338 xpt vs ms 200t

[tree md]

I am seriously considering buying a 338 XPT for my next climbing saw. Who here has tried both? Pros Cons?

I like the idea of more power at slightly less weight. Thinking about going with a 16" bar on it if I buy one.

Comments?

 

[gorman]

Dude. Run, don't walk, away from that idea. I bought a 338 for my first climbing saw and I hated it. You have to half choke it whenever you start it, the exhaust blows right onto your trigger hand, and the housing cracks and breaks very easily. Do yourself a favor and go with the 200T. That's my opinion.

 

[tree md]

Yea, thanks... Been reading some comparisons and sounds like I would be taking a step backwards. I haven't had good luck with Husky climbing saws in the past... The higher horse at less weight is tempting tho...

 

[gorman]

Believe me, you don't notice the increased hp. You can also take the restrictor plate off the 200T muffler to get a little more balls too.

 

[tree md]

I priced a 200t this morning at a local Stihl dealer right up the road at $619. Just talked to my uncle and he gets a 20% discount from this dealer through his corporation. At that discount the saw would be $495.20 before taxes... I can definitely live with that!

 

[indiansprings]

I can't speak about the Husky, haven't used one. I love the son's 200T, I don't know how you could go wrong with it, a real li'l hot rod if there ever was one. Supposedly the replacement for the 200T is in the works, some photo's were posted on here a while back, I believe they called it the 201T.

 

[tree md]

Yea, I'm running a 200T now and have been for the past 4 years. I plan on retiring the one I have now and keeping it for a backup. I believe it needs some carb work. It just doesn't seem to scream as it once did. I am even more motivated to buy a new one now that I know they are replacing it with the emissions compliant BS. I can't find a 260 anywhere now and I want one. All I am seeing anymore is the 261s.

 

[flushcut]

I have a 334 that out cuts my 338, but the 200 is so much more. The 334 is opened up a little more and the 338 is stock. I have read in other forums that if you open up the muffler on the 338 her throttle response is so much better. Where as the 200 is instant throttle especially with the screen removed. I have to say the the ergonomics of the husky top handles is better but pick your battle power or comfort. Power = quicker cuts, comfort = less fatigue, it may be a wash in the end. I really like the 200 though.

 

[FanOFatherNash]

I am seriously considering buying a 338 XPT for my next climbing saw. Who here has tried both? Pros Cons?

I like the idea of more power at slightly less weight. Thinking about going with a 16" bar on it if I buy one.

Comments?

Go for it! getting started I went with the dolmar 3410 (for the price ), Saw that ms200 was climbing saw of choice , got one of those. Next saw will be 338xpt (even though I have a feeling ms200t is my saw of choice ). Doesn't hurt to have a back up saw, at the same time you can see first hand what you like or dislike about each vs. taking someone else's opinion.

 

[Toddppm]

I priced a 200t this morning at a local Stihl dealer right up the road at $619. Just talked to my uncle and he gets a 20% discount from this dealer through his corporation. At that discount the saw would be $495.20 before taxes... I can definitely live with that!

What kind of work does your uncle do? Seems like Stihl doesn't like to give anybody a break. I've only ever seen 10% off of anything they make.

 

[tree md]

He is part owner in a property group that has holdings from NY to CA. They own a lot of strip malls and things like that. I believe they own the building that the dealer is is located in.

 

[ozzy42]

I think this thread is an attempt to get ole rope,roped in.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[flushcut]

I think this thread is an attempt to get ole rope,roped in.:hmm3grin2orange:

Ole rope is my idol.

 

[tree md]

He's not taking the bait... :msp_tongue:

 

[flushcut]

He may be sleeping.

 

[BigUglySquirrel]

Go for it! getting started I went with the dolmar 3410 (for the price ), Saw that ms200 was climbing saw of choice , got one of those. Next saw will be 338xpt (even though I have a feeling ms200t is my saw of choice ). Doesn't hurt to have a back up saw, at the same time you can see first hand what you like or dislike about each vs. taking someone else's opinion.

My opinion of the 338xpt? I'd rather have a gas powered butter knife. The guy I started with had several 338's...because the darn things wouldn't stay running longer than 6 months. I bought a few and had nothing but issues with them. New and used saws. 335's, 338's, Cali Specials....all the same story. Here's a list of the issues we had: The rear cap breaks or falls off, which exposes the spark plug boot...which loves to give you a little tickle on the hot sweaty days when it touches your arm or belly. The rear cap is actually also a big part of keeping the air flowing around the engine (cooling) so when it breaks the saw runs hot. The oiler is a horrible issue. The plastic drive gear strips pretty quickly and, well....it's a lot of labor to replace. The air filter is just below the handbrake...so it collects tons of dust and chips...which end up in the carb. yay. We had a few that coils went bad in. And the HP gain you mentioned is garbage. The saw is puny compared to a 200t. Don't even think about a 16" bar. There's also no rear ring like the 200 (for saddling the saw) so you have to buy a saw strap with a ring or snap on it...which I am not a big fan of. The one redeeming quality is that the 338 is much more sleek and less bulky than the 200T. But that's it. I love Husky's saws...but once you own a 200T, just forget about everything else.

 

[treemandan]

338 xpt climbing saw? I never even heard of it which is kind of odd I think.

 

[WolverineMarine]

I ran across this quandry myself last year when I goofed and broke the clutch off old 200T I had..I went to a local dealer that had the 338..bottom line is you WILL be disappointed with its performance compared to the 200..I took the screen off mine and I can run a 16" with hardly any need to back off in hardwoods compared to pines and the like..where's OD when ya need him to brag about his "2 hung"? LMAO Where ya at buddy?

 

[Treetom]

prefer the 200t

338xpt never seemed to stay in tune. Currently on the shelf with the carb off, as it has been for a couple years. Supposedly the same carb as the 200t. Nothing worse than hanging 60 ft. up an oak tree with a chainsaw (338xpt) that won't start. I have three 200t's now which I am well-pleased with. MS200t: hands down the best top handle saw on the market. Anxious to hear the reviews on the MS201T.

 

[fishercat]

So far....................

The ms200t is the way to go. I like the 192 a bit better for most climbing though.3 years no problem with it despite rumors they don't last.

Been using a Husky t435 for over a year as well. Not a 200t but not bad. Again,no problems.

I will be curious to see the new t540xp on the dealer shelf. Husky dealer here sucks so I will probably get it from Spike or one of my old dealers in CT that always treated me well.

334/335/338 is a POS