Echo vs Husqvarna

[Oldpath05]

My new 550xp has been on vacation since last March, next month I'll see how that starts, my guess is 3 pulls since that has a primer bulb.

 

[s219]

4 pulls is a lot after just 2 months. After 2 months my Stihls start with 2 pulls.

Unlike any Stihls I have owned!

 

[goeduck]

Unlike any Stihls I have owned!

I ran three Stihls today. 2pulls on the first, 1pull on the second, 2pulls on the third, about the same as all my other gas engines. :confused3:

 

[yomax4]

My Stihl's start within 13 pulls no matter how long they sit. Often as few as 10 or 11 cold.

 

[goeduck]

My Stihl's start within 13 pulls no matter how long they sit. Often as few as 10 or 11 cold.

No reason for that. :confused3:

 

[Giles]

For one thing---Echo has an aluminum oil pump---not plastic.

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.

 

[EddieWalker]

My Stihl's start within 13 pulls no matter how long they sit. Often as few as 10 or 11 cold.

Same here, but once they start, they run great and start right up with one pull every time after that. But for me, sitting overnight has the same result as sitting six months. It's always a work out to get them to start the first time.

 

[BlackOps]

had husqvarna, had stihl, had another husqvarna and now only echo. echo is the way to go.

 

[goeduck]

Same here, but once they start, they run great and start right up with one pull every time after that. But for me, sitting overnight has the same result as sitting six months. It's always a work out to get them to start the first time.

I simply do not understand having trouble starting a Stihl and it is not like I have one. I have six and they all start in 2, maybe 3 pulls. When warm, a half pull. You need a SHARP, quick pull and take the choke off upon burp. Not all burps can be heard, so choke off after 2 pulls if it is not running.

 

[two_bit_score]

I simply do not understand having trouble starting a Stihl and it is not like I have one. I have six and they all start in 2, maybe 3 pulls. When warm, a half pull. You need a SHARP, quick pull and take the choke off upon burp. Not all burps can be heard, so choke off after 2 pulls if it is not running.

I had trouble starting mine until I learned the process you describe. Key words are ‘not all burps can be heard’.

 

[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.