Best Top Handle Saw Under $350?

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

I have some tree's that need climbing, so I've bought the gear and I've been learning to climb. It's going very well so far and I'm getting to the point where I'm comfortable enough I want to start doing some pruning. Then I'll move on to removals.

I've climbed with my MS261CM(my smallest saw), and it's quite unwieldy up there. I thought I could make it work, but I just don't think it's worth the extra weight and bar length in the tree while trying to get stuff done in a safe way. I would use it if I had to chunk down a large tree...but That won't happen till the Elm.

I have Echo, Husky, and Stihl dealers within acceptable driving distance. I want something under $350ish which of course rules out the MS201t that I was wanting...but I honestly don't need something built for daily use. At the moment I only need to climb a 50 foot ash, 3 40ish foot locusts, and an 90 foot Elm(this one will be last. I don't see a TON of work beyond that, but you never know what will come up. I'm not going to be doing production tree work though, at most maybe a weekend job here and there.

Basically I want suggestions from guys that have used them. All my other saws are Stihl and I am partial to them...but I'm willing to look at other brands if it gets me significantly better performance/features for less money. I have held the MS193T, MS201T(out of my price range), and Echo 271T. All were fine, nothing really stood out as far as ergos. I don't have any Husky dealers that stock top handle saws that I've found yet..but they will order for me.

TL;DR: What is your opinion on the best all around top handled saw under $350. At the moment, I'm leaning towards the MS193T.

 

[foeke]

I have a 200t for some time, and the power it teriffic for the package. Unfortunately it needs more and more maintaining, so I was also looking for an alternative. The dealer gave me an battery powered one yo try out. Not close to the HP of an 200t. But for less then 10cm/4" who cares.
The part where it also has torque from 0rpm, and not having to pull a cord in a complicated position made me want one.
Probably going for a dolmar makita 36V one.

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[Andyshine77]

The best value top handle chainsaws are by far made by Echo.

 

[NeSurfcaster]

I was in the same boat as you, except I was using a mini mac 120. I thought long and hard about buying a new top handle. We use the 201tc's at work so I was used to them. But couldn't justify the price for the amount I would use it. I didn't consider the husky top handles and the stihl 193t wasn't appealing to me. So echo it was, I thought I wanted the 271t. Once I held the 2511T I had to have it. The 271t appears to be solid saw, feels good in hand and it's proven to not be a piece of crap. But the 2511T made the 271t feel heavy. 2511t feels comfortable while using it and I like the handlebar. I Feel it is lean on the low/high side, needles are richened to the max due to the limiters. So I need to decide if I want to void the warranty already? On the other hand tho the sooner the better to prevent damage. Hopefully the dealer can adjust the limiters to get me some more adjustment. I used it today and was pleased w/ it other then the chain. Chain sucks. Dealer knocked the tax off so I was out the door at 379 so 80 bucks more then the 271t.

 

[Timberjack zack]

Honestly I have 4 193ts and absolutely love them

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[Colt Marlington]

2511T on sale. Ultralight and perfect balance without feeling underpowered.

 

[two4spooky]

I'm not a climber. Also I have more time with Stihl and most of what I own are Stihl. But I have an Echo 355T that might be my favorite little saw. Easiest starting two-stroke I have had. Good performance. It is a clam shell design, but seems durable and has been totally reliable. Did I mention how easy starting it is?

 

[stubnail67]

echo 355t on ebay 349 all the time free shipping....best bang for your buck...

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

echo 355t on ebay 349 all the time free shipping....best bang for your buck...

At the moment, this is where I'm leaning. The complaints about the small filler caps...and those non quick release caps might drive me nuts...I have the Easy turn on all my saws for a reason...but I'm hoping I can deal with that for the price/power

I want something all around, so I think the 2511 is a bit too small. 193T seems to need an update/refresh and is a bit too heavy for the power...but then, Stihl doesn't want to cannibalize the 201t, I get that...

 

[James Miller]

At the moment, this is where I'm leaning. The complaints about the small filler caps...and those non quick release caps might drive me nuts...I have the Easy turn on all my saws for a reason...but I'm hoping I can deal with that for the price/power

I want something all around, so I think the 2511 is a bit too small. 193T seems to need an update/refresh and is a bit too heavy for the power...but then, Stihl doesn't want to cannibalize the 201t, I get that...

If you have an older non EPA gas can with the smaller hose the small caps aren't a problem. If your careful the stupid new cans arnt to bad either.

 

[NCPT]

At the moment, this is where I'm leaning. The complaints about the small filler caps...and those non quick release caps might drive me nuts...I have the Easy turn on all my saws for a reason...but I'm hoping I can deal with that for the price/power

I want something all around, so I think the 2511 is a bit too small. 193T seems to need an update/refresh and is a bit too heavy for the power...but then, Stihl doesn't want to cannibalize the 201t, I get that...

The 2511 and 193 are capable climbing saws and will surprise you, especially with a muffler mod and a picco or even 1/4" bar and chain. I got a 193 whose previous owner had a 14" bar and chain on it. I opened up the muffler, retuned the carb, and put a 12" 3/8lp bar and chain on it, and it really helped it.

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

If you have an older non EPA gas can with the smaller hose the small caps aren't a problem. If your careful the stupid new cans arnt to bad either.

I'm not worried about the fuel so much as it is the oil. I have a hard time getting the oil in there with my big saws...I can't imagine having to do it with an even smaller opening. lol, it's probably only a problem in my head.

 

[CR888]

I'm not worried about the fuel so much as it is the oil. I have a hard time getting the oil in there with my big saws...I can't imagine having to do it with an even smaller opening. lol, it's probably only a problem in my head.

Pour your bar oil into a container that has a easy pour no spill type cap. I use cordial bottles that have a spouted type lid as I use veg oil. But a recycled laundry liquid bottle or something will make life easy.

 

[stubnail67]

Old gear oil bottle is what i been using....so much neater....just squeeze it in....

 

[Franny K]

echo 355t on ebay 349 all the time free shipping....best bang for your buck...

I just counted 42 at a price of more than $350 with shipping and one less. It appeared from post 1 this was going to be a local dealer price point comparison.

I can not really respond as I have not used something I would recommend as was desired in post 1 let alone know what choices exist at that price point. The Echo 355t does fit the hand well.

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

I just counted 42 at a price of more than $350 with shipping and one less. It appeared from post 1 this was going to be a local dealer price point comparison.

If it's a saw whose manufacturer will warranty the saw if bought online, I'm fine with that. I know enough about saws, I don't need to pick it up at a dealer. I know Stihl is real particular about their dealer network, I think Husky is a bit less so, and Echo, I have no idea, but it seems like they are sold online a lot.

I'm looking at a brand new 355t on Ebay for $329 free shipping....might pull the trigger...seems like a lot of saw for the money.

 

[billyboy]

I have an Echo 360T that I got cheap cause it wouldn't start well and it was cold runner off the start line. Removed limiters and it runs real good. Also have an old Homelite T handle that runs really well. After I learned how to start it. 27cc, very light, easy to work on. There is a store on Sioux City, Ia. craigs list selling new 27cc Echo 5 yr warranty @ $200. I use my 360T for limbing on the ground cause it's light and has power. But then I used a 42cc 028 WB as my only saw for 15 years.

 

[The Singing Arborist]

I've had my 355t for almost 3 years now, ran it every day, and named it Santa's Little Helper. It's a great saw for $350.

 

[stubnail67]

I just counted 42 at a price of more than $350 with shipping and one less. It appeared from post 1 this was going to be a local dealer price point comparison.

I can not really respond as I have not used something I would recommend as was desired in post 1 let alone know what choices exist at that price point. The Echo 355t does fit the hand well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ECHO-CS-35...h=item2f2a7be432:g:2OkAAOSwujJcAYSi:rk:1:pf:0


this guy has echos all the time for good prices...

 

[two4spooky]

If it's a saw whose manufacturer will warranty the saw if bought online, I'm fine with that. I know enough about saws, I don't need to pick it up at a dealer. I know Stihl is real particular about their dealer network, I think Husky is a bit less so, and Echo, I have no idea, but it seems like they are sold online a lot.

I'm looking at a brand new 355t on Ebay for $329 free shipping....might pull the trigger...seems like a lot of saw for the money.

I have not needed Echo's warranty service but have heard Echo can be difficult in that area. So I removed the limiters and lightly modded the muffler right off the bat. The factory WOT spec for the 355T is 13.3-14.5k. I keep mine tuned between 13-13.5k and it pulls better than a little saw should. Did anyone mention how easy to start it is.