Anyone using an Echo 670

[bob gresko]

A local dealer offered me an Echo 670 for $399.00 and I'm being tempted. Any of you guys running one out there and what is your opinion of 670's. Thanks bob

 

[gatkeper1]

If I were given the opportunity to purchase a CS-670 Echo for $399.00 I would not hesitate. I use a CS-5000 for firewood and it never fails me. Always an easy starter. May not be as fancy as my Huskies and Jonsereds but is is usually the first one I grab and toss into the truck.

 

[TonyM]

I just bought one off ebay for $385. Should be here on Friday. I'm going to see if I can mount the same bar on the 670 that is on my 372XP, and then I'm going to make some timed cuts with both(keeping in mind the 670 will not be broken in and thus up to full power). If you can wait 'til Monday, I'll have the results. I've done much searching on the internet, and I did find a German site that does extensive chainsaw testing. They tested a CS-6701, which is at least the same displacement as the 670, but I don't know how much else the same. They had the CS-6701 at 4.7 Hp at 8500 RPMs. That's a little less RPM than other saws that size, so I'm thinking it's going to be a torque monster, even though Echo's website claims 14000 no load RPM's. Fuel economy at full Hp is high at 9.9 Hp-Hr/Gal, the range of other saws being 5.07 for 029 and larger Stihls up to 11.08 for the Echo CS-5100. Vibrations at the handles were toward the higher end of the scale at 7.9 m/s^2 on the left and 11.3 m/s^2 on the right. It's a little heavy compared to competitive saws in that size, but not bad.

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

German web site?

Do you have the link for the web site referenced? Unless it's in German, then don't even bother - it'll just frustrate me!

Brad

 

[TonyM]

It seems most of this data was provided by the manufacturers to meat CE and EU standards. I converted much of this data to American units, and derived the HP-Hr/Gal from their l/Hr at maximum power output. Theses are the attempted translations through google, but feel free to look at the original German if you like!

http://216.239.37.120/translate_c?h...www.kwf-online.de&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Click on "KWF Marktspiegel"

Page down and click on

"FPA examined power saws (2002)"

and

"Further power saws (2002)"

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Thanks!

 

[Tony Snyder]

The Echo 670 is a real good saw, particularly for that price. Its, however, not in the class of a 372.

 

[TonyM]

I don't expect the CS-670 to cut like a 372XP, there is'nt much that does unless it has a large displacement advantage. I just want to use the 372XP as a benchmark for comparison since many are familiar with the Husqvarna.

 

[bob gresko]

I realize the 670 is not in the class of the 372xp in terms of cutting speed, but how do you guys think it compares with the 372xp in terms of dependability, durability and maintenance?

 

[TonyM]

I think most here would agree that as far as durability Echo's are top notch. Maintenance should really be no more difficult than any Husqvarna or Stihl, and since the above two are true, the saw ought to be dependable as well.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Echo has maintained their reputation of rock solid durability. I sold them in 1978 when they were mostly unknown. I have not seem a worn out Echo, just some that some people damaged.

They have not kept up with weight to power ratios, and they are very high priced due to Japan's currency inflation.

 

[bob gresko]

Thanks for your replies. Tony, your last reply makes me think Echo's are made in Japan. I assumed they were American made. Am I wrong.

 

[TonyM]

Yes, Echo is a Japanese Company. Where the saws are assembled and where the components come from, I couldn't tell you, especially with today's global economy.

 

[bob gresko]

Man I'm really glad I found this bullitin board. Before I found this board the only saws I thought worthy of considering were Huskies, Jonnies, or Stiels. For a moment I thought I was sold on the Echo 670 - just talked to a local who bought one and he said it sure is powerfull running a 24" bar. Can't wait to hear how Tony M's experiment goes with the 372xp. I even found another bullitin board (http://forums.?????????.com) that when searching messages gives Echos high praise. However, I stumbled across another saw that seems interesting - John Deere cs62 which I understand is an Efco 962 painted green. The cs62 has very impressive stastics. Here is what John Deer, Echo, and Stihl litature say:

Power: John Deere cs62 - 4.7 hp, MS 360 - 4.42 hp, Echo 670 - 4.35

Weight: John Deere cs62 - 12.4 lb, MS 360 - 12.5 lb, Echo 670 - 13.2 lb

Displacement: Echo 670 - 66.7 cc, the MS 360 & John Deere cs62 are the same - 61.5 cc.

Warrenty: Echo & John Deere are the same - lifetime on ignition, 2 yr. consumer. I don't think Stihl's is as long.

In summary the John Deere has the edge on hp .28 over Stihl, .34 over Echo. John Deere weighs less - .1 lb less than Stihl and .8 less than Echo.

Now my question is, how do the John Deere's stack up against Echo & Stihl for reliability, dependability, and maintenance.

ps. Can't wait to hear Tony M's report on the Echo & Husky. thanks for all the input. Bob

 

[treeclimber165]

Bob,
I've seen this a hundred times here on this forum. I applaud you doing your homework, but don't get too hung up on which saw has 2/10 more horsepower or weighs 3 oz. less. The sad fact is that the vast majority of casual saw users (and a frighteningly large number of so-called 'pros') can't sharpen a chain for squat. And if your chain is dull, it doesn't matter what the horsepower of the saw is. The saw with the sharpest chain will cut the fastest.

That said, buy the saw that YOU feel comfortable with- that means Hands-On tryouts at your local dealer. Buy the brand sold and serviced by the dealer you trust and feel comfortable with. In the list of important items to consider, the brand of saw should be way down your list.
:angel:

 

[TonyM]

Received the CS-670 today. Haven't had a chance to cut seriously yet, am going to the woods tomorrow. Made a few cuts, and initial impression is good. Weighs in at just over 13lbs dry without bar and chain using my trusty fish scale. Seems much higher reving than I expected, sort of lacking in low end, almost seems too lean, but adjusters are full out. May just need a good breaking in. I'll try to get 2-3 tanks through tomorrow, then run some timed cuts compared to the 372. Husky bar bolts right on.

 

[bob gresko]

Tony good luck tomorrow with the Echo. Rockey thanks for the common sense advice.

 

[TonyM]

Well, ran about four tanks through the CS-670 today. Overall I think it's a good saw. Starts easy, runs well, fairly quiet. I did have to remove the carb adjustment limiters to get it to run right. It came set very lean. The saw seemed to get better each tank of fuel, and I'm sure there will be some more break-in yet. Does not have the low end torque of the 372XP, you have to be careful of how hard you lean on it in the cut or it quickly drops in power. Not as smooth as the 372XP, but a pleasure to use with it's own feel. I timed 3 cuts in a piece of 8" black locust with both saws using the same bar and chain. The 372XP averaged 3.15 seconds. The CS-670 averaged 3.8 seconds. I have owned an 036 Stihl, and I think it would stay with that saw in the cut pretty easy. At less than $400, I think it is competetive with the big two and worth consideration.

I have run a CS-56 Deere saw (Efco 956). I would not hesitate to buy a CS-62 or 962 either. However, if there was one advantage I think the Echo has over the Deere, it's dealer support long term. The CS-62 does have impressive numbers. There was a forum member named ABIDAD that bought one a while back. Maybe he could comment on durability.

 

[bob gresko]

Thanks everyone for the information. Tony S. & Tony M. you guys have been especially helpfull and know your stuff. Now I have another question. I looked at JD today but they didn't have any cs62's in stock, just a cs56. He can order me a cs62 and it is equipped with .325 chain pitch - he can get it set-up for 3/8 but that requires switching sprocket & bar. What pitch chain works best on this size saw for cutting mainly firewood. Now I don't want to sound ignorant but here goes anyway, the cs62 has a closed transfer port while some other saws have open transfer port systems - what does this mean? Does the echo have open or closed ports. Also what bar length would you recommend for the cs62 - most of my cutting involves felling dead trees or cutting up laying trees that are 8" to 14" diameter. Occasonially I run into some that are 24". Thanks so much for all the info.

 

[alamo-kid]

saw choice

I agree with 165 go with what you feel comfortable with, within a size range and "keep that chain sharp as a razoo"


jeff