What Chainsaw do you run?

I ran an echo string trimmer for several years when I had my landscaping business. It was good for about 3 years when the carb failed. But that was every day use. Their saws used to be top notch. Quality slipped a little when they started selling to the big box stores.

 

Husqvarna 365 X-Torque is a solid midsize workhorse. Tried and tested.

 

So now what do you use?

 

I switched to Tanaka. In fact 9 years ago I found an older Tanaka in a pawn shop that had the string trimmer and a hedge trimmer attachment. I beat the phar out of that unit cutting blackberry vines and trimming tall evergreen pyramidalis and junipers. It still starts first pull and runs forever. Unfortunately the company recently sold out. So now I have a new upper tier Stihl and two older Tanaka’s. All 3 have straight solid steel shafts and bearings at both ends. The Stihl is a nice unit, but you wouldn’t go wrong if you found a gently used Tanaka in good shape.

 

Was given a echo leaf blower dates back to 1996 when he scribed the date of first bought. Also was given an echo string trimmer .... early 2000’s that one is. Both run and start every time.... both needed a good carb cleaning when first received . Chainsaw wise, bought new the husky 550xpmk2 . 680.00 bucks and loving everything about it! Got it last October I believe and have run 2 gallons through it. It all depends what size saw you want and how much you’re willing to spend ...

 

I've had pretty good luck with Echo. I have a 20" Stihl for big stuff. But the small 14" Echo has been used a LOT more over the last 10-15 years. Truth is I like it better. The Stihl is always hard to start when cold. And when the weather is cold even harder.


The 14" Echo still runs great, but isn't oiling the chain properly anymore. I checked into having it fixed and the minimum charge was going to be over $100. I only paid $150 for it and could buy a new one just like it for just over $200. I ended up going to a slightly larger engine on an 18" saw. I don't recall the model number and ain't going outside to check right now. Since I already had two 14" bars and several 14" chains I'm using them on my new saw.

I haven't had time to really tear into the older 14" saw. If I can figure out how to fix it myself I'll keep using it. It didn't make sense to pay $100-$150 to have it repaired when I could buy a new one just like it for just a bit more.

 

Stihl 500I

 

My MS250, 18" is all the saw I need. Although, I'll get a spark plug boot puller, to keep from pulling the boot/spring off the damn wire again.

 

Thank for all the input guys. I've always be a Sthil guy myself, I have an 026 and and MS440, but when it comes to 25cc saws with a 12" bar my research keeps pointing me to this echo. Stihl does make the MS 151 C-E which is similar but of course they want more money for it too. I think I'm going to pick this Echo up today after work and I'll report back next week with how she handles.

 

I'm sure if the 200t's were around, it would make the choice a bit easier

 

Sure love mine!!!! Best tree saw I’ve ever run!

 

Not a 200t but worth checking out!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/tls/d/renton-stihl-ms2121tc-chain-saw/7314208281.html

 

hmm..

 

Right????

 

Like I said, I am a stihl man.. and after tax that echo will be close to $450 anyways. I'll have to think on this one. I hate driving south down to Seattle but those are sweet saws.

 

I hear you! I don’t like driving into Seattle either, but have done it a couple of times and got some really nice deals. Keep us posted either way! Good Luck! Stay Safe

 

I'm seeing a lot of Chinese made 62cc saws for 150 bucks. They're getting surprisingly good reviews too.

I wonder if anyone on here has run one? Thinking about getting rid of my little 15 amp corded for yard work.

 

Well I did it boys. I bought the Echo CS-2511T and boy is it sweet. So far I've run 2 tanks of gas though it and it has performed flawless. I know it's no 200t but for my needs it will work perfect. The thing only weight 5lbs and I've had it chewing through limbs up to 8-10 inches in diameter without it breaking a sweat.



I also busted out the big boy this weekend. Now if only I had an easy way to split these rounds into firewood..

 

Congrats. Sounds like a great little top handle saw. Was reading some good reviews after you originally posted. Stay Safe