Echo CS-361P vs 14-ish inch Mulberry

[Colt Marlington]

Just thought I'd test out the effectiveness of the little 35.8cc lightweight for processing this tree which isn't looking so great anymore.
Give a little more light to that smaller tree behind it.

The test is something I wanted to try just to see what size saw I need/want in my lineup just above the 361P.

This is a pretty tiny, very lightweight saw. And a joy to carry and use. As of now it's unmodded. Chain is freshly sharpened, with a couple or three rounded cutters.

I'll report back when the tree is cut down and cut up.

 

[Colt Marlington]

Shortly after beginning the first cut, I decided it was a little bigger than 14", and a 50cc saw with 18" bar wouldv'e been close to ideal.

But I continued on. And the tree is down in the direction as planned.

 

[Colt Marlington]

This was a race against time. I had to have the tree cut up and out of the driveway by 3pm, and I started at 2pm.

I got the tree down and cut up. And mostly bucked up. And the little saw was mostly fast and efficient. A nice size saw for my lineup.

But when I got to the larger end of the tree, I stopped cutting as it was taking a bit to get through the 12" plus trunk sections. No doubt it would've done it. But I needed to get this cleaned up and a 50 would be so much easier for that size and up a little ways.

 

[Colt Marlington]

Saw got hung up once. I cut it out with my trusty 2511.

 

[Colt Marlington]

And it's break time for my old ***.

I felt like the little 3/8LP chain was getting beat up a bit in the bigger stuff.
It works. But not ideal in my opinion.

 

[Colt Marlington]

Most of what I cut is fallen branches or pruned limbs up to 8 inches or so. And smaller trees like the one below.
And the little 361 is about ideal for that 2-8 inch size wood. Better than a larger, heavier 40cc most of the time...for me.

I still have some larger mulberry's that need to come down. This one the largest.

And one large elm that I've been whittling away on the top now and then, that will eventually be cut down.
I've been contemplating the viability and reasoning of my main lineup of saws. And 60cc saw might be the most versatile firewood saw.(which I have 4 of between 55 and 64cc for some reason). And a 40cc, 60cc makes a lot of sense for a two-saw lineup for a lot of people.

But for me, I now have come to realize that I had it right all along. Largely thanks to luck and being in the right place at the right time.

A 25-35-50-70cc four saw plan is likely everything I'd ever need, barring me setting up a saw mill. And generally cheaper, lighter and easier handling than a 40-60-80 lineup.

 

[Colt Marlington]

Actually, I could probably get by just fine without a 50cc saw. And just get an 18 or 20" bar for the 70cc saw, along with a longer bar for felling and stumping.

But I wouldn't feel enthusiastic about not having a saw between 35 and 70cc. And I enjoy being a bit of a chainsaw enthusiast.

 

[Colt Marlington]

And after all that philosophical chainsaw contemplating, I went out and finished cutting it up with the heavy dog of a 64cc Echo CS-660EVL.

 

[Scyry]

Know this is an old post, but closest to some info I've been trying to figure out. You mentioned you used a 2511 and 361P. How do you feel about the power between the two? Is the 361P noticeably stronger? I'm trying to decide between the two for my next saw purchase. Need something lite weight for limbing and slash; plus my wife wants a saw she's comfortable with. Looking at rear handles for both models.

 

[WoodmanSr]

Know this is an old post, but closest to some info I've been trying to figure out. You mentioned you used a 2511 and 361P. How do you feel about the power between the two? Is the 361P noticeably stronger? I'm trying to decide between the two for my next saw purchase. Need something lite weight for limbing and slash; plus my wife wants a saw she's comfortable with. Looking at rear handles for both models.

First off, the cs2511T is tiny. Discussion & reviews mention that like a football with cutter. Maybe hard to operate safely for a beginner. Many better choices 35-40cc. Stihl 021/023, Echo cs3510/cs400, etc. Search & read reviews.

A couple cautions about what's suitable. I know that in 2022 my Echo OPE dealer was sitting on 2015 data plate cs361p. No discount from $359 MSRP on a 7 year old saw. Suspect that Echo warehouse might be old stock... don't know. Talked to a 2nd dealer, said they dumped all their cs361p at deep discount. Weren't selling.

I find the cs361p intriguing but prehaps a bit light duty in some respects. But, I recall maybe 8# pho so why. Maybe a bit goofy with front fuel & oil tank as actually just a rear handle adaptation of the Echo 355T or Shindaiwa 358T. Echo attraction is the price point.

I like the appeal of cs361p on it's merit, rear handle, small, light, reasonable power for a 14" bar. A 16" possibly a bit too much but should pull it.

Before you pursue buying a cs361p check a dealer (or friend) that your wife can pullover a cs355T. Same engine. No compression release as I recall & are quite stiff compression for 35.8cc. My dad at 89 years old considered buying cs361p but couldn't pull a demo cs355T. So, big no go. Bought an Echo cs400 that easy start & very reliable. Loves it.

Just opinion... the Echo cs3510 (8#) or old stock cs400 (10#) might be better alternative. My area Craigslist do see 2nd hand Echo cs400 frequently selling $150, or $200 in mint shape. I like that cs400 has an adjustable oiler & traditional feel in the hands. Seems durable & many reviews of performance improvement by de-catting muffler. But, runs perfectly fine in stock configuration. Many sold as 18" bar & pull surprisingly well. I'd prefer 16". Quite fun/decent saw to run if put expectation around 40cc at low cost. Also, very fuel efficient.

No information on the replacement new cs4010. Personally would pass & find NOS or used cs400 (40.2cc).

 

[Scyry]

First off, the cs2511T is tiny. Discussion & reviews mention that like a football with cutter. Maybe hard to operate safely for a beginner. Many better choices 35-40cc. Stihl 021/023, Echo cs3510/cs400, etc. Search & read reviews.

A couple cautions about what's suitable. I know that in 2022 my Echo OPE dealer was sitting on 2015 data plate cs361p. No discount from $359 MSRP on a 7 year old saw. Suspect that Echo warehouse might be old stock... don't know. Talked to a 2nd dealer, said they dumped all their cs361p at deep discount. Weren't selling.

I find the cs361p intriguing but prehaps a bit light duty in some respects. But, I recall maybe 8# pho so why. Maybe a bit goofy with front fuel & oil tank as actually just a rear handle adaptation of the Echo 355T or Shindaiwa 358T. Echo attraction is the price point.

I like the appeal of cs361p on it's merit, rear handle, small, light, reasonable power for a 14" bar. A 16" possibly a bit too much but should pull it.

Before you pursue buying a cs361p check a dealer (or friend) that your wife can pullover a cs355T. Same engine. No compression release as I recall & are quite stiff compression for 35.8cc. My dad at 89 years old considered buying cs361p but couldn't pull a demo cs355T. So, big no go. Bought an Echo cs400 that easy start & very reliable. Loves it.

Just opinion... the Echo cs3510 (8#) or old stock cs400 (10#) might be better alternative. My area Craigslist do see 2nd hand Echo cs400 frequently selling $150, or $200 in mint shape. I like that cs400 has an adjustable oiler & traditional feel in the hands. Seems durable & many reviews of performance improvement by de-catting muffler. But, runs perfectly fine in stock configuration. Many sold as 18" bar & pull surprisingly well. I'd prefer 16". Quite fun/decent saw to run if put expectation around 40cc at low cost. Also, very fuel efficient.

No information on the replacement new cs4010. Personally would pass & find NOS or used cs400 (40.2cc).

I've been reading a lot. Mainly looking at Husky 440, 543XP, and 540 XP Mark II or Echos 361P and 2511PN. The 3510 seems to be talked about more too. I'm not interested in Stihl after my experience on the warranty end for MS261 C-M I had. The 361P, people are both ways about, even in the same post. 2511, is all about the top handle version, and seems to be needs work to be strong enough, but people do love it. Want rear handle for ease of use.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Know this is an old post, but closest to some info I've been trying to figure out. You mentioned you used a 2511 and 361P. How do you feel about the power between the two? Is the 361P noticeably stronger? I'm trying to decide between the two for my next saw purchase. Need something lite weight for limbing and slash; plus my wife wants a saw she's comfortable with. Looking at rear handles for both models.

The op hasn’t been here in 5 years and judging from his notch, You shouldn’t take any advice from him anyway.