Upgrade Echo CS-400 to ?

Hi,
I'm new to the forum. Bought an Echo CS400 w/ 18" bar from Home Depot last year when a tree fell (safely) in my yard - didn't do a whole lot of research, just needed to get rid of that tree. I'm now scrounging for firewood - cut up a few downed local trees (craigslist finds), maybe about a cord's worth so far. I plan to do a lot more as I plan to get a larger stove. I'm now kinda wishing I got a more powerful chainsaw.

Based on some of my other hobbies, I have G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). I technically don't need a bigger chainsaw, but this is more of a want. I'm looking around the ~50-60cc range. MS271, MS291, CS590. Max budget is probably $500. I probably don't need a 20" bar, but I would like the chainsaw to be able to run one. Reliability is very high on my list.

Any thoughts on what I should get? Again, this is more of a want than a need - but I still can't justify a more expensive pro saw. Are the Stihls really upgrades from the CS400 or are they still mostly plastic? Thanks in advance!

 

Nothing wrong with your echo.. from what I read here they are a good reliable saw... what you got now is a decent 40 cc saw if in your position I would get a 60 cc saw... fordf150 had some good end of season sales that would be good for you

 

18" inch bar on a 40 cc saw I would put a 16" bar on it with a good chain.
16" setup good for limbing a tree once its down.
Then CS590 is said to be a good deal just that the saws are a little heavier but they you wont notice
The difference. I would get the CS590 with a 20" bar.
If you want bigger than a 20" bar like a 24" or 28" , I would go for a 65 to 70 cc saw

 

Did you tear into that muffler yet? That's basically a free power upgrade. Look up muffler mods, or muff mod, you'll find some good info out there.

 

CS590 "Timberwolf". Can be had for $399.99 often. Beast of a saw for a great price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

590 timberwolf....
great buy

 

Welcome to the forum. I just love my Husky 555 but it is probably going to be a bit outside your budget. It is also a 60cc saw that can pull a 24 inch bar if it needs to. Mine normally wears a 20 inch and gets the job done. The Echo saws have a good reputation here but I have not tried one yet.

 

Do a muffler mod and add a 16" bar with a loop of Stihl PS chain to your CS-400, and buy a CS-590. You'll enjoy running these two saws, and have coins left over for safety gear.

 

another option for a good deal is for a factory Refurbished Husqvarana .

HUSQVARNA 455R 20" 56cc Gas Powered Chain Saw Chainsaw - Reconditioned 24761034548 | eBay

 

Thanks for the replies. Got a MS661 ! j/k

I have a $75 gift card to HD, so the CS590 seems like the logical choice. I kinda really wanted a Stihl as it seems like that's what a lot of people run on here...but the value doesn't seem there. The Echo CS590 @ $399 is equal or possibly more powerful than a $499 Stihl (MS291). I looked up used prices on my CS400 and they lower than I expected...so might be better to get a 16" bar and chain and keep both saws. However, if my CS400 is sold and the CS590 takes its place, the wife won't be able to tell the difference...I'm sure she'll think it's the same saw. If she happens to see two saws, ruh roh.

 

MS291 - 56cc clamshell in a plastic chassis $499
Cs590 - 60cc split mag case $399

Alex, I'll take Echo for 400.

Resale on Echo won't be good. The Stihl may go for $400 after 2 years use. Stihl has MUCH better marketing.

 

If your going to Home Depot check the rental department if they have any Makita 6421's for sale. It will be cheaper and have more power. And you will still be able to use your gift card.

 

Did you read that guy's negative feedback? It seems any used equipment is being sold as a factory refurb by him.

 

this is good advice, the muffler mod on my CS400 really was a noticable change. Im pulling an 18" with mine now and it handles it fine....

 

I am very happy with my cs590 with a 20" bar, echos warranty is great and they are a very reliable saw! I would definitely recommend one

 

Ruh row is if you would have really bought a ms661, that would be epic.

 

^ This answer. Full disclosure here, I'm a Stihl guy. Echo builds a high quality saw at a good price. I'd run a CS 590 without any hesitation.

 

What if the MS291 and CS590 were the same price? The resale value thing irks me on the Echo. Echos seem to lose half their value used and I see people selling cosmetically not so pretty CS290s with no bar or chain for $275-$345 on CL (granted, they could be dreaming at that price...I don't know). If I sell my CS400, I can probably get $180 (of $300) maybe.

I talked to a buddy at a Stihl dealer and he said he could do $415 on the MS291, 20" bar with chain...plus an extra chain. If I value the chain at $15, that's basically the same price as a CS590. So I guess it's CS590 with extra 4ccs, better warranty, more pro case vs. MS291 with better resale value and better dealer support. I don't really care about the weight, but the MS291 is about 1lb lighter. I guess there's no "right" answer.

 

Are you going to resale it or run it? I own a late model Victory motorcycle that as of yesterday is no longer being made. I would be all upset except that I bought it to ride it. It is the same with my saw, I bought it to use it. My Stihl 026 is 25+/- years old but I still have it today and it serves as a backup to free my Husky 555 when I get careless.