New member here and seeking some advise

[COLRJBrinkman]

This tree and many others on my property are this size roughly 73" in circumference/22+ inches wide.   I am looking at a CS590 with 20" bar or a CS 620 with a 24" bar for the big work and a CS 310 for limbing?  Those are all the saws I should need, yes?

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[trapper]

I am very happy with  my cs310 but if you dont have a saw between the two  I would go a bit bigger than the cs310

[lxskllr]

Seems reasonable. With the caveat I haven't run the 310, I'd perhaps go for the cs400 as the small saw. I think 20cc increments is a good target to go for with a saw selection, and the 400 will be more usable at the upper end of the range, while still being light enough for small stuff. I have a couple Stihl ms362s(60cc), and an echo cs400, and I prefer using the 400 when conditions allow it. The lighter weight is nicer to use for long periods of time.

[COLRJBrinkman]

I am very happy with  my cs310 but if you dont have a saw between the two  I would go a bit bigger than the cs310

Well I have all Echo equipment which is why I am leaning towards Echo. I have really great Echo dealers at both my primary home and lake/woods property.  However, I have not ruled out Stihl yet either, especially for the small saw (MS 170/171/180).  I know once you do the muffler mod and retune the Echos they seriously kick butt.My budget for both saws is around $750ish. 

[COLRJBrinkman]

Seems reasonable. With the caveat I haven't run the 310, I'd perhaps go for the cs400 as the small saw. I think 20cc increments is a good target to go for with a saw selection, and the 400 will be more usable at the upper end of the range, while still being light enough for small stuff. I have a couple Stihl ms362s(60cc), and an echo cs400, and I prefer using the 400 when conditions allow it. The lighter weight is nicer to use for long periods of time.

Since I am fairly new to sawing. Im not a newbie, and have sawed for a few years, but these trees will be my biggest so far.  Should I stick with the 20" bar or up it to the 24" bar??

I am liking the pricing of the MS 170/180/181/211, but sounds like those might be underpowered for what my intention use for them would be.  

[lxskllr]

I'm pretty new myself. I got my first 362 with a 24" bar for a particular job. It does fine if you're patient, but it makes the saw nose heavy, and that makes the whole saw feel heavier. I got my second 362 cause I happened on a good deal, and it had a 20" bar which I wanted. The balance is much nicer with the 20".

Ideally, I think I'd like both bars, and swap depending on job. If you went with the 590, the extra bar/chain, and a smaller saw(I'd go with the 400 and a 16" bar) will still be in budget. The 620 appears to be the better saw, and is priced accordingly, but perhaps it doesn't matter for your use. Someone else more knowledgeable could help out there.

[doc henderson]

welcome Colonel.  Unless you just have a ton of money to spend, go get a medium saw and wait to see what you want next.. I spent the first 20 years of my "logging career" (in Kansas) with one saw.  I had owned a McCullough and a home lite first.  But then when I bought my own home and put in a wood stove, I bought a Stihl 046.   This was my only saw for 20 years.  It can use a 36 inch bar, but my favorite is the 25 inch bar.  Heavy saw for limbing, but you do not have to bend over to limb a log. I now own about 8 saws, all stihl, but I added them after I decided I needed them.  I have a tiny 40 volt electric I can use in my shop for rustic stuff, and an 880, with a variety with a max 5 foot bar.  (cardio).

[Inaotherlife]

I like the 50cc saws. Light and nimble compared to a 60cc.

Depends on how often and how big of a hurry you're in though. A 50cc saw could cut that tree up. Heck, even a 40cc saw could do it. 60cc will surely cut faster. But it's a tank of a saw in comparison.

But on the other end, I'd much rather have a 35cc saw than a 30cc.
40cc is good too, but not a lot lighter than a 50cc.

But yeah, your two choices would work fine.

[Ianab]

Unless you plan on cutting HUGE trees you  don't need a long bar on the saw.  I've comfortably cut 36" dia trees with a 20" bar on a 60cc saw. 

OK, if I was doing it every day, a bigger saw is justified. But if it's just the occasional bigger tree,  and if it takes 5 mins more to fell,  so what. You are probably there all day cleaning up the mess anyway..

I did have to buy a bigger saw, but that was for  40+ inch trees. And of course a 80cc saw with a 28" bar makes short work of regular smaller trees. 

Only thing I'm missing is a nice little light weight saw for limbing and pruning. 

[HolmenTree]

Welcome COLRJbrinkman,
My advice is 60cc maximum displacement saw, 20" maximum bar/chain. Second saw 40-50cc with 16" max.
24" bars dull way too many chains in your size of trees.

[thecfarm]

Stick with the Echo if you have a great dealer,as you said, Dealer support is worth a lot.
I have 2 saws,one big,372 Husky,one small,Efco 50cc,that I won on here.That small ones has really helped out my shoulder. It's a smaller,lighter saw. I always hope I can have 2 saws.,Money,but saying that I don't need the pain either.

[doc henderson]

curious what you plan to do with the wood.  If it is firewood or lumber.  Not a bad idea to work with a buddy or family member.  You may find a work partner that has equipment to compliment what you have.  You can offer to share the wood if you really have a ton, especially if you are trying to get it cleaned up.  Everyone is a little different as you can see here.  If you work with others, you get some first hand experience with different brands and sizes of power head and bar, as well as pitch.  If you are bucking these trees into firewood, that is a lot of cuts for a small saw.

[Inaotherlife]

That tree looks about half rotten.

Different story if you're felling healthy trees that size vs deadfall.

[doc henderson]

I think if you buy a high quality saw, you can use it the rest of your life, and still get some money back out of it or pass it on to your family.  I have made the mistake of getting in a rush to buy, and later wished I had waited.  Thank you for your service to our country.

[DelawhereJoe]

If you need a large cheap saw for some use you may want to look at the Farmertec/ Holzfforma saws they clone both stihl and Husqvarna saws. There G660 is next on my list as I want it for slabbing some oaks and yellow poplar and the big stihl and Husqvarna saws are well out of my price range.

[COLRJBrinkman]

curious what you plan to do with the wood.  If it is firewood or lumber.  Not a bad idea to work with a buddy or family member.  You may find a work partner that has equipment to compliment what you have.  You can offer to share the wood if you really have a ton, especially if you are trying to get it cleaned up.  Everyone is a little different as you can see here.  If you work with others, you get some first hand experience with different brands and sizes of power head and bar, as well as pitch.  If you are bucking these trees into firewood, that is a lot of cuts for a small saw.

Firewood. It'll just be myself and my wife

[COLRJBrinkman]

That tree looks about half rotten.

Different story if you're felling healthy trees that size vs deadfall.

it had a gapping hole in the main truck and then finally fell over.  Had our local BobCat guy push it back, but even then he couldn't push it too far due to the weight.  

[COLRJBrinkman]

If you need a large cheap saw for some use you may want to look at the Farmertec/ Holzfforma saws they clone both stihl and Husqvarna saws. There G660 is next on my list as I want it for slabbing some oaks and yellow poplar and the big stihl and Husqvarna saws are well out of my price range.

I have looked at the G660, but that's a Huge beast...when I purchase more land that could be a future purchase.

[COLRJBrinkman]

I'm pretty new myself. I got my first 362 with a 24" bar for a particular job. It does fine if you're patient, but it makes the saw nose heavy, and that makes the whole saw feel heavier. I got my second 362 cause I happened on a good deal, and it had a 20" bar which I wanted. The balance is much nicer with the 20".

Ideally, I think I'd like both bars, and swap depending on job. If you went with the 590, the extra bar/chain, and a smaller saw(I'd go with the 400 and a 16" bar) will still be in budget. The 620 appears to be the better saw, and is priced accordingly, but perhaps it doesn't matter for your use. Someone else more knowledgeable could help out there.

The reason I mentioned the CS-620 (or the older 600) because you can go between 18-24" bars, just incase you need a larger bar. The 590 maxes at 20".  Ill probably get the 590 with 20" bar, upgrade the bar to PowerMatch and upgrade the sprocket to a rim. As for the smaller saw, sounds like a 40cc is better than a 30cc, so Ill have to relook

[DelawhereJoe]

They have the clone of the ms 360 60cc and ms440 70cc class both sizes are great firewood size, that echo 590 is rated for a 24" bar but cutting oak will be slow but do able.

[Inaotherlife]

I'd just buy a more expensive saw to start with before I went buying a clutch hub/rim sprocket and an expensive new bar for a brand new saw.

Also, if you're wife is going to run a saw she might appreciate the 310 or 352 over a 40cc saw.

[samandothers]

Good evening and welcome!

I have two Echo's at CS341 and a CS620.  I Like the Echos  they start easy and run well.   I have a MS250 (home owner saw) Sthil I had before the other two.  I was my only saw for many years and handled all I needed.  The small saw is handy and I enjoy using it around the mill and for limbs.  I have not ran the CS620 much but it sure helped me put several trees down quickly.  The CS620 is pretty heavy with the 24 inch bar.  I look forward to gaining more experience with it.

My brother has a CS400 and likes it.  I seems to be a good size and not too heavy.  If I was starting over I might get the CS590 or maybe CS620 with a 20" bar and the CS400 with a 16".  Maybe you can find an Echo dealer near you having a 'Dealer Day' and get a large percentage off your saws.   I got 20% off the CS620 back early November and that helped a bunch!

Good luck with your selection!  Thank you for your service!

[John Mc]

Welcome COLRJbrinkman,
My advice is 60cc maximum displacement saw, 20" maximum bar/chain. Second saw 40-50cc with 16" max.
24" bars dull way too many chains in your size of trees.

I agree with Holmentree. I'd start with the 60cc saw. I would not put a 24" bar on it. Most 60cc saws seem to balance better with a 20" bar. It's just easier to maneuver and deal with, and less tiring to use. You can always get a 24" bar down the road, if you really want. Since most of the trees I cut are under 16", my 60cc saw wears a 16" bar most of the time. I'd rather have the lighter weight and better maneuverability of that shorter bar, even if it means I occasionally have to cut from two sides to get all the way through a tree.
I do own a 20" bar for my 60cc saw, but I only bother to put it on if I know I'm going to be making a large number of 16-20" cuts that day (for example cutting up a bunch of 18" logs into firewood). If there are a lot of cuts to make over 20", I drop back to the 16" saw, since I'm going to have to cut from both sides anyway. With the 16" bar, It's not too cumbersome to use it for limbing as well (though if I have a lot of limbing to do, I'll switch to my smaller, lighter saw).

[lxskllr]

 As for the smaller saw, sounds like a 40cc is better than a 30cc, so Ill have to relook

Don't let me talk you out of a small saw if *you* think a smaller one would be better. My reasoning is 20cc increments allow overlap at both ends of the spectrum. You can pick your primary saw of the job, and use it for everything. 60cc will get you up to 80cc work for occasional use, and also isn't completely ridiculous for 40cc use. Likewise, a 40cc saw is pretty light by my standards, but will still get you up to occasional 60cc work, and is much nicer to carry. With the shorter bar, it's also *much* nicer to sharpen. Seems to take forever to get around a 24" chain with a file. When I do my 16", it's "Hey! I'm done already!"  :^D
That said, I've got a 25cc saw on order. I'm still pretty close to my 20cc spread, so I'm not a liar, but I don't exactly need it either. It's just a nifty little unit, and I treat this stuff as my recreation, so it isn't merely a "business expense". If it were, I'd just use what I had. 40cc-60cc-80cc. I don't see me ever needing an 80cc saw, but the slot's open if I do. Wasn't that long ago I didn't see me needing a chainsaw at all. No telling what the future will bring.

[COLRJBrinkman]

I'd just buy a more expensive saw to start with before I went buying a clutch hub/rim sprocket and an expensive new bar for a brand new saw.

Also, if you're wife is going to run a saw she might appreciate the 310 or 352 over a 40cc saw.

She's on chemo so she'll only be helping loading. However, she will want to use a smaller one in the future, hence my interest in a MS170/180 series or CS-310. I am rebuilding my Poulan Wild Thing which is a 40cc, never was a fan of it hopefully after the rebuild it will be better as a third backup saw.  

[H Ray G]

I have an Echo 352 with the 16 in bar and like the way it handles. I mix the oil with premium fuel and it starts and runs good remember that in cold weather you have a cap/rubber dcisc to move under the air cleaner cover.

[COLRJBrinkman]

Good evening and welcome!

I have two Echo's at CS341 and a CS620.  I Like the Echos  they start easy and run well.   I have a MS250 (home owner saw) Sthil I had before the other two.  I was my only saw for many years and handled all I needed.  The small saw is handy and I enjoy using it around the mill and for limbs.  I have not ran the CS620 much but it sure helped me put several trees down quickly.  The CS620 is pretty heavy with the 24 inch bar.  I look forward to gaining more experience with it.

My brother has a CS400 and likes it.  I seems to be a good size and not too heavy.  If I was starting over I might get the CS590 or maybe CS620 with a 20" bar and the CS400 with a 16".  Maybe you can find an Echo dealer near you having a 'Dealer Day' and get a large percentage off your saws.   I got 20% off the CS620 back early November and that helped a bunch!

Good luck with your selection!  Thank you for your service!

The next Echo dealer event where I will be buying my saw(s) is April.  I can get a 10% mil discount at my local dealer here, but they won't be the dealer Ill be dealing with at the wooded property.  Yes I handled a 620 with a 24" and it is a hefty one.  I'm almost 64 and 5'5" but pretty healthy and YES I don't want to lug round a heavy saw all day.  I can get the 590 for 359 then add 65 for the rim sprocket and 55 for a Powermatch bar is still cheaper than getting a 620 for 514 with my discount.  I think the 310/400 might be the small saw as I think my wife can field the 310 all day once she feels better.  

[doc henderson]

Hello Colonel.  Sorry to hear your wife is sick.  Nice that you guys work together.  You prob. have all the advice you need and more.  If you wanted to buy 1 saw, and I am a Stihl guy,  a farm boss is an option.  Many firewood guys cutting for them selves only own that one saw.  used to be a 290 now a 271 I think.  Or the equiv. in another good brand, so you can get parts and service.  My Amish guys are so good they can often Dx. over the phone, and once I was in the middle of getting several trees and had an oiler and a fuel line crack failure.  My guy worked through his lunch to fix it.  Having a good dealer is important.  Are you near Ks.?  

[Inaotherlife]

I like the idea of having a longer bar that would cut all the way through.

That's a pretty big saw and having to reach over, climb over, or walk around to the other side to make every cut would make cutting that up seem too much like work.
Just lay it up there and let the saw do the work.

It may cut a bit slower but it'll get there. And with the time and energy you'd waste reaching over with that heavy saw or going to the other side to finish it off, you should come out ahead with the longer bar.

But I also would like the extra power of the 620P for pulling that longer chain.
And the aluminum handlebar to give it a more solid feel.

I'd probably buy the 590 though. And just run it as is. $359 would leave more room in your budget for a nicer small saw that you'd probably end up using a lot more than you think you would. I figure on letting bars and sprockets getting a little wear on them before I'd spring for new ones.

Funny, because that's how it worked for me. Out of three brand new saws that I bought, all three Echo's, I spent by far the least on the big one. A CS-490, with a too long 20" bar, that I got at a super sale price. Then my small rear handle saw, the 361P, that I also got at 20% off, but still a chunk more than the 490. Then I spent the most on a little top handle, the 2511T, that I only got 5% off on.

The CS-361P, for me, by far sees the most use. It's a great little saw that's both lighter and more powerful than a 310 or 352. But a bit pricier too.

If I'd have had a budget, I went well over it. But mainly I wanted the versatilty of the three different saws and not spend too much on any single one.

PS, I actually like that too long 20" bar and chain on the 50cc 490. I'm not trying to win any races with it. I just wanted something that would get through some bigger stuff in one wack.

[hedgerow]

She's on chemo so she'll only be helping loading. However, she will want to use a smaller one in the future, hence my interest in a MS170/180 series or CS-310. I am rebuilding my Poulan Wild Thing which is a 40cc, never was a fan of it hopefully after the rebuild it will be better as a third backup saw.  

Sorry to hear about your wife. For years I cut a ton of firewood with one saw a 038 Stihl. Sounds like you have a echo dealer you like and that's half the battle. I would look at a CS-620 it has the compression release us old guys like and a 60 cc saw is a good all round size saw. A 20 inch bar will cut most trees you could throw a 24 on if needed once an a while. Saw like you already have a smaller saw once you get it going again. 

[COLRJBrinkman]

I was at my local Deere dealer today ordering a part for my Deere 522 snowblower, which they had to order, but I also bought two Echos. A Cs-352 with 16" bar and the CS-590 with 20" PowerMatch bar upgrade as well as the rim sprocket upgrade. Will pick them up in a week all tuned and ready to work.

[doc henderson]

Sounds like you got some great equipment and are ready to work!  Congrats.

[hedgerow]

I think you will enjoy the Echo's. I hope this next storm run's out of gas before it hits everyone. We got around 8 inch's last weekend and about a inch last night. Sounds like the temp is going to be dropping for several days. I better throw some more hedge in the Garn. 

[Allar]

It's alot easier and cheaper to buy a 50cc all-around chainsaw than buying a chainsaw for every different task. 8)
Since you into Echo, why not buy Echo- cs501P.

[samandothers]

Congrats on the purchase and sounds like a great combo!

[Inaotherlife]

I was at my local Deere dealer today ordering a part for my Deere 522 snowblower, which they had to order, but I also bought two Echos. A Cs-352 with 16" bar and the CS-590 with 20" PowerMatch bar upgrade as well as the rim sprocket upgrade. Will pick them up in a week all tuned and ready to work.

That's terrific. I hope you enjoy using them.

[Inaotherlife]

It's alot easier and cheaper to buy a 50cc all-around chainsaw than buying a chainsaw for every different task. 8)
Since you into Echo, why not buy Echo- cs501P.

That's crazy!