All I want for XMAS is a new Chainsaw!

[stump doctor]

Well I have been agonizing on all the different saws to get and was thinking along the lines of a MS361. But since I already own a 70cc saw I really need a lighter smaller saw for the smaller trees and brush I have on my property. Most of which I have been cutting with a Silkey folding hand saw.

I have narrowed down my choice to a 8.4 lbs 35cc MS200 Made in Germany Stihl rear handle saw. This is my first choice for it's high quality and potential long life span.

The made in Japan Shindawia 377, 39 cc at 9.5 lbs is also tempting. The Shindaiwa is $150 less and weighs a pound more. It does have a 5 cc more power then the Stihl MS200.

I would love to hear from people who own, or have owned one or the other of these two saws. Plan on picking one up tomorrow.

 

[brent denny]

I dont know a whole lot about the stihl other than it is a rear handled version of the arborist saw that most climbers seem to prefer because of its raw power. I did own a 377 for a while. It is a quality saw. However, the air filter to carb mount leaves something to be desired and the carb is a fixed jet model. It is way too lean. The saw is supposed to have a max rpm of 13,500 and mine would rev well over 14K. You can buy a pre-epa fully adjustable carb but that will set you back 60 or 70 dollars and is not something that should have to be done, IMO. The newer shindaiwa 352s (replacement for the 360) has a fully adjustable carb and better filter setup. Both of the shindaiwas spec out with a little more power but are also about a pound heavier.

 

[skwerl]

Nothing stock or modified can touch the Stihl MS200T in the power-to-weight ratio (in my opinion). The MS200 rear handle is the exact same saw with a different handle. Shindaiwa's 5 more cc's does not necessarily equal 'more power'.

Pull the spark screen (and put the screw back in the saw), retune the carb and run it.

 

[Dadatwins]

The rear handle 200 is a great saw. Set it up with a 16" bar and it is a super ground saw. The 14" bar is nice in a bucket or climbing. The rear handle 200 uses the same motor as the 020t and the newer 200t that has been around for years. Mine runs great right out of the box, and I find it to be a very versatile saw. Don't think you will regret the purchase. Be careful.

 

[ccicora]

mmmm for christmas..... first one is simple a 3120 stroker..... second gift..........oh I'll just show the picture...

 

[Chopwood]

Chris, have you talked to that guy? I need someone to work on my rotax, don't know if he will do it.

 

[Kate Butler]

Another needer of spell check!

 

[skwerl]

Another needer of spell check!

Who??? The most blatent misspelling I see in this entire thread is 'needer'.

edited to add: Oh, and 'seperate' in Chris's advertisement.

 

[kf_tree]

Pull the spark screen (and put the screw back in the saw),

why do you put the screw back? and don't tell me it keeps the muffler on. http://www.arboristsite.com/attachment_26456.php http://www.arboristsite.com/attachment_26457.php http://www.arboristsite.com/attachment_26458.php

 

[skwerl]

Thanks for those pictures Ken. The 200T is one saw that I've never wanted to take apart or work on, mostly due to a horrible experience with the top handle throttle linkage several years ago. I've never seen the 200T muffler separate from the saw before.

 

[begleytree]

I've never seen the 200T muffler separate from the saw before.

Really? Every one I ever ran vibrated the muffler screws out on its own, allowing the muffler to fall off.
-Ralph

 

[Kate Butler]

spell check

Who??? The most blatent misspelling I see in this entire thread is 'needer'.

edited to add: Oh, and 'seperate' in Chris's advertisement.

Sorry, fella, "needer" may be creative usage, but it's not misspelled.

 

[skwerl]

Hey Ralph- Something I've always done with new saws (after a dozen tanks of fuel or so) is go through and check/ tighten every single screw on the entire saw. I do this while I have it apart for one of my weekly cleanings so I can get to all the bolt heads. If you've already got the recoil and bar/chain removed, you can get to almost every screw on the saw. I probably recheck them once or twice a year.

I've seen 200T's with loose mufflers, mine have never come loose.

 

[Lakeside53]

I fix a LOT of loose 200t mufflers. If they are loose long enough, the muffler will crack. Yes, checking the torque now and then is a great idea.

I use Loctite 271 on the muffler screws, but be careful - if you need to remove the screw again you'll need to use a heat gun first! (or get the saw really hot).

 

[stump doctor]

Well, I went ahead and finally came home with a brand spankin new MS200 with a 14" bar. They were offering the case and extra chain for $20 so I added that to the order along with the correct file and handle. I am really pleased with the weight and balance of this saw.

Speaking with the Tech he said the 200 models are built really well and manufactured at the same factory in Germany along with the larger Stihl Pro saws. Made me feel a little better justifying the price tag. I heard them adjusting the carb and it is sure a high RPM, rev happy little saw.

While in the store I was briefly tempted again to get a MS361 which is another sweet saw. But the MS200 won out. If I did not have the 044, the 361 would have been top on the list. Although, the MS460 would have probably won that decision.

Can't wait to get the little MS200 busy making wood chips. Hope I am happy with it's perfomance and that it lasts a good long time. This should give my poor Silkey folding saw a much needed break.

 

[stump doctor]

 

[Dadatwins]

Congrats on your new saw, you WILL like it, put some oil on the silky bar or it might be rusty next time you pull it out. Be careful.

 

[GASoline71]

Hi doc, Dang-it bro, I don't know you but I went to Wal-Mart and bought a really purdy green and purple saw for you. I taped the receipt to the box because I know that you will need it in case you actually decide to use the saw. Hope it runs.

Congrats on the new Stihl.

Gary