Echo CS-3000

[drivadesl]

I've been considering another saw to fill a gap between my stihl ms-361 and my little echo cs-3000. I like the pro stihl saws and the ms-261 might fit the bill, but is heavier than I'd like and pricey. I'm looking for something light weight, with maybe 16" bar. Suggestions from anyone? The echo cs400 may fit the bill but would like to hear what you guys think.

I don't necessarily need a pro saw, though have been happy with my stihls.

 

[s219]

I've been considering another saw to fill a gap between my stihl ms-361 and my little echo cs-3000. I like the pro stihl saws and the ms-261 might fit the bill, but is heavier than I'd like and pricey. I'm looking for something light weight, with maybe 16" bar. Suggestions from anyone? The echo cs400 may fit the bill but would like to hear what you guys think.

I don't necessarily need a pro saw, though have been happy with my stihls.

The CS-400 is a good saw, but small -- at 40cc, it's noticeably smaller and less powerful than my MS-261 (which is 50cc but can out-cut older 55cc Stihls like the 290 Farm Boss). So I'd only suggest the CS-400 if you know you want a smaller saw. It is great for limbing and zippy quick cutting work. I did tackle some 18" hickory with the CS-400 and it did OK, but it was definitely working hard.

The Husky 346XP (50cc) is competitive with the Stihl 261, but slightly lighter and smaller to handle.

The Echo CS-500P is another light 50cc saw to consider. It prices quite a bit lower than the 261.

The 261, 346XP, and 500P are all pro saws with a magnesium case. Of the three, the 261 is the beefcake of the bunch in terms of size, weight, and construction. But it's still 2+ lbs lighter than the Farm Boss, 362, etc. So I think the 261 is really a bigger saw in disguise, and compares better to larger peers like the 290.

 

[arrow]

Never ran any of the 50cc new dolmars, but I hear good things, especially of the 5105.

But the 6400 is a beast of a 64cc saw.

With a fresh chain, it is actually hard to tell the difference between it and a 7900 in anything under 16-18".

And with the 84cc upgrade with a mild port job, WOW is all I can say:thumbsup:

The 6400 is the next saw I'm thinking of getting. I used to own a Husky 385 that I used as a stumping saw. It had a 28" bar. I sold it after a year and a half for 2 reasons. It was an over $1000 saw and that was a bit much for just stumping and it was not that much more powerful than my mufflered modded 372. How is the 6400 saw with a longer bar on it?

 

[LD1]

The 6400 handles the 24" bar and chain very well. Even burried in hardwood:thumbsup:

And if it isnt enough for you, baileys sells the NWP BB kit for ~100-120 all the time. Then you have an 84cc beast:thumbsup:, That is what I did and I love it.