Top handle chainsaw dilemma

[codlasher]

I am in the market for a new top handle chainsaw. I have three manufacturers on my list and need guidance from all the experts out there please.

I'm really sorry to bring this old chestnut up again but I honestly can't make my mind up which saw to buy.

I loved my 020AV but it is dead now and must be replaced.

The reason for a top handle is manyfold, from pruning to cutting tennon joints on timber framing. A back handled saw just won't do this job as the handle gets too far away.

So, my list is; (no particular order...)

 

Stihl MS201T

Echo CS360TES

Husqvarna T540XP

 

My difficulty is I am out of the loop in respect of every day use of these saws so would like to hear others experiences. Who has used all three more recently or changed from S to H or vice versa. There has been the occasional mention of E being much in the running.

I could wait for the APF to try them, but that's still three months away!

I have no issue with Stihl's selling policy being a recognised contractor so postage is not a problem.

codlasher.

[RobRainford]

ms150? very accurate especailly if you are cutting timber with it, less aggressive on the nose if you were boring in for jointing.

[simon@BGS]

Yeah ms150 would be a good choice by the sounds of what your doing with it. Cracking little saw

 

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[castanea]

Depends how much pruning you actually do. 150 is lovely for little prunes but a bit underpowered for cutting bigger timber. I'd go husqy 540

[Will C]

The husky will fall apart quickly and wont be repaired on warenty, before it falls apart it is a nice saw but i would buy a stihl you will get back up when/if it goes wrong

[arniecardigan]

I run a stihl which is ok, have used a recent husky(I'm husky through and through on the ground) wont bother again up a tree! I had a good chat with the Echo guy at the ARBSHOW and played with the saw, there has been loads of design put into the balance and comfort in the hand and it feels really nice and comfortable to use, and it has a traditional Carb all be it modernised but still has a high and low screw that I can adjust!!!! I will be trying the Echo when next buying any saw I was impressed!

[codlasher]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I have been reading older posts dated 2009 & 2011 re these saws. There is mention of the Stihl being in need of improvements from 09 and the 11 Husky being released but not yet available. Who's has actually fallen apart?

I have had issues with the Stihl fuel caps and note these are still fitted, perhaps they have also had some improvements?

So five years and three years since these were written. The MS201T seems to be top dog......still?

codlasher

[Stubby]

They both have problems . The early 201 was pants . There is an " enhancement kit " for it , new fly wheel and ignition unit I believe . Think all new saws have it anyway . T540 is a cracking saw for a while but fragile . Put in a search .....

[Burgess]

Do Husky make a smaller petrol top handle pruner like a 150t or 192t?

[geoff]

The echo is a good high quality saw, better built that the others imo, & cheaper. wack one of Rob D's carving bars on & you have a superb bit of kit, nothing wrong with the stock bar, but it is bull nosed & has a safety chain. The saw can be hotted up very easily.

 

Sexy!

 

002 by geoff321, on Flickr