Customer Reviews

Echo CS-370 16" Gas Chainsaw

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

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.

This is just a quick notice for those of you buying this chainsaw and a spare saw chain at the same time. The owners manual states that the correct chain is an Oregon 91P or 91VG with 57 links and 16 inches long. In short you need the S57 chain. Do not purchase 16 inch chains with 56 or 55 links, it won't work.

Echo CS-370 16" Gas Chainsaw
After several YEARS fighting to start my P****N, I finally gave up - read reviews - and bought this small saw. It has worked great, starts easily, and is everything I've been wanting for a long time. I probably use my little chain saw quite a bit more than the average guy, and don't know why I stayed with the old saw so long. . . The 16" bar is a little short, but this machine works like a champion,

This is a great buy. I run a small landscaping business and have used it a few times since i purchased it about three weeks ago. It started a little hard to begin with, but after the initial start it starts right up. It is a great saw, it cuts trees extremly well. I broke my piece of crap poulan 18 inch saw cutting down a tree that should have been fine to cut with an 18 inch bar. I have been cutting trees even bigger with only a 16 inch bar on this one. For a small saw it does great work. I would recomend this to someone who is looking for a quality saw for a resonable price.

I had problems starting it right away - typically took 20-30 pulls (tried all settings). It also had problems revving (likes to cut out and die before reaching speed). When it was warmed up it worked pretty well. It cuts relatively fast and is light on the arms. I did notice that the brake was not working and when I took it apart there is no way it was ever tested - plastic linkage was installed incorrectly. After 2 weeks of use (part time) it no longer starts - taking it back for exchange. I'm hoping that it was a rare lemon.

Update 5/22/2010:
Replacement works fine. 3-4 pulls starts every time.

I bought this saw for use in the mountains 3500ft . I expected that the saw would need to be re-jetted for the higher elevation. Without re-jetting it, the saw fired up. I was able to adjust the idle screws to compensate for the elevation. The saw runs decent, but really needs to be jetted. These saws are way better than any homelite, craftsman, or any saw of that caliber.

What's the Squawk:

I understand that a company can't build a saw that works perfectly in every elevation; however, for DIYers, people who buy chainsaws in the first place, I would expect they would provide a jetting chart for elevation changes. The manual merely refers you to see a dealer. I have not inquired with a dealer, but will likely have to. Not excited about that.

This is an excellent chain saw that is easy to use and powerful. I replaced a Poulan Pro with this saw and the difference is night and day. Highly recommended.

MY SAW ARRIVED ON TIME AND IN GOOD CONDITION. THEN THE FUN BEGAN. AFTER ABOUT 200 ATTEMPTS TO START THE SAW TO NO AVAIL, I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER. THEY WERE VERY HELPFUL AND HAD THE SAW REPAIRED (LOOSE SILICONE IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER) INSIDE OF A DAY. THIS IS MY SECOND ECHO SAW IN 30 YEARS. EVEN THE SOUND BROUGHT BACK FOND MEMORIES.