Echo chainsaws-How are the different grades identified?

[Mike C.]

Hi guys,

I wondering how the average person can tell which models of Echo saws are considered pro-grade vs. their home-owner saws?

I've noticed that the dealers tend to call everything Echo sells "pro-grade".I'm kind of interested in getting a high quality saw in the 50cc class ,because I like to buy the best ,when I can.I don't truly NEED a pro-quality saw,I want one.I'm looking at a Stihl MS-261,but people keep telling me to look at the Echo saws as they are considered to be an excellent saw,for less money.But what are considered to be their pro-grade saws?

If you have any other brand/model recommendations,please chime in.

Any input would be appreciated.Thank you.

 

[hacskaroly]

I don't truly NEED a pro-quality saw,I want one.I'm looking at a Stihl MS-261

Sorry, I don't have any experience with Echo, though I have heard from many here that they are good saws, I would not mind owning one. I do have a MS 261 and really enjoy it. While you mention that you don't need a pro-quality saw, one of the benefits is the aftermarket parts availability compared to the homeowner saws. My dad upgraded from a MS 217 to a MS 261 and really loves the saw.

Just doing a general look, it appears the CS-501P is about the same CC size compared to a MS 261 for about $150 less. Another thing to consider is if you go with the MS 261c for the mTronics, does the Echo have something similar or just a tunable carb (like the MS 261). Not sure how well this saw would run with 3/8 chain, but I am running 3/8 chain on my 261 (just because...325 works fine too). Echo has a better warranty, 5 years vs. Stihl's 2 years if you buy a gallon of Stihl fuel or a 6-pack of their mix oil - not sure if Echo requires anything similar, Husqvarna does).

I hope this helps some until someone else that's run and Echo can chime in.

 

[RCBS]

I've never run a 261. I can give you my impression in comparison to a Mki 550. Lighter. Grips slightly closer together with less angle on the half wrap. Does not have the chain speed of a Mki. Not quite as snappy. That said, I can lean on the Echo probably 30% more than on the 550. There is noticeable torque difference. My 501 is muff modded only and fairly mildly so (550 is also muff modded). It's a 2-3 pull popper and will idle till it runs out of fuel, I think. I should mention that I am a .325 user on 50cc saws. I use 18" bars for 50's almost exclusively and feel like it's a good pairing for the 501. My 501 is possibly the best oiling saw that I own. The Echo is never ever going to beat the 550 (261) in a cookie cutting contest. That said, I've used my 550 about 4 times since getting the 501 a couple years ago. The Echo goes with me prettymuch every time and has earned it's spot as the new 'tractor saw'.

If you decide to go with Echo, check their website to see if any dealers near you are doing the 15% off sale. (once a year at most dealers) I bought mine under this promo and saved about $55. No special fuel required for Echo five year consumer warranty.

 

[EFSM]

The 501P is definitely the Echo you want if you're looking for a 50cc saw. They also have the 4920 but that is homeowner grade. "P" on the end of the model number means "professional." As stated, the 501's are not as fast as 550/261, but they are lighter and unbelievably compact. They are actually a Shindaiwa designed saw, so they look different from the normal Echo.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

MikeC, I run mostly echo saws doing tree work, milling and selling firewood. The cs 501p or the cs 4910 are not comparable to the quality of a Stihl 261.

Both of the echos have poor air filters, thin frail plastics, very vibey compared to the superior av and filter on the stihl 261.

The echo has a frail muffler that's as thin as a coke can and dents easily. The 261 has a rugged stainless muffler.

The echo has a pathetic plastic clutch cover thats as thin as a plastic plate, the 261 clutch cover is magnesium.

The hollow av mounts on the echo also tear easily.

I'd don't care for stihls, but in this case, I'd never run another 501p or 4910. Just saw a nice used stihl ms 261 for $300. Deals are out there.

I much preferred my echo cs 530 over my cs 4910. It was a brick sht house that cut circles around my 4910.

The stihl 261 is a home-run and I've watched a half dozen of them out last my cs 4910, which constantly needed parts. Lightest, doesn't mean "best".

 

[hacskaroly]

The 261 has a rugged stainless muffler.

I can vouch for this, I bought my saw for $50 from a guy that straight gassed it from brand new. Got so hot the muffler went from a gold/bronzish color to now a permanent shade of blue.

 

[damifino]

If I was a PRO I would buy Husqy or Stihl. If I were a serious wood burner for home or farmer/rancher I would buy Echo.
In my parts a Echo 4910 (home depot) is $379 and Stihl 261 is $699. Choose depending on your needs or want$. But try to
keep EGO out of your mind (if you want to spend less ). The money you save can be used for 3 loops of quality chain
that you need IMO.

 

[damifino]

I think Echo is best bang for the buck. Especially the 4910 and 590 IMO.

 

[damifino]

'Eshlemania TV Echo CS4910 vs CS501P : What is the difference between them?'

This is a good YouTube vid that shows difference between these 2 saws by part number. I can live with a plastic handle and limited coil on my 4910.

 

[RCBS]

If I was a PRO I would buy Husqy or Stihl. If I were a serious wood burner for home or farmer/rancher I would buy Echo.
In my parts a Echo 4910 (home depot) is $379 and Stihl 261 is $699. Choose depending on your needs or want$. But try to
keep EGO out of your mind (if you want to spend less ). The money you save can be used for 3 loops of quality chain
that you need IMO.

Ya, I'd say if he doesn't plan on transporting it by tying a rope to it and dragging it behind the truck, the Echo will hold up just fine for OP.

 

[IffykidMn]

I have not used a 501 only the 4910.
Either the 261 or 550 will out cut the 4910 hands down, I own one 026 and two 261s.
If you want a 50cc saw to cut wood get a 261 or the 550 Husky, If you want a saw that is lighter to carry around get the Echo.
I do own 3 Echos a backpack blower and two chainsaws 355T and a 2511T.

Echo might have a longer warranty without having to purchase oil or fuel. might check and see if they will actually honor said warranty as there are numerous stories floating around.

 

[Mike C.]

Well,after reading this,I guess I can assume that while the Echo "P" saws are the top-dogs from them,they truly aren't in the same class (build quality) of a Husqy XP or the Stihl 261.Surprises me that the Echo C-501p is only about $150 cheaper than the Stihl,but still has plastic parts that are magnesium on the Stihl.

About five years ago,I bought a high-end Echo line trimmer/brushcutter over a Stihl because I preferred a 2-stroke engine,I had previously owned a Shindaiwa that was only retired due to parts unavailibility,and the price was less.After using it over the years,I've learned the build quality just isn't equal to the Stihl (Fs-111) that I use once a year at a customers place,even though the Echo was touted as "pro-grade".

In the case of the chainsaw,it really isn't about saving money.I'm just interested in learning about the Echo (pro)saws and the claim that they can truly compete in quality to a Stihl or Husqy,at a lower price.I believe the answer is no.

Appreciate the input gentlemen.Thanks.

 

[farminkarman]

Well,after reading this,I guess I can assume that while the Echo "P" saws are the top-dogs from them,they truly aren't in the same class (build quality) of a Husqy XP or the Stihl 261.Surprises me that the Echo C-501p is only about $150 cheaper than the Stihl,but still has plastic parts that are magnesium on the Stihl.

About five years ago,I bought a high-end Echo line trimmer/brushcutter over a Stihl because I preferred a 2-stroke engine,I had previously owned a Shindaiwa that was only retired due to parts unavailibility,and the price was less.After using it over the years,I've learned the build quality just isn't equal to the Stihl (Fs-111) that I use once a year at a customers place,even though the Echo was touted as "pro-grade".

In the case of the chainsaw,it really isn't about saving money.I'm just interested in learning about the Echo (pro)saws and the claim that they can truly compete in quality to a Stihl or Husqy,at a lower price.I believe the answer is no.

Appreciate the input gentlemen.Thanks.

I'll repeat some things to provide a summary for others who read this thread and are curious.

Echo pro saws:
25cc - 2511T (top handle), 2511P (rear handle)
50cc - 501p (used to be a 4910 that was comparable, but has since been discontinued)
60cc - 620p (590 timberwolf is of the same size, but lacks some power & features)
73cc - 7310p
Technically there is a CS680 still available, but I have never seen one in a store. The Echo pro saws are pretty well built and of simple design. A ported 501p is very light and is a viable replacement for folks who really liked the weight of the ms241.

 

[hacskaroly]

In the case of the chainsaw,it really isn't about saving money.I'm just interested in learning about the Echo (pro)saws and the claim that they can truly compete in quality to a Stihl or Husqy,at a lower price.I believe the answer is no.

It might be something that if you need a saw now, get the MS261/261c and then maybe look for a Echo Pro used/project saw to work on and do your own test run. If there is a model you are possibly leaning towards, might put out a request here on the forums and see what kind of response you get back, you might be able to get one at a decent price. Some here have way too many saws and do appreciate someone helping take them off of their hands especially when they know it will go to someone who wants to take care of it and use it. Keep a look at Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace....can get some good deals there.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

MikeC, beyond the 50 cc class, the 620p is a brick sht house of a saw and will cut circles around a 362. Oils betters, and gobs more torque for the longer bars.

My main saws that have made me some decent money clear cutting residential properties and cutting roads, is a cs 620pw and a hopped up cs 590. Paid $592 for the 620 with 2 chains and 27" bar. Paid $440 for the 590 with 20" bar.

 

[farminkarman]

MikeC, beyond the 50 cc class, the 620p is a brick sht house of a saw and will cut circles around a 362. Oils betters, and gobs more torque for the longer bars.

My main saws that have made me some decent money clear cutting residential properties and cutting roads, is a cs 620pw and a hopped up cs 590. Paid $592 for the 620 with 2 chains and 27" bar. Paid $440 for the 590 with 20" bar.

+1 on the 620p. I am impressed with how well they run after some mods too.

 

[Mike C.]

Ok.Another question.Are the "P" series Echos their (only?) magnesium chassis saws ?Are all the Echo homeowner saws clamshell design?

 

[farminkarman]

Ok.Another question.Are the "P" series Echos their (only?) magnesium chassis saws ?Are all the Echo homeowner saws clamshell design?

No, the 590 is a mag saw.

 

[EFSM]

,I bought a high-end Echo line trimmer/brushcutter over a Stihl because I preferred a 2-stroke engine,I had previously owned a Shindaiwa that was only retired due to parts unavailibility,and the price was less.After using it over the years,I've learned the build quality just isn't equal to the Stihl (Fs-111) that I use once a year at a customers place,even though the Echo was touted as "pro-grade".

What model was it? The 266 and 280's were dopes, but the new X-series 2620 and 3020 are real winners.

 

[damifino]

Ok.Another question.Are the "P" series Echos their (only?) magnesium chassis saws ?

CS4910 (50cc) is magnesium case with plastic side covers and is still available at Home Depot $379. Basically a CS501P but with plastic handle and limited coil. Just say'n. And if I didn't mention its $379.