best top handle chain saw?

[Quercus-90]

Ok so I'm guessing your mate was using this top handle with one hand on the deck because I can't see how he could of cut his hand if he wasn't using the saw correctly. I hope your mate recovers I wouldn't wish a chainsaw injury on anyone, but using any saw incorrectly is going to increase the risk of injury top hand or not

 

Exactly that, that's the issue, it's just too tempting to grab something with one hand and cut away with the other, leaving the holding hand (normally the left) open to strikes from the chain.

 

My point is simply that anyone advising a beginner to buy a top handle chainsaw for both aerial and ground use is at best unprofessional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited November 4, 2013 by Quercus-90

[Mat]

But they do get the option to either jack up your premiums or refuse to insure you next year maybe. Pass on your details to others. No insurance= no business.

Duty of care= Don't use a topper on the ground

Its easy to do....so very easy but is a big no no from an employers viewpoint.

Why would you let one member of staff threaten your business.

 

I think we may be talking at crossed purposes.

 

 

I 100% agree that turning a blind eye to an employee (or fellow employee) using a topper on the ground, is very bad practice, and is in breach of the obligations that staff and employers have as part of the Heath and Safety at Work Act.

 

I don't do it at work, and I don't tolerate it in those that I am responsible for.

 

My original point was that the "£2K fine for using a topper on the ground" is a myth. No one ever has, or ever will get an on-the-spot fine if they get caught.

 

Any fine would be due to failing to comply with an improvement notice or a prohibition notice, or following a criminal prosecution following a serious accident.

Edited November 4, 2013 by Mat

[Mat]

Just out of interest, where does this stand on the 020av, which was sold as the hobby saw on that model, the 07/08 models, 009-012 models, as all of those class as top handles, but were sold for ground use, rendering the fine void

 

 

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It wouldn't render the fine void, because there is no fine.

[codlasher]

I've had my 020AV from new. I purchased it from my then local Stihl agent in 1987.

It has been, and still is, a great little saw and I use it when I need to do small stuff and traditional timber joinery, such as tendon joints on 12'' x 8'' sized pieces. There is no way it can be used single handed though!

I don't climb trees, I employ others to do that so I don't have or need any climbing tickets.

I have used the Echo top handle saw and liked the lightness of it but that was some 15 years on from the 020AV so I wasn't surprised. They have already brought out a newer model from that which I tried.

If I needed another saw I would look local and go on the internet to see who would supply me with either an Echo, Makita, Efco, or perhaps a Huskvarna. I'd like to try them all but that probably not be possible. Stihl being out of that loop! Some of the saws in this discussion mentioned are more versatile than others. I'd go for the most versatile, best /reliable supplier along with price. I disagree that you won't be able to purchase one without showing some relevant qualification.

This is not an easy choice so the original Q is asked within the correct timeframe, well before Christmas!

codlasher

Edited November 4, 2013 by codlasher
Addendum.

[Eddy_t]

It wouldn't render the fine void, because there is no fine.

 

That's what I mean, you can't fine someone for using a machine when in the past they were designed for ground use

 

 

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[CJM]

So to sum this thread up either buy a husky or a sthil top handle both have positives and negatives so pick the one that looks the best and has the best price and you'll be fine

[WoodED]

T540xp and skyland have them for £503 at the moment I think off the top of me head

 

 

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[Eddy_t]

So to sum this thread up either buy a husky or a sthil top handle both have positives and negatives so pick the one that looks the best and has the best price and you'll be fine

 

No, go play with them, and then buy your favourite

 

 

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[hedgesparrow]

dolmar have a new nice top handle saw out well it looks nice not used it. its if you have someone near you who sells dolmar or makita. both good saws and cheaper than the main two brands.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Seems this thread has got a bit derailed.

 

I've just bought a Husky T540 from Skyland.

I don't care what anyone's opinion is about my decision.

I've read the relevant threads and used all the good info to make my decision.

 

 

Sent with my iPhone from me, to you!