Which Limb Saw

[Shane R]

I am new to the list, and I did not see any threads on which saw you guys like to use up in the tree. I am currentlt using a Husky 335 xpt, love it, would like to buy more, a tad pricey. I waold like to know what you think of the Husky 335xpt, echo cs-300 and the Stihl MS 191T saws. I thank you in advance for your input.

 

[mikecross23]

I use the echo cs-301. It doesn't have enough power but I'm making due. If you get an echo make sure it is a cs-340 top handle. That model has a few extra cc's.

-Mike-

 

[treeclimber165]

You might have better luck finding info on chainsaws in the chainsaw forum, but I'll toss in my opinion.
I've been using the Echo 3400 for several years. Low cost, excellent reliability and light weight. With muffler modifications, you can get half decent power out of them as well. The one I'm using daily is almost 4 years old and I just bought a new one last month. I'm still using my old one on half my jobs until I get the new one broken in and dialed in to full power. They are a great value for approx. $250.

More info on muffler modifications can be found on the chainsaw forum as well.

 

[jokers]

I have an 019T which is a bloated pig for the power it has. I don`t think that the 191T is all that much more powerful. Glad I don`t use it that much. I`d stick with Brian`s advice for another cheap tophandle or how about a Solo 633? Russ

 

[treeslayer]

Stihl 020T (MS 200T now). it has .3 HP more than an 019, better balance, and larger fuel and oil tanks.
(also much more expensive.)

 

[Climbing mike]

I have a echo 3000 echo 3400 and an husky 335. I have to say I like the echo 3400 much more than the other two. The 3000 is under powered and the 335 it to heavy and the off switch is in the wrong place. i would definatly go with the 3400 witch now is the 340.

Mike

 

[treeman82]

I am going to go with Brian on this one as well. I used to have an 019T and it was a BIG P.O.S. I soon traded it in on an 020T. I would suggest that you look into the echo or the 335XP if you are not a Stihl person.

 

[treeclimber165]

Climbing Mike brought up a good point. Just because the Echo 3000 and 3400 look alike, do not be fooled. There is a substantial power difference between the two. The 3400 may not have quite the power of the Husky 335XPT but much lighter and over $100 cheaper. The 3000 is about worthless.

Hey Rich-
Aren't you running the Solo 633? how does it compare to other climbing saws you have used? I cannot comment on them until after I get mine from Dennis (Greffardized so it can blow away those Stihls and Huskies).

treeslayer and Matt- I think Shane's original perameters were something cheaper than the Husky with decent power.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by treeclimber165
Climbing Mike brought up a good point. Just because the Echo 3000 and 3400 look alike, do not be fooled. There is a substantial power difference between the two. The 3400 may not have quite the power of the Husky 335XPT but much lighter and over $100 cheaper. The 3000 is about worthless.

Hey Rich-
Aren't you running the Solo 633? how does it compare to other climbing saws you have used? I cannot comment on them until after I get mine from Dennis (Greffardized so it can blow away those Stihls and Huskies).

treeslayer and Matt- I think Shane's original perameters were something cheaper than the Husky with decent power.

I got a chance to run an Echo 3400 this past weekend. There is a big difference between the 3000 & 3400! As for the Solo 633, I can't say enough good things about it. This saw is light, powerful and handles real well. It doesn't have the speed of the 020T. I can't comment on the 335. I have never ran one and the are very problematic up here. Up here in Pa. I prefer the 633 over my 020T in the cold weather because it runs good cold or warmed up. My 020T takes a little warmup time to give me decent throttle responce. If I can, I am going to get another 633, that is how much I like the saw!

 

[dbeck]

the 200 and 335 are in a league of their own. If you are removing trees, they are the only saws to use in the crown(my opinion) We have an echo at work and the great thing about it is that it will start with ease after not running for some time. Cheaper, yes. But, like everything else in this world, if try to get by on less $$$, yet get by with less. I vote to travel in comfort!

 

[Stumper]

I'm out of step with most-I like the 019T -The toolless tensioning system sold me!. I ran a 3400 and was impressed. I'm still debating on a new 3400 or a 335 Cali SPL.

 

[robedic]

335 Cali SPL

Why would you go with the 335 Cali SPL, unless you live in CA? I've heard from some that the Cali's extra displacement makes it a bit faster than the regular 335. However, the hp is the same and I have also read a post stating that the Cali is not a high performance engine like the regular 335. I'd really like to know which one stands to gain more from modifications. Then there is the new 337 or 338 that I keep reading is due out soon.

 

[Greg]

I used a 019t for 2 years, and it was fine on year #1, but got worse and worse... I now have a 335xpt cali and it has been a great saw. It is very light and small, and easy to work with. I work with another climber who also has a 335 but not the cali, you can tell a difference in the power.
I really like the 019t handle configuration, it feels good to hold. It does make it a chunky saw size wise, but comfy!
I got my saw (335) with a 16' bar delivered from Baileys for $399
Greg

 

[TimberMcPherson]

The 019 has the same reliability reputation in these parts as a defensive french force. Looks the part but boy is that sucker bound to let you down and need help.
A good mate brought 2 when he was starting out a year back, after less than 6 months he has brought echos to replace them.
I have an 020 and a CS3400 and have used the 335xp at times, but not that often to comment.

Bang for buck, get the cs3400, its not quite as good at the 020 in alot of ways but represents the greatest value for money, the shape is better for not getting snagged as much and its lighter than the 020.
020 is a great legend of a saw, but for the money you pay it ought to be that and more. Still I wouldnt part with mine, I carry a 12 and 15 inch bar with mine, means with the bigger stuff you can do alot more before having to grab a rearhandled saw.

 

[dbeck]

not a big fan of the 16" bar...I use 14" for maneuverability and besides, if you need the longer bar aren't you going to ask for a larger saw with more horsepower?

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

It's reasonable to say the 020 cuts about twice as fast as the 3400, not that the 3400 is a bad saw, just not as fast.
I about fell over after opening up the exaust on one of the 020's at work, the thing just screams! If they could only figure out how to get the carburator the hell out of the handle.

Like this!

Longer bar means more reach.

 

[geofore]

saw for Shane

Go with the 335xpt cali, Mike didn't mention he does not like top handle saws but I do. I use my 335xpt cali up in the trees with a 14" bar works well for me.

 

[Stumper]

Robedic, I would choose the California Spcl over the standard model for one reason. Greater displacement that rates the same horsepower as lesser cubes tends to have higher torque output over a wider band. That means that in big cuts with the bar buried or nearly so the Cali Spcl should be faster. If its slightly slower in 3" wood I doubt that I'll notice -or care.

 

[robedic]

Stumper,

Displacement is measured in cubes, right? Greater displacement means greater cubes (not lesser cubes), regardless of hp. Anyway, your point is that hp is only measured for one engine speed without regard for load, so displacement is a better indicator of low end grunt, thus giving the Cali the edge.

Thanks for your reply. I'm beginning to understand the differences and I assume this would hold true after modifications on the two saws as well. I guess timed cuts with the same bar and chain would be the most objective way to compare these two saws. Has anyone tried that?

 

[Stumper]

Robedic, Right! "Cubes" is verbal shorthand for cubic (inches) or (centimeters) displacement. Small engines that develop high Rpm's can have good torque output figures and be very responsive or 'peppy' but if you are going to tow a heavy trailer which is better- A high output V6 or a Big V8? Since up until now the manufacturers have been making V6 engines with much less displacement than the available V8's, we choose V8's and high displacement for heavy chores. You understood my reasoning perfectly before-I'm just trying to clarify.