Looking for a new smaller saw?

[mwb]

+1 on the Echo. I have a CS-3000 top handle Echo and it is a beautiful saw. I use my Husky for all the bigger stuff but the Echo is my Swiss army knife on the 4-wheeler. This is a very light saw and the top handle makes it compact and perfect for one-handed use. I think this model is often used by arborists.

It always starts on the first pull and will idle forever. I think there are other similar Echo models that are the same size but a couple more cc's (more power).

 

[Nitro-Fish]

The 026 (MS 260), is a smaller frame saw to begin with, what is the intended use for a smaller saw? If you are going to be working from a ladder or a bucket, a top handle saw would fit the bill. Remember, the balance of a top handle is not the same as on a front/rear handle saw. Most manufacturers make a homowner/landowner top handle that costs less than their pro line of top handle saws, I would guess the price range of these models to be between $250 & $325. I have only used the homeowner/landowner version of the Stihl (model MS 192T) which used to (last year) sell for $311 new; it ran pretty decent, but it was lacking in power compared to my Husky 335XPT, however you are not comparing apples to apples here. I also have a top handle Echo which starts & runs very well (new cost around $260 if I recall), but again is down on power compared to the Husky, again, same as the 192, you are not comparing equal saws. The 335 has been replaced with the 338 which sells for considerably more than either the Stihl 192 or the Echo, I believe husky is making a homeowner version of a top handle too.