John_Mc
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2001
- Messages
- 4,563
- Location
- Monkton, Vermont
- Tractor
- NH TC33D Modified with belly pan, limb risers & FOPS. Honda Pioneer 520 & antique Coot UTV
I usually buy pro-level chainsaws. The Husqvarna 460 and 465 are their mid-level saws. I don't own one, but have used them on a number of occasions. If I were choosing between the Husqvarna 460 and the Echo CS-590, I'd take the Echo without hesitation (and I'm generally a Husqvarna fan). The CS-590 is closer to the Husky 555 or the old Husky 359 (both of which I'd favor over over the 460 or 465). That CS 680 is almost 1.5 pounds heavier than the Echo 590 or the Husky 460, and more than a pound heavier than the 465. That may not seem like much, but it adds up when you are hauling a saw around all day.
I searched some old literature I had and found the Echo CS-590 was rated at that time (5 years ago) at 3.89 HP. I found a few internet references listing that same HP rating. This puts it just about midway between the Husky 460 and 465, and for less money than either of them (and in my opinion, a little better construction). Plus the Echo comes with a 5 year warranty.
I would not get too hung up on minor differences in HP. HP does not tell the whole story. It's one indicator, but in big wood, Torque (and RPMs at peak torque) is a big factor. In the real world, how well you sharpen a chain will make a MUCH bigger difference in cutting time than the HP differences between any of these three saws.
In reality, any of these saws will do what Farmer2009 wants them to do: handle a 20" bar relatively easily, and get away with a 24" bar on occasion (perhaps with a bit of patience and a nicely sharpened chain). All of them are like night and day compared to the CS-400 you have been using.
Really, the only thing that would scare me off of the CS-590 would be if there were no good servicing dealers in your area. However, Echo has a well established dealer network. I'm sure they've got a couple, but you'd have to ask around if they are any good. I'd also recommend buying it from the dealer who will service it. You may save a couple bucks buying from a big box store, but you can;t beat the goodwill of a good dealer (plus, you are helping keep them in business).
I searched some old literature I had and found the Echo CS-590 was rated at that time (5 years ago) at 3.89 HP. I found a few internet references listing that same HP rating. This puts it just about midway between the Husky 460 and 465, and for less money than either of them (and in my opinion, a little better construction). Plus the Echo comes with a 5 year warranty.
I would not get too hung up on minor differences in HP. HP does not tell the whole story. It's one indicator, but in big wood, Torque (and RPMs at peak torque) is a big factor. In the real world, how well you sharpen a chain will make a MUCH bigger difference in cutting time than the HP differences between any of these three saws.
In reality, any of these saws will do what Farmer2009 wants them to do: handle a 20" bar relatively easily, and get away with a 24" bar on occasion (perhaps with a bit of patience and a nicely sharpened chain). All of them are like night and day compared to the CS-400 you have been using.
Really, the only thing that would scare me off of the CS-590 would be if there were no good servicing dealers in your area. However, Echo has a well established dealer network. I'm sure they've got a couple, but you'd have to ask around if they are any good. I'd also recommend buying it from the dealer who will service it. You may save a couple bucks buying from a big box store, but you can;t beat the goodwill of a good dealer (plus, you are helping keep them in business).
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