Stihl ms 201 = crap!!!

[simonm]

I've had my ms 201t for just under 2 years, during that time it has been agonsingly painful, tedious, slow cutting, slow to pick up! the only good thing seems to be the build quality! however today it has had 0 power when cutting to the point where it stalls, start it again same thing cost just short of £500 to buy, now under 2 years its knackered! i haven't abused it or anything just general use. What top handle is there that wont fall apart or refuse to cut? that will last the duration? the only 1 im looking at is the Husqvarna T540xp, whats it like? pros and cons

[Burgess]

Echo 360 is worth a look

[simonm]

Echo 360 is worth a look

 

I used a little echo a while ago and just seemed really flimsy.

[Mountain man]

The early 201s were poor, the more recent ones are great, as is the 540, if a little less well built. (I have all three)

On another note 2 years isn't bad, I'd say that's about right for a topper.

[simonm]

what is the difference between the old and new 201t?

[Mountain man]

Ok, it's sort of old news but something changed, Stihl won't admit it but like you I bought a 201 when the 200 finally let go. It was boggy, slow, and generally poor, far worse than its predecessor. It can be helped a bit with a couple of holes drilled in the exhaust.

Do a search on 201 mods on here, you'll see.

So I got a job requiring two climbers so against my better judgement I bought another.

What a difference! Responsive, quick, everything the old one wasn't.

Many others have had the same experience, like I say, stihl won't admit it or they'd be an expensive recall.

The 540 is the best very fast in the cut, little more fragile, little niggle on the rear av, but great nevertheless.

[jackrs1]

We have just got a new 201t and its miles better than our old one even with holes drilled in the exhaust

[Big Beech]

What's five big ones in tree work? Write off & quit complaining and move on:001_rolleyes:

[Johny Walker]

I've had my ms 201t for just under 2 years, during that time it has been agonsingly painful, tedious, slow cutting, slow to pick up! the only good thing seems to be the build quality! however today it has had 0 power when cutting to the point where it stalls, start it again same thing cost just short of £500 to buy, now under 2 years its knackered! i haven't abused it or anything just general use. What top handle is there that wont fall apart or refuse to cut? that will last the duration? the only 1 im looking at is the Husqvarna T540xp, whats it like? pros and cons

 

have you thought of getting it serviced ????

[Mountain man]

What does a chainsaw service involve?