The STIHL MS 200 T is widely regarded as one of the greatest top-handle chainsaws ever made—the MS 200 is the rear-handle version.
Introduced in 2002, it remained in production until 2012, when it was replaced by the MS 201 T. The MS 200 T is a 35 cc, 2.1 horsepower, 7.9-pound top-handle chainsaw that succeeded the STIHL 020 T.
More than a decade after production ended, the MS 200 T remains highly sought after and regularly sells for premium prices on the used market. It’s frequently described as the best top-handle climbing or arborist saw ever built—and for good reason.
STIHL MS 200 T Chainsaw
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When the MS 200 T was introduced, STIHL marketed it as the “Ultimate Arborist Saw.”
The company described like this:
The MS 200T is extremely well balanced with the same durability and a narrower profile than the legendary 020S and 24% lighter.
Other performance features include a side access chain tensioner, Master Control Lever™, adjustable oiler, STIHL Quickstop® chain brake and retractable carrying ring.
The saw quickly earned a reputation among professional arborists, and its popularity only grew throughout its production run.
Just before it was discontinued, STIHL’s product description reflected the MS 200 T’s status within the arborist community:
No introduction needed. For professional in-tree use only, the MS 200 T is lightweight and has more power than the MS 192 T C-E – so it does the job day in, day out.
Well balanced and easy to use in confined conditions, it’s no surprise this chain saw is our top of the line, “ultimate arborist saw.”
Although (hundreds of?) thousands were produced, the MS 200 T can still be surprisingly difficult to find. Owners are often reluctant to part with them, and well-maintained examples continue to command strong prices.
For many chainsaw enthusiasts, a quality top-handle saw is an essential part of any collection, and the MS 200 T remains one of the finest ever made.
Its reputation has even inspired several clones. One of the best-known examples is the Farmertec Holzfforma G111, so buyers should be aware that not every “MS 200 T” they come across is a genuine STIHL.
Reviews
We have made many posts on the MS 200 T on our Facebook page, so these reviews come from the comment sections.
From the above post:
- Kenny said, “I have one that’s never had fuel put in it because my other 2 just keep on keeping on.”
- Jerry said, “I have a 200 an 201. They’re both great saws but the 200 is always going to be the better saw.”
- David said, “MS 200 T is the only Stihl Saw i own and will stay that way.”
- Trey said, “I have ran 020t 200t and 201t, my 200 is the best.”
And Jessica said (as in the caption):
It’s one of the few saws out of the box that runs almost like a ported saw. Can’t do much more with it to get any more power out of it.
I’m old school so I’ve never run a 201. So I can’t compare the two. I just know the 200 will cut and keep cutting for years.
(More about this made-from-OEM-parts STIHL MS 200 T.)
Here are some of the top comments from the FB post:
- Rick said, “There is nothing out there that can compare to 200t for climbing or bucket saw.”
- Brent said, “I’ve been climbing and trimming trees for 30 years. Nothing comes close to the 200 T. It was and still is the best trim saw of all time.”
- Adam said, “Just buy a T540 and be done with Stihl all together.”
And Nick said:
Best climbing saw ever made!! That saw can make you hundreds of thousands of dollars!!!
As long as you know how to use it. Nothing better for removals.
And Charles said:
They were never more than $700 new when they were manufactured. Yes, they are a good saw. Yes, they are dirty. Yes, Stihl sacrificed it to emissions regs. Yes, they are priced outrageously — just like the 020 AVT was for awhile.
Now for the reality; the American marketed 200T was not as strong as the European market machine. Not only that, by the time the 200T went away, the 1129 series was getting very long in the tooth. Tooling for the machines was getting a bit sloppy, especially for a saw that never saw an assembly line.
As good as they were, and are, the Canadian market 192 nipped hard on its heels, and with a bit of work could be made to hang with a stock 200. (I have both on my table at the moment, so yes, I know). Furthermore, the AV system was little improved from the 020av and 011avt that had preceded it.
My personal opinion is that like so many other things, 200T saws will be retained for quite some time. The 201 doesn’t sound as nice, but it is cheaper to manufacture. It can be modified with little effort, and it has a smoother AV system.
Should Stihl have re-tooled and returned to the 020 style saw with improved AV, and threaded caps? Absolutely, and gone ahead with non-strato, but the writing was on the wall, and the 1129 series had to go.
Specifications
| Specs | STIHL MS 200 T |
|---|---|
| Type | Professional top-handle arborist chainsaw |
| Production years | 2002–2012 |
| Engine type | STIHL single-cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement | 35.2 cc (2.15 cu. in.) |
| Power output | 1.6 kW (2.1 hp / 2.1 bhp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Cylinder bore | 40 mm (1.60″) |
| Stroke | 28 mm (1.10″) |
| Idle speed | 2,800 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 14,000 rpm |
| Clutch engagement speed | 3,700 rpm |
| Carburetor | All-position diaphragm carburetor with integral fuel pump |
| Ignition | Electronic magneto ignition |
| Spark plug | Bosch WSR 6 F or NGK BPMR 7 A |
| Spark plug gap | 0.5 mm (0.020″) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.37 L (370 ml / 12.5 fl oz) |
| Oil tank capacity | 0.24 L (240 ml / 8.1 fl oz) |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 (gasoline : STIHL two-stroke oil) |
| Chain lubrication | Fully automatic, speed-controlled reciprocating oil pump with manual oil flow adjustment |
| Oil pump output | 3.5–9.5 cm³/min @ 10,000 rpm |
| Dry weight (powerhead only) | 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) |
| US weight (powerhead only) | 3.8 kg (8.4 lb)* |
| Recommended guide bar lengths | 30–40 cm (12–16″) |
| Standard guide bar | 14″ Rollomatic E |
| Chain pitch | 3/8″ Picco (3/8″ P) |
| Chain gauge | 1.3 mm (.050″) |
| Standard chain | STIHL 63 PMC3 (Picco Micro Comfort 3) |
| Drive sprocket | 6-tooth spur sprocket |
| Guide bar nose sprocket | 9 teeth |
| Chain tensioner | Side-access |
| Chain brake | STIHL QuickStop® |
| Master Control Lever | Yes |
| Compensating carburetor (IntelliCarb™) | Yes |
| Adjustable automatic oiler | Yes |
| Carrying ring | Retractable |
| Toolless fuel & oil caps | Yes |
| Carburetor preheat shutter | Yes (summer/winter operation) |
| Emission compliance | EPA/CARB (market dependent) |
| Recommended use | Professional in-tree arborist work |
Standard Features:
- Professional top-handle design
- STIHL IntelliCarb™ compensating carburetor
- Side-access chain tensioner
- Adjustable automatic oiler
- STIHL QuickStop® chain brake
- Retractable carrying ring
- Toolless fuel and oil caps
- Carburetor preheat for winter operation
- Manual oil flow adjustment
- Anti-vibration system
STIHL MS 200 T
The STIHL MS 200 T lives up to its name as one of the best arborist saws ever.
However, you don’t have to be an arborist to enjoy one – if you see it listed for the right price and in the right condition for you, grab it quick before someone else does.
The ECHO CS2511T is a good alternative. It is the lightest top-handle saw out there, but slightly less powerful at 25cc.
I just found this site. I bought my 200t in 2007 and have climbed with it since. I love that thing. Your article is right on!!
I’ve used the saw sense it came out and the others prior and all I can say is I will try to stay with the 200T I noticed the trigger on the 201T is a little different and it says it has more power but not sure until I have no choice I’ve really only ran a 201T for 5 minutes and as long as you mix the gas right the 200T is my only choice and started climbing in 1998!!!and Stihl they should put them back in and start selling them again!!!
Wish I never sold mine! Was turning in my spikes but now I’m in a bucket and the 194t is sweet and all but not anywhere near my old 200t.
If you’re selling yours, reconsider! Sold mine for more than I paid but looking back it’s sad! Old reliable, no module, and carb adjustment is essential for a climber to invest confidence in a saw…. It could mean the difference between a good day and a real bad day
I’ve had mine for almost 20 years and it still runs awesome!
Not an arborist, but a jack of all trades, farmer, outdoorsman kinda guy.
I use mine for fencing, retaining walls, landscaping projects, ground pruning and felling smaller trees some larger ones! Cutting firewood, building wooden gates, fine trimming of boards or posts on landscaping or building projects. Take it camping, hunting, to work, everywhere! It’s o small it can be tucked away in the car anywhere without getting in the way. Clear away thay random tree accross the road in front of you? No problem with this wonderful powerful little saw! I love it and use it constantly for nearly everything you can think of when you need to cut timber. Almost never need a skill saw because this saw provides great control and dexterity you can do straight cuts and trimming, ripping, anything!
I love my ms200T and it’s only need servicing, sparkplugs and only once in all the years it wouldn’t start because the ignition coil died and needed replacing.
Amazing, grunty, light weight, ergonomic, user friendly, portable, fuel efficient.
You little ripper! I’ll never sell mine and I reckon she’ll probably still be running sweet in another 20 years.
Simon B.
New Zealand.
Worth it’s weight in gold…MS equates My Savior in my 45 yrs exp in tree maintenence I consider it a true Godsend insomuch as being the ULTIMATE tool for the trade.. but isn’t it so ironic that all good things must come to pass…Attention..Stihl…please resurrect…
Hello everyone,
Between the Stihl 020t and the ms200t I have close to 30 of these saws that I have completely reconditioned. If someone’s interested in obtaining the world’s best arborist saw( my opinion) then here’s your chance to pick one up. I live in southern Florida and you may contact me at [email protected].
Hey Fireball, Ken here in Peoria, Illinois. I’d like to know what you’re charging for one of your reconditioned 200T’s. I have one, but I know a few people who’d love to have one also, but either don’t know how to rebuild them, or can’t afford a good working 200T. Much thanks!
After searching for a tidy, running, complete 200t, I finally found one that I could afford (justify to my wife).
Basically swapped it for a $100 job with a guy who worked as an arborist clearing trees from around power lines.
It’s been well looked after, has great compression and absolutely no broken or cracked plastics. Not even black or melted cover over the muffler. I’m super happy to finally have this jewel in the crown of my stihl collection.
Glen, NZ.