Opinions on saws in the $400-450 range.

[GeorgiaVol]

What I am looking for is a good medium duty saw. Like many others, I'm not professional just another home owner firewood collector/property improvement guy. I would like a saw that can run a 16-24" bar to cut anything from pine to hedge apple. I have looked around and found these saws and would like to know any pros and cons on them. Feel free to add any other suggestions.

Echo CS590
Husqvarna 455/Jonsered CS2255
Dolmar 510A
Shindawa 491S
Still MS270

Only brand I don't have a local dealer for is the Dolmar. All run 400 to 450 locally.

 

[Full Chisel]

I would probably go with the Echo wearing a 20" bar. Pull the limiters, muffler mod, re-tune and let 'er rip!

 

[GeorgiaVol]

I am really leaning to the Echo. I have had real good service from my trimmer and pole saw, but just because they make a good trimmer doesn't mean they make a good saw. That's why I am asking for opinions. The CS590 also has really good reviews online, but I value more experienced opinions from this site a lot more. Plus you guys have never steered me wrong before.

 

[USMC615]

I am really leaning to the Echo. I have had real good service from my trimmer and pole saw, but just because they make a good trimmer doesn't mean they make a good saw. That's why I am asking for opinions. The CS590 also has really good reviews online, but I value more experienced opinions from this site a lot more. Plus you guys have never steered me wrong before.

Out of your choices tossed up, CS-590 Timberwolf. I can get them for $360 at HD with my 10% mil discount. If you know anyone who's active or retired, there's your ticket for one helluva saw price-wise.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

My dealer has an Echo sale every now and then for 20% off. And he matched HD prices. That's how I got my pole saw. Saved nearly $150 on that. I just didn't know how it stacked up against other similar prices/sized saws.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

Plus he puts a tank of fuel in it and checks the tune, fills out the registration, and answers any questions. A good dealer is a great thing to have.

 

[Full Chisel]

Some of the diehard Husky or Stihl guys who have never run an Echo bash them but don't be fooled...Echo makes a fine product and I would not hesitate to own one(I do, actually). Out of all my equipment, the Echo is without a doubt the most reliable and easy starting of the bunch. And I have heard the 590 is a pretty impressive saw...especially for the price. The power to weight may not be quite what the "big two" offer in their pro line of saws...but a mag cased saw with plenty enough power to bury a 20" bar for less than $400 is hard to beat.

 

[merc_man]

I would say echo. I got cs520 saw, trimmer and leaf blower. All work great no troubles. Easy starting. Best bang for your buck in my opinion

 

[James Miller]

The 590 is a great saw even at full retail. Iv posted these photos other places but here goes. My 590 is bone stock down to the limit caps dealer tuned and replaced caps. top picture is maple,middle is noodling up rounds from the same tree saw clears noodles no problem. Bottom is 1 of 4 oaks I bucked that day 20" bar buried most of the day. Saw handles the 20" no problem. I'm sure other saws on the list are good but these are some of my experiences with the 590.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

Great pics! Hard to argue with that.

 

[CoreyB]

For $400 the Echo 590 would be my choice in a heart beat. It is snappier then expected and nice flat power making it a fantastic firewood saw. I would buy one for my best friend kind of saw.

 

[Big Block]

lots of torque with a little work too

 

[GeorgiaVol]

This is being a really one sided discussion. It's making the decision pretty easy.

 

[USMC615]

OP...you're not gonna find a better bang for the buck, buying new. Sure you can take that same money and end up with a big cc, older used saw, regardless of mfg, from the Trading Post, or classifieds somewhere. But if you're looking new, it's a no-brainer. Watch some of the vids on here with some of these guys doing just muff mods and a retune...turns that Timberwolf into one full grown, big, badass Wolf.

 

[Big Block]

OP...you're not gonna find a better bang for the buck, buying new. Sure you can take that same money and end up with a big cc, older used saw, regardless of mfg, from the Trading Post, or classifieds somewhere. But if you're looking new, it's a no-brainer. Watch some of the vids on here with some of these guys doing just muff mods and a retune...turns that Timberwolf into one full grown, big, badass wolf.

Hell yes it does

 

[Big Block]

I also love the way it noodles with ease. I never did have a clog.

 

[pro94lt]

You need a ps421 new and used 372xp! 16 on the dolmar and 24 on the 372

 

[Big Block]

You need a ps421 new and used 372xp! 16 on the dolmar and 24 on the 372

Naw that 372XP is over rated

 

[James Miller]

I also love the way it noodles with ease. I never did have a clog.

^^^^^ This guys Gona be the reason for one more voided echo warranty. I hear pull the base gasket and open the muff in my sleep because of him

 

[Big Block]

^^^^^ This guys Gona be the reason for one more voided echo warranty. I hear pull the base gasket and open the muff in my sleep because of him

What can I say I'm a bad influence