Echo cs-490 vs Makita/Dolmar 5121/510
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Ran both the 026 Sthil and the new Echo 490 today. Both saws ran flawlessly. To my surprise the Echo 490 cut every bit as fast as the Sthil if not a tad better.
I blocked up several medium trees and flush cut a lot of stumps. I'd use one saw until it ran out of gas then fuel it up and let it rest while I used the other. Traded them out so both were used equally. Both saws have 20 inch bars and similar chains. Both have rim drive .325. Both weigh 14.2 lbs fuelled ready to go. Both have anti-vibration and I liked them equally well. I think the Sthil bar and chain could (maybe) be adapted to fit the Echo. Either way limbing was easy as the saws are a LOT lighter than the Echo 590 and 029 Sthil, (Love that Sthil saw) which has been my "go to saw" when the 026 was acting up. A couple stump butts were so big the 20 inch bar would not go all way through but the 490 went right on cutting. On a few stumps I cut the roots off where they interfere with the cut to get the bar through. I guess most people do that. I do have a personal trick for that as far as I know is all mine but others may do it too. I'll check some books and see if it's taught. In the end I'm happily surprised with the Echo 490. The stock bar on the Echo didn't look good but it did a danged good job. I'll go with a better bar when it's replaced. I've got 2 Echo saws had 3 and all work well. The plastic does look flimsy, especially the choke levers, the chain side plate looks wimpy too but with space age plastic I'm not worried yet. Thanks.
I blocked up several medium trees and flush cut a lot of stumps. I'd use one saw until it ran out of gas then fuel it up and let it rest while I used the other. Traded them out so both were used equally. Both saws have 20 inch bars and similar chains. Both have rim drive .325. Both weigh 14.2 lbs fuelled ready to go. Both have anti-vibration and I liked them equally well. I think the Sthil bar and chain could (maybe) be adapted to fit the Echo. Either way limbing was easy as the saws are a LOT lighter than the Echo 590 and 029 Sthil, (Love that Sthil saw) which has been my "go to saw" when the 026 was acting up. A couple stump butts were so big the 20 inch bar would not go all way through but the 490 went right on cutting. On a few stumps I cut the roots off where they interfere with the cut to get the bar through. I guess most people do that. I do have a personal trick for that as far as I know is all mine but others may do it too. I'll check some books and see if it's taught. In the end I'm happily surprised with the Echo 490. The stock bar on the Echo didn't look good but it did a danged good job. I'll go with a better bar when it's replaced. I've got 2 Echo saws had 3 and all work well. The plastic does look flimsy, especially the choke levers, the chain side plate looks wimpy too but with space age plastic I'm not worried yet. Thanks.
Didn't look at the warranty yet but the 490 saw is doing well stock. Don't plan to muffler mod it just yet. The 590 Timberwolf was bought in 2015 and does a super good job stock, no mods.
I think someone somewhere , said just removing the limiter caps voids the warranty.
My electronic instructor once said most things that need warranty work usually fail during the first 90 days.
I'm not to concerned about the older saw but this new saw needs to be used a few years before I'll do anything to void my warranty.
The old Sthil has a muffler mod and is loud. I kinda like the quietest stock 490.
I wonder if anyone has regretted doing a muffler mod on any brand of chainsaw?
So far I have gotten good results on both old Sthils.
Thanks.
James Miller
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 490 is still isn't very loud with the tube pulled from under the deflector. The muffler is completely empty inside it' just a hollow can.
In 50 years of buying O P E, I have only had to use the warranty twice, and it was covered both times. If you remove the limiter caps to re-tune and then replace them you are probably going to be OK. If you have a good dealer and he does it, you will surely be covered. It all depends on your factory rep.
James Miller
Addicted to ArboristSite
My dealer pulled the limiters on my 355t and set it so I had another half turn after the factory richest setting. Good dealers will take care of you. If he won' pull the limiters and tune the saw find another dealer.
Huskitoter
ArboristSite Operative
I looked at a 6421 at a HD after seeing these posts. While pushing the chain from side to side to check the bar groove wear, the gentleman working there told me it was a brand new chain. He then said, "That chain will last you a lifetime."
I don't know if I look that old or look like I just fell off the turnip truck.
James Miller
Addicted to ArboristSite
I told the guy if I came back for one it was getting an 80cc top end. I think his brain melted a little.
Huskitoter
ArboristSite Operative
Funny
In defense of the salesman in my case, it was at a store located in an Atlanta surburb. The chain might very well last a lifetime for some customers Iiving in the area.
AlfA01
ArboristSite Guru
I consider power-to-weight as the most important factor. I don't mind an extra pound or so, if I got n@ts behind it to make the difference. The 421 (.27 HP per pound) the 490 (.28 HP per pound) and the 5105 (.32 HP per pound).
You will see this repeated through other CC classes as well, Dolmar has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of all saw manufacturers. And, daddy digs the way they sound!!
You will see this repeated through other CC classes as well, Dolmar has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of all saw manufacturers. And, daddy digs the way they sound!!
Keep in mind that's before a good tune and muff modd, the Echo will gain the most by far with a simple muff modd. Don't know about the Dolmar but the 490 needs 10 tanks to break in good, as they come tuned lean ,with a clogged up muff and tight tolerances they are turds. Steve
fordf150
ArboristSite.com Sponsor
needing to modify a saw just to get it in the same league as its competitors is sad.
I agree. And I doubt it would run with the Dolmar even with the magic muffler mod and re-tune. Just a hunch.
D
Deleted member 149229
Guest
Hey! the popcorn guys are in sync. That's probably normal. But I didn't graduate rocket scientist school, so I wouldn't know.
The fact is that it takes less than 20 minutes to pull the tube out of the muff pull the tabs and retune and yes it will run with the Dolmar then. NO warrenty lost as it can be put back easy. Echo clogs up the muff and tunes lean on purpose to get by the EPA regulations. Quit whining about minor stuff. Steve
Why would you have to put it back?
Really no sense in replying to someone like you. Figure it out all by yourself. Steve
