Top Handle Recommendations

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Vaboom

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Hey guys, been looking for a decent quality top handle saw. Looking for feedback on the Echo 2251 and 355. Other model I'd be interested in would be a stihl 193t. The 201t is priced out of my reach and nice used 200's aren't cheap either!

The 2511 really sparks my interest with the super light weight and decent power. Think it might be a good addition to my stihl 241 to handle the larger sections working my way down. I'd be working out of a lift so hauling 2 saws up wouldn't be a big deal.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks
 
I have zero experience with echo saws. I will say that I really can't recommend the Stihl 192/3. They seem to disintegrate under what I consider normal use. (climbing/industrial) I have an 019t that's coming up on 20 years old and still runs like a champ. The 200t series is legendary for a reason. I find the 25cc top handle saws to be rather anemic, and they ALL seem to run hotter than the 019t or 200t. In general I wish there were stronger top-handle saws. I'll drag the 361 (not ideal but cuts like a bastard) up the tree for some extra snot without even thinking about it.
 
I have zero experience with echo saws. I will say that I really can't recommend the Stihl 192/3. They seem to disintegrate under what I consider normal use. (climbing/industrial) I have an 019t that's coming up on 20 years old and still runs like a champ. The 200t series is legendary for a reason. I find the 25cc top handle saws to be rather anemic, and they ALL seem to run hotter than the 019t or 200t. In general I wish there were stronger top-handle saws. I'll drag the 361 (not ideal but cuts like a bastard) up the tree for some extra snot without even thinking about it.
Get a cheap used 200t beat up looking that runs.
 
Get a cheap used 200t beat up looking that runs.

Agreed. They seem to out-last every other top handle saw by a factor of five at least.

If I build another Hutzl kit saw it will almost certainly be the 200t.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I did see that 2511 listed on here. Didn't see where the person was from if shipping would kill the deal
 
MS200T without a doubt. Great power and throttle response. CS2511T is good if limited to pruning and 1/4” pitch chain. I’m switching out one of my MS200T. PM me if interested in the one being replaced. Runs great but needs some minor work.
 
2511t = trim saw

200t = removal saw

You want both and you want them modded.

Avoid cs271t, 192t, 193t.
 
Would you guys say the 200t is fairly light easy to maneuver all day? Also what bar mount do they use 3005?
 
I've run heavier than a 200 in a tree all day long, and I'm no pro. And yes, it's the 3005.
But the 2511 is just so so light.

For me, I'm fine with the 2511 as my only top handle saw. I'll suffer the slower cut speed to have the super-light, super-compact saw. Less is more. It can get into spaces that a bigger saw can't, and is so easy and controlled to one hand when I have to. And everything about the design and feel of the little saw is just right for me.

If I was using it everyday for everything, and in a bucket, I'd probably just go buy a brand new 201T and be done with it. Because I don't have the time or patience to find a 200.
Or if money was a deciding factor, maybe a 355T. Although I don't love the ergonomics.

But I also agree with Ketchup. Get both.
 
I have both 2511 and 355, have run the 192/3 (can’t stand them) 200T (good saw) and the 201. I have also ported all of them. Bang for the buck: Echo. For longevity the 200T is king. But, you can get 2 of the Echos for the cost of a 201T. Personally i prefer the ergonomics of the 2511 and 355 over the 200/201.

Just my $0.02
 
What do you guys think about the echo cs-3000? I have an old one that I got for free. Wondering if it’s worth a full rebuild or just a cheap “get it running” rebuild
Whats wrong with 200t's? All the money you can make climbing and your worried about a couple hundred? A climbing saw can help make 10's of thousands of dollars.
 
I'm not making money climbing tree's, so take that into account -

I got the 355t and am enjoying it. It's not the lightest, it's not the most powerful(feels pretty good tuned tho), but for the money and as an 'all around' top handle tree saw, I think it was the best choice for me. I couldn't justify the price of a 201 for what is basically a hobby for me, and felt the 193's were a bit anemic. The 2511 didn't really interest me since I pretty much only do removal so I wanted something with more grunt.

Got mine on ebay for a solid price. I've done several removals with it now. Sometimes I really miss how fast my 261 was in the tree...but I do NOT miss trying to maneuver that thing in small spots. The weight, honestly, I don't have much to compare it to, but I don't even notice it on my saddle, but my 261 never really bothered me either as far as weight was concerned.
 
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