Chain saw

John_Mc · Dec 11, 2005

( I have Jonsered who now also owns Husqvarna. Both highly recommended along with Stihl...)

I thought it was the other way around (Husqvarna bought Jonsered). Either way, bit are great saws. You've named the top three in my opinion: Husqvarna, Jonsered, and Stihl.

I own 2 Jonsered saws the 50cc engine and a 16" bar (model CS 2152c) is the one I use most frequently here in Vermont. I don't really need a longer bar or bigger engine... both are just more weight to drag around in the woods, and the extra length just gets in the way for a lot of jobs (especially limbing). I dropped a 30" tree with it last week with no problems. I don't anticipate the need to do anything bigger.

John Mc

FOURTEEN · Dec 11, 2005

I used Stihl for many years, but when my 011 siezed for no apparent reason, decided to shop for the nicest saw I could find for medium duty. After lookng at numerous brands the Echo brand stood out as something truly superior. I was ready to go for the CS-440, but learned that for just a few dollars more the CS-520 was way better: longer bar, larger engine, side chain adjust, easy oil adjust, pull choke, easier access auto style air filter, automatic fast idle set, automatic choke off, twisted handle, plus the usual Echo high quality!

I could not be happier! Why I stuck with Stihl for so long I'll never know!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

CS-520

And, they are Made In USA !!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

shero · Dec 13, 2005

never heard of echo are they a usa only product ?

FOURTEEN · Dec 13, 2005

( never heard of echo are they a usa only product ? )

 No! See worldwide and the distributor in Victoria.

PS: The only thing that I do not like about my Echo is that the engine covers are Gray making it easy to overlook if it is sitting on the forest floor. I painted the top cover bright yellow.
The Aussie models are a nice bright Orange!

5030 · Dec 14, 2005

Looks to me like they are made in Kubota land and that's not all bad. Probably shipped in to the USA in a container.

Lets see, Stihl is German so it's a wash as far as I'm concerned.

chrisjbell · Dec 14, 2005

I have an 8 year old Poulan, which many folks seem to hate but it has worked well for me. Always easy to start and works well.

But I just bought a Husky arborist saw (much of my property was an orchard) that just rocks. I looked at some of the others (Stilh, Echo) and they also have really nice saws.

Just be prepared for sticker shock. But you really do get what you pay for.

FOURTEEN · Dec 14, 2005

( Looks to me like they are made in Kubota land and that's not all bad. Probably shipped in to the USA in a container. )

 Noooo!! Not unless Illinois is a state in Japan!!

As stated above in Made In USA:

"Echo, Inc. was founded in Northbrook, Ill., in 1972 as Kioritz Corporation of America." "In 1979, Echo began initial production and assembly operations in a Wheeling, Ill., facility, and produced its first lawn care product in the USA." "in 1985, Echo established its present-day U.S. corporate headquarters in Lake Zurich, Ill. " "Echo's Lake Zurich location also houses a manufacturing facility, which was expanded by 60,000 square feet in 1988." "Echo's second production expansion was completed in 1995, when the corporation purchased ten more acres adjacent to its existing facilities and created a 90,000 square foot addition." "In 1997, Echo saw even more growth as it acquired Technic Tool Corporation and transferred production of the TT Power Pruner product line to Illinois. In 2000, Echo's third and most recent expansion was completed, establishing Echo's 155,000 square foot Distribution Center."

orangebluegreen · Dec 15, 2005

This is a rather interesting comment made on Echo’s website.

“....If all the proper preventative maintenance is done and the proper lubrication is used, Echo engines are designed to last 1,200 – 1,500 hours or more.....”
http://www.echo-usa.com/misc21.asp

That’s probably more hours than any of us care to keep a product. I recently bought an Echo split boom string trimmer, very nicely built, it was a tossup between Stihl and Echo, came down to a special sale at my local retailer made the difference. To my feel it seemed the Stihl felt lighter weight but the starter seemed harder to pull on the string trimmers. On the chain saw it looks like maybe the Echo’s are a bit lighter in weight however.

Also have a roughly 10 year old 18” Poulan saw that has cut more trees than I ever expected it to last. It has cut up 35 huge Eucalyptus trees that were about 80 foot high and been through two hurricane cleanups that took down dozens of large pines. Only problem I’ve had is after replacing the fuel lines, primer bulb, and carb kit, it has not been as easy to start as when it was new and sometimes will flood after I shut it down making it hard to restart (this doesn’t happen every time and I’m starting to suspect poor quality fuel is percolating or the vent cap is plugged, I will try 92 octane and a new cap next). Apparently something I missed in the fuel system....but once running it is as strong and idles as good as new. Had to replace a spring in the anti vibration handlebar also....no big deal. I will say having looked at the new ones at local stores I’m not sure they are as well built as my older one....just going from appearance on that one, not based on use.