STIHL MS 462 Chainsaw Review

April 25, 2023
8 comment
Ericka Topson

The 70cc chainsaw market is heating up! Both Stihl and Husqvarna have released new chainsaws – the MS 462 for Stihl and the 572XP for Husqvarna. These latest offerings are set to shake up the entire market and may even impact other segments as well. Keep reading for more details.

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MS 462 Examine

The team had the opportunity to test the new MS 462 chainsaw from Stihl, which they first encountered at the Messe Lucerne event in August. To evaluate its performance, they enlisted the help of chainsaw expert Lars-Erik Larsson, who also tested the Husqvarna 572XP for them. After a run-in period to optimize its performance, the MS 462 exceeded expectations right out of the box and continued to improve with each refuel during the approximately 20 refuels conducted in various forests.

Following the tests, the team spoke with Lars-Erik about his thoughts on the MS 462, which is slated to replace both the MS 441 and MS 461 models. Lars-Erik was thoroughly impressed with the chainsaw, especially its power, and range, despite weighing only slightly more than his 60cc MS 361. He also noted that the chainsaw’s balance and low vibration levels made it a joy to use during the testing period.

Ms 462 vs. 572XP

In their evaluation of the Stihl MS 462 and Husqvarna 572XP chainsaws, the testing team couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the two models. During a discussion with chainsaw expert Lars-Erik Larsson, he noted that both saws had similar power and range, although he found the MS 462 to be lighter and more user-friendly. Meanwhile, the 572XP performed exceptionally well with the new 3/8 chisel saw chain from Husqvarna, known as the C85.

During a cookie-cutting test on an aspen log, the team found that the 572XP equipped with the C85 chain outperformed the MS 462, taking around 2.2 seconds to cut a cookie compared to the MS 462’s approximately 3 seconds. It’s important to note that the MS 462 was equipped with a 20″ saw bar for the test, while the Husqvarna had an 18″ saw bar, which can affect engine energy consumption. Additionally, the 572XP with the older H42 saw chain took over 4 seconds to cut cookies at its best, highlighting the effectiveness of the new C85 chain.

Fuel consumption

While testing the MS 462, Lars-Erik Larsson conducted measurements and found it to be comparable to its rival, the Husqvarna 572XP. However, he did observe that his current 60cc chainsaws appeared to be more fuel-efficient, which was worth noting. Lars-Erik acknowledged that this observation came with a caveat, as new chainsaws in the 70cc segment typically have greater power and faster cutting speeds, which could potentially offset any fuel efficiency gains.

New Era

The introduction of the new chainsaws from Stihl and Husqvarna has generated considerable excitement in the market, as they represent significant advancements in terms of efficiency and power-to-weight ratio. It’s anticipated that both the MS 462 and 572XP models will enjoy strong demand from consumers. With the MS 462 weighing just slightly more than the MS 362, it’s possible that it could even encroach upon sales in the 60cc segment. However, there may be concerns regarding pricing that could affect sales. What is your opinion on this matter? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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8 comments

Was expeiencing same issue of gas boiling. Switch to a higher Octane gas and additional added octane booster. Instant 100%improvement. Regional represenative suggested more higher octane the better without getting into racing fuel.

Sterling Jones

May 11, 2023 11:59 pm

I have a 372 xp and a 390 xp for 15 years, I cut 10 cord's of firewood a year and both have run flawless, my friends with Stihl nothing but problems

John bowcock

May 8, 2023 5:08 pm

Have a terrible time getting them starting after they're warmed up in hot weather. Gas is boiling in the tank. Called several dealers and cannot get a solution to the problem

Randy Bassett

May 7, 2023 12:23 pm

I wouldn't go more then a 28

Steve

May 5, 2023 10:33 am

Picked up a new husky 562xp w/24" bar with auto-tune last year before prices rose and its been a workhorse and pleasure to operate. No problems what so ever. Time will tell but so far she's been a dream saw.

Lance

April 28, 2023 7:21 pm

I own a Stihl MS251c and it makes my blood boil. It has been nothing but problems since day one. Everyone told me to buy a Stihl and it's trash.

Henry

April 26, 2023 12:01 pm

What size bar c as n it take

April 25, 2023 6:48 pm

It's a versatile tool that can handle guide bars from 16 to 32 inches long. It really depends on what you're planning to use it for, though. For smaller jobs, a 16-20 inch bar should do the trick, but if you're tackling bigger trees or cutting up firewood, you might want to go for something between 25 and 32 inches. Just make sure to pick the right size for your needs, so you can get the most out of your chainsaw while staying safe!

John Carlos

April 26, 2023 12:21 am