STIHL LAUNCHES NEW ENHANCED CORDLESS ARBORIST SAW

[Ian Clarke]

I was using mine again today, now feeling I'm quite happy with last year's model. I cannot imagine the new one has a more efficient motor, more likely a seven or eight spline sprocket, giving higher chain speed. The blurb says 35min for the AP200 battery, which is the same as the old model. How can they get more power out if the same battery? Better motor? I doubt it. My guess is a bigger sprocket, thus sacrificing torque for speed. I'm quite happy with more torque less speed, it's easy to grind in the cut, giving very precise control.

I am not an expert in the field but battery technology is getting better every month the energy density of a battery and how that power can be delivered whether it is pure power and used up very quickly. Or longevity. I know the idea or changing sprockets. But think the battery density will push things forward.

[treevolution]

On 03/12/2018 at 00:32, Haironyourchest said:

Well, as I thought, the 161 has a bigger sprocket than the 160 - 9 tooth as opposed to 7 tooth. This accounts for the higher chain speed. But the motor must be producing more torque as well, so it's pulling more amps. My question is: is it actually a new and different motor, or is it the same motor as the 160, but with a different chip? In short, has the motor been throttled in the 160, and opened up for the 161, and marketed as "new"?

 

I can find a part number for the motor for the 160, but not for the 161. In fact, no parts AT ALL for the 161. I can find zero parts diagrams, useful images, teardown vids, or discussion about this matter for the 161. It almost feels like a media blackout.

 

If my 160 actually turns out to be a throttled 161 with a smaller sprocket...well, I'll be looking for a way to "un-throttle" it. 

 

Anybody shed some light on this?

Did you every find out if this was true with the 161.

 

I would much prefer to just have to buy just a new chip and sprocket then a new saw.

 

Thanks