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Centrifugal clutch on the 542iXP

Started by DHansen, January 13, 2025, 06:36:02 PM

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DHansen

I asked on another thread but will start a new thread on the topic.  I have a 540iXP and like it for what it is, rear handled, easy and convenient.  Wish it had a low bar oil level indicator warning light.  But the 542iXP has two updates that the 540iXP does not.  One it has a centrifugal clutch and second it has a low bar oil warning light.  Just looking for information on why or what is the benefit of the clutch on an electric motor? I can understand the clutch adding additional rotational mass that would add in cutting force when things get tight or heavy handed.  I understand the motor spinning before the chain engages, but I thought electric motor develop max torque instantly.  I did also pick up a T542iXP (top handle) but have not cut with it yet.  Any input on these saws is welcomed.

Thank you, David

rusticretreater

Electric motors have more torque overall, but do not develop max torque at startup rpms.  There are electronics that boost current during the start cycle to get the motor turning and ease off when higher rpms are reached.  The centrifugal clutch will keep the load off the motor when it is not at usable torque rpms plus perform all the other actions of a clutch as well.
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Dave Shepard

I have also wondered why it had a clutch. I have the M18 top handle. No clutch, and I'm not sure why I'd why one. Most Milwaukee OPE boasts 0 to full speed in under a second.
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Al_Smith

I'd guess that saw uses a brushless DC servo motor but I've never seen the saw in question . DC motors are not to be confused with standard AC motors you might see on your furnace blower .Some DC motors will effectively be full power at any speed some are not .DC horse power rating  is not the same as a say an internal combustion engine .Many will argue that fact but effectively electric to gas will be about a factor of three .In other words  one HP rating on electric will be about three gasoline .
I'll give you an example .Of my many interests I have a 36 volt DC golf cart the motor rating is only 2 HP but the same cart in gasoline is around 8 HP .On a full charge my cart will out run the same machine were it gasoline powered .Now of course after a period of time the batteries will drain and it won't run as fast .That cart uses a series wound DC motor .The advantage is it doesn't need oil,gasoline  and it always starts no matter how cold it gets .Plus it only costs pennys per hour to operate .
My only battery saw is a micro about the size of a small battery drill .While it's as handy as a pocket in a shirt it's not an oak slayer just a handy little tool for small jobs .That one does not have a clutch .

DHansen

Appreciate the added comments and information.  The owners' manuals on both models list 24m/s or 78.7 fps as top chain speed.  Both list the same 36 volt DC brushless motor.  The 542iXP is more than a pound heavier than the 540iXP.  

I have never thought there was any delay when hitting the trigger to start cutting.  Compared to the RPM increase (throttle response) when throttling up a gas saw.  I have cut with the Ryobi, Milwaukee and Husqvarna electric saws.  All performed very well.  They will not cut as fast or produce more work output as a gas 40cc saw can but are useful for the tool they are.  They work nice when starting and stopping often or setting the saw down often.  Cutting larger stuff is not efficient and is like just saying you could do it.  At a point it is just more efficient to grab the correct tool for the job.

DHansen


DHansen

Comparing the 540iXP and 542iXP, it was 6°F and first thing I noted it the low bar oil warning light does not like the cold weather.  Light was on most of the time even with oil in the bar oil tank.  Will need to cut with it more to determine the oil warning lights usefulness.  What good it if I have to look anyway.   At this temperature I was getting 45 minutes cut time with each battery cutting 12" to 6" red oak.  Might be my imagination, but the 542iXP seems to deplete the battery faster.  I am also not convinced the clutch make much of a difference in what I have been cutting.  But I do like both saws.

DHansen

Cutting today on diameters that I would normally grab a gas powered saw to do.  I wanted to push the battery chainsaws further and see if the centrifugal clutch made a difference.  And it does if you are pushing the limits.  The 540iXP without the clutch will stop cutting and you have to release the trigger and reapply the trigger to start cutting.  If you didn't let up on bar pressure in the wood it will just stop again before even spinning the chain. And you have to repeat the process of letting off the trigger.  On the 542iXP, you can just keep the trigger pulled and just let up on bar pressure, the saw will just keep cutting.  The bar oil level warning light worked well today.  Photos to show diameters.


DHansen


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