MS 271 or Echo?

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Martlet

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I have a small homestead and do some cutting. I felled, cut, and stacked a few cords of wood last year and have a ton of clean up to do around my sugar bush. The biggest trees I really see are 18 -24 inches diameter, and most of those are already down.

I beat the heck out of a little Poulan I'd picked up and certainly got my money's worth out of it. It is very painful, though, and I quickly learned cheaper is not always better and the saw makes a difference. Since I don't know much about them, I've been asking around. It's crazy how many differing opinions there are from casual users. Husky or Stihl questions can start a brawl.

Right now I've been looking at a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss with an 18" bar. I considered a 20", but I'm not sure that saw will power it. If I decided I needed a 20", I was thinking of moving up to the Stihl 291. I've been on Stihl because the local dealer is very reputable. A few people have suggested the Echo line, but they don't seem to be what most recommend. A local power sports store is having a 20% off sale this Wednesday on Echo saws, so that is certainly enticing. I wouldn't want to jump into a less expensive saw and have to sharpen every 15 minutes or fight through every cut. I'd rather just buy a saw that would suit my needs and be done with it.

Any advice from the experts is greatly appreciated.
 
I understand that. Doesn't have to do with the quality of the chain and bar, though?
 
just get a echo timberwolf at 20% off is a deal!!-- or a dolmar/makits 6100 if you can spare a few more dollars-- they have been running about $540ish --

a dealer is going to recommend what he sells generally. i have owned stihls for decades and i'm not a fan of their "farm" or "homeowner" line.

now their 361, 440 and 460s --those are the real deal---
 
I don't. I have a timber jack for downed logs.
I have had a few 271's come in that needed a coil in the last 6 months but the issue was solved quickly and under warranty. I think it all comes down to dealer presence. I am a dealer for both and can say in my part of the world echo does not come into the equation. I simply can not get the parts in a reasonable amount of time. I can't even get the Echo rep to come and show off her product line! ( but that is another thread )
 
That's what I've been thinking. If the echo turned out to be crap, I don't have a ton of support that I know of. The Stihl dealer has a great reputation around here.
 
Having a good local dealer can be with the extra expenses. Echo, dolmar/makita, Husqvarna, and Stihl all have decent Saws
For a farm series I would put Stihl at the back of the pack due to extra price and nothing special or better. I have seen some Husqvarna 455 take serous abuse and still keep going (after damage repairs)
 
IMHO
the echo 590 Is hands down the best saw for your buck. It has amazing power, a great 5 year warranty( also depends on your dealer) and is pretty light for its power. It's a steal at $400 too. I've used and owned 2 other cs-400's as well but they are only good for small wood ( 16" and under)
The 590 is a beast with the 20" bar buried in hardwood. Very reliable and great to start in a tree as well.
 
IMHO
the echo 590 Is hands down the best saw for your buck. It has amazing power, a great 5 year warranty( also depends on your dealer) and is pretty light for its power. It's a steal at $400 too. I've used and owned 2 other cs-400's as well. They're good as long as you only cut small wood ( 16" and under) , but if I had to go back I would just get more 590's. Very reliable and great to start in a tree as well.

No issues with a 590 with wood larger than 16"? It's rare, but there are a few 20" trees I'm taking out this year. That certainly wouldn't be normal use.
 
I have had a few 271's come in that needed a coil in the last 6 months but the issue was solved quickly and under warranty. I think it all comes down to dealer presence. I am a dealer for both and can say in my part of the world echo does not come into the equation. I simply can not get the parts in a reasonable amount of time. I can't even get the Echo rep to come and show off her product line! ( but that is another thread )

Just another post where you claim you don't put Echo down. If I was a Echo dealer which you shouldn't be I'd stock parts. Steve
 
No issues with a 590 with wood larger than 16"? It's rare, but there are a few 20" trees I'm taking out this year. That certainly wouldn't be normal use.
Sorry that was confusing. I edited it to say what I actually meant.

I MEANT that the 400 is only good in wood under 16".
The 590 is a beast with its bar buried ( just keep a sharp chain and the rakers at the right height. I like to touch up the chain every 2-3 tanks depending on how fast it's dulling and how hard The wood is.
In my area we mostly cut hardwoods ( white, black and pin oak, sycamore and sweet gum. A decent amount of elm, black locust and maple too. I hate maple . Never grows with a central lead, pain in the ass to climb and remove when it's technical and over homes and power lines. .... but I digress

590 for the win
 
However if you want to spend some money get yourself a 441cm ( tough to find as they don't make them anymore) and you'll never look back. However they are double the price
 
Sorry that was confusing. I edited it to say what I actually meant.

I MEANT that the 400 is only good in wood under 16".
The 590 is a beast with its bar buried ( just keep a sharp chain and the rakers at the right height. I like to touch up the chain every 2-3 tanks depending on how fast it's dulling and how hard The wood is.
In my area we mostly cut hardwoods ( white, black and pin oak, sycamore and sweet gum. A decent amount of elm, black locust and maple too. I hate maple . Never grows with a central lead, pain in the ass to climb and remove when it's technical and over homes and power lines. .... but I digress

590 for the win

Thanks for that. I'm not a pro so I tend to run a file every tank or two to keep it sharp. I'm mostly on pine, oak, beech, and maple here.

I didn't clean up land as much as I wanted to last year because the memories of running that Poulin all summer the year before made me twitch.
 
Thanks for that. I'm not a pro so I tend to run a file every tank or two to keep it sharp. I'm mostly on pine, oak, beech, and maple here.

I didn't clean up land as much as I wanted to last year because the memories of running that Poulin all summer the year before made me twitch.
What's your budget for a saw?
 
Just another post where you claim you don't put Echo down. If I was a Echo dealer which you shouldn't be I'd stock parts. Steve


The lack of a dealer network/parts network is a fact. I have said it many times in my part of the world echo is not making the grade. If echo was serious about making it they would have a better parts distribution network. Quit being so thin skinned.
 
Actually the 441's are back in production. I posted pics last month or so of the new ones. Great saw!
I just found out! I actually know the stihl Rep. for the northeastern US and picked up my 201tc from him ( needed a valve solenoid) and was raving about my 441 when he said they're coming back out soon! My favorite saw I've ever run by far
 
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