MS 271 or Echo?

[Martlet]

I have a small homestead and do some cutting. I felled, cut, and stacked a few cords of wood last year and have a ton of clean up to do around my sugar bush. The biggest trees I really see are 18 -24 inches diameter, and most of those are already down.

I beat the heck out of a little Poulan I'd picked up and certainly got my money's worth out of it. It is very painful, though, and I quickly learned cheaper is not always better and the saw makes a difference. Since I don't know much about them, I've been asking around. It's crazy how many differing opinions there are from casual users. Husky or Stihl questions can start a brawl.

Right now I've been looking at a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss with an 18" bar. I considered a 20", but I'm not sure that saw will power it. If I decided I needed a 20", I was thinking of moving up to the Stihl 291. I've been on Stihl because the local dealer is very reputable. A few people have suggested the Echo line, but they don't seem to be what most recommend. A local power sports store is having a 20% off sale this Wednesday on Echo saws, so that is certainly enticing. I wouldn't want to jump into a less expensive saw and have to sharpen every 15 minutes or fight through every cut. I'd rather just buy a saw that would suit my needs and be done with it.

Any advice from the experts is greatly appreciated.

 

[Sleepy]

Having to sharpen every 15 minutes has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the saw.

 

[Martlet]

I understand that. Doesn't have to do with the quality of the chain and bar, though?

 

[jd548esco72]

just get a echo timberwolf at 20% off is a deal!!-- or a dolmar/makits 6100 if you can spare a few more dollars-- they have been running about $540ish --

a dealer is going to recommend what he sells generally. i have owned stihls for decades and i'm not a fan of their "farm" or "homeowner" line.

now their 361, 440 and 460s --those are the real deal---

 

[jd548esco72]

if you run the chin in the dirt-- it is going to dull---

 

[Martlet]

if you run the chin in the dirt-- it is going to dull---

I don't. I have a timber jack for downed logs.

 

[Rockjock]

I don't. I have a timber jack for downed logs.

I have had a few 271's come in that needed a coil in the last 6 months but the issue was solved quickly and under warranty. I think it all comes down to dealer presence. I am a dealer for both and can say in my part of the world echo does not come into the equation. I simply can not get the parts in a reasonable amount of time. I can't even get the Echo rep to come and show off her product line! ( but that is another thread )

 

[Martlet]

That's what I've been thinking. If the echo turned out to be crap, I don't have a ton of support that I know of. The Stihl dealer has a great reputation around here.

 

[CoreyB]

Having a good local dealer can be with the extra expenses. Echo, dolmar/makita, Husqvarna, and Stihl all have decent Saws
For a farm series I would put Stihl at the back of the pack due to extra price and nothing special or better. I have seen some Husqvarna 455 take serous abuse and still keep going (after damage repairs)

 

[david1332]

IMHO
the echo 590 Is hands down the best saw for your buck. It has amazing power, a great 5 year warranty( also depends on your dealer) and is pretty light for its power. It's a steal at $400 too. I've used and owned 2 other cs-400's as well but they are only good for small wood ( 16" and under)
The 590 is a beast with the 20" bar buried in hardwood. Very reliable and great to start in a tree as well.

 

[Martlet]

IMHO
the echo 590 Is hands down the best saw for your buck. It has amazing power, a great 5 year warranty( also depends on your dealer) and is pretty light for its power. It's a steal at $400 too. I've used and owned 2 other cs-400's as well. They're good as long as you only cut small wood ( 16" and under) , but if I had to go back I would just get more 590's. Very reliable and great to start in a tree as well.

No issues with a 590 with wood larger than 16"? It's rare, but there are a few 20" trees I'm taking out this year. That certainly wouldn't be normal use.

 

[mountainlake]

I have had a few 271's come in that needed a coil in the last 6 months but the issue was solved quickly and under warranty. I think it all comes down to dealer presence. I am a dealer for both and can say in my part of the world echo does not come into the equation. I simply can not get the parts in a reasonable amount of time. I can't even get the Echo rep to come and show off her product line! ( but that is another thread )

Just another post where you claim you don't put Echo down. If I was a Echo dealer which you shouldn't be I'd stock parts. Steve

 

[mountainlake]

Get yourself a Echo CS590, it will cut almost twice as fast as a MS271 in real life plus its built twice as good. There are vids on youtube of them cutting. Steve

 

[david1332]

No issues with a 590 with wood larger than 16"? It's rare, but there are a few 20" trees I'm taking out this year. That certainly wouldn't be normal use.

Sorry that was confusing. I edited it to say what I actually meant.

I MEANT that the 400 is only good in wood under 16".
The 590 is a beast with its bar buried ( just keep a sharp chain and the rakers at the right height. I like to touch up the chain every 2-3 tanks depending on how fast it's dulling and how hard The wood is.
In my area we mostly cut hardwoods ( white, black and pin oak, sycamore and sweet gum. A decent amount of elm, black locust and maple too. I hate maple . Never grows with a central lead, pain in the ass to climb and remove when it's technical and over homes and power lines. .... but I digress

590 for the win

 

[david1332]

However if you want to spend some money get yourself a 441cm ( tough to find as they don't make them anymore) and you'll never look back. However they are double the price

 

[Martlet]

Sorry that was confusing. I edited it to say what I actually meant.

I MEANT that the 400 is only good in wood under 16".
The 590 is a beast with its bar buried ( just keep a sharp chain and the rakers at the right height. I like to touch up the chain every 2-3 tanks depending on how fast it's dulling and how hard The wood is.
In my area we mostly cut hardwoods ( white, black and pin oak, sycamore and sweet gum. A decent amount of elm, black locust and maple too. I hate maple . Never grows with a central lead, pain in the ass to climb and remove when it's technical and over homes and power lines. .... but I digress

590 for the win

Thanks for that. I'm not a pro so I tend to run a file every tank or two to keep it sharp. I'm mostly on pine, oak, beech, and maple here.

I didn't clean up land as much as I wanted to last year because the memories of running that Poulin all summer the year before made me twitch.

 

[Rockjock]

However if you want to spend some money get yourself a 441cm ( tough to find as they don't make them anymore) and you'll never look back. However they are double the price

Actually the 441's are back in production. I posted pics last month or so of the new ones. Great saw!

 

[david1332]

Thanks for that. I'm not a pro so I tend to run a file every tank or two to keep it sharp. I'm mostly on pine, oak, beech, and maple here.

I didn't clean up land as much as I wanted to last year because the memories of running that Poulin all summer the year before made me twitch.

What's your budget for a saw?

 

[Rockjock]

Just another post where you claim you don't put Echo down. If I was a Echo dealer which you shouldn't be I'd stock parts. Steve

The lack of a dealer network/parts network is a fact. I have said it many times in my part of the world echo is not making the grade. If echo was serious about making it they would have a better parts distribution network. Quit being so thin skinned.

 

[david1332]

Actually the 441's are back in production. I posted pics last month or so of the new ones. Great saw!

I just found out! I actually know the stihl Rep. for the northeastern US and picked up my 201tc from him ( needed a valve solenoid) and was raving about my 441 when he said they're coming back out soon! My favorite saw I've ever run by far