Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I think that is a great idea.  I'd buy one.  It's on the home page of the Echo Website. 

These are new "models" of top handled saws.

Echo and others have made top handled saws for years. Primarily used by pros when working in treetops or in boomtruck topping or pruning trees up high.

We have sold several of these types of saws to Christmas tree growers and a few to tree pruning operations.  They might look like they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but none of the guys/gals around here like them.  They'll grab any saw off the back of the truck (even a swede saw) just to say they didn't have to use that type of saw.

The first ones we sold went to a local Christmas tree grower and exporter.  He didn't keep them 6 months, traded them in for 'normal' chain saws.  Although they are supposed to be easier to handle and lighter to use they really didn't like them at all.  The next round went to a tree pruning company.  They had 'normal' saws and 'bucket' saws.  They dropped the 'bucket' saws out of the bucket to smash them so they didn't have to use them.

So everyone has a preference, we have sold the used ones and they have never came back (to home owners).  We just try to steer clear of them all together now. They are a little harder to get used to, and not many take the time to get used to them, personally I didn't like the feel of them.  I'd probably grab for the swede saw too.

Sherri

I does look like that would be a bit tricky to maneuver, the way the handle is centered.  If they contoured it more, I see more people liking it.  Looks like it's for light & tricky work anyhow. 

http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS200T.html

They have had these forever. Used to be called 021 I think. Never seen a tree service without at least one on the truck. Usually one of the most used saws they have. If I remember they were about $500.

Last year I looked for a light trimming chain saw...

Research led me to the Echo's''.... this new one was not available then....

Never bought or used a top-handled chainsaw... used an $80 top-end hand-ax for trimming instead !  

Dave...