MS201T Non Mtronic VS MS201T Mtronic

[AlotL1keVegas]

I'm looking at 2 saws right now. Both are 201T. One is non mtronic. The other is mtronic. I don't know much about the mtronic stuff. Which saw would I be best off getting? I'm assuming the non mtronic is just like a regular saw, with a carburetor?

 

[Paratrooper76]

I have 2 M-Tronic saws and love them. They work as advertised for my high altitude (> 7500’) cutting. I’ve read about software bugs on older models. My saws are newer and I have not had any issues.

 

[AlotL1keVegas]

Would you recommend I buy new, rather then something used? The 2 saws I was looking at are going for about $225 a piece right now.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

The non mtronic 201’s had some issues, ignition related if I remember correctly. Mtronic 201’s are great saws. Pretty much the industry standard climbing saw.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I work on quite a few, mostly Mtronics cause that is what most people buy. The problem is usually physical damage. Broken handle, broken wiring, that type thing. They get beat up a lot. Can't remember the last time I worked on one that was not from a mishap.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

I work on quite a few, mostly Mtronics cause that is what most people buy. The problem is usually physical damage. Broken handle, broken wiring, that type thing. They get beat up a lot. Can't remember the last time I worked on one that was not from a mishap.

Same here. Just replaced a complete top handle assembly on a 201, saw only had a handful of hours on it.

 

[AlotL1keVegas]

This is the mtronic. Has a crack in the handle. Saw has "great compression and spark", but doesn't run according to the owner. $300sh with out a bar and chain. What do you guys think?
I already have a good running 193t, and a 200t that needs a rebuild. The 201t is more of a want then a need. But I figured if I can get it for a good deal, then why not. So what do you think? Get it and take a gamble?

 

[stihlaficionado]

@lone wolf for the 200T rebuild

He did two of my friends 200Ts & both run flawlessly

The 1st version 201T M Tronics had bugs(idling issues, poor throttle response, problems restarting when hot). Plenty of folks complained. The latest 3rd version M Tronics are much better.

 

[AlotL1keVegas]

@lone wolf for the 200T rebuild

He did two of my friends 200Ts & both run flawlessly

The 1st version 201T M Tronics had bugs(idling issues, poor throttle response, problems restarting when hot). Plenty of folks complained. The latest 3rd version M Tronics are much better.

Is there a way to tell which version mtronic a 201t is? Now that has me wondering if I should just wait and save up for a new 201t.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

This is the mtronic. Has a crack in the handle. Saw has "great compression and spark", but doesn't run according to the owner. $300sh with out a bar and chain. What do you guys think?
I already have a good running 193t, and a 200t that needs a rebuild. The 201t is more of a want then a need. But I figured if I can get it for a good deal, then why not. So what do you think? Get it and take a gamble?

Thats a non mtronic 201 in the pictures. If it’s a crank no start pull the muffler and inspect the piston. If it’s scored pass on it.

 

[AlotL1keVegas]

How do you know it's the non mtronic? Curious so I know what to look for in the future.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Because it’s got the holes on clutch side air filter housing for carb adjustments. Mtronic saws don’t have that.

 

[stihltech]

All good but doesn't run? Do you have the knowledge to repair saws? If not -pass. Buy new.

 

[cscltd]

Because it’s got the holes on clutch side air filter housing for carb adjustments. Mtronic saws don’t have that.

It also has the 4 position switch with choke symbol instead 3 position with triangle symbol

 

[AlotL1keVegas]

All good but doesn't run? Do you have the knowledge to repair saws? If not -pass. Buy new.

Yes, I'm a mechanic. Thanks for filling me in guys. Now I know the difference and know what to look for. I think after much deliberation, I think I'm better off buying new. The stihl website has the 201tcm listed for $819.99 with a 16" bar and chain. Unless I found one for like $100, that would be the only way I think it would be worth it. I figure $300 for an oem top end kit, and another $100 for a new bar and chain. That right there would put me up to $500, and then I have to build it lol. And I would want to do atleast the crank seals while it was apart, which is another $50 bill.

 

[mbrick]

I would offer $200 on it and see if they take it...

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Don’t get the 201, fix up for he 200t instead.

 

[stihltech]

Also finding crank bearings loose in the case on well used 200s.

 

[stihlaficionado]

Is there a way to tell which version mtronic a 201t is? Now that has me wondering if I should just wait and save up for a new 201t.

On the back of the saw there will be a silver sticker that shows the build date & the version of the M Tronic

 

[Tobystihl]

Saw in the pictures shows a non m-tronic handle on a m-tronic crankcase, it's a bit of a frankensaw!