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Best top handle saw?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Gavorosalini, Apr 16, 2020.

  1. Spencer

    Spencer

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    Heres a pic, cause everybody loves a picture of a saw.
     

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  2. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    It does slow it down some, but it does smooth it out in the cut. I just didn’t like the durability and sharpening that tiny stuff!
     
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  3. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    :thumbs:

    I think it’s the 193t now? Could be wrong?
     
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  4. Spencer

    Spencer

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    Picks of me using it: me in bucket 2.jpg me in bucket.jpg
     
  5. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    193 has evolved into the 194. Better fuel economy and a bit more power. Still think the 193 is available though. My new top handle as of today. MSRP $339.95. I haggled and they took $20 off and bought the six pack of full synthetic and four year warranty for doing so. $360 out the door with oil. 12" bar.
    Gavorosalini i would recommend a light weight rear handle saw. I did pick up the 170 on sale and paid $170 out the door. I, like you, wanted a lightweight limbing saw for such and cutting smaller rounds. Not something ill use a lot, but a heavier saw does "weigh" on you after extended use. Feedback has been good through here on the 170.
    I have a Husky top handle and have used it for smalls but find myself one handing with it which admittedly isnt the smartest thing and easy to get lax.
    IMG_2376.JPG
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2020
  6. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    Very cool!! I can smell that delightful new saw smell from here!!
    Guess that goes to show that I’ve been under a rock for a while being a whole mode number off! I thought I was guessing on the 193 even being out yet! :doh:

    Is the 194 an MTronic saw?
     
  7. Dumf

    Dumf Banned

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    Really no need for a top handle according to my friend arborist "TreeFeller".
    Worked with him as ground man today. He uses a 170 as his climbing saw: light, easy start, efficient, less $$$.
    P.S. Uses reject fire hoses for bar shields.
     
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  8. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Dont feel bad J. Dirt as i just learned of its existence last weekend when i bought the 170. I was close to buying a 193 at 379.95, but when i walked over to check out the saws, i picked up the 194 and saw the price.

    It is not Mtronic. No "C" designation and not available as such. According to Stihl it has a "diagnostic port" making it easy to identify and service.
     
  9. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    Diagnostic port?! You mean like a car would have to plug in a computer to?!
     
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  10. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    I guess so? This is copy paste from the Stihl website:

    With its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the MS 194 T packs professional-grade performance into a compact and lightweight body. Its efficient, low-emission engine delivers excellent fuel economy, allowing users to save money on gas and save time on refueling. One-touch stop allows users to turn off the engine with the press of a button, which saves time and reduces the chance of flooding when restarting. Dependable and hardworking, the MS 194 T also includes a diagnostic port, making it easy to identify and service.
     
  11. Gavorosalini

    Gavorosalini

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    My logic for a top handle saw, flawed or not, is holding onto a branch on a tree that has already been felled while cutting to prevent it from falling to the ground. Saving me from bending over to pick up later. Me and bending over aint the best of friends.
     
  12. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    :hair: What will they think of next!
     
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  13. Gavorosalini

    Gavorosalini

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    I did go ahead and by the little 10" makita 18v top handle saw a few weeks ago. Sucker sure is light weight. Pretty quiet for all things considered. Trouble is, its been over 90+ degrees with 1100% humidity since i got it and haven't felt like doing much with it. Came with two 5.0 batteries and charger. Found it for 30 less than most places and had a 10% coopun made it cheaper than i was expecting. I think itll be pretty handy, just gotta watch that left hand, I've grown pretty attached to it.
     

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  14. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    Sweet buy!!
    Makita makes a good product and those 5.0ah batteries are the way to go too. :thumbs:
     
  15. Dumf

    Dumf Banned

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    Have a Stihl 009L (discontinued) as a climbing/backpack saw for a couple of decades.
    It's a little barker with the muffler mod. Parts still available, and they come on the market at times well used.
    It's too easy to get lazy with a light top handled saw; I know.:(:(:(
     
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