50cc Saw questions

[Squatch]

I have an echo 490 as my 50cc saw. It’s not always been this way but seems these days and likely for the foreseeable future I’ll be using the small saw more than the bigger saws. I’ve got it muffler modded, and it tuned properly, but I’ve been craving more power. Are there simple mods I can do to get more out of it (I don’t have the technical know how to port etc) or should I consider a 261cm or 550mkII as a replacement? If you’ve run all 3 how much more power do either of those 2 saws have over the 490? Would getting a reputable builder to work on the 490 be a better route than a new saw financially speaking?

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I've run a lot of 50cc saws, though not a new 550 or a 490 (501 though).

It's pretty tough to beat a ported 346xp for the price. Great saws. If I buy another 50cc saw, that's what it will be.

 

[svk]

Just my opinion but I want my 50 cc saw to be light and nimble so I’d go with a 346, 550 mk1, or build a 346 from a 340/345/350.

 

[holeycow]

Or you could get the opposite; a Dolmar 5105/Makita ea5000.

it will crush other 50cc saws power-wise, but handles like a boat. After a little getting used to, the handling is ok. The power is delicious.

 

[svk]

Or you could get the opposite; a Dolmar 5105/Makita ea5000.

it will crush other 50cc saws power-wise, but handles like a boat. After a little getting used to, the handling is ok. The power is delicious.

They are great saws, don’t get me wrong. But if you want to add a bit of weight, grab a 357 or 262 which has more power.

The mid sized Dolmars are heavy yet very powerful for their cc class. Great one saw plans. But more or less they operate like the next class up and weigh the same as the next class.

 

[Matt Hogden]

Ok mate
You want the Au/UK 501SX coil plus carb.
Then open up the muffler.
Also needs a base gasket delete. The thing will rip then!
Don't worry about the 261cm. Nice saw but your 490 will be sweet and a bit lighter too

Sent from my SM-A205YN using Tapatalk

 

[holeycow]

My 262 is an entirely different experience than my 5105. It is more raw, with old school ergonomics and anti-vibe. It's fun too!

 

[Squatch]

Ok mate
You want the Au/UK 501SX coil plus carb.
Then open up the muffler.
Also needs a base gasket delete. The thing will rip then!
Don't worry about the 261cm. Nice saw but your 490 will be sweet and a bit lighter too

Sent from my SM-A205YN using Tapatalk

no need to raise the exhaust port with the base gasket delete? What’s the difference with the coil and carb?

 

[Squatch]

Or you could get the opposite; a Dolmar 5105/Makita ea5000.

it will crush other 50cc saws power-wise, but handles like a boat. After a little getting used to, the handling is ok. The power is delicious.

I like the weight and balance of the echo... just wanting more juice out of it.

 

[holeycow]

The 5105 is about the same weight as the new 550. It's about 1/4 lb heavier than my 2152.

it's not really heavy at all. It is wide. Just wide.

 

[Cliff R]

The CS-490 is a little "weak" for the cc's. I've had about half a dozen brought here for the muffler mod and custom tuning. I've even purchased a couple pretty cheap and modded/sold them. For the money I consider them a pretty nice saw with some pro features, but down enough on power I haven't added one to the line-up. They have their tongue hanging out with the 20" bar most show up with, and just OK with the 18" bar. Even with that said I've considered outfitting one with a 16" .325" bar and trying one for limbing and lighter work.

None I've ran to date will hold a candle to either one of my closed port Husqvara 55's or the Echo CS-510. A muffler modded Echo CS-510 is a HOME RUN for a 50cc saw but they are a little difficult to find and when they do show up on Ebay most will have been ran too lean and have some piston material "smeared" over the ring so buyer beware there.

I haven't had a CS-501 in here yet but was watched a few U-Tube clips of them and they appear much stronger than the similar CS-490.

Several other "pro" saws were mentioned, and I don't know anyone anyplace who's ever been disappointed in the cutting power of a Husqvarna 346XP.........Cliff

 

[Squatch]

The CS-490 is a little "weak" for the cc's. I've had about half a dozen brought here for the muffler mod and custom tuning. I've even purchased a couple pretty cheap and modded/sold them. For the money I consider them a pretty nice saw with some pro features, but down enough on power I haven't added one to the line-up. They have their tongue hanging out with the 20" bar most show up with, and just OK with the 18" bar. Even with that said I've considered outfitting one with a 16" .325" bar and trying one for limbing and lighter work.

None I've ran to date will hold a candle to either one of my closed port Husqvara 55's or the Echo CS-510. A muffler modded Echo CS-510 is a HOME RUN for a 50cc saw but they are a little difficult to find and when they do show up on Ebay most will have been ran too lean and have some piston material "smeared" over the ring so buyer beware there.

I haven't had a CS-501 in here yet but was watched a few U-Tube clips of them and they appear much stronger than the similar CS-490.

Several other "pro" saws were mentioned, and I don't know anyone anyplace who's ever been disappointed in the cutting power of a Husqvarna 346XP.........Cliff

I’ve been curious about the actual differences between the 490 and 501 (other than the obvious plastic handle) I’ve looked around but haven’t found any specs to compare.

 

[Cliff R]

I haven't ran a CS-501 to know for sure, but it appears a pretty big jump in power from what I can see on the You Tube videos.

Don't want to come across as saying the CS-490 is a "weak" saw in general, probably just middle of the road for 50cc stuff.

Over the years I've grown quite fond of smaller saws and have owned several dozen of them, Husqvarna 51's, 55's, Echo CS-510, and have worked on and ran several 346XP's and 55XP's. The Husqvarna 55 Rancher models and open port 51's are so-so, but not on par with the closed port versions. The CS-510 is a beast, more or less a sleeping giant in that range of saws. All they need is a very minor muffler mod to wake them up, and of course removing the limiter caps and giving them the fuel they need as well.

These days since 90 percent of what we cut here are tops left over from logging operations my two CP 55's and CS-510 get a LOT of use. Light, fast, fuel efficient and preferred till I start bucking up bigger logs, then I reach for the CS-620PW, CS-600 or my CS-590.

I've all but retired my other Husqvarna's, although on occasion I'll get out the 268XPS or grab my brothers 372XP. It's like shooting 44 magnum after shooting 38 specials all day long!........Cliff

 

[Woodanhor]

I’ve been curious about the actual differences between the 490 and 501 (other than the obvious plastic handle) I’ve looked around but haven’t found any specs to compare.

Ive seen some specs posted from echos euro site
The 501p and 4510 definitely have something different for the added power they have
Heres a link to Japan site I cant find the euro link right now
http://www.yamabiko-corp.co.jp/kioritz/products/category/detail/id=1996

 

[Woodanhor]

Heres the link for echo uk
https://www.echo-tools.co.uk/product-category/chainsaws/

 

[Big Block]

no need to raise the exhaust port with the base gasket delete? What’s the difference with the coil and carb?

No need to raise it. Most saws react very well to the added compression and slightly retarded timing. More torque and snappy response. A shorter bar(16”~) and some round file (or square file ) chisel pro chain would help too.
Can’t go wrong with a 346XP or a 261 CM either.

 

[jp233]

ever been able to run a Stihl 028 AV Super? its 52cc unless I'm mistaken and will do pretty well. A little heavier than some newer saws of course, but generally built like a tank. There can be muffler mods and carb tune to match...

 

[Squatch]

No need to raise it. Most saws react very well to the added compression and slightly retarded timing. More torque and snappy response. A shorter bar(16”~) and some round file (or square file ) chisel pro chain would help too.
Can’t go wrong with a 346XP or a 261 CM either.

What’s the preferred sealant when deleting the base gasket?

 

[Big Block]

@Squatch Yamabond or the like. From a motorcycle shop. That’s all I’ve used and never had a problem. Dirko is popular too.

 

[Squatch]

@Squatch Yamabond or the like. From a motorcycle shop. That’s all I’ve used and never had a problem. Dirko is popular too.

Thanks!