I've been too busy working to spend the last couple weeks. I am getting close on a new trim saw. I haven't replaced my Husky 257's with the XP Tyler and I were talking about in the past. But my Stihl 019T went to the dealer for a couple issues and was not worth the cost of fixing. So, she's going on CL and a new top handle is in my immediate future. Not sure if it will be Husky or Stihl. It's anecdotal but I've always had better luck with Husky than Stihl. The research starts tonight. I'll likely go mid grade with either the Stihl MS 193T or the Husky T435.

 

Well, that was quick research. Looks like the Husky top handle is a rebranded China bomb. Guess the Stihl it is. Local place has one in stock so I may grab it tomorrow. No discount from any local Stihl dealers like I was going to get from the Husky dealer on the XP. Oh well.

 

I use one of the Stihl saws at work from time to time and like real well. I think you will be very happy with it!

 

You just can't go wrong with a Stihl saw.

 

I have been very pleased with my Stihl 019T for the last 20 years. I'm sure this one will be no slouch. Husky makes just as good of a saw in anything but a mid level top handle. They don't sell enough so they have their RedMax division make them for them in China and put them in orange camo. No thanks. Their XP top handle is made in house but problematic as well.

 

Just nothing exciting going on around here. The grass needs cut but it's still just too damn wet. Probably push mow it again Saturday. Camper is winterized and done for the season. I'll take it to the dealer for inspection between Christmas and new years. Hopefully wander through a few of the mid bunk units they have in stock if the weather is ok.

Rodney, if it's an option in the area before you pull the trigger on a saw go check out a top handle Echo. I really like my CS330T and it is just so well balanced. I'd never go with any other Echo saw, but their top handles are worth a look.

 

I happen to be looking at the Echo CS-355T right now. Get out of my head Scott...

 

and i thought i was the only one with a husky 257, love this saw, dad gave it to me about 10 years ago he had it about 6-7 yrs before that.

Also have an old handmedown husky 50 that is almost 25 yrs old, just barely will start anymore, has some serious hours on it.
I have a husky rancher 460 thats about 10 years old, that i gutted the "muffler" and fixed the mixture screws so it doesn't blow itself up as designed, it has has been a great saw once i figured out to file the drags a bit with the newfound power.

Do the new stihls still allow you to set the mixture? Its a shame how most new two strokes come set so lean they barely run, and are set to blow themselves in a few short years if you cant figure out a way to richen them up. Still using an early 90's stihl backpack blower i have never had to rebuild because i can keep it tuned just right.

I have a stihl ms170 i dont use much that was a gift, i love it, but i hate it has a carb that has no adjustments. Feels neutered. I wonder how long it will last.

 

LOL. Looks like there's a bit of a hole where the 330 fell. The CS355 looks to be quite the beast of a limbsaw with 14 and 16 bar options it could be too big though? Wonder if it can also fit a 12" bar?

 

I actually have two Husky 257's Chris. One bought by me and one my dad. Both in 1998. Both still running as new. I agree that it sucks how emissions has even gotten into saws. The more I research, the more I see about muffler mods and carb retuning on brand new saws.

 

My 20 year old Stihl has a 14" bar and weighs a touch more than the 355 so I'm guessing I'm in for an upgrade in weight and power no matter which way I go. I wouldn't go 16" but I feel 14" makes any trim saw capable of double duty.

 

I asked a few weeks back about a saw and purchased a 355T. Still have not used it yet though.

Bruce

 

First day use and review is a requirement on new purchases in this thread Bruce....

 

Well, after sleeping on it, I decided to check out the Echo in person before pulling the trigger on the Stihl. I have two local dealers that I'll call this morning to see if either have it in stock and if so, find out whether either will discount. Reviews are very well received on the CS-355T and it specs out up there with the top dog $650+ Stihl 201T at a about half the money. It also doesn't have the electronic carb that some are concerned with like the big Stihl. The EPA involvement means it does have limiters on the adjustment screws but the forums show they are easily removed to richen things up if need be. If this works out, I'll throw the old 019T on CL. It leaks bar oil quickly but is still a good runner for someone after a deal. Perhaps for someone who can fix it themselves, it would be a decent saw. I can't and don't want to spend the money on it.