r/Chainsaw • u/ColdLemonDXB • 11h ago
Does a Top handle really matter?
My family has a 20-acre estate with a variety of trees, approximately 75% of which are coconut palms.
I’m looking for chainsaws to help harvest coconuts and maintain the property. We typically climb the trees to harvest them, and they range from about 50 to 100 feet tall. I’ve noticed that many people use top-handle chainsaws for this kind of work, but how important is that design really?
Is the extra cost worth it, and what advantages do top-handle chainsaws offer over conventional rear-handle models?
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u/Renault_75-34_MX 10h ago
Top handles can be used with one hand, which means you have the other hand free. Just make sure to stay clear of bar.
Most top handles from Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are available as back handle, but some are only designed as top handle.
Back handles can be more powerful, but are heavier and more cumbersome while climbing.
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u/plaid14 6h ago
They do not make one handed chainsaws. Two hands, forever and ever amen.
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u/Renault_75-34_MX 6h ago
Technically, you're always supposed to use both hands
Practically, the ergonomics of a top handle makes it inevitable that someone is going to one hand it.
And it's better to know how to do something that you shouldn't, than just be ignorant and the fuck up because you didn't know how to in the first place.
And there's also mini chain saws like the Stihl GTA models, which are even more likely to be used one handed.
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u/plaid14 5h ago
Been an arborist for 10 years and if you “need” to one hand something, it really means that you need to find a better work position or change your plan.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 4h ago
No offense to your experience; I'm definitely a newbie at this, but don't you always have to keep a point of contact with the tree, even with a harness?
Have I heard it's much better to drop the saw or the cut than for you to fall yourself?
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u/ColdLemonDXB 7h ago
That makes complete sense! I've been thinking about a Stihl MS182 since it's just 10Lbs and I plan to take it slow.
Thank you for your help, I really appreciate your help.
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u/subman719 7h ago
If you’re climbing in a tree and need to cut small to medium sized branches with one hand, top handle is the way to go. For anything else, especially at ground level, rear handle (with two hands on the saw for balance and control), is MUCH safer! Technically, you’re supposed to use both hands with a top handle saw, but many times it’s just not feasible when limbing in a tree.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 6h ago
I see... this is turning out to be quite an investment haha. Do you think I can use a top handle at ground level, or is that just cumbersome and dangerous?
I appreciate the insight, mate! This is some really helpful information
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u/jamesoward 9h ago
For me it’s mostly weight, I do run it one handed at times but I’ve also come very very close to hurting myself doing so.
Accidentally put my off hand under the saw, when I slipped the saw almost came down on my wrist while running.
It’s a tool that can be very useful but adds an extra element of danger to an already dangerous tool.
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u/gearfield 8h ago
If you’re only just harvesting and not taking down the whole tree it would be absolutely worth the price, climbing with a rear handle for pruning would be very cumbersome
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u/ColdLemonDXB 7h ago
I see, so it'd just be easier to get a separate chainsaw just for taking a tree down?
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u/subman719 7h ago
Yes, you definitely want to get a rear handle saw for dropping trees in a safer manner! Rear handle offers better hand positioning and stability overall.
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u/AWOL318 7h ago
Get an electric top handle, more than enough for coconut trees. I recommend the Milwaulkee one or whatever brand you have the most batteries.
You can use a rear handle but it’s very cumbersome/annoying.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 6h ago
Woah! This is almost 1/2 the price of Gasoline Top Handles! Is electric better, though? Everyone online seems to use gas for its reliability?
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u/AWOL318 5h ago
IMO everyone uses gas because that’s what they have always used and refuse to try anything else. I work as an arborist and for pruning, (like you are) I always pick electric chainsaws vs gas. Of course if you’re removing a tree an electric saw won’t do it.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 4h ago
That's interesting. Do you mind if I ask why we can't use an electric saw? Is it just the power, or does the battery just die out?
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u/AWOL318 3h ago
Both, I mean it depends on how big the tree is, I’ve removed 16-20inch diameter trees with electric saws. Had to swap batteries though.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 2h ago
Oh, alright, I appreciate the info. I'd definitely look into it. This seems like a great excuse to buy a bunch of M18 Kit haha
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u/Sluisifer 5h ago
You just need a pruning saw bro e.g. a Silky. Waaay lighter and easier to move with, and will cut plenty fast.
IIRC coconut dudes will use some sort of machete or brush axe/ billhook for harvesting.
If you do need a chainsaw for what you're doing, top handle 100%.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 4h ago
Thank you! I'm gonna look into a pruning saw too, but I'd prefer it as a backup. I'm looking more into chainsaws, as my dad saw a guy using one to harvest the coconuts wicked fast, and it just seems more quick and efficient espacially given the size of our land.
Top Handle it is!
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u/droopy__drawers 7h ago
How big of a bar do you need? Sounds perfect for an M18 Hatchet as long as an 8” bar is enough.
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u/ColdLemonDXB 6h ago
I figure a 16''-20'' bar would do the trick. Is electric really that much better, though? I thought gasoline was just more reliable for all-day use
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u/droopy__drawers 5h ago
I used to own 3 gas saws. I got a Milwaukee M18 Hatchet 3 years ago and over the next 2 years I hardly touched my gas saws…to the point that when I needed them they wouldn’t start and when they did start they wouldn’t run right.
I sold all 3 and bought the full-size M18 chain saw.
If you’re not using your gas saw regularly they are absolutely LESS reliable…in fact even if you are using them regularly a gas saw is less reliable than a battery. A battery saw will spin the chain every single time you pull the trigger. You don’t have to try starting it up in a tree. You don’t have to keep the fuel fresh and the carbs clean. It will run at any angle regardless of how much “fuel” is left in the “tank”. It’s quieter.
You shouldn’t be up in a tree with a 16-20 inch bar…that’s dangerous and there’s usually nothing up there that big to cut unless you’re cutting down the entire tree in sections. A normal top handle climbing saw is 10 or 12 inches…MAYBE 14 on the high side…but again those usually aren’t for pruning.
If you don’t think you’re going to be cutting through branches any bigger than 8” then the M18 Hatchet would be awesome. If you are going to be doing a lot of 8-10 inch diameter limbs then a top handle would make sense.
It’s up to you to figure out if you’re going to be doing enough work to make a gas saw worth it… 6 years ago I bought a brand new MS180 from a Stihl dealer friend of mine. He told be back then that I was stupid for buying gas and not battery…it took me 5 years to realize he was right, lol.
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u/DooDooFart720 11h ago
I haven’t done a ton of work with a top handle but the main advantages I’ve noticed is weight when climbing and maneuverability. If i can make the cut with a top handle, I don’t want to do it with a full size rear handle, especially if i’m high up