Echo vs Husqvarna

[wwdiii]

I have a Stihl 291 with 24 inch bar, dang good saw. Recently bought a Echo with 20 inch bar. At first I didn't like the echo, was different. What little I've used it I like it more and more every time I pick it up. I have a beat to heck 14 inch bar Homelite I bought refurbished off ebay for 49 dollars or something like that about 10 years back that leaks bar oil but start every time and what I used the most. If I replace this Homelite it will more than likely be with another Echo. Echo is a good saw.

I'll say this, if I have a problem with a saw, I hope its a Stihl, there is a Stihl dealer on every corner is East and South East Texas. Not as many Echo dealers but I am sure there are enough to get a saw fixed.

Thanks, Billy

 

[suburbanfarmer]

I have a Stihl 291 with 24 inch bar, dang good saw. Recently bought a Echo with 20 inch bar. At first I didn't like the echo, was different. What little I've used it I like it more and more every time I pick it up. I have a beat to heck 14 inch bar Homelite I bought refurbished off ebay for 49 dollars or something like that about 10 years back that leaks bar oil but start every time and what I used the most. If I replace this Homelite it will more than likely be with another Echo. Echo is a good saw.

I'll say this, if I have a problem with a saw, I hope its a Stihl, there is a Stihl dealer on every corner is East and South East Texas. Not as many Echo dealers but I am sure there are enough to get a saw fixed.

Thanks, Billy

Try the CS310 for a 14" bar and you wont look back. Light and powerful.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I've always heard great things about Echo, I got a SRM2100 weedeater free from work that didn't have a cutter head, found a 3 tooth blade at a garage sale for $.25, went to the lawn mower store near work and spent $1 on left hand nut for the shaft, wouldn't start so changed the regulator diaphragm in the carb and it still didn't start so I found the front crank seal was sticking out, pushed it back in and have probably put 10 gallons of gas through the thing... the shaft liner is FRIED and makes a heck of a racket but for a 21cc engine it will out do any other 30cc homeowner trimmer...

I don't have any non box store saws so no experience in that world...

 

[deerefan]

This is the one I am considering. My husqvarna 345 is very similar. Might spend the extra $30 and go to 18” bar. Still on the fence.

 

[inode]

View attachment 617917
This is the one I am considering. My husqvarna 345 is very similar. Might spend the extra $30 and go to 18” bar. Still on the fence.

With it only being 34cc, I'd keep the 16" bar. If you need a longer bar, I'd go more CC. My Stihl MS250 rips pretty good with a 16" bar and it's 45cc. I opted for an 18" bar on my Echo 501P.

 

[deerefan]

With it only being 34cc, I'd keep the 16" bar. If you need a longer bar, I'd go more CC. My Stihl MS250 rips pretty good with a 16" bar and it's 45cc. I opted for an 18" bar on my Echo 501P.

I use my saws mainly to clear branches, saplings and occasional firewood. I leave felling big trees to the pros.

 

[ericm979]

View attachment 617917
This is the one I am considering. My husqvarna 345 is very similar. Might spend the extra $30 and go to 18” bar. Still on the fence.

That looks like a CS 352. I have one. It's a nice little saw, light and very easy to start. I use it for brush cutting. 18" is too long a bar for it. Did I mention how easy it starts? I think that's it's best feature. When I am cutting brush I'm constantly stopping the saw to pull brush out of the way (it's pretty thick). The Stihl 025 I had was giving me "golfers elbow" due to how hard it pulls.

The CS352's air filtration is not that good. I find fine material inside the carb every time I take it apart to clean it. I added a piece of oiled foam filter material on one side of the air box where the larger holes are. It helps some. But the air box is not sealed and takes in air from many directions. Wrapping the stock filter with oiled foam would work better but I have yet to find the right size foam and glue that will work.

The CS352 comes with a catalytic converter muffler. It's somewhat restrictive and puts heat into the engine. I bought an extra muffler and gutted the cat. (wear breathing protection when you do that). Then I removed the carb limiting tabs so I could retune the carb as it comes set very lean. Of course modifying the saw may cause the dealer or Echo to not honor the warranty. BTW you can get it for about the same price from a real dealer if you wait for one of Echo's sales promotions. Echo is known for being stingy on the warranty. A real dealer will at least try, I don't see a box store doing much for you on that.

My pro Stihls have needed zero mods, they just work perfectly out of the box. They cost more up front though and there isn't anything in their line quite like the CS352.

 

[deerefan]

That looks like a CS 352. I have one. It's a nice little saw, light and very easy to start. I use it for brush cutting. 18" is too long a bar for it. Did I mention how easy it starts? I think that's it's best feature. When I am cutting brush I'm constantly stopping the saw to pull brush out of the way (it's pretty thick). The Stihl 025 I had was giving me "golfers elbow" due to how hard it pulls.

The CS352's air filtration is not that good. I find fine material inside the carb every time I take it apart to clean it. I added a piece of oiled foam filter material on one side of the air box where the larger holes are. It helps some. But the air box is not sealed and takes in air from many directions. Wrapping the stock filter with oiled foam would work better but I have yet to find the right size foam and glue that will work.

The CS352 comes with a catalytic converter muffler. It's somewhat restrictive and puts heat into the engine. I bought an extra muffler and gutted the cat. (wear breathing protection when you do that). Then I removed the carb limiting tabs so I could retune the carb as it comes set very lean. Of course modifying the saw may cause the dealer or Echo to not honor the warranty. BTW you can get it for about the same price from a real dealer if you wait for one of Echo's sales promotions. Echo is known for being stingy on the warranty. A real dealer will at least try, I don't see a box store doing much for you on that.

My pro Stihls have needed zero mods, they just work perfectly out of the box. They cost more up front though and there isn't anything in their line quite like the CS352.

Thanks for the input. My husqvarna was/is an easy starter, been a good saw. Started leaking bar oil and, at certain angles, fuel. Does not idle well either. It has hundreds of hours cutting on it, just getting a little tired. I plan to keep it as a backup, especially since I am in hurricane season. The only experience with Stihl was when I was with the fire dept. Powerful saws, but unlike you I found them hard to start. Not sure why. Was a bit concerning because we needed them quickly, no time to waste.

 

[Botaskinner]

I've never had a Husky saw as a comparison point, but I sure like my Echo CS370 with an 18" bar..
it has plenty of power and is silky smooth. Bear in mind I'm not a professional, but I need a capable saw for occasional pruning or a downed limb.
This model fills the bill just fine.

 

[inode]

Thanks for the input. My husqvarna was/is an easy starter, been a good saw. Started leaking bar oil and, at certain angles, fuel. Does not idle well either. It has hundreds of hours cutting on it, just getting a little tired. I plan to keep it as a backup, especially since I am in hurricane season. The only experience with Stihl was when I was with the fire dept. Powerful saws, but unlike you I found them hard to start. Not sure why. Was a bit concerning because we needed them quickly, no time to waste.

Your huskky isn't idling well due to leaking fuel lines. I guarantee you if you replace the lines, it will run much better. I've seen it too many times with my small equipment.