Arbtalk.co.uk | Discussion Forum for Arborists

Sorry if this subject has already been brought up, but I was wondering what people's thoughts were on using the back handle version of the ms200 as opposed to the top handle saw? I personnally find that in most cases i feel alot more in 'control' (for want of a better word) and if chogging down small stems the back handle dosnt put as much pressure on your arms as you have more leverage. Obviously they are a bit longer and more cumbersome but you also have the option to use them on the ground. Anybody use them?

Just use a 346 or 026 instead, more power, almost same weight, you're a climber your forearms should be rock anyway!

and cheaper

A guy I do abit with every now an then climbs with a Stihl 181, does the job and it's really light.

IMO you can't beat the 020 tho!!

That is a fair question. After years in the industry small reductions in physical stress must add up to extra longevity in the game.
I love the ms200t and have been seriously thinking about getting a ms200. Never used one.
Are they as good. I want a saw that is light and low on fatigue when using it for light trimming, pruning and has still got the guts to fell a tree up to say 20 inch diameter without getting embarrassed. I do a fair bit of rights of way work, ending up 2k or more from the vehicle.
What do you reckon?

Rear handled ms200's are awesome apparently, heard nothing but good things about them. I've not heard of anyone that has tried an ms201 though.
I'd go for an ms240 though, more powerful (35cc vs 42cc) and cheaper. It is nearly a kilo heavier though.

7cc more. But does it rev and cut like a 200? I use a 250 quite a bit. It's not bad, but you wouldn't want to tackle anything too demanding with it. Gonna have to save for this purchase and I am going to bide my time and have a think about it. Any suggestions greatfully received. May start a thread or look for a similar one.

I have a 200 and I wont part with it but will normally have the 250 sent up to chog down small stems

250 is an entirely different beastie, 200 and 240 are "pro" saws.

I agree with that, we have a 250 at work and im not a fan of it. not as well made and not as powerful for its size. Never come across a 240 yet. But the back handle 20 is a great little saw, excellent in the tree with the only down size being I over use it trying to cut bigger stuff than it should and when you have to use a 660 you think the end of the world has come.