Echo vs Husqvarna

[John_Mc]

Have to question....Used the saw a lot, or the warranty a lot? lol. If it's the warranty you've used a lot, then I question how the Echo is better than the Husky 455.

I've had my 455 for going on 8 years and have only done the normal maintenance of put a new spark plug, air filter in it each spring and call it good. I've never had any issues with it starting, running, power, etc. Usually running a 24" bar on mine just due to dealing with larger Ash trees that are never ending dying & falling over on my property.

Most saw manufacturers make several quality levels:

1. entry-level throw-away saws (most of them call these "occasional use" saws). Generally, these saws are not worth fixing when they break - other than replacing a worn out bar or chain or swapping out a spark plug. They are also a pain in the butt to work on
2. mid-range "landowner"/Farm/Ranch saws. A bit more durable, a bit easier to work on. May be worth repairing, depending on the severity of the problem. Generally not made to stand up to 8 hour days, 5 days a week of serious cutting, but some of them are good saws for the money. (You generally don't see anyone using these saws for chainsaw milling, even on smaller logs - they just don't stand up well to the extended cuts involved in milling.)
3. Pro-level saws. Very durable, very repairable. designed for day-in, day out use. These often have magnesium cases and are solidly built. Typically have a higher power-to-weight ratio than the mid-range saws, more durable components, etc.

The Husqvarna 450/455/460 series is solidly in the mid-range of saws. They are well made saws and will last a typical landowner a long time if they follow some basic care guidelines. A pro logger might get a year out of one in hard use (though a pro logger would typically not buy one in the first place, since they know it was not designed to hold up under that sort of use). I am NOT intending to "dis" these saws, and others like them by other manufacturers. There are some fine saws in this level for their intended use, and I have often recommended them to friends who are looking for a chainsaw where the size range and usage level fit their needs.

I've seen Echo saws that seem to fall in a gray area between the mid-range and pro-level saws: They have pro-type construction, and are very durable, but may not quite match the power-to-weight ratio of higher end pro saws by other manufacturers. Other saw manufacturers make similar saws: the Husqvarna 359 or the Jonsered 2152/Husky 353 were all very well regarded saws in their day (and still make a good saw today), and currently, the Husqvarna 555 (which I consider to be basically a pro saw without the Husky "XP" designation after its name). They were pro-type construction, and held up very well under hard, sustained use. If you don't mind carrying a few extra ounces of weight, and/or giving up a little bit of power, they are fine for pro use in their size range.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Most saw manufacturers make several quality levels:

1. entry-level throw-away saws (most of them call these "occasional use" saws). Generally, these saws are not worth fixing when they break - other than replacing a worn out bar or chain or swapping out a spark plug. They are also a pain in the butt to work on
2. mid-range "landowner"/Farm/Ranch saws. A bit more durable, a bit easier to work on. May be worth repairing, depending on the severity of the problem. Generally not made to stand up to 8 hour days, 5 days a week of serious cutting, but some of them are good saws for the money. (You generally don't see anyone using these saws for chainsaw milling, even on smaller logs - they just don't stand up well to the extended cuts involved in milling.)
3. Pro-level saws. Very durable, very repairable. designed for day-in, day out use. These often have magnesium cases and are solidly built. Typically have a higher power-to-weight ratio than the mid-range saws, more durable components, etc.

The Husqvarna 450/455/460 series is solidly in the mid-range of saws. They are well made saws and will last a typical landowner a long time if they follow some basic care guidelines. A pro logger might get a year out of one in hard use (though a pro logger would typically not buy one in the first place, since they know it was not designed to hold up under that sort of use). I am NOT intending to "dis" these saws, and others like them by other manufacturers. There are some fine saws in this level for their intended use, and I have often recommended them to friends who are looking for a chainsaw where the size range and usage level fit their needs.

I've seen Echo saws that seem to fall in a gray area between the mid-range and pro-level saws: They have pro-type construction, and are very durable, but may not quite match the power-to-weight ratio of higher end pro saws by other manufacturers. Other saw manufacturers make similar saws: the Husqvarna 359 or the Jonsered 2152/Husky 353 were all very well regarded saws in their day (and still make a good saw today), and currently, the Husqvarna 555 (which I consider to be basically a pro saw without the Husky "XP" designation after its name). They were pro-type construction, and held up very well under hard, sustained use. If you don't mind carrying a few extra ounces of weight, and/or giving up a little bit of power, they are fine for pro use in their size range.

Yup, that pretty much sums it up...

SR

 

[topbuilder]

OP, I have run a 455 Rancher for many years. I now run a 562xp. It's 3 ranchers. That much difference. Worth every penny.

 

[DarkBlack]

2 pro Husqvarnas XP痴 an an echo.
All 3 take 6-11 pulls when cold, an one pull when warm. No primer bulbs. You guys stating 1 pull cold starts must have a primer bulb, or......

 

[murphy1244]

2 pro Husqvarnas XPç—´ an an echo.
All 3 take 6-11 pulls when cold, an one pull when warm. No primer bulbs. You guys stating 1 pull cold starts must have a primer bulb, or......

Some of my echo chain saws don't have bulbs but all my other stuff of theirs do

 

[goeduck]

2 pro Husqvarnas XPç—´ an an echo.
All 3 take 6-11 pulls when cold, an one pull when warm. No primer bulbs. You guys stating 1 pull cold starts must have a primer bulb, or......

Most Echo owners imply theirs starts much better than 6-11 pulls when cold. I do not know, I do not have one.

 

[Oldpath05]

My Echo 501p will start in 3-4 pulls after it has been sitting awhile, 1-2 when warm. I thought all XP Husqavarns had a primer bulb, my 6 month old 550 XP does. and this newer one starts better then my 2013 one did, both will be getting a hard workout in another week or so, or I will...........

 

[goeduck]

I started my Stihl MS261 cold today after it sat for a week. Almost got it in 2 pulls. Took 3, ashamed to say. Warm starts today were always 1 pull.

 

[atsah]

You need a SHARP, quick pull and take the choke off upon burp.

A lot of people have a hard time starting a Stihl if they have any loss of power or their shoulder, arm or whatever prohibits them from using the strength needed to pull it sharp and quick..

I owned many Stihl saws and loved them and cut hundreds of cords of wood with them but I tried a Husky a few years back and it was very easy to start, I find Echo to be as easy.. Stihl lacks a smart start system unless you buy a homeowner unit (easy to start system). Even one with a decompression valve still isn't as easy as the other two to start..

 

[Oldpath05]

I started my Stihl MS261 cold today after it sat for a week. Almost got it in 2 pulls. Took 3, ashamed to say. Warm starts today were always 1 pull.

But how'd it start after you woke up, sometimes things run different in dreamland........... Also makes a difference on what fuel you using, like gas at the pump vs $20.00/gal at the local saw shop. But I admit my sons Stihl 44mag does start good even on 6 month old 87 octane gas from local store pump.