Echo CS-370 16" Gas Chainsaw

Buy a STIHL do not buy ECHO. I stopped by HD to get an item n my way to buy a new STIHL chain saw. I saw the 5 year warranty so I bought an ECHO from a local dealer as I wanted a larger unit that HD sold. Now my sad story! First time I used the unit it would not stay running (returned it for fixing). Second try unit would not keep up RPM it stopped as soon as I tried to cut a tree (returned it for fixing). Try three it would not increase RPM once it bit into a tree (returned it for fixing). Try four I cut a tree down, when I went to trim the tree the chain sprocket broke a part. This caused some internal damage to the chain drive/adjustment components. Again returned it for fixing, guess what the chain drive system is not under warranty - you get it as is. ECHO does not have a "bumper to Bumper warranty. Thus 60 days into my new 5 year warranty unit I have paid over $250 for repairs.

I purchased this chainsaw after my 1988 Echo literally "fell off a truck". During the 20 years I owned the last one, it ALWAYS started right up and performed well with everything I threw at it. I've had this new ECHO for several months, used it dozens of times, and feel comfortable saying I am looking forward to the next 20 years of use. Made in the USA!

I've always liked Echo products. Their engines have a lot of torque at the low end. I was also looking at Stihl, but I had a Stihl gas string trimmer that was a bear to start. The dealer assured me however that their saws start easily with the proper technique. So maybe that isn't an issue, however some of the reviews still mentioned that the Stihls were difficult to start at times. I also viewed a video of a Stihl saw cutting and it seemed very noisy. There was also another review showing the Echo to be very quiet compared to other saws. So anyway I settled on the Echo and am very pleased with the smoothness, quietiness and power of this saw. It is well balanced, fairly light, starts easily, burns clean, and cuts logs like butter. Of course at $260 it is not cheap, but worth it in my opinion.