Top Handle Extravaganza

[blsnelling]

OK, here we go. I'll start at the top. AFTER MODS, the MS201T is the top dog. That includes build quality, power, throttle response, handling, etc. You pay for it too, as you already know. Unfortunately, out of the box, it's a complete dog. That easily rectified by sending to me for $50 + shipping, or by following the instructions I've posted on exactly what I do to them. I have customers that would not go back to a 200T. They really come around that much.

 

[blsnelling]

Next up is the Echo 355T. This saw is marketed directly at the MS200T and MS201T. They make no bones about it. It didn't disappoint. This saw is significantly stronger than a 201T out of the box. It runs very good. The same mods that give me nearly a 40% gain on the 201T, only gave me 14% on the 355T. In the end, they end up within 4% of each other. That just shows you how much stronger it is than the 201T out of the box. The muffler is already wide open with no baffles. The bolt on deflector does need a little work, but it's extremely simple. Advancing the ignition helped throttle response more than it helped power, but still a worth while mod. The saw handles and balances well. My only complaint was the size of the grip handle. I have quite small hands, and the handle on the 355 is significantly larger than any of the others. For the same reason, some of you may prefer it. Weight is a few ounces lighter than the 201. No, the 355 doesn't have a vertically split magnesium case with a bolt on cylinder, but the price is significantly less than the pro designed 201T. This Echo definitely meets it's design criteria. I give it a thumbs up.

Stock


Muffler Modded


Timing Advanced - Sorry about the poor lighting. It gets dark too early!

Wide Open Inside

Not pretty, but effective and simple

 

[blsnelling]

Next up is the Echo 271T. This is a LIGHT weight saw. It handles very nicely. With it's smaller grip handle, I actually prefer it's feel over the 355T Out of the box, it's quite anemic. This is mostly due to the catalytic converter in the muffler. That's easily remedied. I simply drilled a hole through the plate that holds the converter. I also had to open the muffler exit behind the deflector, then bent the deflector similar to the 355. Before mods, you couldn't push this saw at all before it would stall. After mods, it's a very respectable performer that would not disappoint. Throttle response is not as crisp as the 355 or 201, but not bad at all. If I were an arborist, I would want a saw of this size in my arsenal. It's way lighter and easier to maneuver than it's larger brothers and cousins. Just like the 201T, I would not run this saw stock. After mods, I give it a thumbs up. It's a nice little saw.

Stock


Muffler Modded


Timing Advanced - Did nothing for power, but helped throttle response

 

[blsnelling]

Next up is the Dolmar 3410. I don't have a lot of insight on this model. This saw does not belong to me, and accordingly, I have not worked on it. I know it has a muffler mod, but not sure if anything else. I noticed that it does have the front air filter. I'm not a fan of that. Some of you may frown on the "bar nut" and chain tensioner, however, it's very well built and quite a nice feature actually. Build quality on this saw is very good. My biggest complaint is it's balance, or rather, the lack there of. This saw is VERY nose heavy. A shorter bar would not fix that either. It's in the design of the handle and throttle. It's simply too far back, IMHO. It's lighter than the 201 or 355, but that's negated by the balance issue. Power wise, this saw is VERY strong. The 201 and 355 cut a little faster, but I think this saw has it in the torque department. You can push on this saw and it just keeps on going. I was quite impressed with that.

 

[blsnelling]

Last, but not least, is the tiny Stihl MS150TC. I LOVE THIS LITTLE SAW! This thing is fantastic. It seems even stronger and peppier than the other one I demoed for you guys. This thing has explosive throttle response and holds RPMs like crazy in the cut. I would love to set this thing up to run 3/8 Picco chain. After mods, I thing it could easily handle it. The 1/4" chain is super smooth, but this saw needs more chain. I did not touch the chain on this saw, so a little more raker would probably help. I didn't do before vids on this saw since I did a thread on one not too long ago. It definitely needs some help out of the box. But, after mods, this little thing is amazing! I may actually keep this one. Merry Christmas to me?

Seriously??!!!!!

 

[bryanr2]

Brad, are these getting port jobs in your thread or just muff mods and timing? Still a shame we dont have the 540xp yet to throw into the mix.

 

[bryanr2]

and is the 150 a pro saw or clammy?

 

[blsnelling]

That's it guys. The above is simply my opinions and findings on one example. Your mileage may vary.

I bought these two Echos at or near dealer cost, soley for the purpose of testing. They are now for sale. I'm passing that savings on to you, and only making a very few bucks on the mods. The pics you see here were taken after the vids were made. They are all cleaned up and ready to go. Buy yourself an early Christmas present The 355T is going for $400 + shipping. The 271T is going for $275 + shipping. First person to show me the money takes them. These will be the only ones at this price.

 

[blsnelling]

Brad, are these getting port jobs in your thread or just muff mods and timing? Still a shame we dont have the 540xp yet to throw into the mix.

No, I don't port clamshell saws. I'm actually not even taking port work right now. Burnt out and tired of it...for now anyway.

 

[blsnelling]

and is the 150 a pro saw or clammy?

Clammy, unfortunately. The only one here that isn't is the 201T. That's why it cost more.

 

[walexa07]

What is the msrp on the 150, do you have pics of your muffler mod on it, and how much timing advance did you find best suits it?

Thanks for the time and effort you have put into this comparison.......

Waylan

 

[blsnelling]

MSRP on the 150 was $450 or $460. Each saw got 6° timing advance.

 

[big t double]

Cool thread! Interested in how you incorporated the spark screen in the 201...at least it looks like there is one there from the picture...very cool!

 

[bryanr2]

that's a dam fine price on the echo's...... but I've waited a LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG...GGGGGGGGG time on the 540xp, and I'm gonna "stay the course" come hell or high water.

 

[7sleeper]

Great review!!! Thanks for the overview!

7

 

[7oaks]

SUB

 

[boxygen]

Thanks for your good work on this, Brad.

 

[Tnshaker]

Someone needs to buy that 355t. I already have one or I would have already. I was shocked how well mine ran stock. That is a smoking deal brad is offering.

 

[Tnshaker]

Thanks for the comparison Brad. Great work!

 

[Andyshine77]

Nice comparison. I didn't think the little Dolmar would compete when it comes to ergonomics, power is not an issue. I'm not a fan of the filter setup myself, but it does OK. The reed valve design does give the saw plenty of torque, and for 300 bucks it was a great buy. The bar cover and chain tensioner is a positive feature not a negative.

Brad if you were an arborist which one is the best buy out of the box? Looks like the 355T to me.