20 inch chainsaw recommendation

[Hay Dude]

Having both the Stihl 261c and Echo CS4910 - if they were cars, the Echo is a Honda and the Stihl is a Ferrari. If you want reliable running/easy start, get the Echo. If you want speed cuts and the Stihl name, get the Stihl, but it's finicky about it's start up routine. The Stihl was bought first (per the buy once cry once saying) and someone killed it and had to go into the shop. While there I picked up the Echo "for the meantime". Echo turned out to be a really good saw. Honestly, would have been nice to have bought it first.

Both saws will cut logs - keep them cleaned, lubed, fresh fuel, sharp chain. It's the cutting experience and cost of purchase that are different. I'm not blaming the break down on the Stihl, that was all operator error. But using them head to head for the same jobs, year round in all the 4 seasons, the Echo is much easier to live with.

My 261C starts on the 3rd pull, every time. Reliability has not been an issue. Very easy to start & run.

 

[JJT]

I've had Stihl and Huskies, I switched to Echo ~10 years ago and will never go back.

I'm currently running 3 Echos, small, medium and x-large. For felling and bucking the big stuff, the 680 pro saw is my go to.

 

[Hay Dude]

I think we can all agree the “big 3” and even some of the lesser marketed brands are all fine saws.
OP looking for suggestions on what saw and if he should buy on line, box, store, etc.

OP: I bought at my local Stihl dealer/ACE Hardware. It’s a big “country” type hardware store that sells a lot of farm supplies. To be a Stihl dealer, you usually have to repair them as well. You can buy Echo or Husky at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

 

[kenmbz]

I love my Echo 620p, Starts easy, cuts fast.
I have the 24" bar and it goes through Ash with nice big chips.
If you want to save money, the Echo 590 is a highly regarded saw, similar to the 620p.

I buy from a local place, not a big box store.
They are great at tuning it out of the box and for long term support.

 

[Jrasband]

My 261C starts on the 3rd pull, every time. Reliability has not been an issue. Very easy to start & run.

That has been my experience as well. Always very easy to start.

 

[ericm979]

I’ll echo the Stihl MS261. It’s a pro saw but worth every penny.

I also like the pro saws. They're not that much more expensive than the farm/ranch saws and are a lot nicer to operate. Lighter, easier to start, more power, and built better.

However I think the 261 is a little small for a 20" bar, assuming that you're going to be using the full length. I'd go with the MS400.

 

[Hay Dude]

I also like the pro saws. They're not that much more expensive than the farm/ranch saws and are a lot nicer to operate. Lighter, easier to start, more power, and built better.

However I think the 261 is a little small for a 20" bar, assuming that you're going to be using the full length. I'd go with the MS400.

No problems with 20” here-just have to have a sharp chain. That is actually a good thing. Kinda forces you to keep on top of sharpening. Of course its a little slower in hardwoods.

 

[hayden]

What do you think is better about 3/8" chain?

It just takes bigger bites of wood and will cut a lot faster provided the saw has the power. More chips, less dust.

 

[Jrasband]

It just takes bigger bites of wood and will cut a lot faster provided the saw has the power. More chips, less dust.

So it sounds like the 261 is better suited with the .325 if your running a 20" bar and cutting large rounds.

 

[caver]

Replacing 2 saws stolen out of my barn I went with a Makita 6421 for the bigger stolen saw. Back then they still sold them in that teal blue vs today orange. Makita bought Dolmar. I prefer that saw over my smaller Stihl but it's heavier so I tend to use the smaller 251.