I'm really liking this echo chainsaw.
- Thread starter ladrones
- Start date
Yeah! Pics of the process. Thats some great looking cuts and lumber.
What species of wood, what the process, what are you using it for?
Im a lowly city boy who has to buy all my rough and milled lumber from the
lumber yards. I would be highly interested in how and why you get this wood.
Also, the other tools used ie mill?
What species of wood, what the process, what are you using it for?
Im a lowly city boy who has to buy all my rough and milled lumber from the
lumber yards. I would be highly interested in how and why you get this wood.
Also, the other tools used ie mill?
psychoclaw84
Well-known member
I have a Echo CS 400 chainsaw and I understand your liking.
All that was needed was elevation adjustment and the saw runs fine, minimal vibration and cuts well.
All that was needed was elevation adjustment and the saw runs fine, minimal vibration and cuts well.
ken w.
Well-known member
I also have a couple of Echo saws and really like them. I think they are the best on the market.
Periodic
Member
good friend of mine owns a small equipment rental shop. He swears by Echo over the likes of Stihl and Husqvarna etc.
5lima30
Well-known member
I have always had Husky's but a couple of years ago I was at our old house and didn't have my Husky with me. I borrowed a friends 14" Echo to cut up some oak limbs that had come down in a storm. I was amazed at the power for such a small and lightweight saw. It was very smooth as well. If I ever get that size saw I would buy an Echo in a minute. For felling & bucking up logs for firewood (bigger saws) I still prefer Husky or Stihl. YMMV.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Love our echo weedeater. They make good stuff.
I'm sticking with the Stihl farmboss for a heavy saw though.
I'm sticking with the Stihl farmboss for a heavy saw though.
firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
- Messages
- 4,185
Doesn't take much to beat homeowner-line Stihls or the Husky junk sold by big boxes. Pro models, on the other hand...
I have a Echo CS 400 chainsaw and I understand your liking.
What size chain does that model run?
That species of wood is douglas fir. The process is to pick the trees you want to cut, cut them down, limb them, drag them to the portable bandsaw mill, process into lumber, turn scraps into firewood.
That load was for a timber frame garage.
psychoclaw84
Well-known member
3/8 pitch
0.050 Chain Gauge
0.050 Chain Gauge
kctyphoon
Banned
I regret my Husqvarna blower/vac purchase... Bought 2, both have the same starting/stalling issues.. My echo string trimmer has been amazing. I shoulda just got theirs.
Looking to purchase a chainsaw. I'm looking and comparing makes and models. Stihl , Hasqvara, Echo. I don't cut trees for a living. I do maintain my yard along with my parents. During several bad storms that was one tool I regretted not having. At one point I purchased an older model McColloch which recently broke down. It was not the greatest but pulled me through yard clean ups. So this is the time to upgrade to a bigger and better saw. I'm looking at atleast a 50 cc model. I would prefer a professional grade model with 18-20 inch bar length. I'm sticking with purchase at a professional equipment supply dealer not a big box store.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
By far the best value saw in this class is the recent Echo CS-590, which is 60 cc and can pull up to a 28" bar. You can get it when on flash sale from Zoro for 30% off, which makes it just over $300 there. A STEAL (misspelling intended) for the price. Professional grade parts, made in Japan, 5 year homeowner warranty. Get a smaller Echo saw later on for trimming and can have a two saw full coverage of most needs. You will pay much more than this for anybody elses, whether Husqvarna, Stihl, or even Dolmar. Dolmar is great value too but much more cost than this Echo from Zoro. - Paul
Cope
Well-known member
I agree. The CS-590 is a pro saw for homeowner pricing.
KMdef9
Well-known member
If you want prograde, an entry level one:
Happens to be my favorite tool.
I own hunting property up north and have been using saws up there for over a decade. Only brands amongst the collection I've seen up there can last 10 hours a day, 2-3 days in a row are Stihl and Husq. Not saying Echo can't, but I've seen Echos, homelites, craftsman and several others have issues. Let alone they all are lacking power. But, you don't need a saw to do that. I think you'd be fine saving the money on an Echo for your casual use.
Happens to be my favorite tool.
I own hunting property up north and have been using saws up there for over a decade. Only brands amongst the collection I've seen up there can last 10 hours a day, 2-3 days in a row are Stihl and Husq. Not saying Echo can't, but I've seen Echos, homelites, craftsman and several others have issues. Let alone they all are lacking power. But, you don't need a saw to do that. I think you'd be fine saving the money on an Echo for your casual use.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
If you want prograde, an entry level one:
Happens to be my favorite tool.
I own hunting property up north and have been using saws up there for over a decade. Only brands amongst the collection I've seen up there can last 10 hours a day, 2-3 days in a row are Stihl and Husq. Not saying Echo can't, but I've seen Echos, homelites, craftsman and several others have issues. Let alone they all are lacking power. But, you don't need a saw to do that. I think you'd be fine saving the money on an Echo for your casual use.
A very and obviously biased opinion. I have a Stihl and it has all kinds of issues. My Echos run circles around my Stihl. Fact, not opinion. If you want prograde for much less than the name you are paying for your Stihl or Husky, get a pro grade Echo with a better warranty than your Stihl. - Paul
KMdef9
Well-known member
Yours is as much of an opinion as mine. As a matter of fact, I never said he should only buy a Stihl, I wasn't being biased at all, not nearly as much as you are. I just shared my experiences, which are facts by the way. The Echos I've seen may have been lemons, and your Stihl could be too. How/where I use mine are unique too. Maybe in another climate on different wood the Echo would outperform my Stihl.
My Stihls have never needed no work, other than maintenance like any saw needs.
How long have Echos been around? How many pros are using Echos? How many competitions are won by Echos?
Anyways, as I said, nothing wrong with Echo. If that's where your budget/need is, buy one. My Stihls were/are expensive and worth every penny. There's not one brand that's the best for everyone. Different tools work differently for different people. How/where/why/when and who uses them makes different experiences for everyone. Keep an open mind.
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pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Extremely biased and not based on facts of any sort. Try a newer Echo made in the last 5 years, not one 30 years old. My 590 will EAT any Stihl of 55 or less ccs for breakfast. Why does Echo have a much better 5 year warranty than your Stihls? Must be junk, as you say, huh? Echos are made of pro-grade components, just like the Stihls are. Made in Japan. Go to YouTube and look at how the 590 blows away the competition in filmed videos of the saws working. - Paul
At an estate auction, I gambled on a non running 80's 550VL, that the chain (what was left of it) looked like it was used to cut concrete.
New Oregon bar and chain, the thing is a real chip throwing ripper. Starts on the third pull and runs until the fuel is gone, each time.
The Japanese know how to build stuff, their chainsaws are no exception, IMO.
New Oregon bar and chain, the thing is a real chip throwing ripper. Starts on the third pull and runs until the fuel is gone, each time.
The Japanese know how to build stuff, their chainsaws are no exception, IMO.
justme-
Well-known member
All the info I have seen, including the echo website itself list coo as USA...IL specifically. Originally a Japanese company and currently a Japanese company's subsidiary, but that doesn't make them Japanese, nor do all Japanese companies make excellent products.
Echo's awesome warranty is only for consumers...pros don't get 5 years.
They do make some really nice units, the issue I see is no one buys those models because few see them. Big box stores don't carry them, only price point models the same as husky, which very soon will have no pro models when the shift to Jonsered being the pro line is completed
To get a pro saw costs big bucks no matter what brand and requires vising a real dealer which is something that not everyone can do, and few people realize is necessary.
Point of fact, up here echo has a hard time because they are viewed as sellouts along with Homelite for being the first to enter into price point agreements with big box home builder stores. Very similar to Homelite back in the 80's.
There are only 2 echo dealers within reasonable drive in my state where husky and Stihl have lots of options and business. Dolmar/makita has no one. Most companies make pro level saws and treated half decent work great. Support and life of product are really what I see as the defining issue for what to buy as a consumer. I have preferences as tech on what I like/dislike working on and why, but that's a separate matter.
Chainsaw brands are like truck brands...arguing yours is better than his or mine is just arguing to argue. Also remember every company wants you to believe it's better than the rest. In some cases it's easy to look at industry numbers or specs for the truth, in other cases there is little way for the truth to be deactivated.
Techs have a good base if they work on multiple brands to base design differences for what brand or model is better, but again, it's like arguing truck brands for anyone else too. The average user, even a pro user will never realize the real differences in brands because they don't see the repairs overall wide enough cross section of the market and brand space.
Buy what you can get support for from a real dealer, and a dealer you trust so you can get honest advice whatever brand that may be.
Just to throw it out there...my go to saw is a prosumer McCulloch from decades ago then a little red Homelite from 1980. I don't own or use any brands in current production or that I repair fora living
Echo's awesome warranty is only for consumers...pros don't get 5 years.
They do make some really nice units, the issue I see is no one buys those models because few see them. Big box stores don't carry them, only price point models the same as husky, which very soon will have no pro models when the shift to Jonsered being the pro line is completed
To get a pro saw costs big bucks no matter what brand and requires vising a real dealer which is something that not everyone can do, and few people realize is necessary.
Point of fact, up here echo has a hard time because they are viewed as sellouts along with Homelite for being the first to enter into price point agreements with big box home builder stores. Very similar to Homelite back in the 80's.
There are only 2 echo dealers within reasonable drive in my state where husky and Stihl have lots of options and business. Dolmar/makita has no one. Most companies make pro level saws and treated half decent work great. Support and life of product are really what I see as the defining issue for what to buy as a consumer. I have preferences as tech on what I like/dislike working on and why, but that's a separate matter.
Chainsaw brands are like truck brands...arguing yours is better than his or mine is just arguing to argue. Also remember every company wants you to believe it's better than the rest. In some cases it's easy to look at industry numbers or specs for the truth, in other cases there is little way for the truth to be deactivated.
Techs have a good base if they work on multiple brands to base design differences for what brand or model is better, but again, it's like arguing truck brands for anyone else too. The average user, even a pro user will never realize the real differences in brands because they don't see the repairs overall wide enough cross section of the market and brand space.
Buy what you can get support for from a real dealer, and a dealer you trust so you can get honest advice whatever brand that may be.
Just to throw it out there...my go to saw is a prosumer McCulloch from decades ago then a little red Homelite from 1980. I don't own or use any brands in current production or that I repair fora living
KMdef9
Well-known member
Once again, my life experiences are FACTS. Just because you don't like them, doesn't make them biased or fiction. Please reread my posts. I am not biased towards, Stihl. As pointed out in my last post, I recommended Echo. I think if you don't have alot of experience behind a saw, you should start with a cheaper one. How does that make me biased? I'm not standing on a soap box like yourself and bashing the competition. Please show me where you have stated facts, you're making claims and assumptions.
No saw of similar caliber is going to "eat mine for breakfast". And guess what, my Stihl isn't going to "eat a saw for breakfast" of similar caliber either. But your definition of breakfast eating may differ from mine.
The Echo was newer, at the time. Didn't keep up with the others. I'm sure there's been situations where the opposite happened. I'm not naive to that idea like yourself.
You know they could have a better warranty because there's a higher chance of failure? It's FACT that that is a possibility. A better warranty doesn't mean it's a better tool, that's another FACT.
Never called all Echo's junk. Just whatever model that was there at the time. I don't remember what it was, I'm sure my cousin doesn't either.
Please link me to the videos. Might be the closest thing to fact you capable of proving. All the pro comps I saw, Echo's weren't being run. But I'm sure you'll be able to dig one up.
Feel free to contribute to the thread instead of just arguing in it.
Biggest FACT of the thread, there isn't one brand that's the best for everyone. Everyone has different needs.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
KM: I am DONE talking to you or listening to anything your biased mind might come up with on this ECHO THREAD. I've used chainsaws for over 30 years. I have about 15 of them, and 3 or 4 are Echos. I have a Husky, a Stihl, and lots of older McCullochs too. I MILL logs with my 590, which is way beyond any firewood saw's workload by far and it holds up fine. I've also posted over 2000 useful relevant posts on GJ where I think you are up to a whopping 28 as I post this to you. Go have fun with your Stihl. Also, newer Echos will blow away those older Echos you are basing your "facts" on. If you haven't even used the product, how can you have facts about said product? And sorry, no manufacturer in their right mind would offer a longer warranty unless the product support costs warrant it. Meaning, it doesn't break much. Echo is 5 years and Stihl is 3. That is a difference worth noting and not indicative of a lousy Echo product. That is non-sensical in every way shape and form possible.
If you can't do a web search using Google to look up the saw's performance in question, you are not being too factual about learning about a saw you've never used, are you? Lazy and opinionated is how I call it. Others can form their own opinion of your facts. Why not try the product before you make blanket false statements about products you have not used? You might be surprised, trade in your overpriced Stihl, and buy TWO 590s instead to replace your one for its cost.
Post Mortem: I'm not impressed either by your sparkly clean workbench. A "real" chainsaw user doesn't have a sparkly clean workbench. Enough said. - Paul
If you can't do a web search using Google to look up the saw's performance in question, you are not being too factual about learning about a saw you've never used, are you? Lazy and opinionated is how I call it. Others can form their own opinion of your facts. Why not try the product before you make blanket false statements about products you have not used? You might be surprised, trade in your overpriced Stihl, and buy TWO 590s instead to replace your one for its cost.
Post Mortem: I'm not impressed either by your sparkly clean workbench. A "real" chainsaw user doesn't have a sparkly clean workbench. Enough said. - Paul
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
Yamabiko, a Japanese company owns Echo and Shindaiwa. If fact, most parts are interchangeable. Shindaiwa is one of the best brands of commercial power tools available, past and present, along with today's Echo products. Echo chainsaws are really well made and their climbing saw's are top notch. While I mostly own Stihl and Husqvarna, I also own some Echo saw's and they're undeniably affordable and reliable. Also, go to an actual mom n pop lawn mower/chain saw shop that sells Echo. Not the same stuff you find in Home Depot. Echo is a professional/commercial brand right there with Stihl and Husqvarna.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Thanks Docktor, excellent post. The 590 by the way is made and assembled over in Japan, though Echo does have US facilities up by Chicago, mostly for emissions testing and certification.
These companies make or made Pro class saws with pro components and all are good: Stihl, Huskvarna, Dolmar/Makita, Echo, (now only vintage McCulluchs). Of these, the best values are the Dolmar and Echos or a used older McCulluch. Some make a better saw than others in a given class, so look at each class saw for comparisons. Older saws are going to be higher torque saws but lower chain speed saws. Newer ones in general are the opposite. High chain speed and lower torque. Either type will cut wood. Higher speed is better for milling type applications.
I also have a cs-310 little Echo at 30.5 cc. It is great for trimming purposes. A wonderful saw. And I have an older gray cs-8000 at 80.5 cc for my bigger milling work. I look at modern Echos as a great replacement for the old vintage McCulluchs for pro quality and value. I still love my old McCulluchs too which will not die 30-50 years on. Many people think of the old Macs as the best saws ever made. I am one of those. But parts are hard to find now. Echos are a good modern replacement. Dolmars are great too, but cost-wise in between Echo and Husky or Stihl. H and S are fine but just pricey for the names you pay for and more extensive dealer networks. Having a local dealer is key for whatever brand as stated here, but if you have a Dolmar or Echo close by, give them a test run for sure. I do most of my own small engine work, so I don't care about dealer support much at all, but do have a local Echo dealer and a Dolmar within 30 miles. - Paul
If I were going to buy a new saw today it would be an Echo. They're the best price/performance spot in the market today. But I'd never buy a new saw anyway ... They're relatively simple to repair and there's an endless supply of used pro saws available in pawn shops, estate sales, ebay, etc.
I use a Stihl ms260 that I gave $120 for. In 3 years I've had to replace the fuel line/filter once.
I use a Stihl ms260 that I gave $120 for. In 3 years I've had to replace the fuel line/filter once.
KMdef9
Well-known member
In case you forgot, this thread was revived by bluejoe, who is in the market for a new saw, not just the Echo, and asked for options. So bringing up something other than Echo was warranted.
Once again, please point out where I was biased. In case you need an example of being biased, read your posts. Every post you have has been biased against Stihl in this thread. You say that Echo is the "best" and runs circles around the competition. I never said that about Stihl. I simply shared my experience, clearly while you don't like it, it' still factual. That's what facts are. If you're still confused, here's webster's definition:
Simple Definition of fact
: something that truly exists or happens : something that has actual existence
: a true piece of information
Here's another tip for you, when presenting an argument, it's your job to do the research, not the oppositions. So if a youtube videos exists of your claims, it's YOUR job to post them, making YOU the lazy one.
When cutting for firewood, my saw runs all day, only stopping for refueling, chain sharpening/tightening/changing and lunch. Cutting for 10 hours is cutting for 10 hours. Doesn't matter what your cutting for, so your point isn't relevant.
Another FACT you're not going to like, post count doesn't determine knowledge or contribution. Sorry to tell you, all of your posts aren't helpful. I.E. the last 2. I've been on several forums, no ones posts are all 100% helpful, mine included.
I didn't make blanket statements that are false. The only blanket statements I made were that one saw doesn't fit everyone's needs. That's a fact on nearly every product that exists in the world, ever. Also, Echo doesn't make flawless saws every time, neither does Stihl, Husq, etc.
It's clear you like to argue. Even though my post count here is currently lower than yours, that doesn't mean I'm new to forums or people like you. It's also clear you don't see you're the one soap boxing here. I've said in each post, the Echo should be the way to go for someone just getting into it. So we can't have conversation about this like adults, because you just want to "yell", and not provide evidence of such claims. If you'd like to provide the things I asked for, please do. I'm not afraid of being proven wrong, but you haven't gotten anywhere near that. Nothing wrong with sharing your experiences. I'm not saying that your Echo, or others, aren't quality saws. But don't say mine isn't when they've run flawless for me for 10 years now.
In response to your "post mortem" comment:
That's a picture of when I first bought the saw, which any experienced user would know and it was on my work bench in the basement, which is IN my house. I'm sorry if your house is a disaster and you live like a slob.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Well then, I think this matter is closed. It seems the "Kool Aid" around here comes in many different flavors. Snap On, Matco, Echo, Stihl, Ford, Chevy, etc etc etc
Hello members. All the posts were very helpful. I'm pretty handy when it comes to repairs on small engines. I looked into a Stihl MS models and a Echo CS 550p type models. I don't understand why the CS 590 is less with a larger cc motor then the CS 550p. Ebay website. Guessing better blade and bar. I also looked on Craig's list. I have looked at several that people were selling and they had burn marks on the bars. Yes only used 3 times Watch out. I will probably buy one new then a used one for backup. I have found myself needing one more and more often. I looked at buying used to save some money. Sometimes you get someone selling an item they purchased new an barely used it. So you try and make a deal. I see Echo has the 5 year consumer warranty. I guess this could be a good thing. Proverb say if it holds out and don't break down for a year it should be good. That's when items came with a one year warranty. Most if not all of the newer chain saws and other 2/4 cycle engines have a lot of emmision control parts added which kill performance. I will check prior chain saw posts. I'm still looking and will get back on my purchase. Thanks to all. Joe
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Joe: You can also get on Arboristsite.com and signup there. I also hang out there in the milling section. Lots of great advice there on all models of chainsaws. On the 590, yes, it is the better buy than the 550p with the larger displacement. The 590 is priced much more competitive than the slightly better 600p model. It is really a unique sweet spot in the Echo lineup. Zoro with 30% off is the best price to get it. You get the 5 year warranty through Zoro, but may or may not through an ebay deal. You also can easily muffler mod the Echo saws, but do it out of warranty period or lose the warranty on the engine part. I did it to my cs-310 as I got that used anyhow and it gave it a good 20% more power and a Harley Davidson like growl ! It is 30.5 ccs! I really really love that little one. Good luck! - Paul
Badasssapper67
Well-known member
I cut wood, forest to fireplace in ID as a young man. My fell'n saw was an old Mac. Now I have an Echo 900 evl. Use it around the farm and Man! What a nice saw!
Well made is an understatement! These saws are seriously under rated. The only saw that I've ever used that was as good or better was a big Shindaiwa.
Well made is an understatement! These saws are seriously under rated. The only saw that I've ever used that was as good or better was a big Shindaiwa.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Joe, feel free to PM me if I can help with any other stuff you have questions about. I like to help people whenever I can. For that matter, I'm sure most anyone who has posted on this thread would be happy to help you via PMs. Or you could always catch me on Arboristsite too.
For any chainsaw, as has been mentioned, USED and older is generally the best buy, regardless of BRAND!! BUT, you have to know how to work on small engines or get them going again and how to tell if the used one is worth buying if you got a used one or it isn't really economical at all. New with a 5 year Echo warranty is a great option for most unless they have those skills or want to learn them. - Paul
For any chainsaw, as has been mentioned, USED and older is generally the best buy, regardless of BRAND!! BUT, you have to know how to work on small engines or get them going again and how to tell if the used one is worth buying if you got a used one or it isn't really economical at all. New with a 5 year Echo warranty is a great option for most unless they have those skills or want to learn them. - Paul
Cato
Well-known member
I'm always impressed by Echo products - I've had their leaf blowers and line trimmer. They are easy to start, durable, and a bargain compared to Stilh. It's awesome that I can get parts like spark plugs and filters from Home Depot and OSH; I hate going to lawn mower shops.