Echo CS-361P

[TJ1]

Am considering buying one this spring when my dealer has their annual 20% off sale. I need a lightweight saw, under 9 pounds, with reasonable power and 14-16 inch bar. The sale price will bring it down to about $320.

However, if I can be steered onto something better for the same price or less would consider it. Would like to stay around 9 pounds and comparable power range as this will be carried a fair amount.

Thoughts on the Echo or comparable models will be appreciated. The only other saw that seems interesting is the Stihl MS 211 C-BE but it weighs in about 1 pound heavier.

 

[dougand3]

Can't speak on 361P but had a 330T. It was a great little limbing/climbing saw. When buying a new pro saw, you'll get the most bang for your buck from Echo.

 

[redktmrider]

The only other saw that seems interesting is the Stihl MS 211 C-BE but it weighs in about 1 pound heavier

The MS211 C-BE is a nice little saw. I run mine with the Oregon Powersharp setup for finishing those last cuts where you know the chain is going to end up in the dirt. The powersharp chain is a bit aggressive for this saw, but if you take your time is will do OK.
As for the MS-211 C-BE, it's easy start system is really nice when you first fire up the saw. The only thing I don't like about it is the oiler is non-adjustable. Mine will go thru less than half a tank of bar oil by the time the fuel tank is empty.

 

[Tar12]

Non adjustable oilers is the norm on new non-pro saws unfortunately ....thanks EPA..

 

[jetsam]

I have the smaller CS-310 for a limbing saw. It does better than you'd expect from a 30cc saw and is very light. I did modify the muffler and adjust the carb as soon as I got it.

 

[zrock]

don't have the saw but we have a chop saw running a echo. Good little unit but i hate the on/off switch im consistently bumping it

 

[Zack R]

I have a Stihl MS211 and its not a bad little saw. Takes a few more pulls to start than my big saw but does a good job with smaller logs and limbs, its very lightweight and although it will likely last a while it's definitely "plasticky" in construction.

I'd recommend visiting a dealer that will let you try out a few models to see what works best for you.

 

[jwfirebird]

mine used to take forever, it starts a little if you put a e3 plug in it and dont use the compression release.

 

[beatlefan]

I have an Echo CS590 and absolutely love it. I plan to buy a small Echo this spring also.

 

[Zack R]

mine used to take forever, it starts a little if you put a e3 plug in it and dont use the compression release.

100% agree on the E3 sparkplug. I have one in my Husqvarna 365 Special and even though that thing is 18 years old it will start cold on the first few pulls (one pull choked if I can get it to half choke fast enough).

At first I thought it was just an expensive spark plug but it has made a noticeable difference in ease of starting.