Review of the Husqvarna T536Li XP

[Arborist Reviews]

Recently new to the market is the Husqvarna battery powered arborist saw. Battery powered chainsaws have been around several years now and are not something I have any experience with prior to this, so I am writing this review with nothing to compare it to on performance but its petrol engine counterpart.

Having said that, it's important to realise that this saw serves a different purpose from a petrol saw, and whilst it can carry out some of the same tasks, it is ideally suited to lighter pruning works. I have carried out a few small dismantles with this saw just to see what it could do, and on a performance basis, the saw held its own very well. The main issue with removals, or any larger branch removal is of course the added drain on the battery. On a 50ft Sycamore I was able to dismantle the tree with 2 batteries, compared to 2 batteries lasting me the better part of a day on light pruning work.

There are a couple of features with this saw that make it desirable to use. Firstly the reduced noise. It still does produce enough noise to require ear protection, particularly if you are using it any length of time, but on lighter pruning tasks where the majority of the work was carried out with a hand saw, and using the battery saw for the odd larger limb, I found it unnecessary.

Secondly, the on off button rather than a pull start. When I first picked up the saw, this was pointed out to me as a labour saver, and to be honest I scoffed at this, commenting that I have never had an issue pull starting a saw before. In practice however, it makes a refreshing change when you are out on a limb, in an awkward position, and all that's needed is a single press of a button to be in business. This has become something I now miss when I am using a petrol saw,. That, along with the reduced noise actually make me look forward to the jobs I can use this on.

The overall ergonomics of the saw are pretty much spot on. It has the same 2 attachment points that are on the T540XP, the belt eyelet I have become particularly fond of for quick one handed stowing of the saw.

The keypad which I briefly mentioned above, is mounted conveniently to the side of the handle and is easily reachable with your thumb. This has 2 settings. Standard and economy(or savE). In practice I have only used the economy mode once, finding the reduced chain speed effected the quality of a target pruning cut. Standard setting on the other hand produces chain speed nearly comparable to the

T540XP, with only a slightly slower pick up time. As well as its primary function, for safety the chain break also cuts power to the motor.

The oil tank has a handy flip-up cap. Its worth mentioning that it is very easy to forget to fill the oil when you are not going through the usual process of topping up with petrol...something to be cautious of.

The Li-ion battery itself slides in to the rear of the saw and has 2 clips working independently of each other. Its important to make sure both these clips engage properly and the battery is secure prior to use. I have heard one report of the battery coming out, but I haven't been able to replicate this and I suspect the battery wasn't clipped in properly in the first place. To remove the battery, both clips need to be pressed in simultaneously and the battery pushed through from the other side.

Based on my limited knowledge of its predecessors, this saw would seem quite a step forward. With the increase in technology and batteries getting smaller and more powerful all the time, the battery powered market will be well worth keeping an eye on in the future. If you are considering one of these saws now then you need to take a look at the type of work you are doing. This certainly isn't a primary arborists saw, but to complement a range of tools, then this saw most definitely has its place and will remain in my line up.

 

Read review on Arborist Reviews

[silky fox]

Great review!... the climber I was working with this wekend took a Lime tree down to a Pole using 1.5 batteries...they a silent......but deadly!

[JimM]

The Li-ion battery itself slides in to the rear of the saw and has 2 clips working independently of each other. Its important to make sure both these clips engage properly and the battery is secure prior to use. I have heard one report of the battery coming out, but I haven't been able to replicate this and I suspect the battery wasn't clipped in properly in the first place. To remove the battery, both clips need to be pressed in simultaneously and the battery pushed through from the other side.Read review on Arborist Reviews

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWRlb5ynbN4&feature=youtu.be

 

It is a belter of a saw. No argument from me. Unfortunately my battery came out from 20ft up the tree. Roni MacDonald's from 60ft. 1.5kg of battery free-falling. And £110.00+ cost.

 

Can replicate this with all 3 of my batteries. Then replicated it with my colleagues new T536. We now tie-wrap around the battery, and extra checks while operating.

[JimM]

Bump. Just tying off this thread. Husky have updated the battery locking mechanism.

Looking forward to getting the modded bits for my saw.

Its still the first one up the tree.

[Tree Lc]

Although it isn't us using it, there is a good 'in action' video here

[ame]

[/ame]

 

cheers

Ed

Horsham Tree Surgery | Tree LC

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Although it isn't us using it, there is a good 'in action' video here

 

cheers

Ed

Horsham Tree Surgery | Tree LC

 

Good video.Any further updates on this saw would be good.

Thanks.

[Puffingbilly413]

I use mine all the time - can't fault it. It's really light and well balanced. Two batteries plus the quick charger are pricey but you've no fuel to worry about and in theory fewer working parts to maintain. Takes about 20 mins from dead to around 80% - more than enough to time in the second battery to cover that.

 

I'd say vibration seems less compared with my petrol top handle.

 

I use the same batteries in my blower, small hedgers and extended pole pruner so could justify the extra cost of the battery set up over the petrol equivalent. Still use my 540xp for bigger stuff or in the really pissing rain.

 

Not had any issues with batts falling out (bought mine around May last year I think). Although I probably will now...In any case a velcro strap or something would sort that issue.

 

A final plus point is the noise - or lack of it - as was mentioned earlier. I still use ear protection but you can hear much more of what is going on around you. Also - when you've got more light in the summer you can use it earlier in the morning and later at night without pissing people off.

[Stevedavid43]

has anybody had any issues with warning light staying on and the saw not working?

[Mick Dempsey]

Yes, I have, got a new battery on warranty from my supplier.

[Stevedavid43]

its not the battery as it is the same with both batteries? the warning light comes on and stays on