Echo CS-590 or similar chainsaw.

[signcrafter]

Looking to get a 20" or so chainsaw to cut up some tree trunks. I have an m18 saw that does 90 percent of my needs very well. But we had a storm come through a couple weeks ago and need to cut up some bigger trunks into manageable sized pieces. Saw wont get used much, maybe once or twice a year after this but would still prefer to buy one and have it when needed vs rent.

From my research the echo 590 seems to get good reviews and be a good value at 400 bucks. Does anyone have experience with this saw? Any other saws in the same size and price bracket? Looking to stay around 500 or less but will spend a few bucks if a better saw is worth it.

 

[vavet]

I have an Echo CS352. It's smaller than you're wanting. It's the first and only chainsaw I've owned. Before this, I got by with a recip saw with a course wood cutting blade.
I've been quite happy with this little Echo. I don't use it a lot. I paid to have some trees felled on my property several weeks ago. I didn't want the risk of having the trees fall on my house or garage so I decided it was worth it to pay someone else, but I'm still cutting them up into firepit sized pieces with my chainsaw.

Bottom line - I've been happy with Echo. I also have an Echo weedeater that is at least 13 years old.

 

[bpjr]

I have newer echo and older stihl equipment. Nothing wrong with either but Echo has the better warranty. Have you considered buying a longer bar and chain just to do a couple trees? I swapped to an 18" bar for doing a couple larger trees with my 16" saw (38cc engine) and it worked fine. Went back to the 16" bar after the job was done. I upped the oil ratio and tweaked the mixture to help keep the engine happy.

 

[CR888]

590 is a great reliable saw. It's pro construction and will run a 20" b/c fairly well in US hardwoods. If your not going to use it for prolonged periods either use canned gas or run the tank dry and store it without fuel.

 

[kmacht]

I have a cs-590. The thing is just dead nuts reliable. I use gas with ethanol and even after sitting all winter it still starts on the second pull every time. It also has enough power to keep going when you bury the 20" bar. Im actually considering buying a longer bar for it to cut off some large stumps. It will easily handle it. There are only two downsides to the saw. The first is the chain that came with it. Get rid of it and buy a full chisel chain. It cuts much quicker with one. They arent any more expensive than the safety chain it comes with. The second issue is the weight. It is a heavy saw. Its great for felling trees and bucking logs but too heavy to use limbing downed trees all day. I have a echo cs-310 and a husky 435 that I use for that. Also, buy it from a dealer. It is the same price as a big box store and the dealer will tune it for you. They tend to be set a bit too lean right out of the box to meet epa regs. You wont regret buying the echo.

 

[signcrafter]

Well I dont really see much comparable even close in price so guess I'll pick one up this weekend. Thanks.

 

[yugami]

My medium sized saw is a Stihl Farmboss (MS271) - its slighter smaller in CC's than the Echo you listed but I've run it all day with a 20" bar cutting up a couple hickory and cherry trees without complaint. I picked it up for about $400 with a 6 pack of oil.

I'm going to experiment with a longer bar and try to slab up some of the cherry logs just to see what it does. Otherwise I'll switch to the 460

 

[bpjr]

Check echo's web site for "dealer days". They used to have a schedule for buying at your local dealer for a good discount. It was across the USA.

 

[mille755]

Sounds like a 490 would meet your needs, but hard to beat the bang/buck on the 590. I have both, as well as a cs 370 and a Stihl 193t, the only one that seems cheap is the Stihl.

 

[Evilcactuar]

Thats funny, same boat. I use the m18, and ended up buying a cs-490 after this last storm a few weeks ago (i wanted a little larger, but it was all that was available and I needed to get busy cutting some trees). How is the 590 working out?

 

[larry4406]

I am looking at the CS-590 and the CS-490. I need/want a larger saw. The 590 is $50 more, larger engine, heavier by 2.6 pounds etc.

Anyone here have/run one of each and have thoughts one way or the other?

 

[signcrafter]

Thats funny, same boat. I use the m18, and ended up buying a cs-490 after this last storm a few weeks ago (i wanted a little larger, but it was all that was available and I needed to get busy cutting some trees). How is the 590 working out?

The 590 worked great. Plenty of power for me.

I did buy a 24" bar and a skip tooth chain for it but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Will have to wait till spring to cut up the bigger stumps.

 

[c5greg]

I have a 590, I ordered it with a 24” bar and got an Oregon 20” bar from Amazon. Great saw. It is a bit heavy, but I also have a Sthil ms250 for smaller work. It’s tough to get Both power and light in one saw. The 590 with 20” is my primary, I use the 24” bar for big stuff and the sthil for Limbs and lighter work because it is easier to maneuver and, well, lighter.

I always run ethanol free, and both saws start fine...usually.

I agree with the dealer days comment, good deals can be had. Also, big box stores don’t set up the saws but dealers do.

 

[zkling]

590 with a 16" bar. Watch the chips fly.

 

[sk farmer]

i bought a 590 this fall with the 3 free chain promo.

saw, bar and chain plus 3 extra chains for 399. i can't say enough good about and don't know of a better deal on a new saw.

 

[larry4406]

I bought the CS-590 today. I have not run it yet although the dealer filled it and ran it. Got it from local dealer for $399 and a free chain.

 

[haneyrm]

Sounds like a good deal.

I have a CS490 that I’ve used one time. Also have a CS310 that I use frequently. Great saws.