ECHO Chainsaws - are they catching on?!

[Michigan Muscle]

Hey there, everyone. I know when a lot of us see the name "ECHO" anywhere - we almost immediately dismiss it, and give it no second thoughts. I was the same way - before today.

I just got back from a buddy's ranch up north, and mind you I have known this guy my entire life. He's a chainsaw guy - just like us. We both grew up using Stihls, Huskys and MAC exclusively. In any event - I was up there helping him chop some wood for his wood burning stove and fireplace, because he broke his hand a few days ago. When I went out to the barn to grab a saw, I spotted a brand new ECHO CS-600P. I was shocked. I mean, SHOCKED. I looked around, and I didn't see not one single Stihl or Husky anywhere. I was thinking to myself "Ya...ok. This is bull****." I had my MAC 380, so I wasn't too worried, but I was just taken back. I asked him "What the hell is this thing?!" He replied "The new age of saws, buddy - just try it out before you run over it in your truck. Twice." He knows me too well....

OK, folks - here's the dilly: this CS-600P was amazing. It cut like an animal, sounded beautiful on the idle, and the gas consumption seemed nice n' easy. It felt good in my hands - even after about 2 hours of bucking oak logs of between 14-20" diameter. I mean, this thing cut through 'em like a hot knife through butter.

NOW - I own 1 Echo. A CS-400, and I must admit, it's been a GREAT saw. Extremely reliable, great on gas, and plenty of power to get smaller oak and silver maple logs up to about 14" bucked with no problem. Between my saw, and his CS-600P, I now have to re-think my opinion of Echo's chainsaws. I DO like the look - Echos have a bit of a "race" type styling to the bodies.

My question is - Are they catching up now? Could it be that Echo is about to break into the market as a true and legit contender in the world of REAL chainsaws? I gotta say - it sure as s*** seems like it to me. Any other opinions from people who have TRIED a newer Echo???!!! If you haven't tried one, and you just wanna plug YOUR personal model of Stihl or Husky - move along. Let's get to the nitty gritty on the Echo saws of today, folks. I'm excited about this new discovery, and I can't wait to hear from you guys. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[jus2fat]

I've got nothing against Echo equipment...just the way some dealers are dealt
with by the Echo management... They help some and screw over others.
I really think this hinders their sales...and unless they correct this situation...well..??
If a sawyer can't get the warranty repair by the dealer (not dealer's fault)....
Then the sawyer not only won't buy again...but he will also tell his neighbors..bad for Echo.

In the particular situation with your friend's saw...The CS-600P is the best saw in Echo's lineup..!!
I've ran a couple and I think it's the cream of their crop..!! But it's the only model I might buy..!!

J2F

 

[ndlawrence]

[video=youtube;iJLEqBK1pIQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJLEqBK1pIQ[/video]

 

[Michigan Muscle]

I've got nothing against Echo equipment...just the way some dealers are dealt
with by the Echo management... They help some and screw over others.
I really think this hinders their sales...and unless they correct this situation...well..??
If a sawyer can't get the warranty repair by the dealer (not dealer's fault)....
Then the sawyer not only won't buy again...but he will also tell his neighbors..bad for Echo.

In the particular situation with your friend's saw...The CS-600P is the best saw in Echo's lineup..!!
I've ran a couple and I think it's the cream of their crop..!! But it's the only model I might buy..!!

J2F

Ya, that's not the way to work with your distributors, that's for sure.

 

[Michigan Muscle]

[video=youtube;iJLEqBK1pIQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJLEqBK1pIQ[/video]

Like butter.

 

[cat-face timber]

I talk alot of #### about Husky, drinking the orange koolaid ect...
I honestly do like Husky best, but it is what I am most familiar with.
I know a Great dealer.
I would never buy a ECHO, as I have no idea where a dealer is for them and PARTS might be hard to find.

 

[computeruser]

Like butter.

Indeed. That is one healthy saw. Nice to see it isn't set up with an overly long bar, too.

 

[zogger]

They've always made good saws/engines. They just have a crappy dealer network.

 

[Zombiechopper]

one large hurdle they need to address is their policy of not releasing power numbers. They hide the information, or in the few instances you can find it it is converted KW figures which gives inflated numbers. You can't comparison shop on the specs they put out (or more accurately refuse to put out). That's a big problem. All the echos I have ran and worked on have been well made. Also, in Canada the top line echos are not cheaper than pro grade Stihls. Another big problem. Aftermarket parts are not there either. It is very nice to be able to get recoils, cylinders, clutch covers, fuel lines etc for Stihl and Husky.

 

[fearofpavement]

Echo products are no new discovery. They have a following. I think part of their problem besides the dealer network issues is their marketing perceptions. A saw or other ope product that is sold everywhere is "common" and perceived as homeowner grade. (Even if it is better). Stihl, for example, by controlling their distribution network, gives the perception that their stuff is professional quality. (Even if it isn't).

I think Husqvarna is heading down the same path with both the dealer network and the "homeowner grade" perception. ie, a lot of their lawnmowers and so forth are nothing to be impressed with and that perception will affect all their products.

 

[Justsaws]

Seeing a lot of the newer Echos out there. Not sure whose market share Echo is grabbing but they are selling a lot more of them, and people seem to be quite pleased with them.

 

[Michigan Muscle]

Seeing a lot of the newer Echos out there. Not sure whose market share Echo is grabbing but they are selling a lot more of them, and people seem to be quite pleased with them.

Judging by the one I used this morning, I could see why they're sales are up.

 

[Michigan Muscle]

Echo products are no new discovery. They have a following. I think part of their problem besides the dealer network issues is their marketing perceptions. A saw or other ope product that is sold everywhere is "common" and perceived as homeowner grade. (Even if it is better). Stihl, for example, by controlling their distribution network, gives the perception that their stuff is professional quality. (Even if it isn't).

I think Husqvarna is heading down the same path with both the dealer network and the "homeowner grade" perception. ie, a lot of their lawnmowers and so forth are nothing to be impressed with and that perception will affect all their products.

Good point. I do see a LOT more Echo signs in windows (probably 4 to 1) over Stihl or Husky. Common equals crap may not apply here.

 

[Michigan Muscle]

one large hurdle they need to address is their policy of not releasing power numbers. They hide the information, or in the few instances you can find it it is converted KW figures which gives inflated numbers. You can't comparison shop on the specs they put out (or more accurately refuse to put out). That's a big problem. All the echos I have ran and worked on have been well made. Also, in Canada the top line echos are not cheaper than pro grade Stihls. Another big problem. Aftermarket parts are not there either. It is very nice to be able to get recoils, cylinders, clutch covers, fuel lines etc for Stihl and Husky.

Ya, I did notice on the Echo website that the Hp ratings were nowhere to be found.

 

[Michigan Muscle]

They've always made good saws/engines. They just have a crappy dealer network.

Right right. Based upon that, I may be asking my local dealer what they're willing to do if Echo wouldn't honor the warranty. I do plan on walking out of my local saw shop with one of these 600's in the near future.

 

[joe25DA]

[video=youtube;iJLEqBK1pIQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJLEqBK1pIQ[/video]

nothing wrong with echos. But that log was pine and hollow.

 

[zogger]

Right right. Based upon that, I may be asking my local dealer what they're willing to do if Echo wouldn't honor the warranty. I do plan on walking out of my local saw shop with one of these 600's in the near future.

Make sure it is richened up a scosh. They ship too lean. Mine was, roached it, that's what lead me to join this site and find out more about chainsaws. I was 100% ignorant about stock "EPA" settings and so on. I found out about dealer prep, important on brand new saws, they adjust the carbs for break in properly.

As to warranties or not..I wouldn't trust any make of anything small engine as per a warranty, it's a crapshoot. Varies too widely, they have a lot of wiggle room to deny claims. That's a dealer by brand thing, some are great, some suck, going by all the reports.

 

[roger m]

the orsheln farm stores here just started selling echo they always had poulan before,i have been kinda eyeing a cs600,i just find it hard to pull the trigger on one,maybe in the near future:cool2:

 

[STIHLTHEDEERE]

nothing wrong with the cs600, we have 2 of them with alot of time on them. have never even changed a plug. the new cs500 is a great saw as well.

 

[Zombiechopper]

nothing wrong with echos. But that log was pine and hollow.

indeed.

I thought all saw vids were done in rotten balsa?