I'm not a pro but ive been using a Craftsman chainsaw for a few years and its time for an upgrade. I'm deciding between the Echo CS-590 and the Husqvarna 460. I just bought a small property with about a dozen 45-foot trees to clear, then i'll only use the saw occasionally for firewood or storm cleanup. Is the Husqvarna really worth the extra money (its a bit more expensive), or is the Echo the better buy?
Classic Husqvarna vs. Echo
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HArborist2
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For occasional users, the Echo CS-590 is a great choice, offering solid performance at a lower maintenance cost. On the other hand, the Husqvarna 460 brings only slight advantages that don't really warrant the higher price for what you need.
Deleted member 252
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For the price, you won't find a better option than the Echo 590. I dont know a lot about newer Echo designs, but I've got a couple from the same generation the 590 comes from and they are as well built and reliable as any of the comparable Husqy or Stihl. I use mostly Husqvarna for my work, but I like certain Echo saws a lot.
Hilltop Gypsy
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From my experience Echo makes great equipment, well worth the money.
I enjoin the many comments given. The 590 is a great saw, and the quality of Echo products hasn’t changed. While mine are the 4910 and 7310, if I had to pick only one, likely it would be the 590 or 620.
Deleted member 252
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In the recent years I know that Echo has released several stratified models to the market. I'd rather have the older motors and do all the cat removing and tuning that was necessary, but i realize most people just want a saw that's right, out of the box. That's the only real caveat with the Echo saws. The 7310 though, is true to what Echo always was... straight 2 stroke, well built, great filtration that isn't a fast saw but performs better than the others in its class with longer bars. I've been very interested in them but haven't pulled the trigger. And yes, the 590 and 620 saws are legendary. Over 12 years on that chassis.
Rregarding pretenders comments, the 590, 620, and my 4910 and 7310 are not stratified. Echo does have some stratified motors, but they are not those spoken of.
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Ok, I knew the 590, 620, and 7310 weren't, but I'm not familiar with the 4910. I know a few of the new orange/black models are. I do like the new trimmers like the 2620, but feel like the antivibe could be better, otherwise, solid machines. I've got a CS680 that can't be killed. Very durable, dependable machine.
Husqvarna 562 and Echo 590/620 are both supposed to be good.
I have 620, bought it over 562 because it was way cheaper. Didn't want to spend more than what Echo 620 was. Use it 20-40 hours per year. So far super happy with it.
Saves me a load of time and energy over when i had only ms170.
I have 620, bought it over 562 because it was way cheaper. Didn't want to spend more than what Echo 620 was. Use it 20-40 hours per year. So far super happy with it.
Saves me a load of time and energy over when i had only ms170.
Thanks for the insight. Do you find the Husqvarna 590 handles heavier cuts better than the Echo models, or is it more about overall feel and reliability?
Do you notice a big difference in power or handling compared to the MS170, or is it mostly the reduced effort over long sessions that makes it worth it?
Deleted member 252
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I can tell you, there's a huge difference in power. Even between a 590 and an older ms290. I've can even tell the 590 has more guts than the ms261(as it should with its displacement), and can get more work done.
I've been running a CS-620P for 4 years +, cutting 8-10 cords/yr. I've only run a 24" bar. It's been a great saw. It readily chews through logs way bigger than 24"! So far zero problems. For me, the slight performance gains from a pro Stihl or Husqvarna saw are not worth the significant price difference!
Echo 620 has enough power. Larger chain teeth, which translates into different handling, arguably better.
Now i have ms170 for backup.
Sometime i use carbide chain on one cs, to cut stumps really close to the ground.
When making and sharpening black locust fence posts, i always go to larger saw, and appreciate its power and smoothenes.
Sounds like you've got a solid setup with the Echo 620 for power jobs and the MS170 as a backup. I hadn't thought much about carbide chains for stumps , but that makes a lot of sense for durability.
That's good to know, the power difference sounds pretty noticeable. Do you feel the extra power on the 590 makes it worth the jump in weight and fuel use compared to the smaller saws?
While I’m an Echo guy, saws are as individual as tractors, trucks and cars. But at least you can test drive the others. With saws, our investigation is dependent upon the opinion of others, who themselves have traveled the same road you’re on.
A more powerful and heavier saw may make faster work of your project, and the added weight worth the effort. A more expensive saw in the end may make a better choice. Perhaps not.
And, many may recommend saws they have never owned/operated and promote them based on other’s opinions.
We all try to honestly provide our experiences and opinions, but in the end, your experiences may vary.
Echo, Husky, Stihl saws are good products, and only you can determine what’s best for you. Suggest you buy used, and if unhappy, sell it for another used saw until you find your perfect new friend.
A more powerful and heavier saw may make faster work of your project, and the added weight worth the effort. A more expensive saw in the end may make a better choice. Perhaps not.
And, many may recommend saws they have never owned/operated and promote them based on other’s opinions.
We all try to honestly provide our experiences and opinions, but in the end, your experiences may vary.
Echo, Husky, Stihl saws are good products, and only you can determine what’s best for you. Suggest you buy used, and if unhappy, sell it for another used saw until you find your perfect new friend.
In terms of cs590 vs husky 460, i believe cs590 runs noticably smoother (lower vibrarions), and if i remember correctly has better balance imo.
Specs reconfirm that. Lower antivibe numbers measured in m/s2.
Husky 460 interesringly enough has both purge bulb and decomp valve.
If budget allows husky 562xp is interesting one too.
All Stihl saws are good too.
Personaly i would opt for Echo.
Deleted member 252
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In my experience, the Husqy runs smoother and has the better antivibe. The 450, 455, and 460 are a pleasure to run for what they are. The Echo pulls harder, and has a better build based on the type of chassis it's on, not so much to do with quality, although they are pretty close. I'd give a slight edge to the Echo.
