REQUEST INFO. ON ECHO CS400

[Randy S]

Hi,
Looking for a new saw.
Cut 2-3 cords hw per year.
I am looking at the Echo CS 400 with 18 in. bar , 5 Yr warranty. My last saw was a Husqvarna 350; came apart on me after 2 1/2 yrs. use and could not be repaired.
Thnaks for your help.
Randy

 

[Thistle]

Hi,
Looking for a new saw.
Cut 2-3 cords hw per year.
I am looking at the Echo CS 400 with 18 in. bar , 5 Yr warranty. My last saw was a Husqvarna 350; came apart on me after 2 1/2 yrs. use and could not be repaired.
Thnaks for your help.
Randy

(broken link removed to http://www.echo-usa.com/product.asp?Model=CS-400&Category=CHAINSAW)

 

[mayhem]

I think he might be wondering if anyone owns one and likes it or not, wondering if Echo is a good brand or is it another Homelite...stuff like that.

 

[CTYank]

Hi,
Looking for a new saw.
Cut 2-3 cords hw per year.
I am looking at the Echo CS 400 with 18 in. bar , 5 Yr warranty. My last saw was a Husqvarna 350; came apart on me after 2 1/2 yrs. use and could not be repaired.
Thnaks for your help.
Randy

Have not laid hands on a cs-400, so no comment on same. But, if you go to amazon's site, for one, you'll see lots of comments from owners with a common thread of p&c scoring and seizure, declaration that problem was mix quality, and no warranty coverage. Just too many, IMHO, for it to be random straight-gassers. At the very least, I'd be prepared for some serious CYA (Cover Your you-get-the-message).

This surprised me, given what I've seen with other Echos, like my ancient cs-315. (Still runs grrrrrrrreat.)

 

[basswidow]

I have the Echo 370 with a 16 inch bar and I am going on 4 years with it. Love it. It starts right up and cuts great. Not one issue with it at all. I also have a Stihl farm boss, with a 20 inch bar for the bigger stuff. But my Echo still does the lions share of the work. I put up 9 cords last year and nearly the same this year.

I recommend the Echo CS400. You can't hurt them.

 

[Randy S]

Thanks for all of your input/feedback.
I have been leaning toward the Stihl FB, but have been reading up on this,
Thanks again,

SG

 

[mxjamie540]

I've got about 2 1/2 years on my CS-440...... like the others have said, I LOVE IT!

Great reliable saw. Maybe not the ultra whiz bang fastest thing out there, but I firmly think it cuts great.... has good anti-vibes, and has been stone reliable.

I think you will be happy.

 

[loon]

make sure you add more oil to the mix than the book says Southern Gent ;-)

mine worked great till it seized like CTY said ;-P


loon

 

[Randy S]

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback, really appreciate it.
My goal is to make a decision this weekend, hopefully going tomorrow to finish looking at the dealer then purchase.

Thanks again,

SG

 

[elijah]

I've had mine for a year and probably cut around 5 cords with it. Love it so far, not a single complaint.

 

[Jack Straw]

I have an Echo CS520, the main reason I got the Echo was the 5 year warranty and the dealer was a local "mom and pop" store. I can easily get service from a local, knowledgeable mechanic. I can't say how it compares to other saws because all I 've ever had are old ones.

 

[Randy S]

Goodmorning,

Went Saturday to an Echo dealer 9 mi. from the house.
Nice folks, but out of stock.
Went to the Stihl dealer- about 7-8 mi. from the house and was looking for the MS 250. They had none out front, but had some on the pallet in the back just come in.
I traded with them and got a Stihl. Price same as the Echo, same 18 in. bar, 5 more cc than the Echo CS400.
Thanks to all for your input and help.

SG

 

[KarlP]

If you don't mind me asking - How did a 350 die after only 6 cords? It should have been at least as beefy a saw as the 250.

Good luck. But and if the Stihl dies. You might an electric saw with no engine or a < $150 disposable saw that can be tossed every six cords.

 

[Randy S]

Husqvarna 350- the carberator bolts came loose; took back twice to get repaired; they continued to come loose again until it could not be repaired any more. The head, not sure how to say it, but the holes were wore out. Repair shop said they had seen that happen in that model before.
Lord willing, not planning on that happening to the Stihl; we have had this brand in the family, two 029's that are 15-20 years old with no problem.
Thanks,
SG