Echo vs Husqvarna

[Oldpath05]

I try not to complain about it, but when I bought my 545 it was because I wanted a decent saw, and thought that it would pay for itself. Instead all that I ever did was fight to keep it running. The dealer did his best; he replaced the carb and top end, yet it still ran like crap. The only way to start it was to lock the brake, hold the throttle open and drop start until it finally caught. It wouldn't idle, and I would have to restart it multiple times while limbing the same tree. The day I finally rolled the tree on it I had caught myself dropstarting it twice without realizing the brake wasn't set; there are days when you shouldn't be running a saw. Yet I believe that it was a matter of time before I cut myself badly if I had kept running it.

Edit; after doing an internet wide search it appears that mine was the exception to the rule. Arboristsite & Forestryforum among others each have rave reviews. It makes me wonder what I was doing wrong.

How old you say that 545 was? sounds a lot like my old 550xp bought in 2013. After running my sons new 262MS today, I'd probably would've bought that instead of the 550xp.

 

[Jstpssng]

I bought it October 14, 2016. Traded it as a parts saw on September 30, 2019.

 

[Oldpath05]

The Warren True-value Husqvarna/Echo chainsaw place I went to wouldn't give a nickle for my old 550xp last Feb and they wanted $50.00 more on a new one, then I went to Ace hardware in Belfast, bought a new saw there, and sold my old one on ebay for $100.00, I ended up with $83.00 after paying ebay and paypal, after I sold the old saw I went and ordered a 501p Echo and so far I like it.

 

[AllByteNoBark]

Well, could not help myself. I have had a Jonsered 670 Champ for close to 25 years. Have never done anythign to it but put in oil and gas. On my current property we do not have trees just Texas brush. Got tired of carrying the Champ around and when I saw a Jonsered 2240 on Ebay for $169 I pulled the trigger. So now the Champ has a little brother!

Decided I better spruce up the Champ while at it so put a new bar and chain on it while in the saw mode.

 

[two_bit_score]

Well, could not help myself. I have had a Jonsered 670 Champ for close to 25 years. Have never done anythign to it but put in oil and gas. On my current property we do not have trees just Texas brush. Got tired of carrying the Champ around and when I saw a Jonsered 2240 on Ebay for $169 I pulled the trigger. So now the Champ has a little brother!

Decided I better spruce up the Champ while at it so put a new bar and chain on it while in the saw mode.

View attachment 625238

They both look brand new! :thumbsup:

 

[goeduck]

Agree, they look great!

 

[AllByteNoBark]

The 2240 is brand new, that is why I could not pass it up for $169. The Champ on the other hand has cut many, many cord of firewood as well as saw logs. It is a great saw, just not what I need in my current location. The Champ looks a lot better with that new bar on it. The old bar was the original and I was amazed how it held up. I do have a tendency to run more bar oil than some people. Always set it so when the gas runs empty the bar oil is right at empty also. No idea how many chains the Champ has gone through. Still starts and runs great. Before the Champ I used a Jonsered 49, it too was a great saw. Sold it to my nephew who used it until he passed and I believe one of his sons may have it now.

Will miss the Jonsered brand but doubt I ever need any more saws.

Champ bar I just took off, could have dressed it and kept using it but the new one was $28 so decided to splurge.

 

[shovelmike]

After using a Homelite XL 12 for 35 years (getting so old that parts are scarce), I bought a Husqvarna Rancher 240 about 5 years ago, it's been
trouble free.

 

[Jstpssng]

After using a Homelite XL 12 for 35 years (getting so old that parts are scarce), I bought a Husqvarna Rancher 240 about 5 years ago, it's been
trouble free.

I threw out two running XL12's when I bought my first Husky... and have kicked myself ever since. I didn't like running a saw without a chain brake yet they were tough as nails and would have been great for spare saws or for running a Lewis winch. The other nice thing was that they turned up so slowly that you could sharpen them while you were cutting.

Kids, don't try that at home!

Somebody picked those saws up before the trash truck came, which is what I had expected when I put them out.

 

[shovelmike]

The XL 12 is a tough saw alright, I still have mine, the air cleaner cover (the only plastic part on the saw) is split, and repaired with duck tape because I couldn't find a new one.