looking for best chan saw in 14" class. Wants light weight, reliability

ch1ch2 · Jan 18, 2016

I do not climb trees but I got the Stihl top handle for my wife and it has become MY go to saw just because it is so light and easy to use.

slaveToHorses · Jan 18, 2016

s219 said:
Hmm, Echo recently released this little beauty:

Chainsaws, Professional-Grade Chain Saws, Top Handle Chain Saws | ECHO USA

I have not seen or run one, but it's a pro saw, about the size of a top-handle, but in a rear-handle configuration.

I sure got my money's worth out of my last little Echo. I also like the light weight. Not cheap, but I would rather pay more for a reliable saw than save some money up front. But it is expensive enough to have to work up my gut for it!

slaveToHorses · Jan 18, 2016

ch1ch2 said:
I do not climb trees but I got the Stihl top handle for my wife and it has become MY go to saw just because it is so light and easy to use.

How do you like the top handle configuration?
If I was up in a tree, I think I would prefer it, but I intend to use this for limbing felled trees, cutting branches for kindling and occasional pruning.
I am not against the top handle, just concerned I wouldn't like it as much and be stuck with it.

slaveToHorses · Jan 18, 2016

DFB said:
Are you wanting a rear handle saw or is it the top handle design you want to stay with. We have both Echo and Jonsered top handle saws for small pruning saws at the Orchard.

Most of the guys grab the Jonsereds over the Echos now (only because there newer I think) but they are a very nice small saw and start real easy too and have plenty of power.

Chainsaw CS 2139 T

I have had an Echo CS280E for many years always has been reliable little saw and never not started easy.

I think I need to find someplace where I can try a top handle saw out, to see if I like it.
I guess I wouldn't have to bend over as far, maybe? I can believe it might have better balance, but I worry about not having as much control.
Can anyone comment on that?

I have never seen a Dolmar, Jonsered or Redmax saw. Ain't the internet lovely!

Thanks for all the input.

teg · Jan 18, 2016

Here's what I bought my wife...

Stihl MS 192 C-E

Funny thing is, I use it more than my Farm Boss. It's the same as their climbing saw...

motownbrowne · Jan 18, 2016

slaveToHorses said:
I think I need to find someplace where I can try a top handle saw out, to see if I like it.
I guess I wouldn't have to bend over as far, maybe? I can believe it might have better balance, but I worry about not having as much control.
Can anyone comment on that?

I have never seen a Dolmar, Jonsered or Redmax saw. Ain't the internet lovely!

Thanks for all the input.

Jonsered is just a Husqvarna with red plastic these days. Dolmar makes great saws, but dealers are hard to find, at least around here. I'd love to have one of their 7900s, though.

Top handle saws are designed for use by professionals who are climbing trees. They are not supposed to be used one handed even then (at least according to the manuals and warnings. Yes I know that that's how they are used by almost all users). Why aren't they supposed to be used one-handed? Because, like all chainsaws, they can kick back. By using them one handed you are less able to resist the force of the kickback.

Now am I telling you not to use a top-handled saw with one hand? No. Simply that it is more dangerous to do so.

I don't think anyone should recommend a top-handle saw without warning the potential purchaser of the danger they pose.

Toyboy · Jan 18, 2016

Dolmar is now owned/division of Makita.

ch1ch2 · Jan 18, 2016

slaveToHorses said:
How do you like the top handle configuration?
If I was up in a tree, I think I would prefer it, but I intend to use this for limbing felled trees, cutting branches for kindling and occasional pruning.
I am not against the top handle, just concerned I wouldn't like it as much and be stuck with it.

I love it!! Like I said it has become my go saw. It's balance makes it easy to use all day. I have 7 chain saws. If I am going to cut a lot of big trees of course I go with a bigger bar saw, but if I can use the smaller top handle I will.

s219 · Jan 18, 2016

slaveToHorses said:
I think I need to find someplace where I can try a top handle saw out, to see if I like it.
I guess I wouldn't have to bend over as far, maybe? I can believe it might have better balance, but I worry about not having as much control.
Can anyone comment on that?

I have a top handle saw that I use for a few different things, but mainly when I am on a ladder or otherwise in the air. I do sometimes use it on the ground, but I think for groundwork, you may as well use a safer rear handle saw. Yes, a top handle saw has a handlebar allowing two-handed use, but it's a very close cramped fit. Your two hands will be very close together. It's not comfortable for extended use, plus you don't have a lot of leverage to resist kickback.

So to me, top handle = not really for groundwork. There are safer better saws for that.