Does anyone own the Echo 305/306?? I have questions for you

[Cord Cutter]

Hi. I posted on the Stihl MS180 and the Echo 305. I got lots of ggod advise from ones that own the 180. Does anyone own these Echo saw?? I would like to ask some questions of you if you do. How is the anti-vibe on them? Do you have much trouble with them? What do you like or dis-like about them? Please let me know. Thank You to those who got back to me on the Stihl MS180's. I am still between the Echo 305/306, Stihl MS180 and MS180CBE, and have also includede the MS130 and the MS130CBE. Thanks for all the help. I will post on which ones I get and how I like or dis like the one I get. I am hoping it will be all good. Thanks agian. Cord Cutter.

 

[troutfisher]

I owned an Echo CS301, I think it was a top handle version of a 305, could be wrong. I had problems from day 1. The saw was back at the shop 5 times before I traded it. The dealer said the saw had reeds that were getting dirty and would not fully close. they replaced reeds, carb, other stuff. I replaced it with a MS200T. No more problems.

 

[computeruser]

I don't have any time on the 305/306, but I do have a lot of time on the top-handle version, the 3000 (and the 3400).

These saws are very small and I don't see them as having much vibration in the first place, so the A/V system of the Echo is more than adequate. In terms of durability, the little Echos have been the most reliable, maintenance-free saws I've owned. I find them to start easily, tolerate very high levels of neglect, and to be pleasant to use. And I have not found the filter to be particularly difficult to maintain, though it does get dirty easier than vertical cylinder saws or those with the carb and filter at the back of the saw.

There is one thing I dislike about them, though. The VERY small fuel and oil filler caps are, well, very small. It takes a steady hand not to make an mess. It is still easier than the older top-fill saws like the Homelite SuperEZ, though.

This is an older Echo CS3000 (top-handle version of the 305/306) that was purchased as a $90 Home Depot Refurbished saw. It has been a flawless performer for hundreds of tanks, and has been used so much that it has worn out bars. It still starts on the second or third pull cold, runs smoothly, and oils beautifully.