Echo chainsaws-How are the different grades identified?

[Mike C.]

I bought the 2620T.I had an ongoing shoulder injury and decided,after a month, to convert it to handlebar configuration as I couldn't hold the thing up with my left arm after about 1/2 hour.

It's a good machine,but I honestly think the high-torque gearbox is a gimmick.I had a 21cc Shindaiwa that would easily hold its own against the Echo in tall grass.The Shindaiwa was also ridiculously smooth to operate with its steel driveshaft supported by five bearings.I almost didn't buy the Echo because I didn't want a flex-cable driven machine.The 2620 originally was built with a driveshaft,but they changed to cable supposedly to cure a vibration issue.Not sure I buy that.I think they decided to give the driveshaft to the Shindaiwa version to justify calling the Shindaiwa a pro-level machine and having a reason to keep Shindaiwa.

The quality of the hardware,especially the plating,sucks.It started rusting pretty much after the first use.The amount of extra crap you have to use(not included) to adapt the blade is insane.Also,instead of using a nylock nut as Stihl does,they use a regular nut backed up by a cotter pin through the shaft as a safety.That also sucks.The cotter pin gets destroyed the first time it contacts the ground and then you have fun digging the remnants of it out of the shaft hole.

I'm also diligent about maintenance and keep the drive cable clean and well greased.However,the plastic liner for the cable is now failing as I'm finding pieces of it in the grease.Echo doesn't offer the liner separately,you must change the whole aluminum tube and liner as an assembly on this model.I've got until June before my warranty runs out.I'll bet that liner and tube isn't covered.Not an expensive part,but the on-line dealers kick you in the sack on the shipping,because it's over-sized.

 

[RichE23ACR]

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.

A CS-501P is on my short list. How does the actual weight compare to your 550? Echo claims that the CS-501P is the lightest 50cc pro saw. I have a Husqvarna 450e (Rancher?). The 450e is decent weight and power, but I can't shut it off. It sucks to start when hot!

 

[Mike C.]

deleted

 

[farminkarman]

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.

The 4910 has also been discontinued. They are no longer available in my area. The Home Depot still says they do online, but they are actually 4920’s. I’m sure they are still floating around, but beware that some sellers subbed the 4920 for the 4910 for some reason.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I'm not a pro, just a small engine fan who cuts firewood. I put alot of hours on my machines but also take care of them really well. My Echo fleet includes the CS-303T, 2x CS-400, CS-500P, and CS-501P. I have put alot of hours on all except the 501P because I've only had it since Sunday. Echo won't win any races in stock form but they are reliable and well designed. And you can buy really nice used examples for cheap because they aren't Stihl or Husky.

I had an MS-261 for awhile and thought it was rather bulky for a 50cc saw compared to my nimble CS-500P. It wouldn't do anything the latter wouldn't so I sold it. I have a very nice MS-250 that I got a good deal on. Likewise, the 250 really won't do anything my CS-400's won't do, but I wanted one and it works great. As with my gun collection, its nice to have a variety to choose from.

 

[EFSM]

The 4910 has also been discontinued. They are no longer available in my area. The Home Depot still says they do online, but they are actually 4920’s. I’m sure they are still floating around, but beware that some sellers subbed the 4920 for the 4910 for some reason.

I can verify as an Echo dealer that this is correct.

 

[EFSM]

It's a good machine,but I honestly think the high-torque gearbox is a gimmick.

I basically never recommend the high-torque gearbox, unless the customer is running the line out 18" on both sides.

The 2620 originally was built with a driveshaft,but they changed to cable supposedly to cure a vibration issue

The weird thing is that the original 2620's had a solid shaft in a plastic full-length bushing instead of the brass bearings like your Shindaiwa used. They found that created extra vibration on some units after use (and insufficient greasing).

I'm also diligent about maintenance and keep the drive cable clean and well greased.However,the plastic liner for the cable is now failing as I'm finding pieces of it in the grease.Echo doesn't offer the liner separately,you must change the whole aluminum tube and liner as an assembly on this model.I've got until June before my warranty runs out.

I've never seen a liner fail like that, unless a strand of the braided cable breaks. Overall, the braided cable driveshafts are very reliable because of how forgiving they are. Bending the main tube even a little will ruin a solid steel shaft. A comment on the Stihls, they use a square end on the solid shafts (versus splined), and they eventually round off, destroying the shaft and damaging the clutch drum and gearbox.
But each to their own and I digress from the main topic.

 

[RCBS]

A CS-501P is on my short list. How does the actual weight compare to your 550? Echo claims that the CS-501P is the lightest 50cc pro saw. I have a Husqvarna 450e (Rancher?). The 450e is decent weight and power, but I can't shut it off. It sucks to start when hot!

It's not slap you in the face noticable because the Mki 550 is a pretty light itself. It is noticeable though for me. I don't like the light weight because I don't want to lift more...got several other saws that weigh more. The lightness makes for a good handling saw in my opinion. I'm just a hack, so I don't have to lug it around all day. The smaller chasis and lighter saws make me feel 2x's as 'nimble' in those many situations outside of bucking or felling. Obviously dropping in CCs would net me an even lighter setup, but I find the 50's to be the perfect for me as my primary (chore/tractor saws) in that there is some power there, but not a lot of weight. If I come upon something that is a bit much for an 18" 50, I retreat and come back with more saw.

 

[RichE23ACR]

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.

My Echo dealer told me that over the past few years he's only had two warranty claims & both were honored by Echo. One was likely caused by operator error, but he got Echo to cover it.
I have 3 Echo saws and all are fantastic. They start easily and are a good value; perhaps not as fast as the European saws, but I'd rather have more $ in my pocket. Next saw is likely a CS-7310P!

 

[RCBS]

My Echo dealer told me that over the past few years he's only had two warranty claims & both were honored by Echo. One was likely caused by operator error, but he got Echo to cover it.
I have 3 Echo saws and all are fantastic. They start easily and are a good value; perhaps not as fast as the European saws, but I'd rather have more $ in my pocket. Next saw is likely a CS-7310P!

I own 5 Echo power products (going back to the gray ones with 4 digit model #'s up to the 501) and I can't really complain about anything save the breather hose routing on some of their old top handle saws if I gotta name something.

 

[EFSM]

My Echo dealer told me that over the past few years he's only had two warranty claims & both were honored by Echo. One was likely caused by operator error, but he got Echo to cover it.
I have 3 Echo saws and all are fantastic. They start easily and are a good value; perhaps not as fast as the European saws, but I'd rather have more $ in my pocket. Next saw is likely a CS-7310P!

Many of the scary warranty stories floating about any brand are because of terrible dealers, IMO.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I own 5 Echo power products (going back to the gray ones with 4 digit model #'s up to the 501) and I can't really complain about anything save the breather hose routing on some of their old top handle saws if I gotta name something.

My Echo fleet includes 5 saws, 2 weedeaters, a blower, and a tiller. All have been excellent.

 

[damifino]

My saws, Jonsereds 49sp, Husqy 372 non xtorq, Dolmar 421 and Echo 4910.
My weed whip, Stihl
My leaf blower, Stihl
I'm not brand loyal to anyone. My favorite item is my Echo 4910 because of the 'Quality to Price ratio'. I just feel Echo is great quality at great price and is unfairly overlooked. Peace

 

[hacskaroly]

My favorite item is my Echo 4910 because of the 'Quality to Price ratio'.

I like quality to price too, bought my 066 for $50, 261 for $50, 271 for $50, 272 = free, 046 = free...of course they all had some work to be done to get them back cutting, but if I brick one, it won't hurt as much as if I paid full price. If I had to go with brand new, then Echo would be in the price range I would be looking at.

 

[hacskaroly]

Many of the scary warranty stories floating about any brand are because of terrible dealers, IMO.

Having worked for a dealer there were some genuine warranty work that needed to be done. I would say about 5% of what we got in was actually warranty work, the rest was operator error, mostly first time owners who watched a YouTube video or stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and "knew" what they were doing...my favorite response was "it started smoking and I figured that was normal part of the burn in time with a new tool...then there was lots of smoke and then the saw quit. The warranty should cover this..."

 

[mainer_in_ak]

When not doing tree work jobs and just clearing my mushing trails, firewood and milling smaller slabs with 20" gb milling bar, I REALLY like the older 6700's. They can be picked up for $100 not running, and $225-250 in good condition.

Filthy good manual oilers and press fit metal oiler gears that never strip. Very smooth and tune out burbling rich at 13700 rpms with the ignition advanced, base gaskets deleted and the mufflers opened up.

Exact cut times of a stihl 044 when modified. Same weight as a husq 372 OE, but without the used price mark-up for the name. A feisty, simple, humble little saw!

Excellent parts availability, and parts are cheap too.

My 6700's cut faster than my cs 620p by a large margin.

Some folks are into Chinese clone saws for cheap fun, but my cheap funs saws are 6700's and cs 8000's with quality made in Japan parts. Most smiles per dollar!

 

[RCBS]

My saws, Jonsereds 49sp, Husqy 372 non xtorq, Dolmar 421 and Echo 4910.
My weed whip, Stihl
My leaf blower, Stihl
I'm not brand loyal to anyone. My favorite item is my Echo 4910 because of the 'Quality to Price ratio'. I just feel Echo is great quality at great price and is unfairly overlooked. Peace

I am not a brand hoe either. Echo makes up around 30% of my power products. I prefer the Husky 223L trimmer. Other saws are Sweedish and German. My hedge trimmer and Blower are blue.