Jonsered cs2250cs or echo cs-590-20?

[branchburner]

I'd take the $500 you are looking at spending on a new 50cc, and go buy the used Makita 6401 and an Echo CS-310 30cc.

The 30cc Echo is a great saw and very light. I processed probably 5 cords of wood with mine this year (though I just added a Dolmar 6400, because the 30cc saw is really slow in big oak).

Those two saws will cover your two jobs much better than one compromise saw, and at the same price.

Yes.

A little late for me to chime in now, but that is exactly what I'd suggest. I spent years with a single 50cc saw that served me well. I then added the little Echo brand new for $200, and then later the used Makita for $300 when my Husky 350 was about ready to retire. (I destroyed the Makita by dropping a tree on it, so replaced that with a CS-590).

In hindsight, I wish I'd spent all those years with both one big and one little saw, rather than a single mid-sized one, as there are always a million uses for the smaller, lighter saw as well as the greater ease/speed and occasional need (for me) with bigger trees to run a 20"+ bar on a more powerful saw. As I'm putting on some age, I really appreciate the lighter saw for the lighter jobs, and the time-saving of a big saw that bucks logs like cutting butter. I'd never go back to a single saw.

 

[jetsam]

Yes.

A little late for me to chime in now, but that is exactly what I'd suggest. I spent years with a single 50cc saw that served me well. I then added the little Echo brand new for $200, and then later the used Makita for $300 when my Husky 350 was about ready to retire. (I destroyed the Makita by dropping a tree on it, so replaced that with a CS-590).

In hindsight, I wish I'd spent all those years with both one big and one little saw, rather than a single mid-sized one, as there are always a million uses for the smaller, lighter saw as well as the greater ease/speed and occasional need (for me) with bigger trees to run a 20"+ bar on a more powerful saw. As I'm putting on some age, I really appreciate the lighter saw for the lighter jobs, and the time-saving of a big saw that bucks logs like cutting butter. I'd never go back to a single saw.

What do you think of that CS-590? It was the lowest priced candidate in my search for a 60+cc saw, and I was really tempted by it because my CS-310 has been such a great saw and the price point is something else for a 60cc.

 

[woodhog73]

Yes.

A little late for me to chime in now, but that is exactly what I'd suggest. I spent years with a single 50cc saw that served me well. I then added the little Echo brand new for $200, and then later the used Makita for $300 when my Husky 350 was about ready to retire. (I destroyed the Makita by dropping a tree on it, so replaced that with a CS-590).

In hindsight, I wish I'd spent all those years with both one big and one little saw, rather than a single mid-sized one, as there are always a million uses for the smaller, lighter saw as well as the greater ease/speed and occasional need (for me) with bigger trees to run a 20"+ bar on a more powerful saw. As I'm putting on some age, I really appreciate the lighter saw for the lighter jobs, and the time-saving of a big saw that bucks logs like cutting butter. I'd never go back to a single saw.

I've never run a echo 590. But according to the stats the echo 590 puts out less power than the 2253 that the Original poster settled on.

I Agree with the overall usefulness of a small saw like a 30cc to 40cc for tons of home use applications. I Also agree the Makita / Dolmar 6400 will certainly out cut a 50cc 2253. It should it's an absolutely fantastic 64cc saw.

But in all honesty that 50cc pro 2253 that the original poster picked up will certainly be as capable or more capable even than an average performing 55cc to 60cc homeowner saw. It's rated at just under 4hp and claimed weight of 11lbs that's hard to beat. Especially when they normally sell for $600 and he got it for $475.

And it sounded like he wanted just one saw. I myself like having a small and big saw so I agree with your thoughts on that but some folks like the simplicity of one tool to do many jobs.

 

[branchburner]

What do you think of that CS-590? It was the lowest priced candidate in my search for a 60+cc saw, and I was really tempted by it because my CS-310 has been such a great saw and the price point is something else for a 60cc.

No regrets. If any of the local Home Depots had a used Makita/Dolmar, I would have gone that route again, but didn't really want to spend the extra bucks on a new one. (At $300 used I thought it was great, a big step up over my 50cc.) I have not put a huge number of hours on the bigger Echo yet, but I'm very happy with it so far. Has to be the best bang for the buck going.

 

[branchburner]

I've never run a echo 590. But according to the stats the echo 590 puts out less power than the 2253 that the Original poster settled on.
.

It sounds like a great saw for $475... not saying the CS590 would be any better as an only saw, just saying, grab the Dolmar for $300 from HD and you got plenty of change left over for a little saw, too! Having a too-powerful saw for doing small-saw jobs is not only a PITA, but sometimes to me seems more dangerous.

 

[woodhog73]

It sounds like a great saw for $475... not saying the CS590 would be any better as an only saw, just saying, grab the Dolmar for $300 from HD and you got plenty of change left over for a little saw, too! Having a too-powerful saw for doing small-saw jobs is not only a PITA, but sometimes to me seems more dangerous.

I agree especially about using too big a saw especially when in tight conditions such as in dense woods and your trying to limb tree tops laying on the ground. It's nice having a lightweight saw for that extra maneuverability.

I'm familiar with the Makita / Dolmar 6400 and yes it's rather big and heavy to be your only saw. If perhaps you just buck big rounds for firewood and never cut brush and buckthorn, etc you don't need a small saw. But for most people it's handy to have a small light weight saw

 

[Wood Wules]

I think Fulcrum made a big mistake. He way over sawed. The 2253 is a pro saw that can be used at work. I just can't see mostly cutting brush and small trees with a 2253.

There were a few posts that said most of the time they use a 30 cc. I have a 2240 that would do what Fulkrum wants with no problem. It weights 1.5 lbs less and costs 200 less.

He should return the 2253 pronto!

 

[Fulkrum78]

I think Fulcrum made a big mistake. He way over sawed. The 2253 is a pro saw that can be used at work. I just can't see mostly cutting brush and small trees with a 2253.

There were a few posts that said most of the time they use a 30 cc. I have a 2240 that would do what Fulkrum wants with no problem. It weights 1.5 lbs less and costs 200 less.

He should return the 2253 pronto!

Highly unlikely at this point, really enjoying the saw! Probably more saw than I need, but the same can be said of many things in my home lol.

 

[Fishnuts2]

Wait until that 2253 gets broke in. You'll not stop smiling until you have to start loading all the wood you cut with it.
You got a really good deal too. I paid $480 for a 2252 but am still pleased with it.

 

[jetsam]

It sounds like a great saw for $475... not saying the CS590 would be any better as an only saw, just saying, grab the Dolmar for $300 from HD and you got plenty of change left over for a little saw, too! Having a too-powerful saw for doing small-saw jobs is not only a PITA, but sometimes to me seems more dangerous.

They're $399 new at Home Depot. Definitely less power than a 64cc Makita, but also cheaper. I was tempted by the 590 because I like my little Echo 310 so much! Wound up going with a new Dolmar 64cc, though, because I wanted something that wouldn't struggle too much with a 24" bar, and the Echo was on the low end of the HP chart in the 60cc crowd. I don't doubt that the Echo would have worked for me, though.

One thing about the Makita/Dolmar 64 is that if you are getting it for a 'big' saw, you can upgrade it 79 or 84cc for not much money.

Neither one of these saws has the new magic carb like most of the new Huskies do.

 

[Wood Wules]

I doubt there's much difference between a 2252 and a 2253 just marketing hype.

Obviously the 2253 is a better saw for the pro than the 2240 but you could have a spirited argument as to which is better for the light use amateur.

I wish Fulkrum the best of luck with his new saw. It should help build some muscle. As for the brush it better watch out!

 

[branchburner]

They're $399 new at Home Depot. Definitely less power than a 64cc Makita, but also cheaper. .

Yes, I got my 590 for $375 at a dealer, with warranty and a good rep for service (one reason not to buy at HD) The $300 was referring to the used Makita at HD. If had a choice between the two, I would take the used Makita (if available) over the new Echo for $100 less, and run either with a 20" bar.

But I would not want either to be my ONLY saw... if I was going to only own a single saw, it would be 40-50cc with a 16 or 18" bar, I think. Nearly all of the wood I buck is 6-16" diameter, or smaller when doing limbs or brush. I have struggled through pretty giant oaks and maples with an 18" bar though, and boy it's nice to have a REAL saw in those situations. The difference then between 50cc at 18" and 64cc at 20" is easy to notice and appreciate.

I also have a little 14" Homelite XL that's about 30-some years old... I love that little thing for light work!

 

[woodhog73]

I doubt there's much difference between a 2252 and a 2253 just marketing

There's a subject titled " detuned " in the gear section from a couple days ago. Can't be more than a page back check it out if you want detailed explanation with pictures about differences between certain pro saws.

As for the 2252 vs 2253. I have a 2252. I use this saw for work part time on a tree service crew I help out on ( buddy of mine owns the company) I have a regular job so it's just a side gig. Anyways the difference in power between the 2 is roughly 1/2 hp. I wanted more power out of mine so I had it ported and muffler modded. In Fulkrums case whether or not he needed the extra power is really up to him but he got such a great deal on that saw I don't blame him one bit because I would have purchased the same saw as he did.

I get where your coming from on spending less but the nice thing with the 2253 it will last him for years and it can do a lot bigger range of cutting than the 2240 should the need arise.

Hey Fishnuts I also paid close to $480 for my 2252 man I'm so jealous of being able to get the higher output model for what we paid ! Darn oh well

I ported mine so now I've got over $600 into it. But it screams. Man does it scream. It's not that terribly far behind my 70cc saw when cutting 20 inch oak and whatnot.

 

[Wood Wules]

Woodhog makes my point. He uses his 2252 for work on a tree service crew.

 

[woodhog73]

Woodhog makes my point. He uses his 2252 for work on a tree service crew.

Yes I do but I bought it for my personal use first. I also have a pro 70cc saw again for me to maintain my woods.

My buddy is cheap. I can use one of his many saws on the few trucks in his work fleet if I want , but then he complains and yells at me to not beat up his stuff. I then remind him with a few choice words that I really don't need this job I already have a good job but I enjoy the work, like the extra money, and like the free fire wood whenever I want to throw extra in my truck !

Woodwules I understand where your coming from. But I also understand Fulcrums point of getting a nice tool right from the start and never having to worry about it . If your 2240 works for your needs that's awesome and be happy you didn't have to spend $500 plus on a saw. But if your wood cutting needs change, and you get yourself something bigger ( home or pro model doesn't matter ) then that's good too.

 

[Fulkrum78]

Finally made it outside and got to try out the saw. It cuts through most everything like butter. A bit heavy, but I'm willing to deal with that for the job it does. It seems to idle a bit rough when it first starts, but I think my premixed fuel might be a bit old.

Overall quite happy!

 

[drz1050]

What mix are you using? Echo recommends 50:1 for the CS590 I have, but I've found it's a little happier running 32:1.

 

[Fulkrum78]

Husky 50:1 premix I had for my leaf blower. I'll grab a new gas tank after my vacation and mix my own...

 

[woodhog73]

It seems to idle a bit rough when it first starts, but I think my premixed fuel might be a bit old.

Overall quite happy!

With the auto tune it will run rough the first minute or two. It's the auto tune system adjusting itself to the humidity, temperature, etc. Normal for a auto tune saw

But fresh pre mix is always good

 

[TreePointer]

Yep, with AutoTune (and M-Tronic from Stihl), it is important to follow the initial use procedures/instructions as outlined in the manual.