I recently bought about a 1/2 acre lot that connects to my lot in town. There is a large walnut and a large mulberry tree that are in dire need of trimming. I’m going to rent a towable lift (I have experience through my painting business) but I’m guessing I won’t want to use my 260 in a lift so I need a top handle! Good used top handles seem to be impossible to come by are way over priced or beat to crap! I’m considering a stihl 193 for around $350, but they seem to have a pretty bad reputation, a new 201 is way out of my price range. I’m not aposed to other brands as long as they are under the $350 of the 193. I would perfer a good used saw if we could find one. What you say FHC?
355t can be had new for about the same price as a 193. Not giving up much to a 201 for half the price. Edit to say if you have a 16" bar for the 260 a small rear handle saw isn't bad to work with from a lift. Last time I worked out of a lift the only saw available to me was an Ms 250 with a 16 and it did fine in that situation.
I've got a Echo top handle... both Barcroftb ... Scotty Overkill have top handle Echo's too.... They are a very versatile tool ....
Me too! I’ve got four different models. Go with the 355t for the most power and bang for your buck. If your looking for a super handy light little guy the newer 2511t is awesome! Left to right 330t, 2511t and 355t 2511t with a 14” 3/8 .050 lp set up, I’m going to switch to 1/4” to test it out. 355t wearing an emergency replacement 14” bar (don’t ask)
I have to "echo" what's already been said. The 193 isn't a terrible saw it's just not as gooder as the competition. The 36cc Echo 355t can be had brand new for 350. Pretty comparable to the Stihl 201. The 2511t can be had for around 380 brand new and, at 5#, is the lightest chainsaw that can be bought. It will cut circles around a stihl 193t. Plus as a homeowner you get Echo's outstanding warranty. I'd say pick your poison and go for it!
Always find it amusing the 2511 has bigger fill holes for mix and oil then the 355. I ran scottyoverkill 2511 a few weeks ago and it was a strong saw for being so small. Still think the 355 is a better choice if your only going to have one.
I'd like to try one of the 25cc 10" $98 TH saws on ebay. May be fully functional or mostly junk - never seen a review.
My modded CS2511-T is my new favorite climbing saw! Seriously, it's not the most powerful saw, but with the muff mod, the modded 14" 1/4-.043 Stihl carver bar and it's miniature size/light weight, combined with the fact that it just literally sips gas, I've been using it nonstop in the tree!!
Sounds good man!! I like the way that 1/4” is smooth in the cut, mine chatters some with the 3/8lp on it. Funny thing I just did some work for a neighbor Sunday and made a couple videos while I had the toys out. Cutting on some some dry ash here. All chained alike 3/8lp .050 first is the 2511t (notice the chatter I mentioned above) then my slightly modded 330t and the 355t last running a touch fat.
I hate to discourage someone from buying a new saw...but if you're just trimming a few trees from a rented lift why not just use your 260? Top handles are really designed for climbers...working from a lift I think it's unnecessary. If this was going to be a regular thing then sure...but for a one time job I'd just use my current saw.
Thanks for all the advice guys! Lots of good points that will lead me in the right direction. #Blstr88 makes the most sense! I suppose I don’t “really “ really need another saw, but what fun is that. I’ll keep looking for the right deal on a top handle, chance of finding a good used on probably won’t happen, so when the time comes I’ll probably take a hard look at the echos, or just use my 260. I’ll keep you posted, and of course take some pics!
