Tried a top-handled saw for limbing instead of my usual rear-handle

Picked up a Echo CS-355T on a whim last weekend for a job in Portland and wow, it balanced way better in tight spots. Got through a big maple crown in half the time I usually take. Anyone else switch saw types for different tasks or am I overthinking this?

2 comments

2 Comments

seth_nguyen1d ago

Buddy of mine tried the same thing with a Stihl top handle and swore he'd never go back to rear handles for anything up in the canopy. Said his left arm wasn't screaming at him after a full day of pruning. He even sold his old saw to fund a second top handle.

webb.stella1d ago

less arm fatigue is a game changer once you've felt it, especially on those prunes that go on for hours. I've noticed the balance on a top handle just lets you work smoother in tight spots, less fighting the weight. That left arm thing is real, rear handles torque you into weird positions that wear you out faster. Your buddy's smart unloading the old saw to fund another one, two top handles mean you can keep a sharp chain ready and swap without breaking stride. Once you taste that control up high, it's hard to see the point of lugging a rear handle for canopy work.