im not talking about the Echos and Hitachi's but the poulans and homelites and craftsmans if not used for climbing then why bother getting a top handle why not just a small rear handle
physical size in tight areas. For me, thick overgrown bush where you can't even walk through it. Kinda have to climb around in it.
for others, needs to fit in ATV cargo box.
And yes, two hands on the saw whenever possible is the only way to work with any saw. The biggest advantage for me is not one handed cutting, it's one handed holding the saw while moving branches with the other hand; and being able to carry easily one handed while using the other hand to balance when moving through thick brush etc.
I will not say I have never cut one handed, cuz I have. But, I keep my body parts far away from where the saw could flip up into. I also do that with saws that aren't top handles. I think of it as healthy respect for the tool. I was going to say common sense, but maybe it's not so common
The thing that gets my blood going is when it inevitably gets suggested that nobody needs or should have a top handle. I know it wasn't said here, but it has in the past and it is the law in some countries. We let people kill themselves on high powered snowmachines and dirtbikes in the name of fun, but I shouldn;t use the best tool for the job because it's dangerous? Give me a break. I'll look after my own safety by using my tools safely.