60cc Saw - Husqvarna 555 vs Echo CS620P

Happy Monday (& avoiding a report)! It seems that much of the free wood around here is 16"-20" in diameter. The smaller logs are quick to go. So I'm wanting a saw that'll run a 24" bar. I have Husky 450e w/18" bar. At first I was thinking a 460 Rancher but that doesn't have much more HP than my 450e. Thinking that I'd stay in the Husqvarna ecosystem, I started looking at their 555 for around $750. But the local dealer is not very local and in a direction that I never go.
As I did my due diligence, I kept coming across good reviews for the Echo CS620P. Which, BTW, is how I discovered FHC. The local lawn mower guy is an Echo dealer & less than a mile from home. The CS620P is around $600 & has a 5 year consumer warranty. Is there any significant reason to Cowboy Up & spend the $150 more for the 555?

 

last summer i asked my local husqvarna dealer what the best bang for your buck chainsaw? he said hands down its echo, I've never ran one but people who do seem to like them

 

The 620p is a great pro saw, in my opinion it's better than the 555.... it's definitely a better value.
I run a 24" bar on my 620 with no issues, in fact I've got a 28" bar I occasionally use on it for bigger logs.
I've ran my 620p side by side with a husky 562xp.... the echo was actually slightly faster on all the timed cuts we made.

 

If the echo dealer is that close and a good rep, no reason not to get it.

 

I have a Makita 6100 and have run my buddy's 562xp. If I were to buy another 60cc saw it would be an Echo.

Who is your Dealer? Pantano has a 1 day sale event coming up tomorrow. Robey's in Manalpan is having one on 4/1. 15% off of any X series products, which the 620 is.

Store Locator | ECHO-USA.com

 

NO

welcome to the FHC

 

I'd say the only reason to do so would be to remain a Husky loyalist. Echo will serve you well, from everyone's experience I hear about here and other places PLUS a 5 year warranty is pretty great.

 

I’d go with the 620 and never give it another thought .

 

I love my 620. Run a 24 on it all the time and have run a 28 once just for grins. It pulled it ok, but is much better balanced with the 24. Has more bottom end grunt than my stihl 361. It is a tad heavier, but bucking firewood I don’t notice it. I did open up the muffler and removed the limiters before it was ever started the first time.

 

MJ's Lawnmowers in Califon. Good service! I have a Poulan 3816 that hadn't run in years, took it to him and instead of getting a lecture on buying big box junk he had it running and back to me in two days.

 

Looks like they do not participate or don't have a 1 day sale scheduled, unfortunately according to Echo website.

 

I picked up a CS620P yesterday. The saw is incredible! I ran it for about 45 minutes after work. It cuts fast & makes rip cuts easy. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to going to get a load of wood, there are some big logs in the pile.

 

I think I you made a good choice. I really like my 620 with 24" bar.

 

Nice!
They get lots better after a dozen or so tanks of fuel.....

 

Yup I run a 24" on mine as well....does great....anything shorter seems outta balance on that saw to me.

 

Great choice! I run a 562xp...but if it ever chunks out..id go 620p in a heartbeat . Great saw. Of coarse..id have to pull limiter caps and muffler mod

 

Thanks !

 

2 & 1/2 months in and I'm really liking the CS620P! I've run numerous tanks of gas through it and it is my go-to saw. It cuts great, isn't too heavy, and is always easy to start. It starts well hot or cold, unlike the Husqvarna 450. The 450 does not like to start when it's hot so doesn't get shut off until it runs out of gas. With the 620 that is never a problem, unless I forget to turn the switch back on.

I am very happy that I didn't waste the extra $ to get the Husqvarna 555 or a 562. In my limited experience the value of the CS620P cannot be touched!!a

 

Curious on your hot start technique. Do you simply pull the cord or do you switch on the fast idle or choke?

 

I don't think 2 strokes like hot starts in general. I suppose some are better at it than others.