So I currently have a 550xp and a 500i I need a two saws at the farm and one saw at my house. The one at the house can be a smaller saw and i was thinking the 550xp would be that saw and that i’d pair the 500i with a 400 or 462. But I realize that the 550xp is really nice size for limbing, cutting smaller trees and for anything technical where a lighter saw is more maneuverable, like cutting along ravines (which is most of my wooded areas). I guess I could look at another 550xp or a 261. But the top handles are nice and compact, which would be handy. Thing is, it’s not like I’m climbing trees. I know a few of you have them for multiple purposes and was wondering about your experiences. Thanks in advance.
I have a ms192T that I use cutting up smaller diameter firewood as well as limbing with it. It is light weight which is a big plus for me. I used to have an 029 for cutting larger wood and I have upgraded to a ms362. My top handle saw is lighter than both of them. Plus I am not 25 anymore
I have almost your same larger saw setup with a 500i and a 261cm instead of your 550xp. I have two top handles. Both Husky 540s. One battery and one gas. Both get used as much as the 500 and 261. The gasser gets used on anything that is small enough for it when I get below 261 sized wood. The difference between the 500 and 261 is about the same as going from the 261 to the gas 540. It's a real arm saver. You can also use it one handed... although that is dangerous so of course I never do... The battery 540 gets used for limbing only and also lives next to the chipper when clearing brush. When I grab a branch with a crotch or angle that isn't conducive to chipping, it's much quicker to pick up a battery saw and quickly remedy things. No guessing if you need to choke. No pull starting. Just push the button and go.
All great points so far. I like the wood chipper comments as I plan on getting one in the future Being a lighter, smaller saw means I can bring it back and forth to the farm without taking too much trunk space. Anything I cut i. The city is usually less than 16”. stumbling block now is the price. New 548xp or the 201 are around $800 new (Canadian). Could get a nice 50cc saw for not much more. But hey they are decent power in a light package which costs $$$
Top handle is best if you need to reach or cut with one hand IME. I have one but rarely am I in a situation like that so it hardly ever gets used (not a climber). As mentioned, now I'd buy a battery saw for that little stuff.
I have an Echo 2511T, it gets used quite often. I use it to clean out fence lines, trim trees off of terraces, haul it around in the tractor in the spring & fall to clean up any blow downs along the field borders while planting/harvesting. They take up very little space, I just run a 12” b/c on mine. I have had zero issues with it. It’s one of the best purchases I have made saw wise.
Ok , so let me get this straight? The Question is " Why buy a top handle saw" ?? I see everyone so far has completely missed the answer........................That being said. The one and only answer is.............. Because you are a member of the FHC and you have CAD ( weather you want to admit it is up to you , but yes you do have it ) so you just have to have another saw , just that simple. And everyone else here will certainly be willing to help you spend your hard earned money. We are here for you ! and they are great little saws
My answer to brush and limbs is to cut em up in small lengths and just leave em in my field. For that a top handle is the best.
I have a couple of echos and I use them a lot on the ground. Just be careful as you don't have any leverage and they can be nasty lil chits.
Top handle saw very ideal for limbing and bucking smalls. Allow user to"one hand" cut, freeing the other hand. I dont recommend doing this but it is widely done by its users, myself included. The free hand can move limbs, hold the log being cut etc. I originally had my Husky 335 top handle (still own but dont use) that i replaced a couple years ago with a new Stihl 194t. Roughly $400+ US. Great saw. I also bought Stihl 201tc last year...the $800 new saw you spoke of. $375 out the door i couldnt say no. Looks like it was used once. A lot of the conditions i use then in are in tangles with vines, prickers,limbs, uneven footing etc commonly found roadside. Id rather be handling a small nimble saw than a clumsy bigger two hander. They dont get used as much as the bigger saws, but have a place in the arsenal. Both wear 12" bars and i alternate between them
Another point on top handles... If you decide you want one and you decide you want battery instead of gas... There is another benefit. On warmer days when cleaning up slash and small stuff, you can go without ear muffs because there is no noise. I've noticed I stay a lot cooler in the sun when my ears aren't insulated.
I recommend a small 39cc class saw with a 12-14 in bar…i love mine and use it alot around the property i work on..top handles are great to but im more comfortable with my little light weight saw and im not climbing
Been using my 201 for the last couple days. Wednesday bucking smalls and yesterday at a score bucking rounds (normally just for smalls, but with thumb injury im able to handle it better than a rear handle) Bucked 10" red maple and a bunch of cedar until i accidently dropped a log on it! The 194 will see duty now. As stated there is minimal leverage vs a rear handle. I also run a 201 rear handle which is good for the same but works like a "normal" chain saw. Pictured with some black locust rounds it bucked.
