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

Chainsaw dilemma

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Satchmo1960, Apr 13, 2018.

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  1. Satchmo1960

    Satchmo1960

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    Hey all...I’m new to this forum.. I have acreage with lots of trees and lots of wood on the ground...I have a Stihl 180 but way too much work for it..I have read other forums and was thinking between Stihl M260 or an Echo CS 590. Why is the Stihl so much more and Echo gives a 5 year warranty...Don’t mean to start another war on brands but I have to start somewhere. I heat with wood and will be using the saw quite a bit.
    Thanks and looking forward to all the discussions here...Next will be advise on a fireplace insert...Lol
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2018
    Satchmo1960, Apr 13, 2018
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  2. Blstr88

    Blstr88

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    I can't speak to Echo at all...but I have an MS260 and 261 (the 261 is the modern equivalent, if you're buying new it'll be the MS261) and i personally think they're one of the best all around firewood saws out there. Plenty of power to get you through anything you need to cut and light enough not to wear you out.

    Lot of guys running Echo's too though, they'll be someone to comment on them shortly. I dont know much about Echo but they seem like a great brand that comes with a little bit of savings over the Stihl. I would speculate a lot of the price difference comes from the name "Stihl" and the fact they're German chainsaws.
     
    Blstr88, Apr 13, 2018
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  3. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Welcome Satchmo1960. Difference between the Stihl an the Echo is dealer availability. But we have good echo dealers on this forum. So if you're not afraid of turning a wrench you should be good to go.
     
    Canadian border VT, Apr 13, 2018
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  4. Loon

    Loon

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    Zoom Zoom!:coldone:

    [​IMG]
     
    Loon, Apr 13, 2018
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  5. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Welcome to the forum Satchmo1960

    Stihl is definitely one of the best brands that hold up extremally well and good dealer support. We have several echo guys on the forum too and they love their saws. I'd suggest going with whatever dealer you like best and is close.

    I have a Stihl 180 and it is my goto saw when working on the small stuff like tops and many times I have to trim out a pathway to get to the wood we want to cut. Also for keeping trails open. I like it because it is so lightweight yet does a good job of cutting. My other saw right now is a 290. I just don't need anything larger as we don't have many big trees. The biggest I've cut with the 290 is 33" diameter and I use only a 16" bar but do also have a 20" bar that I still have not yet put on.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Apr 13, 2018
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  6. M2theB

    M2theB

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    IMG_0768.JPG
    Keep an open mind!

    Welcome aboard!
     
    M2theB, Apr 13, 2018
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  7. Loon

    Loon

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    Garant pulpers hook
    Husky 346XP, 346XP, 353/346xp, 550xp, 562XP
    Homelites Super EZ Auto's
    Polaris 500 HO Sportsman
    Yutrax duelly trailer
    """Timber wolf"""" :yes: :coldone:
     
    Loon, Apr 13, 2018
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  8. CoreyB

    CoreyB

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    Lots of good saws. Available. I feel stihl charges extra for nothing more then the name. Echo makes a very reliable and easy to work on. How big of wood are you cutting. May help narrow down what size may fit best. I will have to throw out a Dolmar 6100. Hard to beat that 6100.
     
    CoreyB, Apr 13, 2018
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  9. Brian72

    Brian72

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    The Echo 590 is probably the best buy on the market. It'll give you more power but it's also a little heavier. The 261 is also a great saw and lighter but more money. Try to handle them both. Really can't make a bad choice.

    Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk
     
    Brian72, Apr 13, 2018
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  10. jerhurt

    jerhurt

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    If you have a dealer close by go and pick them both up and see how they feel in your hand. Both are good name brands. I don’t think you will be disappointed with whatever you decide to buy. Just keep in mind the Stihl is a pro saw where the echo is more like a semi pro it will act different in performance.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    jerhurt, Apr 14, 2018
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  11. JB Sawman

    JB Sawman

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    Welcome !! the best thing you can do if possible is test run the saw you want to buy there is several woodsmans days in your state and they always have demos at my shop i have several demo saws and I always am willing to demo a saw just show up at any good saw shop with proper gear and many will let you demo if they wont let you demo at least try saws in your hand for balance weight etc
    just remember you will always hear many opinions but they all break down at some point so support is the most important thing
    good luck:thumbs:
     
    JB Sawman, Apr 14, 2018
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  12. Loon

    Loon

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    Loon, Apr 14, 2018
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  13. Satchmo1960

    Satchmo1960

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    Ya like the Timber Wolf huh ???
     
    Satchmo1960, Apr 14, 2018
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  14. Satchmo1960

    Satchmo1960

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    B View attachment 164030
     
    Satchmo1960, Apr 14, 2018
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  15. Satchmo1960

    Satchmo1960

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    A small pile I have to cut
     
    Satchmo1960, Apr 14, 2018
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  16. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    Welcome Satchmo1960! A louie Armstrong relative? :yes: Great man he was! Anyway, Here's my input... I'm no great chainsaw mechanic but go with what works for you, availability and access to parts. I won't beat on any of the major brands because they all are good and some have their quirks! I have the Stihl 180 and the shut down/choke lever keeps popping out of the snap area and it P!$$es me off to no end when it does it:hair::headbang:. But it's a great little saw and runs great. I got a friend who is an Echo NUT! :wacky::loco: :crazy: and swears God himself created them. I had a old Husky years back that ran good and cut well. "when I could get it started"... I was just to lazy to work on the carburetor so I really can't blame the saw. :whistle: My point here is, whats the most convenient for you. They all make quality stuff so I would stay with one of the big 4. :)
     
    WeldrDave, Apr 14, 2018
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  17. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    Here's a couple of what I use, "missing a couple" in there... DSCN1578.JPG
     
    WeldrDave, Apr 14, 2018
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  18. Dakota Hoarder

    Dakota Hoarder

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    Looks like you have some pretty large rounds there. If you will be regularly cutting rounds that are 20"+ I would recommend a saw that can handle a 24" or longer bar. Of course that depends on your budget. Since you have a 180 that would put you on a good two saw plan.

    My recommendation is a Stihl 461. If your are patient you might have good luck looking for a nice used one.
     
    Dakota Hoarder, Apr 14, 2018
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  19. trail twister

    trail twister

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    I have 3 huskys from a 1977 to a 2010 55 to 65 CC's and they are good saws. The good dealer in town retired and sold out to some Jerk just up from a gutter some place. Drove 45 minutes away in 2004 to buy a Jred 55 CC saw and found I didn't care for that dealers service either.

    Finally was after a part for my Simplicity lawn tractor I see the dealer now sells Echo. I am looking for a 40cc saw for limbing. Next thing you know I am walking out of ther store with a new CS 400 saw and a better deal 10% vetrans discount than Home depot will give you. They started the saw and set the jetting for this area, told me to bring it back after 5 gallons of fuel thru it for more adjustment if needed.

    About two months later I went to visit a friend and he had a new timbewr wold 59CC Echo saw from the same dealer.
    My next 60 CC saw will be a Echo 590 with a 5 year warranty.

    I also have a sthl saw, don't tell to many people I have that piece of crap though.

    [​IMG]


    :D Al
     
    trail twister, Apr 14, 2018
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  20. Loon

    Loon

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    Loon, Apr 14, 2018
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