If your regular jobs include logging, cutting firewood, limbing and bucking, trimming, or milling, then a reliable and powerful chainsaw is necessary. And when the job asks for the best, Echo chainsaws are a popular choice. That’s why we are here with 5 of the best Echo chainsaw reviews and a buying guide to help you find and decide which one is the best choice for you.
For close to a half-century, Echo power products have been around. And they are very well-known in the timber industry because of their reliability. In addition, they have a reputation for providing top-class performance.
You are looking for Echo chainsaw reviews to decide which one to buy if you are here. So keep reading to find out the best Echo chainsaw that can cut your wood.
Top 5 Best Echo Chainsaw Reviews 2023
1. Echo CS 590 Chainsaw
The first product on this list is if not the best, then one of the best Echo chainsaw. The Echo CS-590 is a gas-powered, rear handle chainsaw that is equipped with a 20″ blade.
To put it lightly, this product is an absolute beast of a chainsaw. It has a large professional grade 59.8cc, 2 stroke engine that is powerful enough for felling even the strongest trees. When it comes to handling, however, this is certainly not the lightest of chainsaws. The CS-590 weighs just under 17 pounds, but it also comes with the extra power you would expect from a bigger product.
As far as usability, this powerhouse works like a dream. Chainsaws are infamous for the difficulty they cause during start, as sometimes it is hard to pull the cord with the proper amount of force. The CS-590 features a decompression valve that makes starter rope pulling easier. It releases the pressure from the valve, which makes it easier to start when you pull the cord. Also, a built-in purge pump injects that extra bit of fuel that gives you a clean start every time.
This chainsaw does a fairly decent job when it comes to minimizing vibrations, and considering how powerful it is, this is a big deal. Of course, no chainsaw is completely vibration-free, so it’s a necessary evil.
It also has an automatic chain oiler that keeps the chain links nicely lubricated. It has a decent capacity fuel tank that can provide enough power and won’t leave you high and dry in the middle of a job.
To sum it up, the CS-590 comes with very few negatives as far as quality and performance go. Other than the weight, the only deal-breaker could be the price. Echo chainsaws are high-class products, so it makes sense that they would cost you some top price. However, this steep price is also getting you a 5 year extended warranty, which is much more than that available from most other manufacturers.
SPECIFICATIONS
| BRAND : | ECHO |
|---|---|
| ITEM DIMENSION : | 20 × 13 × 11 INCHES |
| ITEM WEIGHT : | 13.2 LBS |
| BAR LENGTH : | 18-24 INCHES |
| POWER : | 59.8CC |
| WARRANTY : | 5 YEAR |
2. ECHO CS 271T Chainsaw
The Echo CS-271T is an excellent chainsaw from Echo. It has a sturdy construction, which ensures excellent durability. It weighs around 6 pounds, making it an extremely lightweight option. It is an ideal power tool for small limb trimming jobs. This small chainsaw is powered by a 26.9cc, 2-stroke gas power engine. This engine generates enough power to deal with light-duty jobs.
The chain bar is 12 inches long with an accompanying heavy duty chain. And the capacity of the fuel tank is 8.1 oz, which can store just enough fuel to keep you working for prolonged hours. Its fuel tank capacity is good enough to not make you stop working to refuel frequently.
One of the best user-friendly features of this chainsaw is its anti-vibration mechanisms built-in into its top handle. It is a feature that you will appreciate if you need to work for prolonged hours with a chainsaw.
The inertia brake and lanyard clip on the chainsaw improve safety during operation. And as it is extremely lightweight, it is easy to carry around your property. The throttle lockout switch and i-30 starting system make it easy to startup every time you use the chainsaw.
You also get a purge bulb and automatic oilers for optimal efficiency. The clutch-driven oiler makes sure the chain get the optimal amount of lubrication at all times, preventing the saw from binding and overheating the chain. Now let’s sum up the echo cs-271t review with its pros and cons.
SPECIFICATIONS
| BRAND : | ECHO |
|---|---|
| ITEM DIMENSION : | 12 × 10 × 10 IN |
| ITEM WEIGHT : | 11 POUNDS |
| BAR LENGTH : | 12 INCHES |
| POWER : | 26.9 CC |
| WARRANTY : | 5 YEAR |
3. Echo CS 310 Chainsaw
This Echo CS 310 chainsaw is another great lightweight machine. If you are looking for lightweight chainsaws, this one should be in your consideration. It weighs 8.8 pounds dry weight and 10.3 pounds with a tank full of fuel. This product is light enough to maintain your handiness.
And its 30.5cc engine combined with the 14-inch bar, this chainsaw provides the operator with smooth and stable power. These features make it easy to tackle light to medium-duty tasks. It comfortably prunes, trim, and clear brushes from your property. You may not be able to fell a tree using this saw. You will need a bigger one for that kind of task. But for what it’s worth, this is a pretty great saw.
Another sweet feature of this saw is its anti-vibration handle. This feature helps to minimize fatigue during use. It also has a G-Force Air Pre-cleaner feature that prevents large sized debris from entering the air filter, which helps to prolong the lifespan of the tool. And like many other Echo chainsaws, it has an auto oiler and an inertia-activated brake chain that stops the blades as soon as you cut power.
The chain tensioner is convenient to reach so that you can easily adjust the tension to minimize chain wear. “i-30 starting technology” is another one of its great features, which is common in Echo chainsaws. It’s a starting mechanism that helps you to start the engine with minimal effort. It will help the engine start most, if not all of the time.
SPECIFICATIONS
| BRAND : | ECHO |
|---|---|
| ITEM DIMENSION : | 24 × 15 × 15 IN |
| ITEM WEIGHT : | 6.42 POUNDS |
| BAR LENGTH : | 14-16 IN |
| POWER : | 30.5 CC |
| WARRANTY : | 5 YEAR |
4. Echo CS 400 Chainsaw
At the start of this Echo cs-400 review, it can be said that it is another testimony of the excellent quality chainsaws from Echo. The chainsaw combines features, clever design, and power boosters to produce a reliable outdoor tool in terms of power generation and performance.
For lighter cutting tasks, you don’t need a heavy-duty chainsaw. And that proclamation rings true when it comes to this chainsaw. It is equipped with a 40.2cc 2 stroke engine, and its dry weight is 10.1 pounds. The CS-400 is relatively less powerful than the Timber Wolf above, but that’s not necessarily a disadvantage.
Because the overall weight of the CS-400 is lighter. A heavy saw can tire out even the strongest operators much more quickly than lighter ones. So if you require a lighter saw or if you are a beginner to wood-cutting, you will find this saw much safer and easier to operate.
The saw comes in two different bar lengths. In order to maximize the value of the saw, it is recommended to use the 18-inch. Just like a few other models mentioned above, this one is also easy to start and has Echo’s i-30 starting system. You will be up and cutting wood in just a pull or two.
Before you make your decision, remember, this might not be the best option for you if you plan on tearing through large-diameter hardwood all day. In that case, this can be used as a backup, but the CS-400 is best suited for small trees, branches, and limbs or breaking down larger cuts made from a superior chainsaw.
SPECIFICATIONS
| BRAND : | ECHO |
|---|---|
| ITEM DIMENSION : | 26 × 16 × 14 IN |
| ITEM WEIGHT : | 10.1 POUNDS |
| BAR LENGTH : | 16-18 IN |
| POWER : | 40.2 CC |
| WARRANTY : | 5 YEAR |
5. Echo CS 490 Chainsaw
The last one on the list is Echo cs-490 review. This particular model delivers some serious power. This chainsaw is good for advanced or professional users that know how to handle a chainsaw. The power this machine offers can take care of the more demanding jobs and operating conditions with ease.
The ECHO CS-490 comes with a 50.2cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine, this combines with a 20-inch bar and provides sufficient power for logging and tree felling jobs. The engine has enough durability to take care of milling and heavy timer jobs as well. In the 400-series, the Echo 490 is equipped with the most powerful motor and can handle almost anything you can throw at it with ease.
The 20-inch power bar can tear through hardwood easily, and the handle gives you excellent user control as you power through the material. The machine features a rubber grip for ergonomic control of the machine during operation and a dual post chain that has a brake handle.
The Echo 490 weighs at 10.6 lbs., making it one of the lightest saw in its class. The reduced-effort starting system allows you to start it effortlessly. And the G-Force air filter makes it easy to maintain as well as prolong the lifespan of the machine.
This is a great chainsaw that is suitable for homeowners, large landowners that have a lot of tree work, firewood cutters. The Echo CS-490 is a professional-level machine that works in industrial conditions as well.
SPECIFICATIONS
| BRAND : | ECHO |
|---|---|
| ITEM DIMENSION : | 37 × 10.43 × 13.19 IN |
| ITEM WEIGHT : | 18.7 POUNDS |
| BAR LENGTH : | 16-20 IN |
| POWER : | 50.2 CC |
| WARRANTY : | 5 YEAR |
Echo Chainsaw Buying Guide:
If you are purchasing a chainsaw for the first time, you might not be familiar with what you need to look for when choosing one. But that’s ok. We got you covered.
Before selecting a chainsaw, ask yourself these questions to determine which one is the best for your needs.
For What Purpose are you buying a Chainsaw?
Not everyone is a professional logger. And that means not everyone needs to have the worst and most giant chainsaw around. Sure, it may seem cool at first, but soon you will find out how exhausting it can be to cut small trees with a full-sized chainsaw.
That’s why you need to determine what you will use it for. For example, if you are going to be cutting firewood, by all means, go for one of the Echo Timber Wolf options. That is what they are best for. But if you need a saw for smaller tasks, feel free to use the right tool for the job.
Lighter chainsaws offer an excellent level of control that heavier-duty saws just can’t.
Required Bar Length
In our Echo chainsaw reviews, we’ve mentioned the bar length of each chainsaw. This chainsaw length is where the chain wraps around. No matter how robust your chainsaw is, if the bar is shorter, you are just not going to be able to feel a giant tree.
The same can be said about a 24-inch bar while doing some light pruning work. That is just absurd. It’s completely inefficient and unsafe. When it comes to chainsaws, longer is not always the optimal choice. Sometimes what you need is less length.
What Safety Features should you Look for?
Like every other power tool, chainsaws are naturally dangerous. It’s a bladed chain powered by a gas-powered engine specifically designed to tear through hardwood. But that doesn’t mean they are not integrated with safety features that minimize the danger of operation or can’t be operated safely.
Here are a few safety features that you should be looking for when selecting your next chainsaw:
- Front Handguards – This prevents your hands from accidentally slipping forward and falling on the blade.
- Safety Throttles – If the trigger has become accidentally stuck by an obstruction, this prevents the saw chain from operating.
- Chain Brakes – These are automatic kill-switch that stop the movement of the chains immediately in the event of improper operation or kickback.
- Chain Catcher – If you don’t keep an eye on the chain tension of your chainsaw, there is a good it could jump or derail. Chain catchers are there to protect the operator in such situations.
- Mufflers – These serve a couple of purposes. First, when the chainsaw produces hot exhaust gases, they redirect it from the operator. And secondly, they decrease the chainsaw’s noise level.
- Scabbards – A scabbard is used when transporting or storing a chainsaw. A plastic guard covers the bar/chain of the saw to prevent accidental damage to the chain itself or people who may come in contact with a sharpened chain.
Who makes the Echo Chainsaws?
A Japanese company called Yamabiko Corporation manufactures Echo chainsaws. The company’s headquarters are in Japan. The company has been in existence since 1947, but it was under another name, Kioritsu, which then, in the year 1971, changed to Kioritz. However, 1978 was the year when the first Echo brand of chainsaws was produced with the famous orange casing.
Echo vs Husqvarna Chainsaws
Echo vs. Husqvarna chainsaw is a common topic of dispute among chainsaw enthusiasts.
The Echo Company prides itself in manufacturing both top handle chainsaws and rear handle variants. All of their products are made to achieve the utmost durability and precision.
To ensure optimum performance and long-term reliability, Echo offers a variety of features with its chainsaws. Their chainsaws have a filtration system that produces sizable cooling air. The air filters are either made of felt or pleated to stop dirt and other unwanted elements from entering and compromising the engine.
Furthermore, to provide comfort to the user despite the intensity of the operation, Echo chainsaws have their vibration reduction systems. And thanks to electronic ignition, activating this power tool isn’t difficult at all.
On the other hand, Husqvarna is a company known for investing money and time in research and development. With adequate determination and brilliance, Husqvarna has created its own patented Low Vib System. This anti-vibration system absorbs a significant portion of the vibration, keeping both your hands and arms comfortable enough for continuing sawing.
This brand also has to choke/stop control for quick activation. Husqvarna uses the Air Injection Centrifugal air cleaning system compared to Echo’s air filtration system. And Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine generates massive power while being less harmful to the environment. This engine reduces both the exhaust emission levels and the fuel needed to operate the chainsaw.
FAQ’s
Why should I choose Echo?
The echo is a professional choice when choosing reliable equipment for the job. If professionals who earn their money using them are willing to trust these tools, then it must say a lot about the machine’s functionality and the quality of the design.
What’s the history of the Echo brand?
Founded in 1972, the Echo brand is a North American power tool company. Over the last near-fifty years, the brand has been providing users with professional, high-quality chainsaws and power tools.
How do I maintain my chainsaw?
Most Echo chainsaws don’t require much maintenance. However, you should check and clean the gas and air filters from time to time. And when filling up, remember to put oil in the gas. Your Echo chainsaw should be with you for long, hassle-free service life.
Final Thoughts
Although they aren’t the most popular chainsaws around, Echo chainsaws are great options for domestic and professional arborists. These products are packed with excellent features to lessen your burden while keeping you safe.
They are, therefore, a brilliant investment to make because of their power to weight ratio. In addition, they are easy to handle and will behave nicely in their service.
By now, you should have a clear understanding of what you want or need from these best echo chainsaw reviews. The chainsaws mentioned above suit different operator styles and experiences. I hope you find the one that is best suited for you.
