other top handled saws, advice plz.

[Pedroski]

Be careful when someone tells you that AMA are an Italian company- AMA ARE based in Italy, but these saws are Chinese sourced and not made in Italy. They are a generic saw that has been sticker branded with unpteen different importers names.

 

I'm only mentioning this because having read most posters' opinions of chinese saws (including thefake Stihl/Huskys) of the poor safety features, quality and reliability it would appear most are against entertaing such a prospect.

 

Just a thought.

 

Another lump of food for thought is the fact that even Stihl contain Chinese parts.... shock horror!

[Pedroski]

Dunno about Tanaka.... the top handle re have is rubbish. Flimsy construction, weak plastic parts for the start mechanism (we ended up scapping the stupid spring that in the mech that is supposed to take the "shock" out of the pull, and locking it proper), clutch housing has just completely worn and then disintegrated, chain brake is really flimsy, oiler is rubbish..... it's definitely paid for itself several times over though.

[pleasant]

Another lump of food for thought is the fact that even Stihl contain Chinese parts.... shock horror!

 

 

..which just makes it more ironic.

[Mr Org]

You asked for comments from users rather than opinions.

 

I borrowed a mates bak up saw an AMA (from Jones) for 2 days full on coni bashing. Stems up to 4". It was great. Always started nice and light, quite 'zippy'. No good for big stuff as underpowered but for light pruning and orchard restoration, nice and compact.

 

By the way my 200 was having a newcarb fitted under warranty - the CHINESE carb Stihl now use had a batch problem that destoys the carb!!!! Stihl only wanted to replace the worn part but my dealer insisted on a new carb - no arguement as they know there is an issue.

[WorcsWuss]

Dunno about Tanaka.... the top handle re have is rubbish. Flimsy construction, weak plastic parts for the start mechanism (we ended up scapping the stupid spring that in the mech that is supposed to take the "shock" out of the pull, and locking it proper), clutch housing has just completely worn and then disintegrated, chain brake is really flimsy, oiler is rubbish..... it's definitely paid for itself several times over though.

 

Which one have you got Pete? I have the 'styled' one, think it's the smallest one. Did you find yours would relieve itself of all it's oil when hanging off a harness...? I find that infuriating, it runs out of oil halfway through a cut when it was full 20 minutes before...

[butler]

You asked for comments from users rather than opinions.

 

I borrowed a mates bak up saw an AMA (from Jones) for 2 days full on coni bashing. Stems up to 4". It was great. Always started nice and light, quite 'zippy'. No good for big stuff as underpowered but for light pruning and orchard restoration, nice and compact.

 

By the way my 200 was having a newcarb fitted under warranty - the CHINESE carb Stihl now use had a batch problem that destoys the carb!!!! Stihl only wanted to replace the worn part but my dealer insisted on a new carb - no arguement as they know there is an issue.

 

Thanks for the feedback

[Pedroski]

Which one have you got Pete? I have the 'styled' one, think it's the smallest one. Did you find yours would relieve itself of all it's oil when hanging off a harness...? I find that infuriating, it runs out of oil halfway through a cut when it was full 20 minutes before...

Hi Simon. We have the 3301S. Re oil... sometimes it oils, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it seems to just pour it out. We keep it clean and I really don't know what was going on with it. It is now sitting on the bench while we decide whether to bother ordering a new clutch housing for it. I'd be interested to know if there are any improvements now they're Hitachi.

[WorcsWuss]

Hi Simon. We have the 3301S. Re oil... sometimes it oils, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it seems to just pour it out. We keep it clean and I really don't know what was going on with it. It is now sitting on the bench while we decide whether to bother ordering a new clutch housing for it. I'd be interested to know if there are any improvements now they're Hitachi.

 

Only if you like having a Hitachi sticker I think....! I don't think there have been any changes other than badge engineering. They are still sold as Tanaka in some markets I believe.

I have this one [but Tanaka], which I think is basically the same but so much more damn stylish than yours....Hitachi CS33ET top-handled 32.3cc chainsaw | F R Jones and Son

[Dilz]

the 200 teapot is the bomb, infact is bomb proof, i ve seen em take a massive amount of abuse an punishment and start up, you seen the top gear stuff with the Hi-lux? the 200 is the equivalent, it is the tank of top handled saws, i ve seen many cheaper types just disintegrate when put through the same stuff as the stihls. I hope the new husky is up to spec but having looked the pics, well.... i aint holding my breath, the chain brake design looks the same as always, flimsy, it has the auto tune which ive only ever heard folk have problems with, not to mention the large amount of new huskys that are snapping rods after 20 - 30 hours use at the momment....

[butler]

the 200 teapot is the bomb, infact is bomb proof, i ve seen em take a massive amount of abuse an punishment and start up, you seen the top gear stuff with the Hi-lux? the 200 is the equivalent, it is the tank of top handled saws, i ve seen many cheaper types just disintegrate when put through the same stuff as the stihls. I hope the new husky is up to spec but having looked the pics, well.... i aint holding my breath, the chain brake design looks the same as always, flimsy, it has the auto tune which ive only ever heard folk have problems with, not to mention the large amount of new huskys that are snapping rods after 20 - 30 hours use at the momment....

 

Totally agree the 200 is very tuff, but i do find it bulky and heavy....or should i just man up?