Torquey Todd
ArboristSite Member
Echo is a avg. saw IMO. They're not a bad pro by any means, but I wouldn't buy them TBH.
I've never come across a chain saw that had this " Death rattle" These things normally last forever after they're broken in. Never had an Echo, but I heard great thing about here smaller models. Never had an engine blow on my saws; just the seals on the 15+ saws.
Thanks. Having looked for info. on the smaller Echos, I came across mention of this inevitable rattle enough times that I figured it was something well-characterized, and something people could tell me about. Apparently those who've experienced it are relatively few, though I don't doubt it's happened. Good to know, and thanks for chiming in.
The gravity of talking brands is hard to overcome, I guess. So on that note, I got this saw because the deal came along. I have other Echo equipment that was given to me, and that was severely neglected. I was pleased with how easy it was to service. It continues to work very well despite the abuse.
It does seem that Echo is tier II. I have a Stihl with the new stratified charge engine, and it's better than the small Echo. However the new Echo 550 I have, also with the strato engine, just seems like a slower 261. In my opinion, the Stihl offerings in this smaller displacement range are spotty.
Thanks again.
Where are the guys that have heard the rattle so often?