Echo's new top handle: CS-355T

[bootboy]

Having now run the 355 AND the 201. I honestly have to say I prefer the echo. Spools up faster and has a better top end. The 201 has a slightly better low end but its not worth the extra weight. The echo feels more comfortable and nimble in the hand. The 201 feels solid but a tad heavy. The 355 is the easiest starting saw I've ever touched. No joke, I can start it with only one pop or about 8" of starter cord.

Compared to echo's other top handles, the thing is in a different league. It is a very well thought out saw, the attention to detail shows. The fasteners have all been upgraded. The plastics are higher grade, and the fit and finish is much better. It's a night and day comparison between it and the 360 I just sold. This little saw is the real deal. I haven't done a great volume of cutting yet, but thus far, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this saw to anyone. I've had to richer the high end a little as is usual for echo saws. Just a tickle on that H jet and its four stroking out of and cleaning up quickly, in the cut. Using this little guy is believing.

 

[MCW]

Having now run the 355 AND the 201. I honestly have to say I prefer the echo. Spools up faster and has a better top end. The 201 has a slightly better low end but its not worth the extra weight. The echo feels more comfortable and nimble in the hand. The 201 feels solid but a tad heavy. The 355 is the easiest starting saw I've ever touched. No joke, I can start it with only one pop or about 8" of starter cord.

Compared to echo's other top handles, the thing is in a different league. It is a very well thought out saw, the attention to detail shows. The fasteners have all been upgraded. The plastics are higher grade, and the fit and finish is much better. It's a night and day comparison between it and the 360 I just sold. This little saw is the real deal. I haven't done a great volume of cutting yet, but thus far, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this saw to anyone. I've had to richer the high end a little as is usual for echo saws. Just a tickle on that H jet and its four stroking out of and cleaning up quickly, in the cut. Using this little guy is believing.

Good info Thanks. That means it will also run with a stock 200T that still has the spark arrestor fitted too as I owned both a 201T and 200T and out of the box there was nothing in it, maybe a little bit of extra low end torque with the 201.

 

[mountainlake]

After watching the vid of the hyped up 200t 36cc vs a Echo 330t 33cc I'd guess if one saw might cut a second faster it's no big deal. Steve

 

[MCW]

After watching the vid of the hyped up 200t 36cc vs a Echo 330t 33cc I'd guess if one saw might cut a second faster it's no big deal. Steve

I agree but sometimes outright cut speed is actually less important than having a snappy throttle response. It depends a lot on how the saws gets used I suppose.

 

[bootboy]

Yeah, she's a hot little saw. Probably +1500 rpm over the 360 and four stroking. I don't have a tach, that's going by sound but I've tuned a saw or two by ear. The top end is great. A wicked sharp chain lets this saw's top end shine. I'm running square filed PS3 and it shreds. The throttle response is remarkable. Everyone I know who has used the 201 says that to be its best out of the box, it takes a few minutes to get it warmed up. The 355 can charge right out of the gait. Snappy. I've really only done moderate cutting with it. I need to use it on an all day removal to see its strengths and weaknesses, really put it through its paces. I don't know that there is much to be gained by way of a muffler mod either. The muffler is empty as is. The spark screen area is huge compared to the outlet and likely doesn't restrict flow to any appreciable degree. It's not a really thirsty saw either. Easy on the fuel for sure. The saw isn't pretentious, it doesn't come across as snobbish because of its bloodlines or the name on the side. It's an honest piece of equipment that wants to work.
These are my first impressions, but based in my experiences with other echo equipment, not much will change in the way I feel about this saw.

Saving $200 over the 201 is well worth it in my opinion. Take that $200 and buy something nice I think echo has nailed it with this little saw.

 

[KenJax Tree]

I love mine i've had it since March and use it everyday and its taken some abuse but its still holding up great. It gets better when its broke in. I totally agree with you Echo nailed it with this saw although this is the first Echo i've ever owned i can't compare it to other models but running 020T,200T and 201T this saw is right there with them. I think the palm rest was a genius idea.

 

[ThistleIA]

I've owned a 280E top handle since Dec. '81.Tough wee beast,its taken all kinds of abuse dropped 20 ft once & started right up etc.Barely 8 lbs & only 8500RPM but it chews through the toughest White Oak or Hickory & just keeps on going.No chain brake or even hand guard.

If it ever dies I'll be leaning towards one of those new Echo's as a replacement.Most likely the 355-T or similar model.

 

[mountainlake]

I agree but sometimes outright cut speed is actually less important than having a snappy throttle response. It depends a lot on how the saws gets used I suppose.

Just got done putting a 360t together and I can see where you claim sluggish throttle and not the best power WITH a stock muff, once opened up it snaps your hand good and has about twice as much power, even more grunt after I opened the high up a tad. As usual with Echo saws, I only have 1 not muff modded and it's a dog compared to the same model muff modded. Steve

 

[Butterz]

I'm picking up my first 355t today I've run a number of saws...I'll let you guys know how I like her!

 

[Treespotter]

Take loads of pictures and let us know how it 'rides'.

 

[Butterz]

So I got it yesterday...the balance and feel of it is much better than I anticipated...it feels almost as good as my 271t even with the 16" bar! I'll be doing a lot of cutting in the near future with it...I'll let you guys know what she's got

 

[SpaceGhostRider]

worth a buy?

Hi guys, first posting here---got hooked on this thread after reading all the 2 cycle theory about standing waves in expansion chambers, and reed valves, and H1 500 resto's going on, lol--I'm currently running a 30 year old Poulan hand me down, it belonged to dad in law before he passed. I keep picking up a top handle Echo at the local Ace and love the way (or WEIGH!) it feels compared to my old saw. Budget will suffer from buying one--I use a saw about 8-10 times a year--waddya think? better to buy another el cheapo or wait (WEIGHT!) until I can afford one like this? Thanks for all the postings btw, this seems like a pretty cool site :msp_thumbup:

 

[rms61moparman]

Hi guys, first posting here---got hooked on this thread after reading all the 2 cycle theory about standing waves in expansion chambers, and reed valves, and H1 500 resto's going on, lol--I'm currently running a 30 year old Poulan hand me down, it belonged to dad in law before he passed. I keep picking up a top handle Echo at the local Ace and love the way (or WEIGH!) it feels compared to my old saw. Budget will suffer from buying one--I use a saw about 8-10 times a year--waddya think? better to buy another el cheapo or wait (WEIGHT!) until I can afford one like this? Thanks for all the postings btw, this seems like a pretty cool site :msp_thumbup:

What is the extent of your use during those 8 to 10 times?

If you trim a limb 8 to 10 times that is one thing.
If you go out and cut a cord of firewood 8 to 10 times that is a different matter entirely.

As can be evidenced by the Poulan you're using now, buying the best quality tools you can afford and properly caring for them is never a bad thing.
My main reason for posting this is to tell you that Echo as well as others make several price points in top handle saws. It really wouldn't have to be this one (if it is outside your budget) to do you a great job.
Also, don't pay any attention to the posts that are undoubtedly coming that you, as a new user shouldn't be using a top handle saw on the ground. That contention is malarkey. They are no more dangerous than any other spinning cutting instrument. They are just easier to use with one hand and it is possible to get the saw into the other.
I have several top handle saws and I wouldn't be without one again for love nor money.


Mike

 

[turnkey4099]

Can't wait 'till someone buys, tries and comments on the 355T. I'm just wondering about the 355, the 360T I just bought will probably do what I want it to do. But these discussions are always entertaining.

I may be the one to do it. I was given an old homey XL that needs a bunch of tender care. Been meaning to call the Echo dealer to talk about it. Local Stihl dealer won't sell top-handle to anyone but a pro.

Harry K

 

[turnkey4099]

I may be the one to do it. I was given an old homey XL that needs a bunch of tender care. Been meaning to call the Echo dealer to talk about it. Local Stihl dealer won't sell top-handle to anyone but a pro.

Harry K

Nope, not gonna be me . I checked with Echo dealer this morning. Cheapest they had was about $390. Took a run to Potlatch, Id and picked up a MS192T ($339)

Harry K

 

[mountainlake]

$339 is a lot for a gutless cheap saw as you will find out. Steve

 

[turnkey4099]

$339 is a lot for a gutless cheap saw as you will find out. Steve

As a replacement for a Homey XL that saw its best days years ago...

Harry K

 

[SpaceGhostRider]

reply to Mike

What is the extent of your use during those 8 to 10 times?

If you trim a limb 8 to 10 times that is one thing.
If you go out and cut a cord of firewood 8 to 10 times that is a different matter entirely.

As can be evidenced by the Poulan you're using now, buying the best quality tools you can afford and properly caring for them is never a bad thing.
My main reason for posting this is to tell you that Echo as well as others make several price points in top handle saws. It really wouldn't have to be this one (if it is outside your budget) to do you a great job.
Also, don't pay any attention to the posts that are undoubtedly coming that you, as a new user shouldn't be using a top handle saw on the ground. That contention is malarkey. They are no more dangerous than any other spinning cutting instrument. They are just easier to use with one hand and it is possible to get the saw into the other.
I have several top handle saws and I wouldn't be without one again for love nor money.


Mike

Hey Mike, thanks for the reply and explanation--I'm a sporadic user for sure, lots of little jobs like cutting privet on the creekside. I did cut up a BIG Ash recently and rented a Makita from Home Depot--it was a hoss. had to push a compression release before I could start the bugger. was worth the rental. the reason I'm looking at the top handle saws is the lighter weight and better balance they seem to have--compared to the cheapies I have inspected. I will say I have very good luck with all the equipment I buy, I used to work rental, so I like to take care of my mechanical critters---they are important friends to me!

 

[zogger]

Hey Mike, thanks for the reply and explanation--I'm a sporadic user for sure, lots of little jobs like cutting privet on the creekside. I did cut up a BIG Ash recently and rented a Makita from Home Depot--it was a hoss. had to push a compression release before I could start the bugger. was worth the rental. the reason I'm looking at the top handle saws is the lighter weight and better balance they seem to have--compared to the cheapies I have inspected. I will say I have very good luck with all the equipment I buy, I used to work rental, so I like to take care of my mechanical critters---they are important friends to me!

Hey, listen up man! One of the best saw deals out there that guys get is those home depot makita rental saws! Go back there and tell them you want it when it goes on sale. Talk to the manager or head rental guy, perhaps a little lunch money contribution in advance, see? Or a downpayment, anything to show them you are serious about it.

I believe after around 20 rentals or so they sell them off less than 1/2 normal retail.

 

[millbilly]

They are just easier to use with one hand and it is possible to get the saw into the other.



Mike

I love it! The worlds largest tree company's Forman's manual states that chainsaws shall not be operated with one hand. I want to point out that the word they use is shall not should.

OSHA also agrees with that company they state, Keep your hands on the saw's handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw. Note that it says hands, not hand.

Silly me for having concerns about someone with limited training and experience, operating a saw with one hand.