Entry level Echo vs Stihl (homeowner category)?

[ducatiti]

Hello all. Newish member here. I have purchased some Echo Lawn Equipment over the weekend considering Osh had a 15% coupon. I plan to use these only to trim or cut down small trees, overgrown hedges, and maintaining thereon after. Purchased the following:

Echo CS-370 Chainsaw
Echo HC-152 Hedge Trimer
Echo PB-250 LN (already on sale for $149 plus 15 percent off)

I have also been talking to a local Stihl Dealer who is willing take off $20 from each of the following:

Stihl MS 171
Stihl HS-46
Stihl BG-56 CE

So basically the same price, which set would you recommend? I plan to stick with one brand with all my equipment to include future purchases. Currently I have Craftsman equipment for my pressure washer, lawn mower, and line trimmer but plan to upgrade in the very near future.

From the reading and videos I watched for weeks, Echo seems to be easier to start despite being stored or not being used as much. Echo also seem to get better reviews compared to Stihl homewner bracket. Definitely if I wanted commercial level stuff, I would go with Stihl. But with the above mentioned items, should I return my Echo equipment and purchase Stihl instead?

Any advice or inputs would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bobcat753]

Echo will be fine for your needs. Their PAS system is awesome. I love my echo trimmer and backpack blower. And yes they always start even if they haven't ran for a while, also the easy start they have is real nice. Also most echo stuff is commercial rated and they don't have many home owner type products.

 

[ducatiti]

Echo will be fine for your needs. Their PAS system is awesome. I love my echo trimmer and backpack blower. And yes they always start even if they haven't ran for a while, also the easy start they have is real nice. Also most echo stuff is commercial rated and they don't have many home owner type products.

Thanks..will have to read up on the PAS system

It's just for the same price, I can get Stihl. It's like now or never as I will not have a chance to spend like this on lawn equipment alone. Which brand is more sensitive to Ethanol levels?

 

[383 240z]

Love my Echo stuff. Chain saw, string trimmer, leaf blower. Fresh plug every year, pull the cord and it fires up. That is all that I've done to them in the 5 years I've had them. Keith

 

[383 240z]

I do however run the ethanol free fuel they sell in the 1/2 gallon cans. Sure it costs more but it stays fresher longer, no ethanol, and higher octane. When running WOT on a 50:1 mix, I want all the octane I can get

 

[RiverRider]

Echo's warranty is hard to beat.

I bought a CS590 chainsaw a while back, and my uses are going to be similar to yours. I've used it to cut up a couple of big trees that were blown down in my backyard last fall, and it's a cuttin' SOB. I am convinced Stihl is better for professional use, but as my friend puts it, the Stihl is a Ferrari and the Echo is a Honda. A guy like me is better off with a Honda.

 

[ducatiti]

I do however run the ethanol free fuel they sell in the 1/2 gallon cans. Sure it costs more but it stays fresher longer, no ethanol, and higher octane. When running WOT on a 50:1 mix, I want all the octane I can get

Thanks, I found a local gas station with a 100 octane race fuel. Would that be the same thing?

 

[dsimatt]

You'd be fine running premium non ethanol if they sell that around you.

 

[01f1502wd]

I run all Stihl stuff, 2 chainsaws (14 and 20" I think), pole saw, weed eater and edger, and several hand saws. havnt had any issues with starting whether in super hot or cold temps. Do seem to do pretty good on gas too.

 

[ProCharger]

I have that Echo blower, it is my 2nd. First was returned, would not fire out of the box. 2nd is on it's 2nd carb, first was replaced under warranty. Currently the blower will not run unless the choke is slightly on and it is very sluggish. The carb is not adjustable either.

I do however have an echo trimmer, if my memory is right it is an srm-225. It is a beast, 2nd pull start every time so maybe I just had bad luck with my blower.

As far as Stihl chainsaws in my experience you can not go wrong. Currently have an 026, ms361, two ms460's, and an ms660. These are all professional saws and are run very hard virtually trouble free. If you are using the residential saw at a residential pace you should be fine. I would not be hung up on sticking to just one brand but to each their own.

 

[MattN03]

Stihl is all I'll buy after a bad experience with a Poulan Pro saw. I now have a Farm Boss 290 that's a beast for home use. I just picked up a Stihl 600 Magnum blower, and plan to buy a Kombi system very soon.

 

[RedRabbit]

Stihl is a great brand with an even better name for a reason. I like echos too, but if they are sa me in price then I would go stihl. But stihls will also have a little bit more expensive maintenence.

 

[Scott r c]

I have had excellent luck with Stihl. When you compare them visually they look a little better built and engineered IMO.

 

[ducatiti]

I have had excellent luck with Stihl. When you compare them visually they look a little better built and engineered IMO.

Aesthetically, I find the Stihl to look old fashioned while the Echo more modern, especially the side without the bar adjustment. Most probably, it's just me

 

[jdl25]

You will be fine with either brand.

Use ethanol free gas.

I like Stihl brand semi chisel chain, it is top notch. (you can use this on an echo saw)

Use a good 2 stroke oil, not some gas station brand.

Dont get to serious about sticking with one brand, there are too many good deals on excellent equipment to say I dont want it because its not a _____________.

 

[boiler7904]

When I was comparing Stihl vs Echo homeowner grade stuff a year ago, my local dealer that sells both said he sees a lot more Echo in the shop for service - mostly carb related. If I remember right, he also made a comment about them cheapening some of the material on lower end units when they started distributing at Home Depot which equals more repairs. Said it wasn't an issue in the commercial grade stuff that doesn't go through big box distribution. Echo has a 5 year warranty out of the box I believe. Stihl offers a 4 year warranty if you buy a 6 pack of their synthetic 2 cycle oil with each power unit.

 

[ducatiti]

When I was comparing Stihl vs Echo homeowner grade stuff a year ago, my local dealer that sells both said he sees a lot more Echo in the shop for service - mostly carb related. If I remember right, he also made a comment about them cheapening some of the material on lower end units when they started distributing at Home Depot which equals more repairs. Said it wasn't an issue in the commercial grade stuff that doesn't go through big box distribution. Echo has a 5 year warranty out of the box I believe. Stihl offers a 4 year warranty if you buy a 6 pack of their synthetic 2 cycle oil with each power unit.

Thanks for the info. So I have to buy 3 six packs of their oil to extend the warranty for each item? That's $40 by itself...hmmmm

 

[boiler7904]

Thanks for the info. So I have to buy 3 six packs of their oil to extend the warranty for each item? That's $40 by itself...hmmmm

Not sure how exactly it works for 3 on one receipt - maybe your guy can sell one 6 pack and register all equipment with it. I know the unit and oil need to be on the same receipt to qualify.

 

[justanengineer]

Also most echo stuff is commercial rated and they don't have many home owner type products.

Not to suggest there is anything wrong with homeowner grade machines, but I'd have to disagree. Echo is almost completely homeowner grade while Stihl is mostly commercial. 10 years ago I'd have agreed with you but not today.

JMO but I like to stick to one brand. Not to sound like an infomercial but Stihl quality and customer service are second to none. I'd start at the low end and work my way up in quality as time/wants change. In the meantime you can build a relationship with the local dealer and hopefully get better deals as time goes on.

 

[justme-]

There must be 3 six packs on the receipt for each product purchased for the Stihl warranty extension. If the dealer doesn't follow that the extension is null and the customer may not realize that until it's brought in for repair.

Echo will be fine for home use no issue. Their home line is better than most home lines.
DO use 89 octane or higher - 2 strokes need higher octane to avoid pre-ignition and you cannot hear it in a 2 stroke. DO store it with a good fuel treatment like Startron or K100 in ethanol free gas. All brands have starting issues when not stored properly, and the gas available at the pump is the issue - several threads on this or mentioning this on here. Echo isn't any better than Poulan or Craftsman... it's the correct vs incorrect procedure.

Also not only use good 2 stroke oil - use what the manufacturer requires until at least you're warranty is up. Husky requires oil to meet JASO FD, Stihl has it's own oil and requirements, not sure what Echo requires, but not using the specified oil can be cause for a warranty denial and can even cause engine failure. It's not just quality oil - the amount which the oil is formulated to ash makes a difference in engine life.

 

[RickP]

I'd recommend the Stihl equipment. I have an MS280 saw and the BR600 Magnum blower. You won't find a more powerful blower. No carb problems with either model in 5 years, and I use them a lot in the woods around our house.

 

[Davefr]

It depends where you buy them. I'd decide based on the dealer.

If the Echo is at Home Crapo I'd avoid it like the plague because the warranty will be worthless. HD does not have a service center. They typically use a real Echo dealer for warranty and you'll likely be last in line if you ever need service/repair. If you buy Echo then make sure you buy it from a real Echo dealer.

However most Stihl dealers are also service centers so you'll typically get decent service if needed.

For lower end homeowner class chainsaws I actually prefer Echo. I'm underwhelmed with Stihl's lower end homeowner saws. The Stihl pro grade saws are excellent though.

 

[Wizzard]

Echo for sure. Most of my equipment is Stihl, but their homeowner line leaves A LOT to be desired...they bank on people paying for the name when it comes to the homeowner line. Their homeowner line is not what I would classify as a "good" product.

 

[threewood]

While I don't own an Echo products, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. A lot of people like them. I own a Stihl ms270 and I think the homeowner saws get a bad rap. When compared to commercial grade saws, sure they are not built as well but they are plenty good enough for 95% of users. Unless you are clearing a forest or cut for a living, they are fine. I have had zero issues with mine in 9 years, and I have quite a bit of firewood.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I worked for an Echo dealer for over six years. We sold thousands of pieces of their equipment, and I honestly cannot remember a single one ever coming back defective. At the time, Redmax was the top of the line, so I bought that for my father as gifts. I wouldn't have hesitated to have bought Echo though. Everyplace that sells equipment can and will service it, and probably stocks parts. We couldn't get Stihl, because the shop up the road had it.

 

[ducatiti]

Looks like I'll be keeping the Echo equipment I have on hand.

 

[brianh]

Not to suggest there is anything wrong with homeowner grade machines, but I'd have to disagree. Echo is almost completely homeowner grade while Stihl is mostly commercial. 10 years ago I'd have agreed with you but not today.

JMO but I like to stick to one brand. Not to sound like an infomercial but Stihl quality and customer service are second to none. I'd start at the low end and work my way up in quality as time/wants change. In the meantime you can build a relationship with the local dealer and hopefully get better deals as time goes on.

I disagree with this, stihl makes awesome pro stuff I have a 660 and a 036 they are incredible saws, but their homeowner line is junk I went through 3 170 saws each had the same issue rod needle bearings went out each saw failed at just over 200 hours I put hour meters on my saws

I switched over to echo 310 saws almost same price one now has 1100 hours on it the oil pump gear just quit on it it will be about 30 bucks in parts the motor is still perfect.

And overall quality of build is much nicer

For the small saws I like echo, for mid and large size husky or stihl pro lines. small saw best bang for the buck is echo.

 

[ducatiti]

Thanks Brian. I think that just sealed the deal. I'm returning the Echo!


Haha j/k. I will go with what I have and enjoy the five year warranty even if I have to wait back in line bringing it to a repair center.

 

[ProCharger]

Just to add I did not purchase my Echo blower from an Echo dealer, instead purchased from Home Depot. When I brought it to a service center for carb replacement I was charged a $30 service fee even though the blower was warrantied since the blower was not purchased through them so not always just at the back of the line.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I disagree with this, stihl makes awesome pro stuff I have a 660 and a 036 they are incredible saws, but their homeowner line is junk I went through 3 170 saws each had the same issue rod needle bearings went out each saw failed at just over 200 hours I put hour meters on my saws
<snip>

You ran a homeowner grade saw 200 hours and it went TU, and you are calling it "junk?" I don't get it. How many YEARS would a typical homeowner run a saw to accumulate 200 hours?

You ran a cheap saw like a pro saw and ended up with the expected outcome. That doesn't mean the saw is "junk." I also find it odd you mention NO problems until the saw's demise.

 

[bbrins]

I own a Stihl MS-211, and like the 171, it is considered by Stihl to be a homeowner grade saw. One of the problems I had with my 211 is that it only has one nut holding the bar on, the stud that the nut threads onto is threaded directly into plastic, they had to replace the housing twice while under warranty due to those threads pulling out. It went back into the shop a third time when that stud backed out while trying to remove the bar, they applied some type of thread locker(at the recommendation of Stihl), and it has been fine since. This saw only sees occasional use, for light trim work, still on the original blade.

I also have an Echo CS-400, which is the big brother to the 370, these saws have two nuts to hold the bar on, and the studs that they thread onto are molded into the housing, you would have trouble pulling one of those out. Echo considers these to be commercial grade saws, I don't know if I would say that they are up there with the pro grade Stihl stuff, but they are pretty good quality, much better than the Stihl homeowner stuff. My CS-400 is my main saw.

My hedge trimmer is the HC-155, same thing as yours, just has a longer blade, this gets used extensively, sometimes chewing through stuff that I know darn well is too big for it. I have had no problems with this in about three years.

My Echo blower is one of those convertable blower/vacuum types similar to the ES-255, it is fine as a blower, but as a vacuum I wouldn't want to use it for any large quantity of leaves.

I also have a couple of Echo trimmers, Echo/Mantis mini tiller, a Stihl pole pruner(chainsaw on a stick), Stihl MS-290 chainsaw, no complaints about any of this. The only thing that I regret buying is that MS-211 chainsaw. All of the stuff I have mentioned gets used at home and work.

Unless you are going to return the Echo stuff to upgrade to pro grade Stihl stuff, I'd stick with what you already have.

Sorry if this seems a bit long winded.

 

[ducatiti]

I own a Stihl MS-211, and like the 171, it is considered by Stihl to be a homeowner grade saw. One of the problems I had with my 211 is that it only has one nut holding the bar on, the stud that the nut threads onto is threaded directly into plastic, they had to replace the housing twice while under warranty due to those threads pulling out. It went back into the shop a third time when that stud backed out while trying to remove the bar, they applied some type of thread locker(at the recommendation of Stihl), and it has been fine since. This saw only sees occasional use, for light trim work, still on the original blade.

I also have an Echo CS-400, which is the big brother to the 370, these saws have two nuts to hold the bar on, and the studs that they thread onto are molded into the housing, you would have trouble pulling one of those out. Echo considers these to be commercial grade saws, I don't know if I would say that they are up there with the pro grade Stihl stuff, but they are pretty good quality, much better than the Stihl homeowner stuff. My CS-400 is my main saw.

My hedge trimmer is the HC-155, same thing as yours, just has a longer blade, this gets used extensively, sometimes chewing through stuff that I know darn well is too big for it. I have had no problems with this in about three years.

My Echo blower is one of those convertable blower/vacuum types similar to the ES-255, it is fine as a blower, but as a vacuum I wouldn't want to use it for any large quantity of leaves.

I also have a couple of Echo trimmers, Echo/Mantis mini tiller, a Stihl pole pruner(chainsaw on a stick), Stihl MS-290 chainsaw, no complaints about any of this. The only thing that I regret buying is that MS-211 chainsaw. All of the stuff I have mentioned gets used at home and work.

Unless you are going to return the Echo stuff to upgrade to pro grade Stihl stuff, I'd stick with what you already have.

Sorry if this seems a bit long winded.

No need to be sorry, your post pretty much summarizes things. I was actually looking into the MS-211 before I read your post. Well, I can totally forget about entry level Stihl now based on what was said here, and your post above. I was also thinking why the 211 only has one bolt which not secure the chain as much.

Thanks for the feedback regarding the hedge trimmer as well. I think Echo wins this category as well unless we compare it to the HS 46.

To be honest, I always thought that I will never own a chainsaw in my lifetime so I don't think I'll be looking at the Stihl pro level saws.

Thanks again.

 

[justme-]

There is little wrong with Stihl homeowner items when they are used and treated as intended. Homeowners on average do not run saws 200 hours in their lifetime. If you compare Stihl to Poulan based on price, poulan wins from lower labor and part cost - coo.
compare durability, power, function... you may see things different. I'm not sure where Echo is made. Many Husky brands are Swits, Japan and moving to other lower cost countries. Stihl is either US or Germany. Labor costs increase price. We discuss it constantly about wrenches.

 

[redmondjp]

I run Echo string trimmers and blowers, and Stihl chainsaws and hedge trimmers.

I'd keep your Echo equipment. Once nice thing about the Echos is that you can get a brand new carb online for $30-50. I've had problems with the Echos when the carbs get to 10-15 years old and they develop a tiny air leak which makes the fuel pump stop working (also, the primer bulb won't work right which is the easy way to tell). After wasting hours and hours trying to fix the carbs, I have concluded that it is best just to buy a brand new carb and be done with it.

Also, use alcohol-free gas - check for a station near you at www. pure-gas.org

 

[nicksnothereman]

At this point you might as well just pay some landscaper to do it. What do I know though I live in the desert.

 

[brianh]

You ran a homeowner grade saw 200 hours and it went TU, and you are calling it "junk?" I don't get it. How many YEARS would a typical homeowner run a saw to accumulate 200 hours?

You ran a cheap saw like a pro saw and ended up with the expected outcome. That doesn't mean the saw is "junk." I also find it odd you mention NO problems until the saw's demise.

My point is for the same money you can buy a saw that is way better made

As for shortcomings OK

1 Engine cover one lever holds it on over time, not long really the tension gets sloppy if you don't notice the lever is down when you go to start the saw the cover flies off.

2 carburetor linkage, the linkage has a pinch connection had it pop out on regular use on two of the saws.

3 Air cleaner works about as good as a diaper.

Overall fit and finish is cheap the picco chain does cut nice I will give it that.

I am using echo saws that cost the same for 5 times the amount of hours and counting so yes I am calling them junk.

Most home saws will never see 200 hours but stihl took a lot of shortcuts and they should be better than that.

I don't have brand loyalty I use what works.

 

[honcho]

I vote Echo. Not stuck with local dealers for parts since I do my own maintenance/repairs. I've never had a problem requiring warranty service. Plus, nearest Stihl dealer is inconveniently located.

 

[justanengineer]

There is little wrong with Stihl homeowner items when they are used and treated as intended. Homeowners on average do not run saws 200 hours in their lifetime. If you compare Stihl to Poulan based on price, poulan wins from lower labor and part cost - coo.
compare durability, power, function... you may see things different. I'm not sure where Echo is made. Many Husky brands are Swits, Japan and moving to other lower cost countries. Stihl is either US or Germany. Labor costs increase price. We discuss it constantly about wrenches.

+1 and well said.

Growing up repairing saws in the family sawmill Ive never heard anyone call a Stihl saw junk, even the cheapies, unless they hadnt ever had it properly serviced or taken care of it. Admittedly I dont have any recent (<5 years) ago experience with their low end saws. I can attest to their low end trimmers tho. I bought a FS40(?) last year bc I needed to do light trimming occasionally and didnt want the cost nor weight of a larger trimmer. After comparing it to several Echos and a half dozen other brands I came to the conclusion that the Stihl was the only one worth the money, the others were wimpy toys that bogged every opportunity given while the Stihl is a monster comparatively. Its kinda like comparing cars vs trucks for towing, the truck just gets it done like the Stihl does while the car/other brand trimmers struggles.

 

[LB-1911]

Looks like I'll be keeping the Echo equipment I have on hand.

I will go with what I have and enjoy the five year warranty even if I have to wait back in line bringing it to a repair center.

Don't forget to register -
http://www.echo-usa.com/Warranty/Register-Your-ECHO


ECHO LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT FOR
PRODUCT SOLD IN USA AND CANADA BEGINNING 01/01/2010
http://www.echo-usa.com/Warranty/Consumer-Warranty/ECHO_Warranty_Statement.pdf


http://www.echo-usa.com/Warranty/Learn-About-Ethanol

 

[Hyster Gareth]

It depends where you buy them. I'd decide based on the dealer.

If the Echo is at Home Crapo I'd avoid it like the plague because the warranty will be worthless. HD does not have a service center. They typically use a real Echo dealer for warranty and you'll likely be last in line if you ever need service/repair. If you buy Echo then make sure you buy it from a real Echo dealer.

However most Stihl dealers are also service centers so you'll typically get decent service if needed.

For lower end homeowner class chainsaws I actually prefer Echo. I'm underwhelmed with Stihl's lower end homeowner saws. The Stihl pro grade saws are excellent though.

Agree Dave, I purchased a MS170 and it is ****. Hard to start, needed a new clutch and I was not impressed. The pro line is excellent but as stated the homeowner is cheaply made and they rely on the Stihl name.