MS201TC Price Guide (5 Pro Tips For Wood Processing Efficiency)

MS 201 TC Price Guide: 5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing Efficiency

Let’s dive into the world of the Stihl MS 201 TC, a chainsaw frequently topping expert lists for arborists and wood processing enthusiasts. As someone who’s spent countless hours felling trees, bucking logs, and splitting firewood, I understand the importance of a reliable chainsaw and the impact it has on both efficiency and your wallet. This guide isn’t just about the price of the MS 201 TC; it’s about understanding the total cost of ownership and how to maximize its potential for efficient wood processing.

Understanding the MS 201 TC and Why It Matters

The Stihl MS 201 TC is prized for its lightweight design, power, and maneuverability, making it ideal for tree care and smaller-scale wood processing. It’s a top-handle chainsaw, which means it’s designed for use by trained professionals who are comfortable working at height. Its features like the anti-vibration system and easy starting make it a favorite for those long days in the field.

The Price of Admission: Initial Purchase Cost

The MS 201 TC doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $550 to $750 for a new model. The price will vary depending on your location, the dealer, and any promotions or packages being offered. It’s crucial to shop around and compare prices from different dealers. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit; you might be surprised at what you can negotiate.

Dealer Location: Chainsaw prices can fluctuate by region. Areas with higher demand, such as those with active logging industries or frequent storm damage, may see slightly higher prices.
Package Deals: Dealers often offer packages that include extra chains, bars, oil, and other accessories. These packages can save you money in the long run.
Used Market: Consider the used market. A well-maintained used MS 201 TC can be a great value, but be sure to inspect it thoroughly and test it before you buy.

Beyond the Sticker Price: The Real Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. The real cost of owning an MS 201 TC includes fuel, oil, maintenance, and repairs. Let’s break these down:

Fuel and Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Chainsaw

Fuel: The MS 201 TC, like most chainsaws, requires a fuel mixture of gasoline and two-stroke oil. The ratio is typically 50:1. High-quality gasoline is a must to prevent engine problems. I prefer using premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
- Cost: Expect to spend roughly $3-$5 per gallon for premium gasoline and $10-$20 per quart for high-quality two-stroke oil.
- Consumption: A typical MS 201 TC will consume about 0.25 to 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour of operation, depending on the load.
Chain Oil: Chain oil is essential for lubricating the chain and bar, reducing friction, and preventing wear. Using the wrong type of oil can damage your chainsaw. I recommend using a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
- Cost: Expect to pay around $10-$15 per gallon for quality chain oil.
- Consumption: You’ll typically use about 1 gallon of chain oil for every 4-5 gallons of fuel.
Personal Story: I once made the mistake of using cheap, generic two-stroke oil in my chainsaw. The engine quickly developed problems, and I ended up spending a significant amount of money on repairs. Lesson learned: always use high-quality fuel and oil.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Chainsaw in Top Shape

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your MS 201 TC and preventing costly repairs. Here’s a breakdown of common maintenance tasks and their associated costs:

Chain Sharpening: A dull chain is not only inefficient but also dangerous. You can sharpen the chain yourself with a file or use a chainsaw chain sharpener.
- Cost: A chainsaw file costs around $10-$20. A chainsaw chain sharpener can range from $50 to $200. Professional chain sharpening services typically cost $10-$20 per chain.
- Frequency: Sharpen the chain every few hours of use, or whenever you notice it’s not cutting as efficiently.
Air Filter Cleaning: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing performance and potentially causing damage.
- Cost: Air filters typically cost $5-$10.
- Frequency: Clean the air filter every few hours of use, or more often in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement: A worn spark plug can cause starting problems and reduce engine performance.
- Cost: Spark plugs cost around $5-$10.
- Frequency: Replace the spark plug every year or after 100 hours of use.
Bar Maintenance: The chainsaw bar needs regular maintenance to ensure proper chain alignment and lubrication.
- Cost: Chainsaw bars cost anywhere from $30-$80, depending on the length and quality. A bar dressing tool costs about $15-$30.
- Frequency: Clean the bar groove regularly. File down any burrs or damage. Replace the bar when it becomes worn or damaged.
Professional Servicing: It’s a good idea to have your chainsaw professionally serviced at least once a year. This includes a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune-up.
- Cost: Professional servicing typically costs $50-$100.

Repairs: When Things Go Wrong

Even with regular maintenance, repairs are sometimes necessary. The cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the nature of the problem.

Common Repairs: Some common chainsaw repairs include replacing the carburetor, fuel lines, ignition module, or piston.
Cost: The cost of repairs can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the repair and the cost of parts.
Warranty: Check the warranty on your MS 201 TC. Some repairs may be covered under warranty.

Pro Tip #1: Maximizing Chain Life and Reducing Sharpening Costs

One of the biggest ongoing costs associated with chainsaw ownership is chain sharpening and replacement. Here’s how to maximize chain life and reduce sharpening costs:

Keep the Chain Clean: Avoid cutting dirty wood or wood that has been lying on the ground. Dirt and grit dull the chain quickly.
Proper Sharpening Technique: Learn how to properly sharpen the chain yourself. This will save you money and ensure that your chain is always sharp. Use the correct file size and angle.
Use a Depth Gauge Tool: A depth gauge tool helps you maintain the correct depth of the rakers on the chain. This is essential for efficient cutting.
Rotate Chains: If you use your chainsaw frequently, consider having multiple chains. Rotate them regularly to allow them to cool down and prevent excessive wear.
Invest in a Chainsaw Sharpener: If you sharpen your chains frequently, a chainsaw sharpener can save you time and effort.

Pro Tip #2: Choosing the Right Bar and Chain for the Job

Using the wrong bar and chain can reduce efficiency and increase wear and tear on your chainsaw.

Bar Length: Choose a bar length that is appropriate for the size of the wood you are cutting. A longer bar is not always better. It can be more difficult to control and can put unnecessary strain on the engine.
Chain Type: Different chain types are designed for different applications. For example, some chains are designed for cutting hardwoods, while others are designed for cutting softwoods. Use the appropriate chain for the type of wood you are cutting.
Low-Kickback Chains: If you are a beginner, consider using a low-kickback chain. These chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback, which is a common cause of chainsaw accidents.

Pro Tip #3: Optimizing Fuel Efficiency

Fuel costs can add up quickly, especially if you use your chainsaw frequently. Here’s how to optimize fuel efficiency:

Use the Correct Fuel Mixture: Always use the correct fuel mixture of gasoline and two-stroke oil. Using too much oil can foul the spark plug and reduce engine performance. Using too little oil can damage the engine.
Keep the Air Filter Clean: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing performance and fuel efficiency.
Sharpen the Chain Regularly: A dull chain requires more power to cut, which means you’ll use more fuel.
Avoid Over-Revving the Engine: Over-revving the engine wastes fuel and can damage the engine.
Let the Chainsaw Cool Down: If you are using your chainsaw for extended periods, let it cool down occasionally. This will prevent the engine from overheating and wasting fuel.

Pro Tip #4: Ergonomics and Reducing Fatigue

Wood processing can be physically demanding. Using proper ergonomics can reduce fatigue and prevent injuries.

Proper Posture: Maintain good posture while operating the chainsaw. Keep your back straight and your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to rest and stretch.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting logs or firewood, use proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps.
Use a Log Splitter: If you are splitting a lot of firewood, consider using a log splitter. This will save you time and effort and reduce the risk of injury.

Pro Tip #5: Budgeting for Wood Processing Projects

Creating a budget is essential for managing the costs of wood processing projects.

Estimate the Volume of Wood: Determine the volume of wood you need to process. This will help you estimate the amount of fuel, oil, and other supplies you’ll need.
Factor in Labor Costs: If you are hiring someone to help you with your wood processing project, factor in labor costs.
Account for Equipment Rental Fees: If you are renting equipment, such as a log splitter or a wood chipper, account for rental fees.
Include Transportation Costs: Include the cost of transporting the wood to your processing site and transporting the finished product to its final destination.
Add a Contingency Fund: Add a contingency fund to your budget to cover unexpected expenses.

Real-World Cost Examples:

Let’s look at a few real-world cost examples to illustrate the concepts discussed above:

Example 1: Small-Scale Firewood Preparation

Project: Preparing 5 cords of firewood for personal use.
Chainsaw: Stihl MS 201 TC (already owned)
Fuel: 10 gallons of premium gasoline ($40)
Two-Stroke Oil: 1 quart ($15)
Chain Oil: 2.5 gallons ($30)
Chain Sharpening: DIY with file ($0)
Labor: Self (no cost)
Total Cost: $85
Cost per Cord: $17

Example 2: Professional Tree Removal

Project: Removing a large tree from a residential property.
Chainsaw: Stihl MS 201 TC (already owned)
Fuel: 5 gallons of premium gasoline ($20)
Two-Stroke Oil: 0.5 quart ($7.50)
Chain Oil: 1.25 gallons ($15)
Chain Sharpening: Professional service ($15)
Labor: 2 workers for 8 hours each ($400)
Disposal Fees: $50
Total Cost: $507.50

Example 3: Logging Operation (Small-Scale)

Project: Harvesting 10,000 board feet of timber.
Chainsaw: Stihl MS 201 TC (already owned)
Fuel: 50 gallons of premium gasoline ($200)
Two-Stroke Oil: 5 quarts ($75)
Chain Oil: 12.5 gallons ($150)
Chain Sharpening: Professional service ($100)
Labor: 3 workers for 40 hours each ($3000)
Equipment Rental (Skidder): $500
Transportation: $200
Permits: $100
Total Cost: $4325
Cost per Board Foot: $0.43

Statistical Data and Industry Benchmarks:

Here’s some statistical data and industry benchmarks to help you understand the costs involved in wood processing:

Average Price of Firewood: The average price of a cord of firewood in the United States ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the location, wood type, and season. (Source: USDA Forest Service)
Average Logging Labor Costs: The average hourly wage for logging workers in the United States is around $20-$30. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Timber Prices: Timber prices vary widely depending on the species, quality, and location. You can find timber price data from state forestry agencies and industry associations.
Equipment Rental Rates: Equipment rental rates for log splitters, wood chippers, and other wood processing equipment vary depending on the location and the type of equipment. You can find rental rates from local rental companies.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps:

Research and Compare Prices: Before purchasing an MS 201 TC, research and compare prices from different dealers.
Invest in Quality Supplies: Use high-quality fuel, oil, and chains to extend the life of your chainsaw.
Maintain Your Chainsaw Regularly: Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing costly repairs.
Learn Proper Techniques: Learn proper wood processing techniques to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.
Create a Budget: Create a budget for your wood processing projects to manage costs effectively.

Conclusion:

Owning a Stihl MS 201 TC is an investment in efficiency and productivity. By understanding the total cost of ownership and implementing these pro tips, you can maximize the value of your chainsaw and achieve your wood processing goals without breaking the bank. Remember, wood processing is a blend of skill, knowledge, and careful planning. With the right tools and a smart approach, you can make your projects efficient, cost-effective, and rewarding. Now, go forth and conquer those logs!

MS201TC Price Guide (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing Efficiency)