buttercup
Addicted to ArboristSite
I don't know what it is that makes me love these small lightweight saws, perhaps its because I don't like to carry around more than I need or perhaps it's because of my bad hip that sometimes makes it beneficial.
Anyway I thought I'd share my thoughts on them after some use.
The specs of the Dolmar made Makita EA3200 is humble at 1,35kw/1,81hp and have a dry weight without bar/chain at 4,1kg/9,0lb according to Dolmar, mine came with a 14" guide bar.
The specs of the Echo CS-361WES is at 1,66kw/2,2hp and have a dry weight without bar/chain at 3,7kg/8,2lb according to Echo, mine came with a 14" guide bar.
The CS-361 had have a short time in their catalogue and is I think replaced by a newer model now CS-362 and it seems to me its improved on fuel economy and environmental impact.
Not sure which of them are available at the other side of the pond but its pretty much the same saw as the CS-350 I would guess.
My first impression of the Makita was "amazing", probably because of the humble specs and affordable cost you just don't expect too much from it.
It has a solid feel to it and the rear handle as well as the front handle have a good stiffness, it starts really easy and is very comfortable in use indeed.
Its cutting capability was way above my expectations and I'm still puzzled of how they have managed to make it seem to cut like a bigger saw with those humble specs.
In Spruce it handles the 14" guide bar completely buried in the wood and it looks and feels like a classic chainsaw, I simply love it.
The Echo I have only run about a tank of gas and I know it will change somewhat when its run in.
It also have a solid feel too it, perhaps more than it looks, and it gives the impression of being a little more costly made than the Makita. It is also a more expensive saw to buy.
It also starts easy and is very comfortable in use, I think after just run a half tank of gas I noticed the acceleration and rpm is a step up from the Makita.
The cutting power seems good too of course but not that far ahead of the Makita, it's more like what you would expect from the specs.
My conclusion so far is that if the money spent and practical use is the most important factor - it's difficult to beat the Makita, it would definitely be my choice.
However the Echo is a more hi-end saw, if that little extra is also appreciated and considered worth the extra cost - then the Echo sure is worth considering.
Thanks
Anyway I thought I'd share my thoughts on them after some use.
The specs of the Dolmar made Makita EA3200 is humble at 1,35kw/1,81hp and have a dry weight without bar/chain at 4,1kg/9,0lb according to Dolmar, mine came with a 14" guide bar.
The specs of the Echo CS-361WES is at 1,66kw/2,2hp and have a dry weight without bar/chain at 3,7kg/8,2lb according to Echo, mine came with a 14" guide bar.
The CS-361 had have a short time in their catalogue and is I think replaced by a newer model now CS-362 and it seems to me its improved on fuel economy and environmental impact.
Not sure which of them are available at the other side of the pond but its pretty much the same saw as the CS-350 I would guess.
My first impression of the Makita was "amazing", probably because of the humble specs and affordable cost you just don't expect too much from it.
It has a solid feel to it and the rear handle as well as the front handle have a good stiffness, it starts really easy and is very comfortable in use indeed.
Its cutting capability was way above my expectations and I'm still puzzled of how they have managed to make it seem to cut like a bigger saw with those humble specs.
In Spruce it handles the 14" guide bar completely buried in the wood and it looks and feels like a classic chainsaw, I simply love it.
The Echo I have only run about a tank of gas and I know it will change somewhat when its run in.
It also have a solid feel too it, perhaps more than it looks, and it gives the impression of being a little more costly made than the Makita. It is also a more expensive saw to buy.
It also starts easy and is very comfortable in use, I think after just run a half tank of gas I noticed the acceleration and rpm is a step up from the Makita.
The cutting power seems good too of course but not that far ahead of the Makita, it's more like what you would expect from the specs.
My conclusion so far is that if the money spent and practical use is the most important factor - it's difficult to beat the Makita, it would definitely be my choice.
However the Echo is a more hi-end saw, if that little extra is also appreciated and considered worth the extra cost - then the Echo sure is worth considering.
Thanks