Climbing Saws

JeffGu · Apr 30, 2015

tuttle said:
After some close inspection of the plastics and fittings, the plastics are of a very high composite construction, and would take more abuse than a Stihl, some of the fittings are of a low standard..... Only time will tell.

After using one of mine on an elm removal all day, I've come to the same conclusion. The plastic doesn't worry me any more. Like you said, it doesn't feel fragile, at all. It's no Stihl, but it does do the job, and for the money I think it's fine. I hadn't noticed the overheating issues until yesterday, but after about a half hour or so of steady use, it does get pretty hot. I was on the ground, cutting up the brush, so just shut it off and let it cool down a bit, maybe ten minutes, and it was fine. The engine seems big enough to do the job and I really didn't notice it having any lack of power. Weight feels the same as the 201T to me, but the balance feels different. Not unpleasant, just different.

tuttle · Apr 30, 2015

mine only worked out at £105 uk pounds, for a stihl, most of them make near £300 on ebay secondhand.

so for a new saw, with 1yrs worth of work, and sell it on for £60>£70...its earned its weight in gold

JTree · May 4, 2015

I guess I got the one good 201t they made. It's not moded, and while it might not *quite* be the 200t, it's pretty close. Really. Never had a lick of problems out of it. It always starts easy. 2 pulls for cold start. 1 pull warm. I'm blessed.

JTree · May 4, 2015

I've got an echo top handle in storeage for back up. I don't even remember what model it is. Only used it on 2 jobs before buying the sthil years ago. Found that baby at a pawn shop needing a carb rebuild. I paid 40 bucks

JeffGu · May 4, 2015

JTree said:
I guess I got the one good 201t they made.

Nope. Never had one bit of trouble with mine, either.

John_KAYS · Jun 12, 2015

I know everyone is eager to find out what I ended up getting...

I went with the MS 150t. I picked it up. SOLD. If you don't want to spend the money on a 150t don't pick one up - I mean don't lift it off the display shelf. It is so much lighter than just about anything. I don't know why I haven't had one earlier (if that's English). It is the ideal pruning saw! Not terrific for removals... but that's not what it is designed for. I really appreciate the weight savings and the tapered small bar is great for all sorts of situations. Moving through the canopy I hardly know I have a chainsaw with me.
It is really cool - just know that it is a little wimpy - but I will put up with it considering its weight.