 years now and i've always had issues with the X-PRECISION SP21G Semi chisel PIXEL .325" mini 1.1 mm chain on it which is the standard for this saw. No matter what I did after a few filings the chain just didn't cut well. In bigger wood (anything bigger than a small branch) halfway through the cut the chain would keep spinning but you wouldn't be able to progress further into the cut it would just bog down (and not just stopping because of putting to much pressure on the saw like you said which I know can happen also). It's as if the slightest difference in cutting length of the teeth on either side is making the chain vibrate to much or something. I put the same chain on my husqy T540 XP Mark 2 (gas powered chainsaw) and it cut's just fine, really good even. So if it's not the chain then what is the issue here? I'm hoping the T542i xp solves this problem.
i use .50 bar, chain, sprocket on my 540 gas, mainly for topping doug fir. i like the wider kerf for getting a wedge in and it cuts great. if this 542 cud run same set up wud buy. thanks for ur post.
@@larryweinberg1191 I bought the T542i xp a few weeks ago and it's a great saw, no longer having the problems I had with the T540i xp.
Worked with couple of guys that hate battery stuff. That said they havent tried that saw.
Interested to know if the cover doesn’t clog like the 540i with dust? The cover being wider for the clutch.
Still clogs
Enjoyed the video. Excellent comparison review. Good job, Mate!😉 I run a 540i and a 2500T....both run great. Just have to go a little slower in the big cuts...easy on the pushing. I think there is good improvement, but not enough to get me to buy a new one....at least not until my 540i gives up the ghost.
Sounds like that is the right call
Nice one. Now I understand the difference better😊🇸🇪
Glad it helped! 👌
Isn't this saw to bulky and heavier to cut with one hand on top of a tree?
In my case I am with Stihl, I have the 161T but I have the same feeling in regard to the 220C.
The oil sensor is crap and the oil will not run out before the battery does (BLi200X why would you run anything bigger on a top handle climbing saw?) so simply check and top up the oil when you change batteries.
A centrifugal clutch requires more power to spin up so keep that in mind.. This saw...It's a T540i with a clutch which adds more weight but does soften the feel of the saw - does add more noise from the clutch weights and drum even with plenty of grease on the needle bearings!. The throttle is a horribly plastic feeling thing that I really don't like and makes it a pain in the arse when reaching out with the saw in one handed mode to prune...
Is it a better saw than the T540i? no, it's just different but yes I personally prefer it and have run two of them since early this year.
I still think Husqvarna could handle the power output through electronics in the throttle control rather than by an old fashioned cumbersome clutch.
Where are these saws manufactured?
About the oil sensor light, could it have anything to do with the tiny oil holes in the bar? I noticed that they tend to clog much faster then regular saws. I'm going to enlarge the holes slightly and see. This oil hole mod seems to be excellent on all my other saws. Thank you for the review Dan. Jim in Oregon.
possibly could contribute to the issue
although enlarging the hole might give a lot of leakage down the bar, does it?
@@ClimbingArborist That depends on the type of oil, the setting you have it on, and how big the enlargement is. Canola oil is pretty thin (stream work) regular bar oil is tacky and thicker. I have no dripping with either oil.
Been hopin stihl would cos got the batterys charger. But husky dominate that space. 2500t echo great but for smaller tasks.
It seems like they've designed the clutch to slip a bit to avoid heat?
No way. A slipped clutch would overheat, smoke and wear out----fast.
@@rogerbarnett8412 Think before you condemn sir! The clutch is not slipping all the time it only slips when the RPM of the saw slows to a certain RPM which allows the saw not to lock down and trip out on over load. Folks are too quick to want to string someone up on a rope man.
Once it gets past the slow down RPM gets back up and centrifigal force makes the clutch grab full force again.
@@RC-Heli835 I know exactly how clutches work, which is engage as soon as a speed above idle is reached, which happens as soon as the throttle is engaged. That's with a gas saw. If a battery saw was overheating, which is likely not going to happen, it wouldn't happen at low rpm. Also, gas powered chainsaw carbs are designed to be operated at full throttle as they only have low and hi speed adjustable jets. A battery saw could probably be engaged at partial throttle but why? And no, the clutch is NOT designed to slip "a bit" more than a tiny bit as the throttle is engaged. Same goes for an automotive clutch.
Been thinkin still may try make one similer. But just made the big one. An the 161 is not good. Just me thanx
These saws only have so much. So yer back off or swap for petrol up there if needed save on costs.
I’ve had mine for three weeks now I like it! Got 3 540i and the 542 def dogs in the bigger wood harder and longer 🫡
Nice , seems like from our little bit of use with it, it would be the choice for removals, otherwise it wouldn’t really matter which saw you choose out of the two
@@ClimbingArborist I agree buddy that’s what I mean the 542 excels in the bigger timber and the 540 cuts off ✊
@@ClimbingArborist but they are both limb eating machines no doubt there very impressive both models! 🫡
Yer the batterys can fall out if not clppped in good. Even then. Bit dodge
da squeezy bits
squidgy bit, they keep coming 😂
Put it up against the Milwaukee and lean on them. Bet the Milwaukee wins.
squidgy bit= "meat" of hand
Thanks Dan!
😂
Would like to see a sprocket kit for 1/4in conversion on the 542i
Would like to see a sprocket kit for 1/4in conversion on the 542i
Find my posts made a few min ago....