I went back on my intent to stick with Stihl. I picked up an Echo 590 instead. It just seemed a crazy value compared to a comparable 60cc Stihl. I haven't used it yet, but hope to fire it up this week.
Second Chainsaw
- Thread starter bladeofanduril
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EbS-P
Minister of Fire
I probably would have made the same choice.
Sean McGillicuddy
Minister of Fire
I have a Echo 330 that I use up in my towable bucket lift. Its been a good saw but things like the chain tightener and the in board sprocket I just don't like. I understand the value part. Got a buddy that runs Echo's and he got a 590 it been a good saw for him but he sure likes my 261 and my 461. Good luck with the new purchase.
I also bought a new 590 for < $400. I also own a ms290. Significantly more power from 20% more power. I may sell it when done with the bigger stuff.
My father in law picked up a echo 590. He cuts timber with it and it just turned a year old. So that is saying something about that saw especially for the price. Echo saws are some of the best saw for the money
Prof
Minister of Fire
I don't know anything about the Echo 590, but I would expect any quality saw to last way longer than a year.
He cut full time with it cutting timber. That's a little different than cutting firewood.
Rage, goddess! Sing the rage of Echo's son Timberwolf, voracious, hungry, that cut asunder countless trees, hurling down to the Stove of Fire so many sturdy Oaks, great aged Oaks, but made their fibers fodder, feasts for the flames and embers...
Ahem... anyway. I am pleased. A powerful saw from the start, but by the second tank of gas it was really ripping. Hickory, maple, oak, ash and spruce all cut like butter. The 20" bar feels like a huge step up from the 16" on my MS180. I didn't have any issues with the weight of this saw. For firewood, I don't see myself getting the 180 out again. It will probably be reserved for minor trimming and cleanup.
Prof
Minister of Fire
highanddryinco
Burning Hunk
Glad you worked "asunder" in there. I like sneaking that one in there at work occasionally.
Glad you like the saw as well. You're not going to find many folks that actually have them that don't like them.
Glad you like the saw as well. You're not going to find many folks that actually have them that don't like them.
Prof
Minister of Fire
Echo 590 is a great choice for bucking logs .I own a echo 590 a STIHL261 and a StihlCm400 and all nice saws but the Echo 590 is by far the best bang for buck . I have owned the 590 since 2014 and cut 10 to 15 cord a year standing trees . I realize you already bought one but anyone considering one should feel confident that it’s a very good value.
Haha I can't take full credit. I ripped off the opening to Fagles' translation of Homer's Iliad.
I used it again this past weekend to buck up the last few logs, including a 24" diameter oak. It did a great job.
I've been cutting with a MS 400 since Dec. The only issue I have with it is my face is hurting by the end of the day from the smile that won't go away while running it. It's an animal. With a bark box on it you don't have to worry about anyone cutting close to you, it's wicked loud, They dino out at close to 7hp with the bark box in a sub 13# powerhead.
A common mod for the Echo 590 seems to be opening up the muffler. I'm not sure if I'll try it though. It's already pretty loud.
Learning to sharpen chains well will trump any mod in my opinion. Keep it good and sharp and stay out of the dirt with it and it will be very efficient. I notice the stihl cm 400 is very loud even with the stock muffler, can’t imagine with a bark box.
GerryM
Member
Touch your chain up after each tankful (running two saws helps) you can run the same chain for a few tandem loads of logs, of course flip the bar every once in a while....
SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I think I've said this a handful of times already, it just falls on deaf ears. A new chainsaw is cooler than sharpening.
SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I never regret buying my Tecomec Super Jolly, but I do regret buying my Husky 460 over a lighter 50cc saw. Eventually I'd like to get a new light weight pro saw, probably in the 40-50cc range (do they make 40cc top handle pro saws?) and maybe even that new fancy Husky 595xp for the mill. I've also thought about getting a nice battery saw instead of a new small pro saw.
