It's about battery saws. I am amazed that just about every tool manufacturer sells a top handle saw. Surely consumers are buying these as well as tree care people. Top handle saws are supposed to be more dangerous and not recommended for consumers is what I thought. (I have one, lol.) Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ego, you name it, they got 'em. Reason I like my Echo 2511t is because it's so light. Gas powered. Still the lightest saw far as I know. I use it for trail building n maintaining.
I've got the Makita 18-volt top handle. Don't use it much, but has good power and light as a feather. Even nicer that it sit for months/years and start right up.
Electric saws are WAY safer due to their lower rotational inertia combined with higher torque and lower RPM motor design. It's almost certainly better a homeowner use a top handle electric than a rear handle gasser.
My very first saw was a top handle model. Still got it. I think the electric ones have some sort of intertia sensing deal (electronic safety) that helps with kickback. And if they don't, they should pay me for the idea. Edit. Just realized that all the chains available for mine are of the low kickback variety.
If you're right, that's an explanation for the OP. Interesting. For trail-making and maintenance, if there is any battery top handle saw lighter than my Echo at 5.2 lbs, I'll buy it. Wow... just googled it and up popped a saw by Echo, touted as the lightest in its class... and... "The dry weight of the DCS-2500T is, 7.3 lbs. This is without battery, guide bar, and chain." Sheesh! I guess my 2511t saber has no worries.
