Hysyde
Gold Member
Around here it's more like a 15-20% difference depending on the models. The local dealer network isn't great either, with most of them not exactly being small engine specialists. My Stihl dealer down the road has been good to me and knows his products.When you can buy a comparable Echo for 1/2 to 2/3rds the cost of a Stihl, the Stihl's become second choice. I don't care for Stihl's Mtronic fuel delivery or whatever it's called, just like I don't want a post 4 tractor. The more complex any tool becomes, the higher the failure rate becomes and the more expensive replacement parts become.
M-tronic isn't for everyone, and there is merit to the simplicity argument, however I think they've got the technology fairly well-sorted at this point.
Echo is definitely on my shortlist when it comes to my next saw (almost a guarantee as far as a top handle), but in my circumstances the argument isn't as strong.