Colt Marlington
ArboristSite Guru
I got the Echo 490 and think it is an awesome saw for the money. About the same weight as the 400 but with more power and a magnesium crankcase.
The "money no object" alternative that I would choose in this class of saw would be the Stihl MS 241. A little bit lighter and a smidgen more power than the 490, but about twice the price or more of what you might find a 490 for on Craigslist or Ebay. The 241 looks like a really nice saw though.
But the Echo 400 might be the most sensible choice.
Although myself, I would lean towards a lighter weight saw like the Echo 355T or 361P. This would be my choice for a one saw for all occasional use that's not too big and not too small. You can either order these through the big box store and get it in a day or two, or pick one up right now from a lawn equipment dealer who carries Echo. "Big money alternative", the Stihl MS201TCM or rear handle MS201CEM I think.
All this assuming that 12" logs are the exception and not the norm.
The "money no object" alternative that I would choose in this class of saw would be the Stihl MS 241. A little bit lighter and a smidgen more power than the 490, but about twice the price or more of what you might find a 490 for on Craigslist or Ebay. The 241 looks like a really nice saw though.
But the Echo 400 might be the most sensible choice.
Although myself, I would lean towards a lighter weight saw like the Echo 355T or 361P. This would be my choice for a one saw for all occasional use that's not too big and not too small. You can either order these through the big box store and get it in a day or two, or pick one up right now from a lawn equipment dealer who carries Echo. "Big money alternative", the Stihl MS201TCM or rear handle MS201CEM I think.
All this assuming that 12" logs are the exception and not the norm.
