In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Echo CS-490

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Reloader, Aug 3, 2025.

  1. Reloader

    Reloader

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    Found a slightly used Echo CS-490 locally and was able to bring it home for $225. Just wanted to see how it would compare to the Shindaiwa models. Hopefully will put it to work on some wood soon.

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  2. BuckeyeFootball

    BuckeyeFootball

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    I gave mine a muffler mod and love it. It's not the most powerful 50cc but at only 10lbs its awesome for long cutting sessions.
     
  3. RCBS

    RCBS

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    Highly recommend the A2 Designs filter setup.
     
  4. tamarack

    tamarack

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    I have a 490. I re tuned the carb. To lean from the factory.
     
  5. Woodtroll

    Woodtroll

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    I have one on my 4910 - I also recommend this upgrade. Not cheap but very effective, way better than those oiled foam contraptions.
     
  6. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    I concur. I plan on not having oiled foam filters on a saw ever again. They work excellent at filtering but a hassle to deal with come maintenance time.
     
  7. ImGunnar

    ImGunnar

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    Ive been looking at getting one for my 4910, what exactly are the benefits of the filter upgrade?
     
  8. Woodtroll

    Woodtroll

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    The upgrade uses an Echo pleated “paper” cartridge filter, from either the CS-400 or 450, if I remember correctly. No chance of air leaks (if installed correctly, of course) and a much larger surface area with an easy-to-clean filter.

    This is a well thought out design, very clean, easy to install, and looks factory. Reversible if you decide you don’t like it.

    He makes a kit for the Echo 590/620 also. It is also very nice. I bought that one first, and liked it enough to buy this one for my 4910.
     
  9. ImGunnar

    ImGunnar

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    I’ve been looking at it for a while and it does look very “clean”

    I was just wondering if the bigger air filter increased performance or anything
     
  10. RCBS

    RCBS

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    For me it was to eliminate the fines I was finding in the intake boot. I tried all the tricks with the OEM filter and even tried the mesh one from Shindaiwa.
     
  11. Woodtroll

    Woodtroll

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    I can’t say. I put this on my saw at the same time I removed the short bolt-in baffle pipe and opened up the external baffles on the removable plate on the muffler, and I do think it has a little more speed and power after retuning, but I have no objective measurements to back this up. My reasoning was more air in and out should help the saw run a little cooler, and if it’s more powerful that’s good too. But I certainly won’t claim this filter alone gave me 1000 fps more chain speed. LOL But I do think it filters much better, which was my reasoning for purchasing it.
     
  12. HammerheadC4

    HammerheadC4

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    Nice saw and a great price!
     
  13. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    Interested in your review of it over time .
     
    metalcuttr, RCBS, T.Jeff Veal and 2 others like this.
  14. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    X2...it does a great job of filtering, way more cut time before needing cleaning. Our 4910 got the XS treatment ran it with stock filter first. I could tell a difference. We also got the complete package (both solid and vented risers)
    Vented riser looks great on that saw.
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    Last edited: Aug 23, 2025
  15. RCBS

    RCBS

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  16. RCBS

    RCBS

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    I didn't go the full package because muh sow is only stock.
     
  17. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    It will still help it.