I'm looking to buy my first chainsaw. I would like to go with Echo. There are so many models, I'm just not quite sure what might fit me best.
I don't expect to use it more than a few times a year, for no more than 2-3 hours each time. While I would think that 14-16" bars should be plenty for most of my needs, my last few uses (with rented and borrowed saws) have been on 3-4' trunks, which makes me want to go bigger. My next planned fell is a 40" willow. This will require some climbing, and I'm not sure I want to climb with a heavy saw. Maybe what I need are two saws.
The CS-590 seems to be a pretty popular model, but do I really need a 60cc engine to run a chain on 18-20" bars? By comparison, the CS-500P has a 45cc engine, is two pounds lighter than the CS-590, and can run 16-20" bars. I just don't have enough experience to judge the power. Last time I used an Echo, it was the CS-300 (30cc maybe), and I had no trouble plunging it in maple with a 14" bar.
When I compare this to my motorcycle, my sporty 650cc is plenty of bike for me. Is it the fastest or most powerful bike on the market? No, but it's perfect for my needs. Powerful and nimble enough to make me happy, get me out of a bad spot, and compete respectably at the track.
In summary, I'm looking for a reliable saw that I can use mostly on the ground, but also for some climbing, and would like up to a 20" bar capability.
I would appreciate any advice you have, even if it is to get two saws. Thanks.
I don't expect to use it more than a few times a year, for no more than 2-3 hours each time. While I would think that 14-16" bars should be plenty for most of my needs, my last few uses (with rented and borrowed saws) have been on 3-4' trunks, which makes me want to go bigger. My next planned fell is a 40" willow. This will require some climbing, and I'm not sure I want to climb with a heavy saw. Maybe what I need are two saws.
The CS-590 seems to be a pretty popular model, but do I really need a 60cc engine to run a chain on 18-20" bars? By comparison, the CS-500P has a 45cc engine, is two pounds lighter than the CS-590, and can run 16-20" bars. I just don't have enough experience to judge the power. Last time I used an Echo, it was the CS-300 (30cc maybe), and I had no trouble plunging it in maple with a 14" bar.
When I compare this to my motorcycle, my sporty 650cc is plenty of bike for me. Is it the fastest or most powerful bike on the market? No, but it's perfect for my needs. Powerful and nimble enough to make me happy, get me out of a bad spot, and compete respectably at the track.
In summary, I'm looking for a reliable saw that I can use mostly on the ground, but also for some climbing, and would like up to a 20" bar capability.
I would appreciate any advice you have, even if it is to get two saws. Thanks.
