Over the last few years, I have bought three different ECHO's, they come with a five year warranty. I depend on the reliability of my equipment, and these machines have really delivered. I have 2 CS-600p's one with a 20 bar, the other a 16 bar; also have a 500 with a 16 bar, They always start, powerful and the comfort of the 5 year warranty really helps. I also have 2 smaller Stihl's 017 and 250. But if I had to choose, I would pick the ECHO every time. Anyone else have any luck with ECHO chainsaws?
I had a CS-370 for a time about six years ago. Started on the first pull every time and only cost me $150. It responded well to a MM. I ended up giving it to a friend of mine who still uses it.
I bought a new Echo 330 EVL (33cc) in 1987 ........... its now ported and runs better than most 45cc saws, original P&C. When I ported it I put in new hoses, filters, carb kit, and new rings. I have allways used it for limbing - plus firewoodin duty ............. has served me all these years 100% troublefree.
I just bought two Echos, CS-400 18" and a CS-271T 12" for trimming. I have a dealer close by that I like, so I purchased from him. I hope that they hold up like they claim to. Only time will tell.
I have an old CS-510 that I bought a few years ago for $10. Put ~$25 worth of parts on it and it is dead reliable. Really like it.
We had a John Deere saw-made by Echo-from the early 80s. Don't remember the model but it was about 60 cc. Between my father, brother, and I it must have cut 400+ cord of wood-we cut commercially for a few winters. It gave the ghost several years ago.-probably could be rebuilt but we don't need it. If I had a good dealer that sold them I would consider another Echo.
Pallet Pete AND loon are two people who have a passion for Echo like you do. Hopefully they can chime in with their thoughts.
Dex is right I have a straight up love affair with echo saws and equipment... This thread pretty much says it all! They just work... http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/new-cs590-timber-wolf-is-in-review.6077/
IME a saw warranty is only as good as a dealer who'll go to bat for you on enforcing it. Not too many such dealers, unfortunately- they don't make money on warranty work, it seems. Yer warm & fuzzy feeling with 5-yr warranty may be unfounded.
Never owned or tried out an Echo chainsaw but still use my trusty 25 year old Echo GT-1100 weed whacker.. Great tools for the money and made to last..
I'd agree on the warranty that goes with anything.... What sold me was a cs310 I bought it going on 7 years and it has only ever given me one issue the oil filter for the bar oil clogged and that was my fault. I stuck a new one in and away she went. Echo equipment is built to last and at a good price point. I now have 2 weed whips, 3 newer chain saws, a leaf blower, chemical sprayer and a few other smaller items. Everything has stood the test of time and simply works. The warranty can also be covered by you and not a dealer all you do is call the number on the site give them the model number when purchased and what's wrong. They mail you the parts. I only had to do that once on a weed whip when I broke the spark plug boot ( again my fault for dropping it hard ) they didn't even care they just mailed a new boot and I had it and a new plug in 5 days no charge.
I too have had great success with Echo chain saws. I don't use my chainsaw everyday but I do use it 40 to 50 times a year. I have taken the advice from many on this site that know more about the mechanics of Echo saws than me and put those suggestions into practice. I do like Fishnuts2 comparison to that of a Toyota. Really reliable and get it done. If I used a saw everyday there might be something more to my liking but who knows.
I agree Pete I wouldn't hesitate buying Echo either.. Many things I tend to repair myself or break them trying lol.. My recent minor repairs to a $300.00 Hoover self propelled vacuum cleaner is my latest.. Man this thing runs great and parts easy to buy.. Total into it less than $25.00 and this is a HEPA vacuum cleaner I might add! I bought this Hoover at a yardsale for $5.00 with a broken belt lol
The only Echo saw I've had experience with is the wee 280E top handle arborist saw.Christmas gift from the parental units in 1981,barely 8 lbs,just 9000 RPM,with no chain brake or hand guard.Used it all the time when pruning/climbing when I was younger.Don't see much use now,though every couple months or so I'll get it out for smaller stuff.With sharp chipper chain it chews through the toughest white oak or hickory with ease,goes through pine/spruce like its nothing. Main thing is its tough & always reliable.Many years ago it was dropped 25 feet onto grass,mashed up the sheet steel muffler/clutch cover a bit but after straightening that out with a 2 x 4 scrap block & a hammer,it started right up. I also have a 1991 John Deere 260G weedtrimmer made by Echo but yellow,that never fails me also.If the 280E saw ever dies,I'm leaning towards one of their current models such as the CS 355T.I've heard great things about the 590 Timberwolf also,its a beast & pro quality 59cc saw for $400.
i've bought several (mostly vintage) echos lately, i also bought a cs590 to replace my now sold cs600p, got it at cost from my former place of work about a month before i left there, fired it up today just because it hadn't been in a while, i still really like this series of their saws..............
I wouldn't mind having their 1100 sometime - very rare 100cc+ beast,not many were sold & just for a couple years on the west coast.One sold on feebay a year or so back for about a grand.Good luck trying to find parts for it though.
We got a chance to run the Timber Wolf a bit today and I'm gonna stay with the Echo's from now on riks.
