Poll: which new echo should I get?

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Which saw

  • Cs-2511t

    Votes: 8 53.3%
  • Cs-352

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Cs-400

    Votes: 2 13.3%
  • Other echo

    Votes: 5 33.3%
  • Makita 540

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    15

sleepyweasel

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Location
Traverse city MI
I'm trying to decide which new echo to buy.

I currently have...

Cs-280-12
Cs-310-14
Cs-351vl-16
Cs-370-16
Cs-440-18
Cs-530-20

The cs-351vl is on the chopping block as I'm slowly replacing saws without chain brakes. I dont climb but like to keep one top handle saw around, so if I end up with a cs-271 or cs-2511 the 280 will be out also.

Now, I really like lighter saws and use my 310 when I can get away with it. The 370 has a bit more power but not as much as the cs-400 I have cut with a little at work, and they feel about the same weight wise.
I haven't ran the 440 as much as the other saws.
The 530 is ok, but after awhile it starts feeling heavy.

So what saw should I add once the 351 is gone?
It looks like the cs-352 is the same weight as the 310, does it have a bit more power?
The cs-400 seems to be noticeably more power than my 370.
And the idea of a sub 6# cs-2511t just sounds good too.
Also I have a line on a used makita 540 for about $200. Its light but seems like it would be overlapping the cs-530.

Most of the trees I cut are smaller, have not felt like I have needed more saw than the cs-530
 
Id get the biggest displacement saw....[emoji16]


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]
 
If I had to sell all my Echo saws but one, and replace them with other brands, I'd keep the 2511T.
I do like the 490. And the superlight for a rear handle 346. And the power to weight of the 361P.
But the 2511 is a best in class saw. Can't buy a better saw of this size and weight.
I run both 12 and 14 inch bars on mine. Tried a 10", but it just didn't feel right to me.
But it's just so easy to use. So light and handy and controllable. Easiest saw by far to start. And still enough power to cut through 8 or 10 inch hardwood without strain when I want or have to.
Real fun little saw to have around.

I do also like my small lightweight saws, and have a rather embarrassing large collection of them. Many without chain break. Right now the count of 9 pound and under saws is seven I believe. Echo 2511T, Homelite XL2 automatic, Craftsman 2.0, Echo 346, Craftsman 2.3, Echo 361P, and the Stihl 009L

Yeah the 352 is just a 310 with a bigger, more powerful engine. And likewise the 400 to the 370.
I had the 352 and 400, and they are good saws, but didn't really need them with the 361P and 490.
 
The 2511T will fit a purpose that you don't have in your lineup. I too have a 280E but that thing is heavy with no anti vibe.
Bought a 2511t and it is now my favorite. Cutting up honeysuckle with it almost daily. It will be your limbing saw and brush saw.
 
Kinda shocked by all love for the 2511t. I really do like my 310 because its light and has good av. Does the 2511 have same power or more than the 310?
 
I ended up getting the cs-2511t. I pulled the limiters and adjusted the carb a little richer, was gonna muff mod it like most of my other echos, but couldn't figure out how to gut the cat. I'm not comfortable in my brazing skills to put it back together if I split it in half.

I also have since picked up 2 cs-400s, and a cs-352.

The cs-352 was a bit of a disappointment, even after tune and mm was only marginally faster through 12" hardwood. About 10%. 22 vs. 20 seconds
One of the cs-400s has been mm and tuned, and is awesome. Same log, 11 seconds. Surprisingly my mm cs-370 was close at 11.8 seconds
To put it in perspective my cs-670 took about 9 seconds.

The 352,the 370, and 400 all were using the same 14" oregon bar and same new chain.

I really like the 2511t with 12" bar and I think it was about the same as the 310 with 14".
 
Future thoughts,

I’m not up on all the saw brands and cc’s. But I would pick one and go one size larger.
I see so many say I wish I bought the larger saw for a few dollars more. Or they trade the one they bought in. You could ask your dealer to demo a saw too he might have a log setup.
 
You really don't need a 310, 352, or 370 if you have a 400 and a 2511.

For me, I don't have a 40cc saw. Well I do. I have 2 of them. The Stihl 009L, which I've had forever and probably wouldn't sell it. And the Dolmar, which I never use.
But I could do everything I'd ever want with three little Echos and my big Husky, the 2511, 346, 361P, and the 372.

I'd probably keep the Craftsman 2.0 and Poulan 3500, if I ever get around to working on them, for backups. Because I only got like seventy bucks in the both of'm. And who doesn't like a sub-12 pound 60cc saw.

Now you'd think that the 346 and the 361P are close enough that you don't need both. But they're very different saws.
The 361 revs quick and high, and cuts fast. But it's a little bulkier and heavier and throws chains cutting brush and vines.
The 346 is lighter and easily carried up a tree if the 2511 gets pinched. And it's got the reed valve grunt and never throws a chain.
And I'd hate to sell the 361P. Because even though I got it at the 20% off sale, I'd lose money if I sold it.

I had a 400 that I bought cheap. And that was a great little saw. Started so easy. But I made money when I sold it. And I don't mind at all using the two pound lighter 361P even though it takes a little more effort to start it.
 
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