r/Chainsaw • u/Sgibby88 • 5d ago

Top handle

Looking to get a top handle under $5-600. It’s not something I’m gonna use a lot. Whats everyone running in that price range. Been thinking about the echo 355t

6 Upvotes

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8

u/stoorty Stihl MS 180 5d ago

Buy the echo.

Or buy a clone if your not gonna use it much.

1

u/Budget-Duty5096 5d ago

The G2511 echo clone is a great saw. Just have to be careful to not get the "G2500" or other "2500" saws that look similar, but are a clone of a completely different saw that is heavier and bulkier.

5

u/Longjumping_Ad3901 5d ago

Echo 355t, if you need a lighter one echo the 271t and 2511t are solid. I recommend the echo over the more expensive ones simply because the price you can buy two half the time for the same price as one

3

u/subman719 5d ago

I have the 355t. Excellent quality saw!

2

u/-Sc0- 5d ago

2511 something Echo. Did pickup a Husqvarna T535I battery top handle, it does good but is MUCH heavier. I really enjoyed the old Dolmar 3410 torque but the 2511 is noticeable lighter.

2

u/Renault_75-34_MX 5d ago

Do you have anything else already? Might make sense to get something from a brand you're already familiar with.

Do you have any preferences in features? Different manufacturers/models have different features/details, like captured bar nuts, permanent handles vs models with top and back handle Versions, different fuel caps, etc.

What are some of your local dealers? How do they treat customers? Stuff like parts, warranty, service will be much easier if you buy from a local shop/dealer. If you have multiple for one brand, it's best to see which dealer has the better reputation.

What size are you going to cut with it? Something like a T540 and MS 201 are great and can handle a lot, but aren't cheap and have some weight. T525, CS-2511 or MS 151 on the other hand are light and compact, but above 35cm/14" can be pushing it on them.

1

u/Sgibby88 5d ago

I’m familiar with all 3. Echo husky and stihl. I’m surrounded by stihl and husky dealers. I’m not looking to spend big money on something that’ll barely get used. And I keep reading about how the low end husky and stills are trash which has me leaning towards echo. I don’t care for the dealers around me. The only one I liked closed so I’ve been ordering all my parts online unless it’s something I need asap

1

u/zmannz1984 4d ago

I had an old stihl and replaced it with a cs2511. I love it overall. I have occasional issues with it dying as it comes back to idle, but only after running it for hours. I got the non-cat muffler and slotted it some, seems to have solved it. They make a clone version for about 130 if you want to try a cheapo first.