Stihl 201t or husky t540???

[Stihlproincky]

Hi guys, as you can tell by my username, I'm a stihl fan. I'm in the market for a new top handle saw, which I really need as a backup, as I only have one right now. I'm hearing interesting things about the 540 mk3.

Ive heard good and bad things about both saws, I'm currently looking into both, the 540 mk3 and the 201cm, so far I'm not set on either, I'd prefer a stihl for dealer support, but I work on my own saws so no biggie.

I'm looking for personal experiences with either of these saws.

At stihls website, the 201 has a 3.9 review rating . The 540 has a 4.0 review rating on treestuff and costs, so it's almost a wash there.

Price is the big difference, the 201 is $860. The 540 is $570.

Let's hear the experiences and opinions on these saws. Thanks in advance.

 

[cscltd]

This is husky’s 3rd crack at this model- they can’t make a top handle saw that works past warranty imo. I have 3 t540 mk 1 and 2 sitting cause they wont idle after 100 hours on clock
The ms201tcm is far better for reliability-true the early non mtronic were issues. But now only have the odd wire harness go on mtronic versions. cheap and not hard to replace.
The t540 may outcut Stihl , but in 4” limbs is it really noticeable at the end of day.

 

[Stihlproincky]

Or should just get a used 200t? I've heard those are pretty god as well

 

[altatim]

Or should just get a used 200t? I've heard those are pretty god as well

If its for anything other than the occasional use I would go with a new or like-new saw (i.e. a 200t made up by lonewolf here on the forum). If you rely on it, just get something new. That being said, a good 200t is a solid saw and 20 years ago there was no other alternative

 

[lone wolf]

Hi guys, as you can tell by my username, I'm a stihl fan. I'm in the market for a new top handle saw, which I really need as a backup, as I only have one right now. I'm hearing interesting things about the 540 mk3.

Ive heard good and bad things about both saws, I'm currently looking into both, the 540 mk3 and the 201cm, so far I'm not set on either, I'd prefer a stihl for dealer support, but I work on my own saws so no biggie.

I'm looking for personal experiences with either of these saws.

At stihls website, the 201 has a 3.9 review rating . The 540 has a 4.0 review rating on treestuff and costs, so it's almost a wash there.

Price is the big difference, the 201 is $860. The 540 is $570.

Let's hear the experiences and opinions on these saws. Thanks in advance.

Used 200T !

 

[Stihlproincky]

Used 200T !

Somehow I knew that would be your recommendation, lol

 

[lone wolf]

Somehow I knew that would be your recommendation, lol

Well what's wrong with that then?

 

[lone wolf]

Well what's wrong with that then?

OK here is another recommendation, an MS 150T with a muffler mod and timing advance.

 

[Stihlproincky]

If its for anything other than the occasional use I would go with a new or like-new saw (i.e. a 200t made up by lonewolf here on the forum). If you rely on it, just get something new. That being said, a good 200t is a solid saw and 20 years ago there was no other alternative

This would be my primary use saw, my t435 will be a backup once I get a new saw.

 

[Stihlproincky]

Well what's wrong with that then?

Absolutely nothing wrong with it

 

[Stihlproincky]

OK here is another recommendation, an MS 150T with a muffler mod and timing advance.

I guess you think I'm a baby?
I'm looking for something with a little more power. 150t is a thought for a pruning saw, but currently I need a good saw for removals.

 

[lone wolf]

I guess you think I'm a baby?
I'm looking for something with a little more power. 150t is a thought for a pruning saw, but currently I need a good saw for removals.

Nothing like a light, agile low kickback saw in tight situations! They are good up to 10 -12 inches, which is what it is at the top of lots of trees, you ever use a modified one the stock one don't even work ! Its very light. I keep all different saws on hand and just use the one that's right for the job. You need to try a modified one in the top of a tree. I suppose no one by you shapes trees, cause that's where this saw really shines! Around here, I get hundreds of them to shape a year.

 

[Stihlproincky]

Nothing like a light, agile low kickback saw in tight situations! They are good up to 10 -12 inches, which is what it is at the top of lots of trees, you ever use a modified one the stock one don't even work ! Its very light. I keep all different saws on hand and just use the one that's right for the job. You need to try a modified one in the top of a tree. I suppose no one by you shapes trees, cause that's where this saw really shines! Around here, I get hundreds of them to shape a year.

I agree, small saws are great, even better modded. I haven't shaped any trees yet, I am interested in either getting the 150t or echo 2511t at some point, just not right now. I mainly do removals so I'd like a saw that will pull a 16" b/c. Mainly because my next step up is a ms310 with an 18" bar, it's not terrible fun to lug it up there until it's absolutely needed. Thanks for the suggestion, a 150 or the like is on my list, just not for this purchase.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I agree, small saws are great, even better modded. I haven't shaped any trees yet, I am interested in either getting the 150t or echo 2511t at some point, just not right now. I mainly do removals so I'd like a saw that will pull a 16" b/c. Mainly because my next step up is a ms310 with an 18" bar, it's not terrible fun to lug it up there until it's absolutely needed. Thanks for the suggestion, a 150 or the like is on my list, just not for this purchase.

A 151 has more power than a 150

A 201c has more power than a 200, it's also smoother and burns less gas.

The new 540 mark 3 has more power than a 200 and a 201 in stock trim, modded I don't know how it stacks up to a modded 200 or 201c.

 

[lone wolf]

For what is worth .

 

[Stihlproincky]

For what is worth .

That's a good comparison. Here's a question for the 200t king, prolly a waste of my time cuz I think I know the answer, lol.
If you were using a top handle everyday, doing hardwood removals, large ones. Which saw would you buy right now, a new 201 or a used 200?

 

[singinwoodwackr]

200t is easier to port than the 201, Imo. You can’t do much of anything with the 201 muffler at the cylinder side. All you can do is open up the exhaust end. 200t can have the cylinder exhaust port opened up, the muffler port matched and he final exhaust port opened up.

 

[lone wolf]

A 200T is easier to work on and troubleshoot ! The 201T MTron requires more troubleshooting when it goes bad.

And I do use a top handle every day that I go to work. And you get the Lone wolf support on the phone too
!

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

For what is worth .

That isn't an mtronic 201.

The mtronic 201 is stronger than both a 200 and a 201 with a standard carb.

It's on the Dyno.

 

[lone wolf]

That isn't an mtronic 201.

The mtronic 201 is stronger than both a 200 and a 201 with a standard carb.

It's on the Dyno.

I know . There isn't a great difference.