echo cs3000/3400 redesign

[Kathy_Holzer]

anyone else tried to replace one of these little guys lately? i've been using this model saw for like 10 yrs and the only change i remember other than model number is moderate power loss due to emission restrictions.

well, echo has come up with a new top-handle saw that the dealer (over the phone) ordered for me as a replacement for the cs3400/cs3000 (same saw as far as i can tell) and it's a total redesign trying to be an ms200t - air filter moved to the back of the top handle, differently balanced. which would be ok, except that it's heavier and has LESS power than the old one. confuses me. when i kept asking questions i discovered there is another small tophandle saw they aren't pushing as hard, at least here, that is more powerful than this new 020 wannabe. i think it's cheaper too. weird. it's not the regular echo grey/orange but a solid orange.

someone tell me what echo is thinking? my only guess is they're losing too much market share to the 19t. that little echo 3000 is crazy durable though and this one doesn't look comparable. anyone tried it?
k.

 

[Crazy_Jimmy]

I had several of the new model echoes.Now I have several in a big storage bin,every single one broke with less than a year of service.Ive got one of the solid orange ones also(i think its a lemon from day one no power tried everything)But still runs.I had a guy give me a new 3400 a gray one its pretty good.I really was a big echo fan but not the top handle saws not anymore(the 670 or 6700 is the best bargain out there for the price great saw)the 7000 or 700 is ok for the money.My dad swears by huskys-but i havent had much luck.I now use primarly stihls 4 or 5 192 t ok bog down in anything bigger than your calf or thigh depending on how skinny you are.200t is really awesome but ive had my share of minor problems with them-but bar none the most power of any of the climbing saws ive used even husqvarna(note ive never used the cali special so cant compare.Also had a stihl 660 blow up in 11 months nice-i think some one at the dealer said i may of used the wrong gas mix funny it only messed up one saw(we used the same gas for 10 saws- huh)