Echo vs Husky

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I went to my local Stihl dealer today, they had a 43cc for $350 and a 50cc for $450
 
I went to my local Stihl dealer today, they had a 43cc for $350 and a 50cc for $450

The Stihl MS290, or I believe it's a 291 now would be comparable to the 455 Rancher, spec wise.
 
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Once you use a bigger pro saw you'll understand. Long cutting sessions with a smaller saw turn into short sessions with a real saw.

I've used 60cc-ish pro saws a few times. I still like my Echo for my usage. It starts up easier too.

Yeah they're slightly faster, but not significant. MAYBE one second faster through a big log. A sharp vs dull chain makes a much bigger difference.

No desire for a bigger 80cc or something saw. The 60 is heavy enough, and a 20" bar cuts 90% of what I do just fine. The other 10% I cut halfway, roll it and cut the other half. No problem. If I was to get another saw, it'd be a lighter, 40cc-ish or so one.
 
I've used 60cc-ish pro saws a few times. I still like my Echo for my usage. It starts up easier too.

Yeah they're slightly faster, but not significant. MAYBE one second faster through a big log. A sharp vs dull chain makes a much bigger difference.

No desire for a bigger 80cc or something saw. The 60 is heavy enough, and a 20" bar cuts 90% of what I do just fine. The other 10% I cut halfway, roll it and cut the other half. No problem. If I was to get another saw, it'd be a lighter, 40cc-ish or so one.

I've only got the 455 and the 372xp to compare. I can tell you that the difference between these 2 saws is ridiculous. I'll eventually replace the 455 with either a 562xp or a MS362.
 
I just got an Echo 590 and spent the entire day cutting with it, mostly 18" to 24" logs. I was highly impressed with how well it got the job done. tons of power, adjustable oiler, easy starts every time. this 590 really ROCKS. I don't think you can beat this saw for the money. my friend Jim who worked with me today has a slightly smaller Stihl, had a bit of saw envy. we found no down side to this saw. go for it.
 
Another excellent candidate in the 60 cc range: Dolmar PS-6100. When mine was brand-new, we ran it side-by-side with my 455 at a GTG. No comparison.

With "strato" engine & 27 oz tank, great endurance too. Easy access for servicing, vice Stihl. Pro-quality saw, with excellent price. Takes widely-available K095-mount bar, and handles 24-incher just fine. Double-D carb tool for (H).
 
Another excellent candidate in the 60 cc range: Dolmar PS-6100. When mine was brand-new, we ran it side-by-side with my 455 at a GTG. No comparison.

With "strato" engine & 27 oz tank, great endurance too. Easy access for servicing, vice Stihl. Pro-quality saw, with excellent price. Takes widely-available K095-mount bar, and handles 24-incher just fine. Double-D carb tool for (H).
Comparing a pro 60cc saw to a homeowner 55cc is like putting a NFL player into a high school game. Not even valid. The Dolmar is almost 50% more in price so you had better get something for all of those clams.

Pricewise a 455 and Echo 590 are closer and the Echo is a much better saw in all aspects. This coming from a guy who only owns Swedish saws.
 
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Comparing a pro 60cc saw to a homeowner 55cc is like putting a NFL player into a high school game. Not even valid. The Dolmar is almost 50% more in price so you had better get something for all of those clams.

Pricewise a 455 and Echo 590 are closer and the Echo is a much better saw in all aspects. This coming from a guy who only owns Swedish saws.

Yes, it is a valid option, when you amortize those bux over the lifetime of the equipment. Considering the productivity gains of a 6100 vs a 455r, ditto good payback.(In fact, the 455 is NOT a "homeowner" saw- it's a cut or two above that.) I ran a 455 for years, got it at a great price as a factory refurb from VMInnovations. Then I tried a Dolmar 6100, and it was true love at first cut. It literally turned circles around the 455, and it's only gotten better over the last year as it's broken in. So, yeah, I got a whole spitload for those few extra bux. And a bud really likes having that 455, a huge step up for him from his Stihl 250, which he recently sold. Win, win.

In a bunch of contexts here, the Dolmar is an excellent value.

Those new Echo/Shindaiwas are very nice, for the price. Relative to my values, the 6100 has them covered. Yes, I've tried them side-by-side. The version of the 59 cc Echo you'd likely most want, the CS-620P, goes for ~$100 more than the Dolmar 6100- reality check.

Where'd you get the "50% more" re prices? More like 28%. Value judgments involve a whole set of metrics, which are often personal. Football & chainsaw metaphors? C'mon.
 
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Yes, it is a valid option, when you amortize those bux over the lifetime of the equipment. Considering the productivity gains of a 6100 vs a 455r, ditto good payback.(In fact, the 455 is NOT a "homeowner" saw- it's a cut or two above that.) I ran a 455 for years, got it at a great price as a factory refurb from VMInnovations. Then I tried a Dolmar 6100, and it was true love at first cut. It literally turned circles around the 455, and it's only gotten better over the last year as it's broken in. So, yeah, I got a whole spitload for those few extra bux. And a bud really likes having that 455, a huge step up for him from his Stihl 250, which he recently sold. Win, win.

In a bunch of contexts here, the Dolmar is an excellent value.

Those new Echo/Shindaiwas are very nice, for the price. Relative to my values, the 6100 has them covered. Yes, I've tried them side-by-side. The version of the 59 cc Echo you'd likely most want, the CS-620P, goes for ~$100 more than the Dolmar 6100- reality check.

Where'd you get the "50% more" re prices? More like 28%. Value judgments involve a whole set of metrics, which are often personal. Football & chainsaw metaphors? C'mon.

C'mon? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something?

BTW I'm sorry, my math was way off. It's actually only 47.37% different from the prices I've seen around here. ($560 vs $380). Forgive me.

It's a quite valid metaphor. Sorry if you don't like the NFL. Some folks aren't going to spend big bucks to cut 2-4 cords a year so they can brag about their pro saw cutting circles around a cheap homeowner saw (yes homeowner). And BTW nobody is talking about the Echo 620. For under $400 the 590 is a screaming deal. Interesting that the guy wants a homeowner saw and you are pushing something well beyond his original budget. A few months back it seemed that you felt that a Poulan 5020 was the only answer to any saw question.

I agree judgements are personal. I've seen you throw a whole "spitload" of negativity towards Stihl on here and bias toward a handful of brands that you own. Opportunity favors the open mind.
 
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