ECHO CS490 Review

[ayoungtexan]

After putting about 75 tanks through the 490, I figured it’s time to give it a proper review.

Pros:
1. Power- the saw was pretty weak for a 50cc saw in stock form. It struggled in hardwood >12”. That being said, it became a completely different saw after I took out the stovepipe tube and opened up the deflector, along with putting a 3/8LP rim on it. It now cuts about 50% faster, and it doesn’t bog down at all. It now easily outcuts the Stihl 290 and Husqvarna 455.
2. Weight- The saw is lighter than the equivalent Stihl and Husky, and it handles better too.
3. Build- It’s got a magnesium crankcase, rim sprocket, and old school controls. How many other $350 saws have that?
4. Ease of Starting- It starts in 3 pulls every time.

Cons:
1. B&C- My only issue with the saw is the cheap bar and chain on it. But you can just put a different better bar and chain on.

Overall:
For $350 this is the saw to get. With a simple muffler mod, retune, and 3/8LP rim it cuts like a proper 50cc saw. Don’t waste your time on the overpriced clamshell Stihl and Husky 50cc saws. Just get this

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Wonder how it would respond to porting and so forth?
Sounds intriguing...hmmm

 

[FergusonTO35]

I always chuckle at what the same money will get you from Stihl or Husky. And, people still line up for them. Awhile back my side job shop had MS250's on sale for $299.99 and customers were going nuts like they were free or something. At the time you could have a CS-490 on your doorstep for the same price.

I like my little Husky 440, really good $150.00 pawn shop saw. But there is no way I would pay over $300.00 for it at Lowe's or TSC. That's just not a good deal compared to what you can get from Echo for the same money.

 

[ayoungtexan]

I always chuckle at what the same money will get you from Stihl or Husky. And, people still line up for them. Awhile back my side job shop had MS250's on sale for $299.99 and customers were going nuts like they were free or something. At the time you could have a CS-490 on your doorstep for the same price.

If the average Joe Homeowner needs something better than his Wild Thing, he goes and buys a MS250 or 445. He prefers the name over quality

 

[Nutball]

Bonus points if it says Farm Boss, Rancher, no matter the cc's.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Bonus points if it says Farm Boss, Rancher, no matter the cc's.

Hey now, that Hurst shifter knob added a good 75 hp to my first car so I wouldn't doubt it!

 

[ayoungtexan]

Bonus points if it says Farm Boss, Rancher, no matter the cc's.

Don’t forget that a Magnum sticker gains at least 1 hp

 

[FergusonTO35]

Dude, instead of all that trouble modding the muffler and changing the rim on your 490 you could have just put a Timber Wolf sticker on and be done with it!

 

[Nutball]

Or make it a Super Magnum Farmboss Rancher

 

[cuinrearview]

The port timing is pretty compromised. I’d think it would gain quite a bit from porting

You've timed a 490 jug? Do tell.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Here's an open box CS-490 for $299.95 OBO.

https://www.ebay.com/p/6030522332

 

[Ittybittyfitty]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you find a 3/8 rim for the 490? I've been looking for months and can't find one.

 

[Woodpecker]

Wonder how it would respond to porting and so forth?
Sounds intriguing...hmmm

https://opeforum.com/threads/echo-cs-490-porting.1777/

 

[Ittybittyfitty]

Did you mean to include a link? I don't see what you are referring to.

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you find a 3/8 rim for the 490? I've been looking for months and can't find one.

There’s a couple of ways to get a proper 3/8”LP rim.
Mike @Homelite410 modifies the Stihl rims to fit small spline. I have a couple, of these, and they’re great.
The other way is to get a 6K (Danzco) rim. I believe ole’ Dave @Definitive Dave has these in his eBay store. I have one of these, but haven’t tried it yet.

 

[Ittybittyfitty]

Thanks guys. I had been in contact with Mike but I believe he is a very busy man. I'll look into the other options.

 

[Woodpecker]

3/8 lp might be a little faster, but I've found that the .325 holds up better in mixed hard/softwood use. I've always felt, for muhself anyway, a 50cc is saw enough to run .325.

 

[Woodpecker]

3/8lp definitely cuts bit faster IME

Depends on how you file the. 325

 

[FergusonTO35]

According to Oregon parts lists, the 490/500/501 uses the same rim as the Husky 346.

 

[Nutball]

It uses a small spline rim, so you can get 1/4-9, .325-7 & 8, 3/8-7

1/4 .050 runs pretty well on them stock for limbing.