What is this Auto-Tune all about?

[Bacffin]

Went into my local husky saw dealer and was all set to get "into the 372" with them when out of the blue the used vacuum sales pitch came out on the 576 auto tune. Said it constantly adjusts air fuel mixture to keep tourque and speed constant without loss of rpm's and better fuel economy. A strong machine that will knock my socks off. It has a minature computer in it to do this stuff.

Is this a first generation fad or should I seriously spend time looking into this?

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[smokinj]

Auto tune is just that. It will correct its self through out the cut. If you have alot of trigger time and can tune by ear you at that point become auto tuned!

 

[Bacffin]

Auto tune is just that. It will correct its self through out the cut. If you have alot of trigger time and can tune by ear you at that point become auto tuned!

According to the salesman, I Have to run the saw for a period of time straight, like bucking up some logs and it will be tuned to my atmosphere and climate conditions. After that, it will be "tuned" and be able to self correct to optimum performance on a continual basis.
have you used or have one J?

Sounds like my truck!

 

[Nixon]

Try one , you won't go back ! Even with the dreaded out board clutch argument that some cling to here .
Cc for cc the 550xp and the 562xp ,out perform their 261 and 362 rivals . Mind you, that's just my personal experience .

 

[Bacffin]

Try one , you won't go back ! Even with the dreaded out board clutch argument that some cling to here .
Cc for cc the 550xp and the 562xp ,out perform their 261 and 362 rivals . Mind you, that's just my personal experience .

Okay, so I should look into this further ay?

 

[Nixon]

Okay, so I should look into this further ay?

You bet ! You're spending more than a few bucks to get the best saw that you can .
Like I said , my XP's experience is just mine . Look at anyone's claims of their saw brands superiority with a bit of suspicion .
Then realize that all Stihl owners are reprehensible liars !

 

[Halligan]

I'm fairly new to big chain saws but I like certain things old school. I want a saw that I can fix myself 10 years from now with basic small engine knowledge. I do believe the autotune saws requires a dealer to troubleshoot certain issues with a computer or scan tool. I understand the 372 is being discontinued so I bought one while they're still available. I also grabbed a 346xp last winter as they to are going the way of the Dodo Bird. I recon I can always buy a newfangled tech heavy saw anytime I want since thats the future. However, the window is closing on the reliable, respected, 372xp.

The 372xp is also lighter than the 576 so keep that in mind.

 

[smokinj]

According to the salesman, I Have to run the saw for a period of time straight, like bucking up some logs and it will be tuned to my atmosphere and climate conditions. After that, it will be "tuned" and be able to self correct to optimum performance on a continual basis.
have you used or have one J?

Sounds like my truck!

Thats what they say, but over the years I have learned to tune in the cut. Just done alot of big tree's that a 3-4 min wot is very common. You learn the quickest way through is to listen. Its all about pressure/ Even a 120cc+ saw needs the right touch.

 

[Bacffin]

I guess I will just have to buy both of these then

Can't wait to try an explain this one to wife!!

Good Greif....To be contiued

 

[smokinj]

I guess I will just have to buy both of these then

Can't wait to try an explain this one to wife!!

Good Greif....To be contiued

Learn to auto tune on the fly. Get a 372 and a 390.

 

[bogydave]

Always like to buy the 2nd or third generation of new big changes to anything.
Let them iron out the bugs & not have one that has recalls, factory required modifications etc.

Hopefully they field tested the new saws with some loggers &/or heavy users a year or 2 & the bugs have been eliminated.

Not sure muffler & other mods will work as well (or at all) with the new generation saws

Still, I like to wait, might just be my skeptical side.
372 xp ($879) has a good long history
Just allot of saw & $$ for a new saw to cut fire wood.

2 years ago I bought the Husqy 359, ($569 now) replacing a 30 yr old Husqy 61 Rancher

All that said:

Today; my top choices are the Husqy 555 ($639) , 562 xp or the Stihl MS 362 ( $700 )
with the MS362 having a little advantage (for me)
But I just cut fire wood & it will probably be a few years before I wear out the Husqy 359 .
I like 20" full comp chisel, 60 cc runs it well.

I battle "Newsawitis" yearly, got a shot for it this year, wood is in, split & stacked. LOL

 

[MasterMech]

Is this a first generation fad or should I seriously spend time looking into this?

I held off on buying a spankin' new Stihl MS461 because it doesn't have Mtronic (Stihl's version of autotune) and doesn't look like it will get it either. (Lack of a spring based AV system was the final straw in that decision.) I'm looking for a revolution in my next toy rather than evolution of a proven winner. I'm sure that does not align with the buying strategy of most here but how on earth can I tell you guys if the new stuff is any good if I keep buying the old?

I do think Mtronic/Autotune will be a intermediate technology to full-blown fuel injection a la the Stihl TS500i ( a concrete/demolition saw ). But the current tech has been around a few years now in testing, limited production models, and various prototypes. So I have no fears about reliability nightmares. I've not heard any performance complaints either.

I think a saw that maintains maximum efficiency in the cut while allowing the operator to keep both hands on the saw and focus on what he's cutting, not how the saw is running, is a good thing indeed. But I'm not (and I'm sure Jay isn't either) throwing away my little orange screwdrivers anytime soon.

 

[smokinj]

I held off on buying a spankin' new Stihl MS461 because it doesn't have Mtronic (Stihl's version of autotune) and doesn't look like it will get it either. (Lack of a spring based AV system was the final straw in that decision.) I'm looking for a revolution in my next toy rather than evolution of a proven winner. I'm sure that does not align with the buying strategy of most here but how on earth can I tell you guys if the new stuff is any good if I keep buying the old?

I do think Mtronic/Autotune will be a intermediate technology to full-blown fuel injection a la the Stihl TS500i ( a concrete/demolition saw ). But the current tech has been around a few years now in testing, limited production models, and various prototypes. So I have no fears about reliability nightmares. I've not heard any performance complaints either.

I think a saw that maintains maximum efficiency in the cut while allowing the operator to keep both hands on the saw and focus on what he's cutting, not how the saw is running, is a good thing indeed. But I'm not (and I'm sure Jay isn't either) throwing away my little orange screwdrivers anytime soon.[/quote

Darn sure dont need auto tune. Tripper time is all thats needed!

 

[amateur cutter]

Yea, I've seen lots of tested & "proven new technology" in the automotive industry too. Most of it will last just beyond the mfg. warranty, & then cost a lot to fix. Any electronic component in a high heat, dirty, high vibe environment is gonna fail. How repairable/replaceable is it's little brain. Does it have to be flashed/programmed to the saw. How much does it cost to replace etc. Kohler had fits with their EFI engines for several years iirc. Snap On came out with Li Ion smart batteries for my elec. impact wrench. Went through 4 under warranty, & went back to the Ni cad. Half the cost & reliable. I can hear when the battery is getting low as opposed to an electronic chip telling me. The chip shut the battery down constantly for no reason.
Bottom line: If I can buy an m tronic or autotune saw in 5 or 10 years that's still operating as it should, then I'll start thinking about it. Till then, the little orange screwdriver stays in my pocket, & my ears stay focused on the saw engine when running conditions change. A C

 

[smokinj]

Yea, I've seen lots of tested & "proven new technology" in the automotive industry too. Most of it will last just beyond the mfg. warranty, & then cost a lot to fix. Any electronic component in a high heat, dirty, high vibe environment is gonna fail. How repairable/replaceable is it's little brain. Does it have to be flashed/programmed to the saw. How much does it cost to replace etc. Kohler had fits with their EFI engines for several years iirc. Snap On came out with Li Ion smart batteries for my elec. impact wrench. Went through 4 under warranty, & went back to the Ni cad. Half the cost & reliable. I can hear when the battery is getting low as opposed to an electronic chip telling me. The chip shut the battery down constantly for no reason.
Bottom line: If I can buy an m tronic or autotune saw in 5 or 10 years that's still operating as it should, then I'll start thinking about it. Till then, the little orange screwdriver stays in my pocket, & my ears stay focused on the saw engine when running conditions change. A C

If they ever come up with a saw better than the 046/460(For my size) I will be a buyer! I dont for see a lighter better saw in my life time though.

 

[MasterMech]

Kohler had fits with their EFI engines for several years iirc

90% of the EFI issues were unrelated to the actual EFI components. Had one landscaper that ran them, and was notoriously hard on equipment. He was all set to swear off Kohler and EFI for good. Knowing his maintenance habits I compression checked the engine, 70psi on both cylinders. Almost 3000 hours on the meter for that machine tho....

So many of those engines had control units or injection components replaced for poor electrical connections or manifold air leaks. Exhaust leaks (this was very common and often out of Kohler's hands with the equipment mfg supplying the exhaust for their application.) would make it go goofy as well. Engines caked in oil and grass, overheated the electronics (which should've been remotely mounted) or just plain shorted them out. Biggest killer of the control units was jump-starting units with dead batteries. The voltage spike that occurs as soon as you removed the cables had a good chance of destroying the ECU. That one is the manufacturer's fault IMO for not properly protecting the component from an easily foreseen hazard.

 

[MasterMech]

Yea, I've seen lots of tested & "proven new technology" in the automotive industry too. Most of it will last just beyond the mfg. warranty, & then cost a lot to fix.

That better not be the case with the new Direct Injection GM is rolling out on everything. Wife drives a 2011 Terrain 2.4L. Avg's 25mpg

 

[amateur cutter]

Not to be real argumentative here, but that's my point. Air leaks, dirt, heat, faulty engineering & design, failure to anticipate problems etc. All those things are why I don't wanna be the guinea pig on first generation design on anything. After this stuff gets real world testing for 5-10 years & the bugs worked out most of it really gets pretty reliable. About then, they come out with the next design & go through the whole process again. Anybody remember GM Duramax injectors the first 2 years, Ford 6.0L Diesels etc. I've got nothing against new technology at all, I'm just not gonna be the guy that lays out my hard earned money to prove that what works on paper don't always work in the real world. When an m tronic saw has run well everyday for a few thousand hours, & needs a set of rings or a slug & jug, I'll pick it up cheap, fix it & run the piss out of it. A C

 

[scooby074]

I have a AT 562XP. So far I love it. Im probably 14 tanks into it now and it gets better and better with each tank. At first, it was a real dog though. Now i just have the odd richness off idle. Could be due to the temperature being lower than it's been lately.

And from what I read, these AT's really like a MM or woods port. I'd MM mine, but dont want to mess with warranty until I have a few more hours on it.

As to the computer required for troubleshooting, I imagine that in a few years as AT becomes the only thing available in Husky saws, the aftermarket (or hackers) will come up with a workaround.

 

[Bacffin]

Well, thaks guys. I am going to go forward with the 372. Proven winner in my book. Now to talk the dealer down .

 

[KarlP]

I understand the 372 is being discontinued so I bought one while they're still available.

I bought my dad a brand new 372xp for $529 for Xmas... the 2nd time they were discontinued ... seven years and two major engine revisions ago ... the price, weight, specs, etc have changed, but that model number hasn't. ;-)

Tuning note. As far as I know I tuned it once after a gallon of gas went through it and my dad hasn't adjusted it since. We both run Mobil 1 2-stroke oil at 3oz per gallon. Our stockpile of oil from when it was discontinued is almost gone. The oil was only discontinued once and we only picked up a few gallons each.