Echo/Tanaka equal to MS310?

[Indiana John]

Thinking about updating from my 041's to a newer/lighter saw that can easily handle a 20" bar. Leaning towards an MS310 as I prefer Stihl, but I've been pretty impressed with my old Echo and my Tanaka. Does anybody know what either of these brands would have that would be comparable to the MS310? Does Tanaka even have a saw in that size range?

 

[computeruser]

Echo's 670 would be the closest saw, and it isn't particularly expensive. It is a bit more saw than the Stihl 310, though. The Echo is a very durable, reliable machine with pro-grade construction, as opposed to the plastic Homeowner-grade chassis on the 310.

 

[Indiana John]

Actually the fact that the MS310 has the "plastic" case (actually 'glass-filled nylon) really doesn't bother me. Glass-filled nylon is actually pretty tuff stuff, and as long as the saw isn't abused, it really shouldn't make any functional difference. Especially not for a weekend (and occasionally weekday) warrior like myself.
What's more important is that the saw is powerful enough to run a 20" bar with full-chisel chain, but at the same time I don't want to buy more saw than I'll ever really need. To me, that's a waste of money that I don't have. Another reason I'm considering a lightly-used saw. The other issue is that it needs to be a brand where there is a local dealer so that I have a ready supply of parts when I need them. If I sell both my 041's and buy this saw, it will be my only "big" saw (over 16") unless I can pull a miracle out of my arse and get the parts I need to fix the Super XL. The choices I have for "local" dealers leaves me with Stihl, Echo, Husky thru the Rural King (parts and service questionable), and Tanaka.
Looks like I might need to swing by the Echo dealer, pick up a brochure and check out the selection.
I just know that my 041's, tho they are wood-eating monsters, are getting a bit long in the tooth and parts are getting harder to come by. But there is still some interest in them, so I figure that this might be a good time to sell them (before they become basically worthless), and get something with close to the same capabilities, but lighter and new enough that it will be easy to get parts for the foreseeable future.

 

[16gauge]

I can vouch for the CS 670 John

Actually the fact that the MS310 has the "plastic" case (actually 'glass-filled nylon) really doesn't bother me. Glass-filled nylon is actually pretty tuff stuff, and as long as the saw isn't abused, it really shouldn't make any functional difference. Especially not for a weekend (and occasionally weekday) warrior like myself.
What's more important is that the saw is powerful enough to run a 20" bar with full-chisel chain, but at the same time I don't want to buy more saw than I'll ever really need. To me, that's a waste of money that I don't have. Another reason I'm considering a lightly-used saw. The other issue is that it needs to be a brand where there is a local dealer so that I have a ready supply of parts when I need them. If I sell both my 041's and buy this saw, it will be my only "big" saw (over 16") unless I can pull a miracle out of my arse and get the parts I need to fix the Super XL. The choices I have for "local" dealers leaves me with Stihl, Echo, Husky thru the Rural King (parts and service questionable), and Tanaka.
Looks like I might need to swing by the Echo dealer, pick up a brochure and check out the selection.
I just know that my 041's, tho they are wood-eating monsters, are getting a bit long in the tooth and parts are getting harder to come by. But there is still some interest in them, so I figure that this might be a good time to sell them (before they become basically worthless), and get something with close to the same capabilities, but lighter and new enough that it will be easy to get parts for the foreseeable future.

The Echo 670 comes with lots of pro features. Mine is two years old. I have only cut about 2 1/2 cords with it because I use smaller saws whenever I can. It has been very reliable; easy starting, oils like a champ and throws chips like any big saw when the chain is sharp. Noticed that it took about 6 tanks of fuel mix to come up to it's full power capability.

Not the most powerful saw I have used (a nice modded 046 Stihl that belongs to a nephew), but it's the most powerful saw I have OWNED. So far I have zero complaints as a homeowner and firewood cutter. The Echo came with a 24 inch B&C and the dealer threw in a 20 bar with the deal which I have used the most.

IMHO the CS 670 is the best 4 cu. in. saw out there for the money. I would encourage you to check one out.

Still shootin' the old 16 gauge ...Phil.

 

[Just Mow]

Engineered
Cheap
Highly
Overated
:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[16gauge]

Engineered
Cheap
Highly
Overated
:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

Now THAT'S funny.

 

[Indiana John]

Engineered
Cheap
Highly
Overated
:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

Say what you want about Echo, but I got this little 302 used almost 20 years ago, and with nothing other than normal maintenance it still runs as good as it did when I got it. To me that says a lot! Maybe it doesn't have the "name" factor as a Stihl, but it just plain works and that's what counts to me.

 

[Just Mow]

Say what you want about Echo, but I got this little 302 used almost 20 years ago, and with nothing other than normal maintenance it still runs as good as it did when I got it. To me that says a lot! Maybe it doesn't have the "name" factor as a Stihl, but it just plain works and that's what counts to me.

I will give you that. I just don't see them as a pro saw anymore since they sell to Home Depot and other outlets. To keep up with production and low margins you have to shave somewhere. JMO

 

[Indiana John]

I will give you that. I just don't see them as a pro saw anymore since they sell to Home Depot and other outlets. To keep up with production and low margins you have to shave somewhere. JMO

Seems you could say the same thing about Husky then. I see those sold in lots of places that don't have a parts or service department too like our Rural King.

 

[Just Mow]

Seems you could say the same thing about Husky then. I see those sold in lots of places that don't have a parts or service department too like our Rural King.

True, as well as sold at Tractor Supply, Sears, Lowe's and many other FINE retailers, catalogues and internet sites.

 

[mountainlake]

I let the logger I get get logs from use my CS670 now he wants to get one, replacing a Stihl ms 440, claims they,re make them cheaper every year. Steve

 

[Fish]

Echo makes very good equipment, I actually like their trimmers over Stihl.

The same goes for Shindaiwa, but their distributor support sucks.

 

[Just Mow]

I let the logger I get get logs from use my CS670 now he wants to get one, replacing a Stihl ms 440, claims they,re make them cheaper every year. Steve

Must not be a real logger.

 

[Just Mow]

Echo makes very good equipment, I actually like their trimmers over Stihl.

The same goes for Shindaiwa, but their distributor support sucks.

So you like something that has less hp per cc, two piece clutch that burns up with deflector off, non adjustable carb, catalytic convertor so it runs hot as hell all day, yeah I would like them too.
The only good thing about the Shindaiwa is the old engines they use to make. They can't stay compliant so their new trimmer is a Komatsu engine just like they do with their blowers.:deadhorse:

 

[Indiana John]

Looked at the 670 today

While I was in town today, I went out to the Echo dealer and looked at the 670. The one they had in stock had a 24" bar on it, and I felt like it was a bit more weght than what I want. Their price was list @ $479. The 520 is more what I think I would want. Has 16 less cc's, but weighs almost 4# less than the 670 and is $100 cheaper. Comes standard with a 20" bar. They said they would swap out the safety chain that comes on it to a standard full-chisel at no charge. The one thing that stood out to me is that they offer a better warranty than Stihl. For homeowner use it's two years versus Stihl's one year. I just wish they discounted a bit. I really hate paying full list. As far as Shindaiwa, I don't believe we have a dealer for them around here either.

 

[mountainlake]

I have a cs510, older model of the cs520. If I could only have one saw that would be it.(Or maybe a Dolmar 5100s) Really rips through the small stuff and pulls good through the big stuff. Handles nice and is light. That 670 would feel way better with a 20" bar. Just Mow I took my 670 out this morning and got all the way though a 20" log!!! Steve

 

[Just Mow]

I have a cs510, older model of the cs520. If I could only have one saw that would be it.(Or maybe a Dolmar 5100s) Really rips through the small stuff and pulls good through the big stuff. Handles nice and is light. That 670 would feel way better with a 20" bar. Just Mow I took my 670 out this morning and got all the way though a 20" log!!! Steve

I'm glad you were able to make it through a 20 inch log.