Echo vs Stihl

fordf150 said:
Pole saws=Echo is hands down the winner every time. This one isnt up for debate to me.
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Could you expound? I have held off purchasing a nice Stihl pole saw because of the price. If Echo is better and cheaper... Also, my brother cuts 40 or so cords of wood a year to sell, currently with a Stihl 361, how do you feel an equivalent Echo compares? Thanks again for all the good, honest info!
 
For an on the ground 59cc saw I think the Echo CS-590 at $450 is a great saw. It is a pound or so heavier but on the ground it is not bad at all. I run a 20" bar and Stihl pro chains on it. It even sees a 28 Husky bar and skip tooth every now and then. All that being said I did muffler mod it and re tune it, no port job though.
 
fordf150 said:
Pole saws=Echo is hands down the winner every time. This one isn't up for debate to me.
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X2!

Gareth's Tree said:
Could you expound? I have held off purchasing a nice Stihl pole saw because of the price. If Echo is better and cheaper...
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The "chain saw on a stick" was invented and developed by Power Pruner Inc., who was purchased by Echo. Echo still labels them as Echo Power Pruners. They really refined them and everyone else still seems to be playing catch up. Every tree company I've ever worked for, whether they were Sthil Men, Husky Men or a mix of both, used Echo Power Pruners. I figure that says a lot right there.

We just purchased a new Echo PPT-280 last week and I finally got to use it today. Wow, very nice!!(y)(y)
 
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Just finished 3 lg oak removals used the 355t for the first times for 2 and 201tc for one just to compare I was quite pleased with the performance and overall feel of my first echo. I've ran stihl in the tree for over 20 years and can say this echo did well. And for $349 to your door it made it even better. I'll continue to use it daily to see how it performs. I can say one and only one bad thing I've found and I really don't like it but the gas and oil caps suck they are way to small and not to make a mess you'd have to use a funnel which should come standard.
 
Gareth's Tree said:
Could you expound? I have held off purchasing a nice Stihl pole saw because of the price. If Echo is better and cheaper... Also, my brother cuts 40 or so cords of wood a year to sell, currently with a Stihl 361, how do you feel an equivalent Echo compares? Thanks again for all the good, honest info!
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Echo pole saw pluses.
Extra reach, better/stronger pole, cheaper parts, 2 stroke engine, 4 foot extension available that gives you a total of something like 16' of length, just overall much better design.

Downfalls of the stihl pole saw.
4 mix engine, less length, pole isn't nearly as strong or easy to work on, parts are more, did I mention the not so good 4 mix engine?

Problem with comparing anything to a 361 is the fact that a 361 is probably one of the top 3 60cc saws ever made. It's light(even lighter than a 562/2260 IIRC) and one of the strongest saws in that class.

Comparable echo would be a 620p. Plus to the echo is that it is much much smoother, better air filter, one of the most comfortable saws I have ever ran. Also they are an easy $100 cheaper than a stihl. And even with stihl dropping parts prices echo is still cheaper on replacement parts.

Downfall is that in stock form they aren't going to be as strong as a 361. Not sure what they are like after a muffler mod but the echo fanatics swear it's night and day difference. Limited/nonexistent aftermarket parts availability. Fit and finish isn't as good as a stihl. They also have D176 bar mount which means 70DL chains and a somewhat limited bar selection. I can solve that problem though..... Bar adapters that convert them to stihl mount.


Something to mention about the 620p. If your just looking for a ground saw I would pass on the 620 and buy 590's instead. 75% of the parts are the same. Less power, plastic wrap handle, plastic clutch cover but the $399 price tag is hard to pass up
 
Thank you for all the info here.

I've been using Stihl saws for over 20 years and found them to be extremely dependable, but recently I've come into owning a 355t for a very good price (free). Sounds like a good saw, looking forward to seeing how it performs.

If you have any quick tips/tricks off the top of your head feel free to share. :)
 
fitz said:
Thank you for all the info here.

I've been using Stihl saws for over 20 years and found them to be extremely dependable, but recently I've come into owning a 355t for a very good price (free). Sounds like a good saw, looking forward to seeing how it performs.

If you have any quick tips/tricks off the top of your head feel free to share. :)
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I think you are the one who needs to be sharing the tips/tricks! How the hell did you score a free 355T?
 
Had anyone mm the ppt 280? I just got one and the muffler looks almost sealed.

It looks like it would gain a lot.

I think i've located the hidden carb high low screws.
 
treegongfu said:
Had anyone mm the ppt 280? I just got one and the muffler looks almost sealed.

It looks like it would gain a lot.

I think i've located the hidden carb high low screws.
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Should be 2 adjustment screws but they are a pain to get the limiter plugs out without the tool.

Haven't messed much with the 280 but the other echo trimmers I have played with have really restrictive mufflers
 
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