When I was looking for a chainsaw, I found it quite overwhelming with all the different brands out there. It can be tough to choose the right one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the brand. You don’t want to end up with a tool that doesn’t do what you need it to, and you also don’t want to break the bank.
That is why I made an Echo chainsaw review to bring you the best from this brand.
Reviews of the Best Echo Chainsaws
1. Echo CS-590-24 59.8cc 24" Rear Handle Timber Wolf Chainsaw
The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw is a powerful and impressive chainsaw. The saw has a powerful 59.8cc engine that can handle anything in and out of the home. The 2-stroke engine design will guarantee superior performance compared to other 24-inch models.
A rope pulling start will no longer be a hassle due to the decompression valve. Plus, the automatic and adjustable clutch-drive oiler will make sure the saw isn’t a gas guzzler. The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf also has an easy access air filter for fast cleaning and a G-force engine air pre-cleaner to reduce maintenance.
What I Like
- It has a 59.8cc professional-grade engine displacement
- It has a decompression valve
- G-force engine air pre-cleaner
- It has a clutch-driven oiler
- 2-piece air filter for all debris
- It is easy to use
- Large 24-inch bar length
- Rear grip Timber Wolf chainsaw
- It is excellent for heavy-duty tasks
- Reliable performance
- It has a 2-stroke engine
- Vibration reduction handle
What I Don’t Like
- The Echo CS-590 has some plastic material
- It comes in a poor packaging
2. Echo CS-271T 12 In. Chainsaw
The Echo CS271T seems to have everything you want in one model. This Echo chainsaw has an anti-vibration handle and an automatic chain oiler as two of its most coveted features. The CS-271T also comes with a handful of accessories to make maintenance and adjustments easier, including a wrench, and a 2-stroke oiler
The Echo CS271T is the smallest on the list, with only a 12-inch bar. This saw is the perfect size for a homeowner who works on minor jobs. Due to its small size, it’s also very lightweight at 6.6 pounds, one of the lightest on the chainsaw market.
What I Like
- It comes with an anti-vibration handle
- Automatic chain oiler
- Compatible with 2-stroke chain oil
- It's easy to use
- Small bar length at only 12-inches
- It has a lightweight body
- It's an excellent choice for small jobs
- It's portable
What I Don’t Like
- It has plastic handles
- It has a plastic side cover
3. Echo CS-310 Chainsaw with 16 in. Bar and Chain
For those looking for an Echo chainsaw at a low price, the Echo CS-310 takes the third spot on the list for this exact reason. The affordable chainsaw has a 16-inch bar length and has such durable construction that it can be considered professional-grade. Even with a larger 16-inch bar compared to the CS271T, the Echo CS-310 chainsaw is still lightweight at 8.8 pounds.
For your safety, the Echo CS-310 has a dual post chain brake and an air filter that’s easy to clean. What I particularly noticed on the CS-310 model was the easy start. It features the I-30 start technology that efficiently gets the saw going.
What I Like
- It has a tough and durable construction
- Decent bar length
- 30.5cc engine displacement
- I-30 start technology
- It's easy to use
- Side access chain tensioner
- Clutch-driven oiler
- It comes with all the accessories
- Dual post chain brake
- Top-mounted air filter for easy cleaning
- It's lightweight for the size
- It has an affordable price
What I Don’t Like
- It doesn’t have enough power for a more extensive bar
- It needs to be properly stored or might leak
4. Echo CS-400 18” Gas Chainsaw
The Echo CS-400 is a large 18-inch chainsaw with a light body of only 10.1 pounds. The larger bar and chain will allow users to cut through a higher volume of material. Powered by a 40.2cc engine, the Echo CS-400 chainsaw delivers a lot of power and gets the job done quickly – perfect for a homeowner.
The Echo CS-400 gas chainsaw comes fully assembled out of the box. It also has an easy-start engine that provides a gradual beginning for safety. The chain on the Echo CS-400 is adjustable for tension, and the chainsaw also comes with a removable air filter ensuring that the maintenance is simple and straightforward.
What I Like
- Long bar length on the CS-400
- It has a decent 40.22cc engine size
- It's lightweight for the size
- It's powerful
- Versatile use
- Easily adjustable chain
- It comes assembled
- 5-year warranty
- Easy-start engine
- 5-year warranty for the CS-400
- Low vibration
- It's a reliable model
- It reduces cutting time on the job
What I Don’t Like
- The chain can slip
- It's better with a 16-inch bar
5. Echo CS-355T Top Handle Chain Saw
The 35.8cc engine on the Echo CS-355T is accompanied by either a 14 or 16-inch bar length. The top handle design of this Echo chainsaw makes the power equipment suitable for lower cuts. To make your grip stable and secure, the CS-355T has a padded handle that molds to the shape of your palm.
A clutch-driven oiler is also present on this product model and effectively reduces engine oil consumption. Property owners enjoyed the easy start offered by the CS-355T, and the integrated choke switch is very accessible next to the handle.
What I Like
- It has an automatic adjustable oiler
- It is low maintenance
- G-Force engine air pre-cleaner
- Professional-grade 2-stroke engine
- Ideal Echo chainsaws for size and weight
- It has a comfortable grip handle
- Rear-mounted air filter for all dust removal
- Purge bulb
- It is versatile
- Integrated choke switch
- It can use 14 or 16-inch bars
- It has a digital ignition
- 5-year warranty
What I Don’t Like
- It has some plastic parts
- It has too much power for pruning tasks
6. Echo CS-3510 16" Rear Handle Chainsaw
The Echo CS-3510 rear-handle chainsaw has a 34.4cc commercial professional-grade engine. You can also find the I-30 effortless starting system technology on the CS-3510, and the 8.2-pound profile means less fatigue on your arms.
The Echo CS-3510 has a feature that isn’t seen on some other models, and that is the 3-point spring vibration reduction system. The air pre-cleaner will make cleaning and upkeep a breeze, and the chain tensioner is located on the side of the saw for easy access and quick adjustments.
The automatic clutch-drive oiler will reduce engine oil consumption and only kicks into action when the chain is moving.
What I Like
- The chain tensioner is located on the side
- Automatic clutch-drive oiler
- It has a 3-point spring vibration reduction system
- Air pre-cleaner
- I-30 starting system
- It is lightweight
- It's the best Echo chainsaw for power to weight ratio
- Commercial-grade engine
- It's a great choice for tree work such as felling, pruning, and cutting
- 5-year warranty
What I Don’t Like
- It can be noisy
- The bar can wobble a bit
7. Echo CS-490 Professional Grade Chainsaw
Many consumers have similar complaints about a product with plastic parts, but the Echo CS-490 has a composite handle with an overmold grip that contours to your palm and fingers. The large 50.2cc motor capacity gives the power needed for tree work and simple pruning tasks.
Aside from the composite handle, the cylinder is also chrome plated to prolong the motor life. The Echo CS 490 is a one-stop model for all your cutting needs.
These Echo chainsaws also feature the air pre-cleaner and a heavy-duty air filter to help with upkeep and cleaning.
What I Like
- The air pre-cleaner is included
- Air filter to remove all dust and debris
- Automatic, adjustable clutch-driven oiler
- It has a dual post chain brake
- Chrome-plated cylinder
- It has a comfortable overmold grip
- 50.2cc motor
- Versatile use
- It's available with 16,18 and 20-inch bars
- Magnesium crankcase
- 5-year warranty
What I Don’t Like
- It has a plastic sprocket
- The chain can slip
Echo Chainsaw Buyer’s Guide
Echo is a brand from Japan that property owners rely on for quality and performance. How do you choose between the models? After a careful Echo chainsaw review, I compiled a quick list of key traits to narrow down the choices.
Engine Power
Most brands have both gas and electric chainsaws, but I will focus on gas-powered ones today. Gas chainsaws are by far the ones with higher power and can drive larger bars. This type of saw is the best choice for tough jobs.
Due to more power, I prefer gas chainsaws to use on heavy-duty jobs as they can fall into bigger trees and cut through thick and robust material in half the time. The larger bars also allow you to work for longer cutting projects.
A downside of gas-powered chainsaws is the noise. I continuously note down the models’ noise whenever I conduct a review because most users prefer a quiet operation. Their engines also require more maintenance, but because you finish the job faster, I feel that the working time offsets the louder noise.
The motor power is measured in CC [1], the higher the number, the more motor capacity the model has. The larger motor means more oil is required, but with a clutch-driven oiler feature, the saw will help reduce consumption.
Our team says the right way to review the best Echo chainsaw for a specific purpose is consider the types of jobs you take on. Are you a person who just does regular yard maintenance around the home, or do you focus on larger jobs? Pick the motor displacement based on the size of your tasks.
Bar Length
As mentioned, a larger and more powerful motor like the ones you see in a see Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaw can drive a larger bar. The bar length is also determined by the types of jobs you have. I picked options ranging from 12 to 24-inches, with many chainsaws able to power multiple bar sizes. Assess the purpose of your purchase to decide the most suitable bar length.
If you undertake various projects, then I suggest looking for chainsaws that can power more than one size, like the Echo CS-490.
Chain
You have choices from a chisel, semi-chisel, and low profile cutter chain teeth. Full-chisel chains have square corners that make fast-speed cutting easier. Semi-chisel chains are rounded and are better on softer materials and at lower speeds.
The low-profile cutter chain is the standard type and comes with a commercial chainsaw purchase. The teeth on the low profile cutter are rounded, but the chain is designed to prioritize safety.
The next consideration is the spacing of the teeth. You also have three different types to choose from: full skip, semi-skip, and standard (full).
The full skip teeth spacing is excellent for cutting and is mostly seen on chainsaw models with a larger bar. The full skip chain is what I suggest for faster cutting jobs through tougher material. Although the performance is more efficient, the finish is rougher.
The semi-skip product type is in the middle of the pack that usually has twice the teeth as the skip chain. This type of chainsaw chain provides the best balance.
The standard chain is the most common option, and since it is also referred to as a full house chain, it features the most teeth. This type of saw chain is also seen on larger saw models, and while it doesn’t cut as quickly as the other two, the finish is much cleaner.
Size and Weight
To determine the duration of support you can expect from a chainsaw during a job, consider its size and weight. Generally, it is suggested that lighter-weight models are easier to use and maneuver. With a lightweight body, you can reduce strain and fatigue on your arm, allowing for extended working hours.
As a rule of thumb, I advise choosing a model that is under 10 pounds. Most of the ones featured on this Echo chainsaw reviews list fall into this category, with some weighing closer to 5 pounds.
Purpose
An enclosed saw is similar to the standard chainsaw, but it completely shields your fingers from the blade. This saw is the type I recommend for beginners, but there is an extra step to cleaning due to the guard.
Pole saws can often come in a hybrid design of both chainsaw and pole saw. The mole saw is a smaller version of a chainsaw mounted on a stick for higher branches.
Skill Level
For beginners, I recommend enclosed chainsaw models but also ones that have additional features that make operation smoother and other safety features to prevent any chainsaw injuries.
Safety Features
One of the most dangerous side-effects of operating chainsaw products is the kickback. Like the best Stihl chainsaws, Echo chainsaws offer an inertia chain brake that will immediately halt the chain when obstructions are detected and significantly decrease the chances of injury.
The slow and gradual start of a chainsaw will also decrease the chances of users getting hurt with these products. Most Echo chainsaws have an easy and slow start. Look for other safety features such as an emergency stop, anti-vibration handles that will give you more control over the chainsaw.
Then, consider the position of the handle when choosing the right tool.There are two locations for the handles – top and rear. Top-handle chainsaws are lighter in weight and easier to use. They were all designed for one-handed use, but I suggest keeping both hands on them for stability. Top handle chainsaws are also suited for a variety of cut heights.
Upon review, I found that the rear handle products give more power and stability while you drive the saw through objects. They are better meant for home use and cutting trees at a lower level.
(For safer cutting, you can also consider getting the best chainsaw mill we listed here. It will hold log and provides stability in your chainsaw when cutting)
Accessories
Some accessories can accompany your saw, such as a shoulder strap, a wrench, a carry case, and more. I recommend purchasing different bar sizes from the brand to give you more versatility with the product when in use.
FAQ
Is Echo a good brand chainsaw?
Yes, Echo is a good chainsaw brand. The brand comes from Japan (same as the chainsaw bar of Tsumura) and is known for its reliable and durable products for tree jobs, DIYers, and professional use. Echo chainsaws are equipped with additional features such as an air pre-cleaner, clutch-drive oiler, and conveniently located filters for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Who makes the Echo chainsaw?
Yamabiko Corporation makes the Echo chainsaw. Echo was originally part of the Kioritz Corporation but was acquired by Yamabiko. Companies under the Yamabiko brand include Kioritz, Echo, and Shindaiwa. The majority of ECHO chainsaws are made and assembled in Japan, China, and the United States.
(To know which brand is better, you can also check our Echo and Stihl chainsaw comparison here)
Top Pick For an Echo Chainsaw: Echo CS-590
I picked the Echo CS-590 as the best Echo chainsaw after this extensive Echo chainsaw reviews. The Timber Wolf product model features a 59.2cc motor and 2-stroke engine that produces a lot of power. The decompression valve makes the starting system easy to navigate, and the filter for air and G-force air pre-cleaner cuts down on maintenance.
For related products, you can also check our reviews below:
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
