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Thread: Echo CS 400vs Stihl 361

  1. 10-11-2008, 10:34 PM #1
    Fudog
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    Echo CS 400vs Stihl 361

    Echo CS400 or Stihl 361 which one would you buy? Warranty is better on Echo but is it as durable as the Stihl? Just curious of everyones opinion. Thanks!
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  2. 10-11-2008, 10:47 PM #2
    blackoak
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    I think I would have to go with the 361 in this quest.
    CRH
    "The Recollection of Quality Remains Long After the Price is Forgotten": E.C. Simmons Keen Kutter Cutlery & Tools

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  3. 10-12-2008, 01:41 AM #3
    windthrown
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    Really, you are comparing a 40cc saw to a 60cc class saw??? No comparison in the cut. None what-so-ever. The 361 will absolutely smoke a CS 400. And over time a 361 will last a lifetime, whereas the Echo simply will not. Unless you are a very light user or something.

    I have probably used and worked on more Echo and Stihl chainsaws than any other brand. I would rank Echo saws at about the same quality and PITA complexity as the non-pro Stihl saws (I would give the edge to Stihl in that comparison as well). Echo saws will run and do a lot of work, yes, and I have beaten some completely to death. But over the really long haul, the Echos will fall short (compared to themselves, not to anything that Stihl or any other chainsaw company makes).
    Never give a inch! -Henry Stamper
    In living memory of The SawWitch

    Note that I cannot reply to PMs or post here any more. Sorry, beyond my control.

    The saws... Stihl: 066 RL, 044 3/4 wrap, 361 x 2, 260/026 x 3, 211 (have also had Stihl: 020AV, 200T x 3, 026 x 5, 361 x 5, 440, 021/210 x 2, 025/250 x 3, 230, 029, 290, 310 x 5, Husky: 346 x2, 372 type II x 3, 375, 395, 576, MAC: 360 x 2)
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  4. 10-12-2008, 06:34 PM #4
    Jumbo Jimbo
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    Definitely the 361, it's a great saw and will last a long time.
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  5. 10-12-2008, 06:47 PM #5
    Octane
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    I wouldnt be worried about the durability of any Echo engine. Expected lifespan of their engines is 1,300-1,500 hours and even if you cut wood all the time its going to take a long, long time to wear that engine out.
    This comes right from the FAQ section of Echo's website:
    http://www.echo-usa.com/faqs.asp
    What is the expected engine life rating?


    There is no compromise to the design and building of an ECHO engine. Its value minimizes somewhat higher price since it lasts longer and performs better. If all the proper preventative maintenance is done and the proper lubrication is used, ECHO engines are designed to last 1,200 - 1,500 hours or more. Proper preventative maintenance and lubrication as outlined in the operator's manual is critical to the life of your any HI-RPM 2 stroke engine.

    I find it interesting that Echo is one of the most-respected names in trimmers, but for some odd reason people think they cant build good chainsaws.
    Last edited by Octane; 10-12-2008 at 06:52 PM.
    Earth first. We'll log the other planets later.
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  6. 10-12-2008, 08:27 PM #6
    excess650
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    trolling or serious?

    I'll give you the benefit of the doubt with so few posts.....

    You're comparing a $300 retail plastic cased 40cc saw(yeah, 5 year warranty) with a $600 magnesium cased 60cc Pro quality saw. The Echo might make 1/2 the HP of the Stihl, and is best suited for nothing over about 12", and not if you're in a hurry.

    You'll be able to buy that CS-400(new) for $225 or so on Ebay, but you should consider it a homwowner grade saw, and not a Pro saw.

    I have a few smaller Echo 3450/345 variety saws, and they're great for limbing and trimming.
    CAD....real bad

    Beer, its not just for breakfast anymore!

    I mean, hops ARE vegetables, right?



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  7. 10-12-2008, 08:46 PM #7
    windthrown
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    Eh... used my brother's Echo today to fell some small cedar trees here. Thing threw the chain, and I had forgotten about the outboard clutches in Echos. I do not like outboard clutches in chainsaws. Not needed, and they are a PITA. Also the tiny 10mm bar nuts. I left the Echo in the shop and fetched my 025 Stihl to finish the job. Far more power, and far easier to use. I finished the second half of the cutting in 1/4 the time, and with a dull chain to boot. OK, the Stihl is about 2x the price, but it is 2x better saw for cutting with.
    Never give a inch! -Henry Stamper
    In living memory of The SawWitch

    Note that I cannot reply to PMs or post here any more. Sorry, beyond my control.

    The saws... Stihl: 066 RL, 044 3/4 wrap, 361 x 2, 260/026 x 3, 211 (have also had Stihl: 020AV, 200T x 3, 026 x 5, 361 x 5, 440, 021/210 x 2, 025/250 x 3, 230, 029, 290, 310 x 5, Husky: 346 x2, 372 type II x 3, 375, 395, 576, MAC: 360 x 2)
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  8. 10-12-2008, 08:57 PM #8
    mtgrs737
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    No doubt that the Stihl 361 is the better saw by a mile, however do you need a better saw? I own both saws and I am impressed with the Echo's quality but if I were only wanting one saw that I wanted to last a lifetime then the Stihl would be the hands down winner. If you don't expect much use then give the Echo a whirl, afterall they are reasonable to buy at about 2/5ths the price of a MS361. Just MHO.
    Echo CS330T 14"
    Echo CS400 16", & 18"
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    Stihl 031 AV 16"
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  9. 10-12-2008, 09:02 PM #9
    mranum
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    Quote Originally Posted by mtgrs737 View Post
    No doubt that the Stihl 361 is the better saw by a mile, however do you need a better saw? I own both saws and I am impressed with the Echo's quality but if I were only wanting one saw that I wanted to last a lifetime then the Stihl would be the hands down winner. If you don't expect much use then give the Echo a whirl, afterall they are reasonable to buy at about 2/5ths the price of a MS361. Just MHO.

    Sounds about right. I don't expect our Echo's to last for 20 years but then I don't expect any saw to last that long. Bottom line you get what you pay for but if you need a decent saw for occasional use its hard to beat an Echo.

    JMHO
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  10. 10-12-2008, 11:49 PM #10
    pgg
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    First saw I used clear felling scrubby bush, an echo I had, about half power of 266 huskys, still munched through trees with no problems, any saw is a pro-saw, low grade stihls are fine as work saws, if you're bashing the saw around you're doin' it wrong anyway, the motors last for ages even on junk saws, GMC made in china, you can't go wrong, one twentieth the price of a stihl with one quarter the power, the days of shelling out big bucks for quality are over
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  11. 10-13-2008, 01:54 AM #11
    SawTroll
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    Unhappy

    Firewood saws: Jonsereds Raket 621 (1970), Husky 353G (2003), Euro Stihl MS361W (2004), Husky 372xpg (nov 2006), Husky 339xp (may 2007), Husky 346xpg New Edition (sept 2007), Jonsered 2153WH (april 2010), Husky 560xpg (nov 2011).

    Witchys saw, Dolmar PS5100SH (also may 2007). Rest in peace, my love!

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