If you’re looking to add a new chainsaw to your arsenal of tools, you may feel a little overwhelmed.
There are dozens of things to consider, ranging from the tool’s power source to its blade length and level of maintenance. On top of that, you have to figure out what brand to go for.
Here, we’ll focus on one brand, whose chainsaws come highly recommended. The Echo line of chainsaws is not only revered for exceptional cutting performance but also durability. Here’s a detailed analysis of the best Echo chainsaws.
Reviews of the 5 Best Echo Chainsaws
1. Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw
Have you been hunting the best Echo chainsaw that has all the bells and whistles? If you have, the Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw is the perfect fit for you.
This saw boasts a refined design that makes it incredibly simple to use. For instance, the air filter is easy to access. All you need to do is unscrew a nut on the back, and you’ll be able to access the filter.
It's also fitted with a decompression valve, making it easier to pull the rope and get your chainsaw up and running.
Another area where the CS 590 excels is in cutting performance. It’s powered by a gigantic 59.8cc 2-stroke engine that churns out up to 4HP.
This gives you enough power to tackle some of the toughest jobs. Better yet, it has a 24-inch chain bar length, resulting in a cutting diameter of up to 40 inches. And with a 21.8-ounce fuel tank capacity, you can expect it to last a long time before requiring a refill.
The oiling system on the Echo CS 590 chainsaw is driven using a clutch, which makes it easily adjustable. This, in turn, enables you to reduce the chainsaw’s oil consumption.
With such a powerful chainsaw on your hands, it helps if it has safety mechanisms included. Fortunately, the CS 590 has no shortage of these.
For starters, it has a low kickback chain and bar, designed to reduce the risk of kickback. It also has an automatic chain brake that stops the chain on its tracks. Also, on-board are front and rear hand guards that protect the operator’s hands from any flying debris.
There's also an anti-vibration handle that helps in reducing the intensity of vibrations. This allows you to work comfortably, and for longer.
Pros
Cons
Looking for a chainsaw that is a little more compact than the CS 590 Timber Wolf? If you are, you’ll be impressed with the Echo CS 310 Chainsaw.
The saw measures 39.5” by 11.5” by 12.2”. More importantly, it tips the scales at 8.8 pounds, resulting in a fairly lightweight piece of machinery. It’s made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, making it one of the most suitable chainsaws to use for overhead cutting applications.
Despite its compact profile, the Echo CS 310 chainsaw doesn’t compromise on power. It has a 30.5 cc 2-stroke engine displacement, providing ample cutting power.
Sure, this engine is less powerful than that of the Timber Wolf chainsaw but it still has enough muscle to slice through dense wood. And, it’s able to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
The bar length of the CS 310 is about 16 inches. It means you’ll have plenty of cutting power at your disposal.
We also like that this chainsaw works at a fairly high speed. During our tests, it averaged just slightly less than five seconds for each cut.
Unfortunately, it produced a rather high noise level, reaching up to 90 decibels. Due to this, you’ll want to ensure that you’re armed with hearing protection before you embark on any cutting jobs. For property owners, this means being mindful of the times you run your chainsaw to avoid making noise for your neighbors.
Pros
Cons
Are you searching for the best Echo chainsaw that offers more power but doesn’t necessarily have a high price tag attached to it? If you are, the Echo CS 400 is the ultimate choice.
With regards to design, this chainsaw has almost identical features to the CS-370 model. You get a 40.2cc engine along with an adjustable and automatic chain oiler. The oiler allows you to match the varying cutting conditions you encounter outdoors.
Another area where the CS 400 chainsaw excels is the filtration system. It has an automotive-kind air filter that provides superior filtration. It’s also fitted with Echo’s renowned G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner, which minimizes the frequency for air filter maintenance and helps to extend its life.
Gas-powered chainsaws have a rep of being difficult to start. Thankfully, this chainsaw sports the i-30 starting mechanism that reduces the effort required to start it by up to 30%.
To add to this, Echo CS 400 also touts a cold weather by-pass. What this feature does is make it easier to start your piece of machinery when the weather turns cold.
Now, the particular CS 400 that we’re reviewing here has an 18-inch bar length, allowing you to get more work done in a shorter time. But if you don’t need as long a guide bar, then you can opt for the one that comes with a 16-inch bar.
Echo designed this chainsaw with ergonomics in mind. This explains why the rear handle is completely enclosed to provide a better grip. There’s even a step plate to place your foot on so that you can kick start the engine with ease.
Pros
Cons
Do you prefer a top handle chainsaw? If you do, you should check out the Echo CS 271T model.
It’s one of the lighter and more affordable saws from this brand, making it a particularly great choice for those with a limited budget.
Like the CS 400, this chainsaw boasts an i-30 starting system. This significantly reduces the amount of effort you have to put in to get your machine up and running.
More importantly, it employs Echo’s legendary G-Force air pre-cleaner. This is the part that gets rid of all the dust and debris before it enters the engine. In doing so, it extends the engine’s life and minimizes the frequency of cleaning.
Conducting maintenance on-site is made simple thanks to the automatic, adjustable oiler. This ensures that the moving parts of the chainsaw are always well-lubricated so as to maximize your cutting performance.
Another feature that contributes to the ease of maintaining this chainsaw Echo CS is the easily-accessible filter. The rear-mounted air filter cover is pretty easy to get to, in case you want to replace or clean the filter.
Moreover, it has a side access chain tensioning system. This way, it's easy for you to access this feature and adjust the tension of your saw accordingly. Also on-board this piece of equipment is a dual post chain brake. This is great for enhancing your safety when using the saw.
The only downside is that it has a rather short chain bar length. It's 12 inches long, resulting in limited cutting power and capacity.
Pros
Cons
Looking for the best Echo chainsaw that's affordable but still suitable for professionals? If so, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Echo CS 490 Professional Grade Chainsaw.
On top of being cheap, the CS 490 professional grade is surprisingly light. Usually, the more powerful a gas chainsaw is, the heavier it weighs. With this chainsaw, Echo has managed to keep its weight to a minimum without compromising on power.
In that regard, this saw is equipped with a generous 50.2 cc 2-stroke engine. Factor in the 20-inch bar and you have everything you need to tackle heavy-duty cutting jobs. These features translate to plenty of cutting power, which is why it's regarded as a professional-grade chainsaw.
Another feature you’re like about CS 490 is that it’s relatively easy to start.
As is the case with the latest saws from this brand, this one comes fitted with an ignition system that reduces the amount of effort required to start it. Simply prime your piece of equipment, pull the cord with little effort, and you’re all set.
You will also find it pretty easy to use your chain saw for a prolonged period. This is because its composite handle features an overmold grip designed to contour to your palm and fingers; hence reducing fatigue.
The CS 490 is the kind of chainsaw that you can use all day. As long as you have a steady supply of fuel, this device can run all day without the engine overheating, or worse, breaking down. This is one of the features that makes it suitable for professionals.
Pros
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Echo Chainsaw Brand Overview
If you love buying power tools from this manufacturer, you might be wondering about how the Echo brand all started.
Well, the history of this firm dates back to 1972 when it was founded. At the time, it was known as Kioritz Corporation of America. It adopted its current name, Echo, in 1978.
For nearly half a century now, this company has focused its efforts on developing and manufacturing premium-quality power tools. Interestingly, it hasn’t always been a manufacturer of chainsaws.
In the beginning, this firm dealt with the importation of high-end 2-cycle engines as well as handheld products that were at the time- being manufactured by Kioritz Corporation based in Japan.
But in 1979, the company decided to shift to the engineering and manufacturing sector. So where are Echo chainsaws made you might ask, well its original production plant was located in Wheeling, Illinois.
On that note, Echo prides itself on being among the first manufacturers of lawn care equipment. Their curved shaft GT-200 grass trimmer was a big hit back in the day. Not long after it switched to manufacturing, it decided to expand its inventions to include chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and hand-held blowers.
Currently, the Echo brand sells its products throughout the globe. It has giant stores in Canada, the U.S., Mexico among others.
What Makes Echo Chainsaws Unique
There are a couple of reasons why Echo saws are such a favorite for many woodworkers and arborists. They include:
Weight Balance
Given how powerful a chainsaw is, it helps to know its weight as this determines just how easy or difficult it is to hold.
Thankfully, this line of chainsaws is relatively lighter compared to others on the market. On the lower end, some like the CS 271T weigh as little as 6.6 pounds. On the higher end, we have the CS 8000 that weighs 16.5 pounds, which is lighter than other gas-powered chainsaws.
Easier Starting System
The ease of starting this manufacturer's saws is another attractive feature. Some have a purge bulb that works by circulating fuel around the carburetor. Doing so removes excess air, making it easier to start. Other saws boast a decompression valve, which is also geared towards an easier starting process.
Anti-Vibration Mechanism
It’s no secret that chainsaws produce a fair amount of vibrations. Due to this, using such a piece of equipment for an extended period of time can make you feel overly fatigued.
Fortunately, this brand understands this which is why they include an anti-vibration handle in most, if not all, their products.
Oiling System
Another reason that makes chainsaws Echo truly stand out entails the automatic lubrication mechanism.
Put simply, this system delivers a constant supply of oil to the chain as soon as it starts moving. In doing so, it helps to decrease friction; thus, allowing the saw to operate efficiently.
Safety Features
Regardless of how careful you are when using a chainsaw, there’s always a small risk of suffering an injury. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to check whether the power tool has essential safety features.
Thankfully, the best Echo chainsaw is equipped with several safety mechanisms, namely:
Chain Catcher
Depending on the model, this part will be made of plastic or aluminum. What’s important though is its function, whereby it catches a broken chain to prevent it from hitting an operator.
Chain Brake
As implied in its name, this gadget brings the chain to an immediate halt in the event of a kickback. This feature can be enabled both manually and automatically.
Anti-Vibration Handle Design
If you look keenly, you’ll see that the body of this brand's chainsaw is separate from its handle. This design reduces the amount of vibration that reaches your hands; hence, minimizing fatigue.
Chain Tension
Each of this brand’s saws also boasts a chain tensioning system. This way, you can make simple adjustments to ensure the saw has the correct amount of tension.
Tip Guard
One other safety element that this brand employs is a tip guard. This is typically mounted to the end of the guide bar; hence, reducing the likelihood of kickbacks.
Low Kickback Chains and Bars
Its range of chains and bars are designed for low kickbacks.
Another thing that this manufacturer is keen to do is to offer a safety manual with each of their tools. This is in addition to the instruction manual already included in the package.
How Do Echo Chainsaws Compare to Other Brands?
Echo's cutting tools stack up pretty well against those of other brands. Here’s a brief overview showing how it compares to Stihl chainsaws.
Design
As we mentioned earlier, one area where Echo chainsaws excel is in their lightweight designs.
The manufacturer achieves this by employing a Pro-Fire ignition system, allowing the chainsaw to complete an entire power cycle in just two piston movements. Since the combustion takes place internally, the saw has fewer moving parts, resulting in a more compact tool.
Due to this, this brand's chainsaws are lighter than those of Stihl. However, the weight of Stihl's chainsaws can be attributed to the quality of the components used.
Warranty
With most of its power tools, Echo offers a 5-year warranty for consumers and a 1-year coverage for commercial use.
This is a pretty generous offering, given that Stihl only offers a 1-year warranty for consumers and a 90-day warranty for commercial use.
Price
Echo and Stihl saws are offered at relatively similar prices. So it boils down to the specific features that you regard as a priority.
For instance, if you're looking for maximum cutting power, then focus on the chainsaws' bar lengths. Let's say you're looking for a simple chainsaw that you can use to prune trees or trim branches. Then you'll opt for the brand that offers a chainsaw bar length 14 inches. If you plan to undertake more heavy-duty tasks, then a 20 inch bar is better suited.
How to Take Care of Your Echo Chainsaw
For the most part, Echo chainsaws are among the most durable models. But, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure your power tool lasts even longer. Here’s a guide on how to take care of your Echo chainsaw:
Don’t Run It Dry
As you might have noticed, Echo concentrates on manufacturing gas-powered chainsaws as opposed to electric models.
Since it’s gas-powered, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is continuing to operate it when it’s completely run out of fuel.
When you do this, you force the internal components to work twice as hard. Given that there isn’t any oil to lubricate the moving parts, these elements wear out much faster.
To avoid this, be attentive and take note when your chainsaw has run low on fuel and oil. Once this happens, stop working and refuel it first.
Sharpen the Chain Regularly
Another part of maintaining your chainsaw entails keeping the chain sharp.
If you aren’t certain of whether your chain is sharp enough, take a closer look at how your chainsaw has been working.
Does it have a tendency to release sawdust instead of saw chips? Also, does it feel like it jumps when you try to use it? If you’ve experienced any of these, there’s a good chance that the chain is too dull.
Always Use Fresh Gasoline
One other crucial part of caring for your Echo chainsaw is ensuring that you use fresh gas each time.
Here’s the deal, when gasoline is left unutilized, it can begin to break down in as little of a time as one month.
Once it does, it creates varnish and gums that end up blocking the carburetor, making it difficult to start your machine. To avoid this, add a fresh supply of fuel every 30 days or so. If you don’t intend to use your chainsaw for a while, then drain the remaining fuel before storing it away.
FAQs
Does Echo make a good chainsaw?
Yes, the brand makes chainsaws of exceptional quality.
These tools come equipped with features that make them easy to operate whilst providing the utmost comfort and durability. One such feature is the i-30 system that cuts back on the effort required to start an Echo chainsaw. Most of these saws also feature an automatic chain oiler that offers a great deal of convenience.
What is the most powerful Echo chainsaw?
The most powerful is the Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf. It employs a 59.8cc engine, providing enough power to tackle heavy-duty cutting applications. Also contributing to its exceptional cutting power is the 24-inch bar and chain.
Is Echo chainsaw better than Stihl?
In some aspects, yes, Echo chainsaws have the upper hand. For instance, they’re relatively lighter than most Stihl chainsaws, making them easier to wield.
There’s also the fact that Echo offers longer warranties on its products than Stihl. So if a consumer warranty is an important feature for you, then Echo is the way to go.
Does Echo make a professional chainsaw?
Yes, it does. The brand makes several chainsaws that are powerful and reliable enough to be used by professionals. Good examples include the chainsaw Echo CS 590 and 490.
Both of these chainsaws use really powerful engines. Thanks to these, they can withstand any cutting conditions and they’re well-suited for heavy-duty applications.
Moreover, they include several safety components. This is important given the risks that a professional is exposed to from using such a power tool every other day.
Conclusion
It’s not surprising that Echo chainsaws remain a favorite for many. They’re powerful, easy to use, and reliable.
One of the best Echo chainsaws you can invest in is the CS 590. Powered using a 59.8 cc engine, it’s one of the most powerful models of the batch.
While it’s heavy, it has everything you’d expect from a chainsaw of its caliber. For instance, it uses a 24-inch bar, giving you a decent cutting depth. The clutch-driven oiler is both adjustable and automatic. And there are a ton of safety features on-board, making you feel confident about using this chainsaw.