Echo Cs-590 vs Husky 460/465

[John Mc]

A friend is looking to step up to a larger saw than his current Echo CS 400. He want to run a 20" bar most of the time (mostly hardwoods), but would like to be able to get away with a 24" on occasion.  He is not going to be a heavy user of this saw: several cords of firewood per year and some other miscellaneous jobs.

He's been looking at the Husqvarna 460 or 465. The Husky pro-level saws are out of his price range, and hard to justify given his less frequent use of the saw. I've been urging him to consider the Echo CS 590. I had always figured that the 590 was closer to the Husky 555 than it was to the Husky 460 or 465, both in type of construction and in performance.

Any thoughts?

[sawguy21]

Looks like a 24" bar is not available for that saw at least from Oregon. He could use a shorter one and work from both sides. The Husky will handle it nicely but as you say pricey for his needs and probably overkill.

[John Mc]

Looks like a 24" bar is not available for that saw at least from Oregon. He could use a shorter one and work from both sides. The Husky will handle it nicely but as you say pricey for his needs and probably overkill.

I believe the Oregon 24" Powercut 240RNDD176 is supposed to fit.
For a few of the things he has to cut, cutting from both sides with a 20" bar won't do it. However, it's a rare enough occurance for him that he does not want to buy a bigger saw. (Frankly, as little as he will need it, I've advised he not even purchase a 24" bar, and just bug a friend if he really needs to get something that big cut up. He is insisting that he at least wants the option...)

[ladylake]

 Plain and simple, get the Echo.  More power, more quality, better price. Don't forget to tune it and open up the clogged up muffler a little.  Every new saw needs to be tuned before using them. Steve

[Two Trax]

Echo 590 hands down in this choice. Husky Rancher and Stihl Farm Boss are homeowner plastic clamshell designs. Echo is magnesium case pro saw design. The Echo with very little tinkering is light years ahead of any Rancher/Farm Boss class saws despite their big name.

[DelawhereJoe]

As infrequently as you say he might use it look into the holzfforma 372xp its only around $250, looks like most people get a decent saw for the money.

[hopm]

I have a 590 that I have been very pleased with. The only issue was the plastic handle that I snapped but was able to replace with a factory metal handle.

[NCFarmboy]

No contest 590 wins hands down!
Shep

[samandothers]

I enjoy my 2 Echo's and the 590 seems to be well liked!