Best pro saw for climbing

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 12:10:34 PM

I've been racking my brain trying to pick out some new equipment for my tree service. I have talked to every dealer, asked other tree service climbers, surfed the net about product reviews, and it seems the deeper I dig, the more frustrated I get. I currently own Husqvarna. Yesterday, My friend and I were doing some cutting on some pretty big trees. He had a Stihl 440. He was cutting way faster than I was and It seemed like it was with a lot less effort. He offered to let me try it out and I did. This was my first time running a Stihl. I was amazed. I'm not trying to get a big BRAND WAR going or anything, I'm Just trying to find the best saw for my needs. I don't mind paying more, as long as the saw helps me do a better and faster job. Any honest advice or feedback is greatly appreciated.

logger · April 03, 2005, 04:08:17 PM

I would get the STIHL MS440 Magnum. The power is awesome. No job is too big. 8) ;D

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 04:28:41 PM

I'm leaning towards the 440 for the grunt work. I'm still undecided about the climbing saw though. I'm thinking either the Husqvarna 338XPC, or the Stihl MS191 T. The specs for both of these are pretty impressive. I just don't have any experience with either one. If the Stihl tree saws perform like their bigger brothers, then I'm sold. But before I buy one, I want some insight from someone who has climbed a few trees with one.

Firewood Farm · April 03, 2005, 04:38:14 PM

I can't speak for the Huskies, but in the Stihl line, if you want a climbing saw with a proven track record, go for the 200T -- performance, durability, light weight, and power to spare.

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 04:47:43 PM

I haven'priced the 200T. What's the price range? Is it a top handled saw?

Firewood Farm · April 03, 2005, 05:32:41 PM

Quote from: Boozilla on April 03, 2005, 04:47:43 PM
I haven'priced the 200T. What's the price range? Is it a top handled saw?

Yes, it is top-handle (that's what the T stands for). I bought mine new for $475 with 12" bar and 2 chains. They come standard with a 14" bar, but the dealer can substitute a 12 or 16".

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 06:38:41 PM

Cool. Are you satisfied with it? Any advice in selection? smiley_bouncing_pinky

Kevin · April 03, 2005, 06:50:27 PM

Lots of problems with the new 200's.
I have a 335 and it's not bad with a modified muffler.
I would consider a 338 but they still aren't worth the money they get for them.

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 06:57:11 PM

By modified you mean what? I'm still pretty new to this game.

Kevin · April 03, 2005, 07:19:25 PM

You can buy a modified muffler to replace the stock muffler which allows more exhaust to escape the engine without all the carbon build up of the stock muffler although it violates emission standards.
The engine runs cooler and is a noticible improvement over the stock version.

Firewood Farm · April 03, 2005, 07:49:27 PM

Quote from: Kevin on April 03, 2005, 06:50:27 PM
Lots of problems with the new 200's.

What problems? Shouldn't a statement like that come with some specifics.

I know of several of these units in use ( including mine) without any problems whatsoever, but I am not suggesting you don't have other experiences.

Joe

Firewood Farm · April 03, 2005, 07:52:38 PM

Quote from: Boozilla on April 03, 2005, 06:38:41 PM
Cool. Are you satisfied with it? Any advice in selection? smiley_bouncing_pinky

The only selection involved is the bar size and that depends on what size material you plan to cut. For my use doing pruning and thinning, the 12" is very sufficient and very light. For bigger work, I will get out the 026 or 440. Obviously, with a 16" bar, you can do more. The 200 certainly has the power to handle it.

Joe

Kevin · April 03, 2005, 08:04:35 PM

The problem I refer too relates to new 200's from North America to Europe, these are experiencing air leaks around the carb and filter.

Boozilla · April 03, 2005, 08:40:52 PM

Thanks a lot guys. I am still going to do some more homework before I buy. I guess the best thing to do would be find someone who would be willing to let me make a few cuts with a 200 and with a 338 or 335 and get some hands-on time. I appreciate all of your input. I'll see ya.

Firewood Farm · April 03, 2005, 09:51:26 PM

Boozilla, check to see if any of your local dealers are equipment rental centers or rent chainsaws.

One of my local Stihl dealers is a rental center and if you are serious about purchasing, they will let you try the rental units for a day at no charge.

Boozilla · April 04, 2005, 08:18:53 PM

Ok. I didn't know that they would do that. I'll ask tomorrow. Thanks again.

Captain · April 06, 2005, 07:53:58 AM

I'm a Stihl Guy, slowly migrating to Dolmar, but anyhow your question...

I had the opprtunity to run a friend's 191 for a couple of tanks of fuel. He brougnt it to me because the dealer did not set it up right out of the box. Nice little top handled unit. Runs as well as my 021AV once did. Brian said that the saw did not really light off until it got a bout 4-5 tanks of fuel....maybe he'll comment??

ehp · April 06, 2005, 09:41:47 AM

If you can get a good MS200T that will be the fastest of the saws, the problem that Kevin is talking about is that some of the 200's have a air leak on the side that the jets are on, it is between the carb and the boot and this makes the saw run lean and had to adjust to the proper rpm's. If any of you guys are having any trouble with the 200 just pull the rubber out that you put the screw driver threw to adjust the jets , fire the saw up and that a can of WD 40 and spray it at the back of the carb where it bolts on to the boot, if you have a leak it will quit .
the problem is in the vaccuum part that runs the carb, so all I do is block it off so it does not leak and put a elbow in the carb like 99% of the stihl's use and run my vaccuum hoses over to it and happy days after that

StihlDoc · April 06, 2005, 04:04:10 PM

The new STIHL MS 192 T is now available. Just came out so may be still hard to find. Specially built for tree service like the MS 200 T but less expensive.

Boozilla · April 06, 2005, 06:33:27 PM

I know I should probably be asking my dealer, but what's up with the 192T ? Is it just a stepped up 191 T? I'm sorry guys. I'm a little slow on the latest and greatest.

tony_marks · April 06, 2005, 07:04:36 PM

you mite even look at the 3400 series echo puts out.. for the money some say its pretty good.

StihlDoc · April 06, 2005, 07:59:58 PM

Quote from: Boozilla on April 06, 2005, 06:33:27 PM
I know I should probably be asking my dealer, but what's up with the 192T ? Is it just a stepped up 191 T? I'm sorry guys. I'm a little slow on the latest and greatest.

The MS 192 T is a complete new design and nothing like the MS 191 T. It's lighter, better balanced and more compact. Internal engine design and filter system is also more robust.

rahtreelimbs · April 06, 2005, 10:41:18 PM

If anyone has an interest in Solo's Top Handle saws, I have been running a Solo 633 and it is a pretty solid saw!

Chris J · April 09, 2005, 08:22:37 PM

Is $$$ a serious factor

? If so, do some research :P. The Echo 3400 that TM mentioned could be a real sleeper (most saw you can get for the least amount spent). ,,,,,,,,Chris J.

Sparkkky · April 13, 2005, 11:57:28 PM

Trying a couple of the Echo's 3400 series after owning Husky was a giant let down for me. Needed a limbing saw and could not keep either of them running in the field, vapor lock, new bar adjuster and start handle coming off was just too big of a pain for me!!!

Ended up with a Shindawia 377 with a narrow kerf bar and chain, starts real easy, and with the narrow setup cuts like a dream for a smaller saw. Even fell some over 20" cedars with it because I could.