What top handle saw?

[arbormonkey]

We run both the 201 t pre tcm with the upgrade kit and the mk1 540 after are 200t was stolen both good saws but would go back to a 200 at a heart beat or even better an 020 what's people's views on the 360 echo

[Nathanzac]

Does anybody know if its cheaper to buy saws/equipment in mainland Europe? I'm driving to France in August and not sure if I should wait for any more kit I will need

[Mick Dempsey]

No it's not.

[5 shires]

Top handle saw id go husky!!! But any ground saw or any other bit of equipment I go sthil every time. But saying that I tried an echo top handle yester day I was very impressed with the power out and value for money. But the chain brake felt very weak.

 

I must admit I deactivated from stihl to buy the Echo 211..only had it for a week before it got nicked..so can't really comment as I only used it for about 10mins..but the build quality was good but cant comment on reliability.

[RichieR]

I had a funny moment the other day in TFM went over to have a mootch and brushed against a husky and went all faint......joking the side since I have had to replace my 200,260 & 460 with 201,261 & 461 I have noticed the difference in build quality and power...it may be just me but rather then solid it all seems very light and plasticky..not sure what others think ??????

 

And me being serious for a moment The plastics on James 201 are crap

[Mick Dempsey]

Run 201s since the start, never had an issue with build quality.

[RichieR]

Run 201s since the start, never had an issue with build

 

You been lucky then Mick

[Mick Dempsey]

Maybe, I'm fairly heavy handed with my toppers, rarely stow them on the belt, drag them around the tree etc.

 

I had an early 540, terrific power but the chain brake snapped taking a part of the aluminum engine casing, I sold it to the guy that worked for me as the repair would have been pricey.

 

One of my 201s will probably get replaced soon, I will probably get another 540 just to vary things.

 

But I could change my mind on the day!

[RichieR]

Maybe, I'm fairly heavy handed with my toppers, rarely stow them on the belt, drag them around the tree etc.

 

I had an early 540, terrific power but the chain brake snapped taking a part of the aluminum engine casing, I sold it to the guy that worked for me as the repair would have been pricey.

 

One of my 201s will probably get replaced soon, I will probably get another 540 just to vary things.

 

But I could change my mind on the day!

 

My 540 went in half last summer hence the purchase of the 201 while the 540 was being rebuilt. The new 540 had just come out and I think that would of been the better buy

[Mick Dempsey]

TBH, I think they're both great saws, no pro would be found wanting using either one.