Squidward
ArboristSite Lurker
Picked up Echo 7310, replacing a Stihl MS 460 that was about 13 years old, but met with unfortunate user error accident.
Let's just say multi tasking on a steep hill with a bushhog was involved. Never trust a Chinese made bungee cord.
The Stihl was my previous favorite saw, but not without occasional issues.
When it had a sharp chain, it would cut through ash or oak like butter. Did not cut a lot of evergreen woods, but would have done even better on those, I expect.
But, the Stihl had a couple of minor issues. One, if you ran it until hot, then it ran out of gas, or you just needed a break, you had to be really careful starting it hot, or it would flood. The decompression feature made it easier to start, but sometimes it would disengage after you had given it a good crank or two, and if you did not double check, you'd give your pulling arm a good jolt. Finally, it was a little more prone to throw its chain than some saws I've used, including Stihl MS 290; old Craftsman, rental Husky, etc. So now, to replace it, looking at MS 462 or the 500. Both well over $1200 where I'm at. Latter probably bumping $1500 or more, out the door.
Ouch. The MS 460 was about $900 or so out the door.
The 462, if one goes by strict specs, is about 1/10 HP lower than the old 460. Close, but who wants less HP at more money?
The 500 sounds like a nice saw, but that's a lot of dough. Also sounds like brand new technology on the fuel Injection part. Guess they've used it on concrete saws, but still...
Finally, had a bad experience with Stihl dealer on a backpack blower that was maybe 2 days past its 2 year warranty. I'd bought MS 290 chainsaw, FS 85 trimmer, couple Honda mowers and a Deere from these folks over the years. The blower lost power and would not hold idle. I changed the plug and the spark arrestor myself.
No change. Took it in, expected, frankly, a warranty fix. They charged me $140 to adjust valves (yes, valves). I did not pitch a fit, but told the guy at the counter that's a good argument for Echo going forward. If he thought I was just venting, he didn't know me.
So, when replacing the MS 460, I went with Echo 7310.
Not a lot of mileage on it yet, but first impressions:
1) It starts easy, even hot.
2) Chain seems better than I expected. I kinda favor Stihl chains over most others, but the one on the Echo is decent so far. Makes the chips fly.
3) Good power. Echo doesn't make it easy to find HP specs. But in use, the saw feels very, very close to the MS 460. I've heard Echos take several tankfuls to develop full power. But out of the box, it is cutting very well.
4) Got the 24" blade. I think it could pull a 28", but this is a good, handy length for the trees on my property.
5) Weight--it's certainly no lighter than the 460. But not bad for a saw in the 70-80 cc class.
6) I tend to keep my saws stock. Had planned to one day have the 460 modded, before the bush hog incident. But I have seen reports that the 7310 can respond well to mods. Maybe someday...
7) Also, once engaged, the decompression seems to stay decompressed until you start it. As noted, with the Stihl 460, sometimes that feature would bite you if you did not double check, say you pulled it on choke, it barked once, indicating ready to flip off full choke. Sometimes I'd do that, give it a good rip, and discover the decompression button had disengaged. So far, Echo's version seems better.
8) Pure gas tough to come by around here. Stihl dealer claimed the valve issues on the blower resulted from using ethanol. Um, OK... Try to find a pure gas source these days. They exist, but they are few and far between. If you are making high end equipment in this day and time, you better be making it somewhat ethanol compatible. Otherwise, you better make something else. I use top tier premium. Not 87 or 89, ever; premium. Echo dealer said that is just fine, and recommended their red armor mix. . Guess we'll see.
I don't think Echo is really knocking on the door of Stihl or Husky yet. Around here, far. far more Stihl dealers. Of course, if they give their customers bad warranty experiences, they may lose a few, like me. I don't bash the basic Stihl product, I've had and still have several. But gone to Echo for my newest trimmer and last two chainsaws. Echo stuff is really nice out of the box. We'll see how it holds up, long term. I have 9 months on a 2511T, which is super nice and handy, just not anything like a felling saw unless you are felling Christmas trees.
I mainly maintain my own property, 59+ acres, maybe 5-7 acres wooded, all hardwoods. With exception of the backpack blower, the Stihl stuff served me well.
But trying Echo now, and so far, happy with it.
Let's just say multi tasking on a steep hill with a bushhog was involved. Never trust a Chinese made bungee cord.
The Stihl was my previous favorite saw, but not without occasional issues.
When it had a sharp chain, it would cut through ash or oak like butter. Did not cut a lot of evergreen woods, but would have done even better on those, I expect.
But, the Stihl had a couple of minor issues. One, if you ran it until hot, then it ran out of gas, or you just needed a break, you had to be really careful starting it hot, or it would flood. The decompression feature made it easier to start, but sometimes it would disengage after you had given it a good crank or two, and if you did not double check, you'd give your pulling arm a good jolt. Finally, it was a little more prone to throw its chain than some saws I've used, including Stihl MS 290; old Craftsman, rental Husky, etc. So now, to replace it, looking at MS 462 or the 500. Both well over $1200 where I'm at. Latter probably bumping $1500 or more, out the door.
Ouch. The MS 460 was about $900 or so out the door.
The 462, if one goes by strict specs, is about 1/10 HP lower than the old 460. Close, but who wants less HP at more money?
The 500 sounds like a nice saw, but that's a lot of dough. Also sounds like brand new technology on the fuel Injection part. Guess they've used it on concrete saws, but still...
Finally, had a bad experience with Stihl dealer on a backpack blower that was maybe 2 days past its 2 year warranty. I'd bought MS 290 chainsaw, FS 85 trimmer, couple Honda mowers and a Deere from these folks over the years. The blower lost power and would not hold idle. I changed the plug and the spark arrestor myself.
No change. Took it in, expected, frankly, a warranty fix. They charged me $140 to adjust valves (yes, valves). I did not pitch a fit, but told the guy at the counter that's a good argument for Echo going forward. If he thought I was just venting, he didn't know me.
So, when replacing the MS 460, I went with Echo 7310.
Not a lot of mileage on it yet, but first impressions:
1) It starts easy, even hot.
2) Chain seems better than I expected. I kinda favor Stihl chains over most others, but the one on the Echo is decent so far. Makes the chips fly.
3) Good power. Echo doesn't make it easy to find HP specs. But in use, the saw feels very, very close to the MS 460. I've heard Echos take several tankfuls to develop full power. But out of the box, it is cutting very well.
4) Got the 24" blade. I think it could pull a 28", but this is a good, handy length for the trees on my property.
5) Weight--it's certainly no lighter than the 460. But not bad for a saw in the 70-80 cc class.
6) I tend to keep my saws stock. Had planned to one day have the 460 modded, before the bush hog incident. But I have seen reports that the 7310 can respond well to mods. Maybe someday...
7) Also, once engaged, the decompression seems to stay decompressed until you start it. As noted, with the Stihl 460, sometimes that feature would bite you if you did not double check, say you pulled it on choke, it barked once, indicating ready to flip off full choke. Sometimes I'd do that, give it a good rip, and discover the decompression button had disengaged. So far, Echo's version seems better.
8) Pure gas tough to come by around here. Stihl dealer claimed the valve issues on the blower resulted from using ethanol. Um, OK... Try to find a pure gas source these days. They exist, but they are few and far between. If you are making high end equipment in this day and time, you better be making it somewhat ethanol compatible. Otherwise, you better make something else. I use top tier premium. Not 87 or 89, ever; premium. Echo dealer said that is just fine, and recommended their red armor mix. . Guess we'll see.
I don't think Echo is really knocking on the door of Stihl or Husky yet. Around here, far. far more Stihl dealers. Of course, if they give their customers bad warranty experiences, they may lose a few, like me. I don't bash the basic Stihl product, I've had and still have several. But gone to Echo for my newest trimmer and last two chainsaws. Echo stuff is really nice out of the box. We'll see how it holds up, long term. I have 9 months on a 2511T, which is super nice and handy, just not anything like a felling saw unless you are felling Christmas trees.
I mainly maintain my own property, 59+ acres, maybe 5-7 acres wooded, all hardwoods. With exception of the backpack blower, the Stihl stuff served me well.
But trying Echo now, and so far, happy with it.
