The beginning of the end for Echo

[Arkansas Echo Man]

I just bought an additional CS 352 at a pawn shop. Something I don't usually do but what other choice do I have? Use the new CS 3510? What a piece of trash. It sits on a shelf leaking oil with maybe 30 minutes of wheezing run time on it. My tough little CS 310 has also been replaced by one of the new designs. but it keeps going. I own a 35 year old CS 400 but don't use it much because you can't get spare parts anymore and I'm sure the same can be said for all my big old gray Echo saws from the '90's. After 40 years as a loyal Echo user I am probably just a few short years from changing to Stihl (I've never owned one) thanks to some bean counter who thought they could make a cheaper saw and we would buy it anyway.

 

[hunting1]

bean counter who thought they could make a cheaper saw and we would buy it anyway.

Bean counters are everywhere including at Stihl unfortunately. Hope you find something that serves you well.

 

[Deleted member 252]

I've got 2 older Echo cs400s, and a 680 I've been running since 17. I'm not very interested in Stihl. What I've started doing is paying extra to get Husqy 372xp OE'S for my semi-commercial work. I'm still paying less than what I would on an equivalent modern Stihl, while getting a splendid saw that really lasts and is as simple as an old Echo. But Echo still has a few great models...the 59cc saws and the 7310 is pretty worthy. I think Stihl has a few great saws, but I'm not paying for them, or moving over to M tronic until I have to.

 

[Gee Willikers]

I just bought an additional CS 352 at a pawn shop. Something I don't usually do but what other choice do I have? Use the new CS 3510? What a piece of trash. It sits on a shelf leaking oil with maybe 30 minutes of wheezing run time on it. My tough little CS 310 has also been replaced by one of the new designs. but it keeps going. I own a 35 year old CS 400 but don't use it much because you can't get spare parts anymore and I'm sure the same can be said for all my big old gray Echo saws from the '90's. After 40 years as a loyal Echo user I am probably just a few short years from changing to Stihl (I've never owned one) thanks to some bean counter who thought they could make a cheaper saw and we would buy it anyway.

Your experiences while tragic, are not supported by the mainstay world. I’m an Echo user, and am in my 70’s. My experiences and those I know who use Echo’s are very happy with their tools. I believe Echo, Stihl and Husqvarna are all good choices with similar stories of satisfaction and frustration.

 

[Deleted member 252]

Bean counters are everywhere including at Stihl unfortunately. Hope you find something that serves you well.

And there's no bean counter that would buy a Stihl, that's for sure. Not one that can count, anyway.

 

[Deleted member 252]

As a big fan of Echo, I would say the real beginning of their end were their Reed valve models. I'll still run across some Stihl blow-hards that will cry about those, and they haven't made any of them in several decades. They also went through a period around the 2010's where i know there were warranty gripes from many dealers. The casual user also typically has a harder time starting an Echo, although once you get the hang of it, they are some of the most reliably starting saws. Other than that, they are fine machines, even though they are building a few smaller models cheaper. But they are no more flimsy than the lower grade Stihl and Husqy models and can usually be had for less.

 

[Rich]

My CS-620P is an incredible saw. It starts easily when cold 3-4 pulls and hot, one pull every time. It has a 24" bar and I can run it buried in big hardwoods all day long. I have 3 other Echo saws, CS-355T, CS4910 and a gifted CS-4600. All start easily and cut well. My dealer was able to get parts for the 4600; I don't know how old it is but it runs well.
When my C.A.D. flares up again, there will be a CS-7310P with a 32" bar added to the collection.

 

[Alan]

I find it really interesting how opinions vary some people are frustrated with the newer Echo models, yet there’s a lot of admiration for the older CS series and standout models like the 620P and 7310. It seems that durability and how well you take care of your equipment really make a difference, regardless of the brand.

 

[Joe333]

I have a 3510 and 4010. They run just as good as any saws I’ve had in the past. Oh well, can’t please everyone…

 

[Alan]

Absolutely, everyone has their own preferences. I'm really happy that yours are turning out great!