What are the real differences between Stihl 020, 192t,200t,201?.

[macs woodshop]

Considering buying a small saw for limbs, trimming, etc. Want light weight, easy to hold, etc. Currently have Stihl 009. not a bad little saw, no anti vibe. Not the best starting, works pretty good after warm. I know the 200 and 201 are "Professional" models. 192 is a lot less dollars. And the 020 is an older model. Are they better performers, lighter, or are they just built to run longer and more durable to professionals bumps and knocks? Appreciate hearing any thoughts or opinions. Thanks.

 

[machinisttx]

I would not buy a 192t. My uncle bought one and has been unhappy with it since day 1. I ran it and was less than impressed as well. I haven't run the others, but they have to be substantially better than the 192.

 

[SkippyKtm]

Performance ranking from fastest to slowest (in stock form)...
1. MS200T
2. 020T
3. MS201T
4. 020AV
5. MS192T

The 192T is a good saw for the money but lacks the power of the others and they are a bit more fragile.
The discontinued/used MS200Ts are drawing almost as much money as the new MS201Ts due to their out of the box performance (the MS201Ts can be modified to compete with the MS200Ts though). The NOS (new old stock) MS200Ts are fetching $1200 or more on ebay.
The 020AVs are an old saw (but I still like them) and the 020AVs are probably the toughest saws out of the bunch...

 

[Oliver1655]

A Jonsered CS2139T (39cc) & Husqvarna 338xpt (39cc) are basically the same saw with cosmetic differences (color, shape of recoil & muffler cover). I have both & really love them!

Actually my 338xpt is an older California edition, 2007, which is 45cc. The "New Edition" 338xpt is CARB-California Air Resources Board approved which is sold in all the states is 39cc. So if you want one of the 45cc "California Editions" you will be looking for a used saw.

My brother has a Stihl 201t & I prefer my Jonsered & husqvarna.

The Jonsered version is normally priced a little less than the Husqvarna. If you don't have a local dealer for one of these saws, there are sponsors on AS who will be able to provide you with one at a good price.

 

[nmurph]

A Jonsered CS2139T (39cc) & Husqvarna 338xpt (39cc) are basically the same saw with cosmetic differences (color, shape of recoil & muffler cover). I have both & really love them!

Actually my 338xpt is an older California edition, 2007, which is 45cc. The "New Edition" 338xpt is CARB-California Air Resources Board approved which is sold in all the states is 39cc. So if you want one of the 45cc "California Editions" you will be looking for a used saw.

My brother has a Stihl 201t & I prefer my Jonsered & husqvarna.

The Jonsered version is normally priced a little less than the Husqvarna. If you don't have a local dealer for one of these saws, there are sponsors on AS who will be able to provide you with one at a good price.

Did you post in the wrong thread?? This thread is about the differences in Stihl TH saws.

 

[nmurph]

There are several flavors of the 020. They all have the handle on the top, but one has the filter at the base of the rear handle. There are also different displacements. The AVSEQ is every bit as strong as a 200 (it's actually rated stronger).

The 192 should be restricted to orchard use where the average limb is a couple of inches. It is lighter than the 200 which is great when they are hundreds of tiny limbs to be thinned.

 

[z71mike]

I couldn't find a good 020 for the right price, so I picked up a really nice 019 a while back for a great price. For the light trimming I do on my property, I have no complaints.

And I'm just a sucker for the older stuff, which is why I didn't get an MS192. Though my buddy's got one that runs the same as my 019. Feels like the same machine, aside from ergonomics.

For homeowner use, I couldn't justify the expense of a 200/201 for the limited use I give it.

 

[Oliver1655]

Sorry about that, I read the OP's "Considering buying a small saw for limbs, trimming, etc. Want light weight, easy to hold, etc." statement without thinking about the tread title & thought I was responding appropriately. Didn't intend to step on your Stihl toes. I simply thought we were comparing professional grade top handle saws.

 

[Franny K]

The title of this thread says
"What are the real differences between Stihl 020, 192t,200t,201?"
The crankshaft of the 192 has the counterweight on one side while at least the 200 and 201 have essentially equal crank wheels. You can find a thread on here about what happens if you don't follow the instructions correctly in the removal of the centrifugal clutch on the 192.

 

[NewToStihl]

Considering buying a small saw for limbs, trimming, etc. Want light weight, easy to hold, etc. Currently have Stihl 009. not a bad little saw, no anti vibe. Not the best starting, works pretty good after warm. I know the 200 and 201 are "Professional" models. 192 is a lot less dollars. And the 020 is an older model. Are they better performers, lighter, or are they just built to run longer and more durable to professionals bumps and knocks? Appreciate hearing any thoughts or opinions. Thanks.

It really all boils down to needs & wants. The professional grade saws are better performers, but not lighter. They're built to run hard and take a beating . . . just like they'd see with professional use. The MS192T is essentially a homeowner grade version of a Stihl top handle; plastic construction and clamshell top end instead of a cast magnesium case and traditional cylinder. They also have lower displacement and make less power.

I'm a regular homeowner and it sounds like you're probably the same or similar, so perhaps I can provide some insight. With my "hobby" (CAD) I've owned and run both the MS200T and MS201 as well as the MS192T. The pro models have awesome power and run great (especially after some mods). But, since I just needed a saw for light tree trimming around my property and cutting up larger branches that fall I ended up just keeping an MS192T for personal use. For my use I only run a 12" bar and much prefer the lighter weight over the power and durability since I don't make a living with the saw nor do I beat it up. The little MS192T has performed great for my needs and has never let me down. I've even helped some friends out who had large trees fall that they needed to cut up and it has no problem efficiently cutting through tree top branches that are several inches in diameter.

 

[treesmith]

Love my little 192t for pruning, did a timing advance and muff mod and it runs a treat, it works well in small stuff but different league to the 200t. It's just such a capable saw, there's good reason they're so loved. Started with 020t's, they ran well too, only really visible difference to the 200 was black air filter cover. The 020t/200t is the only top handle I've ever wanted to own, nothing I've ever picked up comes close for feel, balance, power and build quality. Never tried a 201t , yet.
That new 540xp looks like it was designed by an over imaginative 8yr old

 

[MreeceC]

The modded 201t is ok and is a lot of work to put in a new saw. Also you can say good buy to the warranty. of course the 200t would be great but not for $1200. I have two t540 and are IMHO the best out right know. The eight year old that built this saw did a fabulous job. I like both stihl and Husqvarna both are great CO.

 

[DonnerParty]

The 192 is a very lightweight, small saw. I would only consider one if your need for a top-handle is very limited, and the weight is the most important consideration. It's really a "homeowner" saw. The 020t and 200t are amazingly solid performers for their size and weight, but, as noted, pricey these days. I haven't had a chance to run a 201t yet but it looks, and sounds, like it can be a solid performer with a mod.

 

[mountainlake]

The 192 shouldn't even be listed with those other saws. Steve

 

[Definitive Dave]

192T = lightweight, you can buy one new for less than $350, the climbers take it up the tree if we are trimming/pruning, it is light enough for a full day hanging from your hip.

192c or 192ce = a rear handle version of the 192T, goes for a few dollars more than a 192t used, out of production I think, lightest pro rear handle ever made by Stihl, homeowners tend to abuse a small rear handle so maybe a better choice for next to the chipper for pros, rather than homeowners. The different leverage of a rear handle makes folks think the 192ce is weaker than a 192t but in reality it cuts smoother and faster if you don't lay your weight on it.

020T = older version of 200T, differences are cosmetic, unless you have a preference for flippy caps (200t) or screw on caps (020T), can be had used for about $50 less than 200T

200 = just like the 200t, though a bit scarce in the marketplace, it is a small rear handle with very nice power, a good choice for a homeowner wanting to limb up around the house, pricing about the same or a few dollars more than the 200T

200t = pretty much the gold standard of top handle pro saws, there may be contenders amongst other brands, but check a pro truck and see which saw the workers get to work early to "claim" for the day, PRO TIP: it's a 200t. in nice shape they are worth $450 to $575, lots of nice rebuilt saws out there

201t - new model that replaced the 200T, go for a bit more new than a 200T used, but that extra $ gets you a warranty and dealer support for whatever that is worth in your area. The last guy to work on the arborist crew has to settle for the 201T, but in all fairness, if you don't mind kicking in an extra $250 and voiding your warranty, there are number of fine gentleman who can turn a 201T into a 200 killer, again probably not the best choice for a non-climbing homeowner.

150t - personal use limited to about 5 mins at dealer, it is lighter than a 192t and feels really nice in the hand. When we start up arborist operations in March, I will let the climbers decide if we should buy them to replace the 192s, the 150t is about $150 more than a 192t

020AV - this is a solid-ass saw, but I am not ever going to run one, too heavy and just feels clunky to me just standing on the ground with it in my hand I have no desire to fire it up, pretty darn cheap, have a few in a box in the shop, the old school Stihl logos on the recol are worth more than the saw itself to me

With the exception of the 150t I have all of these in my shop now and have used them all as well as having climbers who have used them all.
Dave

 

[macs woodshop]

Excellent info, thanks to all who listed their thoughts. Long story short, I found a 2-for-1 deal on MS 200t. One saw running, other saw needs parts and work. All for $250, so I thought it was a safe bet. Running saw needed some tuning. Did a lot of reading here on ArbSite about Zama carbs, MS 200 acceleration problem, etc. Hi needle had a plastic sleeve that limited the opening to 3/4 turn max. Is that courtesy of France or the EPA?? (it don't limit it now, Apologies to the do-gooders!) It now runs like the proverbial striped rear-end ape. Top handle takes some getting used to, very little leverage. someday I will work on the second saw that needs attention, perhaps sell it for parts. I hope to someday try some of those other models mentioned. That little 150 sounds like a featherweight, that could be handy for an aging body. Can a guy have too many tools? THANKS.

 

[SkippyKtm]

Excellent info, thanks to all who listed their thoughts. Long story short, I found a 2-for-1 deal on MS 200t. One saw running, other saw needs parts and work. All for $250, so I thought it was a safe bet. Running saw needed some tuning. Did a lot of reading here on ArbSite about Zama carbs, MS 200 acceleration problem, etc. Hi needle had a plastic sleeve that limited the opening to 3/4 turn max. Is that courtesy of France or the EPA?? (it don't limit it now, Apologies to the do-gooders!) It now runs like the proverbial striped rear-end ape. Top handle takes some getting used to, very little leverage. someday I will work on the second saw that needs attention, perhaps sell it for parts. I hope to someday try some of those other models mentioned. That little 150 sounds like a featherweight, that could be handy for an aging body. Can a guy have too many tools? THANKS.

Hey Woodshop: I sent you a pm on your parts ms200T. I'm always looking fer MS200T stuff....