Echo Chainsaw Review
When it comes to power tools, the Echo brand already has a good name recall in the US and certain countries around the globe. Being Japan-made and prioritizing innovation, their products easily stand out, and it’s evident that quality is guaranteed, even if it means pushing the price up a bit. Their chainsaws usually hover in the mid-range category and most have received largely positive feedback.
That said, we’re excited to conduct a closer look as to why this is so and highlight a couple of the best units they have in this comprehensive Echo chainsaw review.
We have also included a buyer’s guide after the review portion so all your purchasing-related questions regarding the brand and chainsaws, as a whole, will finally be answered.
Reviewing the Best Echo Chainsaws
Table of Contents
#1 ECHO CS 271T

NOTABLE FEATURES
- 26.9-cc gas two-stroke engine
- 12” bar
- Adjustable chain and auto oiler
- Anti-vibration handle
- 8.1 oz. fuel tank capacity
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly minuscule size of this model. Yes, the 12” bar size makes it perfect for beginners but by no means is it a pushover performance-wise. Even though it’s relatively small and the 26.9-cc engine is not that powerful, the ECHO CS-271T pulls no punches in terms of its ability to get the job done for what it is designed for, which is handling minor pruning and cutting smaller branches.
It’s delightfully lightweight, too, weighing only a total of 10.7 pounds. This greatly complements the compact design of the entire model. It may look like a toy, but it’s actually a beast because it can outperform saws that are twice its size. Its portability is where plenty of its value hinges because, as homeowners, don’t we just want to be able to easily carry these nifty cutting machines to get the job done swiftly?
The obvious downside lies in the subpar power, and the engine readily exhibits it. Don’t even try cutting thicker wood than what is recommended for a 12” bar. But it can be argued that it’s obvious that Echo was targeting a very specific type of user when designing this model: those that don’t want to have to handle a chainsaw that gets heavy after hours of use.
PROS
- Performs outstandingly for cutting and pruning projects that fit its size
- Very compact and easy to transport
- Starts easily
- Lightweight means fatigue is greatly reduced
CONS
- Not that powerful
- Limited to small cutting and pruning projects
#2 Echo Chain Saw CS 310 14 In. Bar, 30.5CC

NOTABLE FEATURES
- 30.5-cc gas two-stroke engine
- 14” bar
- Automatic chain oiler
- Anti-vibration handle
- 8.5 oz. fuel tank capacity
- Comes with replacement chain
This chainsaw appeals more to users that want to save at least a hundred bucks from most Echo units available. Equipped with a 14” bar and powered by a 30.5-cc engine, the Echo CS-310 stands out because of these satisfactory specs, which make others in this selection pale in comparison. For a mid-range brand, Echo certainly does not hesitate to lower their prices a bit, and the substantial positive feedback just shows a lot of users like this saw.
The 14” bar and the slightly more powerful engine make this chainsaw more suitable for users who want to level up from a smaller chain. If you’re transitioning from novice to intermediate user, this fits you perfectly. You’ll definitely be able to cut chunkier wood with this (much like any pro cutter), but it’s certainly still recommended for small-time trimming and home use.
With the weigh only topping at 6.42 pounds, this is probably any long-time chainsaw user’s dream. The motor, again, plays a role in this because of how compact it is. You get a chainsaw that is very light and still cuts cleanly. 14”-bar chainsaws rarely get rained with numerous praises but this model more than earns it.
PROS
- More affordable than other Echo machines
- Starts fast, even after using or storing for a long time
- Fits the description “small but powerful” very well
- Easy to handle because of the significantly lighter weigh
CONS
- No notable downsides
#3 Echo CS 400 18" Gas Chainsaw

NOTABLE FEATURES
- 40.2-cc pro-grade, two-stroke motor
- 18” bar and chain
- I-30 starting system that makes starts easy
- Engine oil included
- Auto oiler
- Fully assembled
The longer 18” bar size fits perfectly with 40.22-cc motor that this chainsaw packs. This combination makes it a slightly more professional-oriented chainsaw than other great Echo choices. That said, if you think that you will need a more dynamic chainsaw that can take the punches of a hefty clearing job, there’s no better candidate than the Echo CS-400.
It keeps the weight down as well, which is a truly marvelous feat for a chainsaw that has this much power. This lends a lot to how easily this chainsaw can be controlled, even at its maximum speed settings. You can confidently cut and limb most kinds of wood with this model, not least of which are ironwood, oak, pine, and the like.
The brand’s decision to incorporate an 18”-inch bat rather than a 20” one probably stems from the fact that its power will still be manageable to most homeowners. Its specs can still impress most professionals, without a doubt. It’s one of the more versatile models in this list with that considered. Be sure you can handle the extra power of this chainsaw before you decide to pick it, though.
PROS
- Easy to get the hang of
- Does not require assembly
- Lightweight yet delivers plenty of power
- Great value for money
CONS
- Still only serves as a backup saw to more powerful chainsaws out there
#4 Echo CS 590 20" Timber Wolf Chainsaw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 59.8-cc two-stroke motor
- 20” bar
- Decompression valve for easier pulling when starting
- Vibration dampening system
The Echo CS-590 could very well be the number one option for most long-time users simply due to the fact that it’s the best in terms of power and performance. Let’s face it, a 20-inch bar powered by a 59.8-cc motor (with a badass name, we have to admit) is practically unrivaled because it’s the only candidate for the toughest trees that need cutting and felling out there. If you’re a pro looking for a solid Echo pick, then you really don’t need to look any further than this.
That is, of course, assuming that you won’t mind all 13.2 pounds of this ripper. Considering the power of the motor, which not a lot of brands can boast of achieving, the weight shouldn’t at all be a surprise. It’s actually lower than most performance-based chainsaws out there, so it’s still a plus for us. The general design of the chainsaw also gives it plenty of balance that makes it uncomplicated and easy handle and also contributes to reducing fatigue.
In the end, it’s a saw that delivers what you expect from it: breezing through numerous cords of wood yearly. You can also rely on it for any kind of logging or milling projects you do. It’s the alpha of the Echo pack, that much is certain.
PROS
- An outstanding powerhouse of a saw
- Great balance
- Easy to start
- Excellent weight-to-power ratio
CONS
- The handguard is made of plastic which tends to break easily
Buyers Guide Questions
Think Echo chainsaws are your cup of tea? If you’re still struggling to decide, you probably have some lingering queries you want to be answered. We’ve anticipated that so we took the liberty to list the common questions asked by chainsaw buyers. Should you be willing to spend a couple of minutes to read through them, you’ll be rewarded with golden bits of information you can use for a long time.
What are the vital aspects of a chainsaw I need to always remember?
When it comes to buying a chainsaw, there are essential factors that you should never overlook. It will only help you avoid making the usual purchasing mistakes other people tend to make. In so doing, you’ll always have peace of mind that you spent your money on a chainsaw that is worthwhile, a tool you will unfailingly be able to rely on with every cutting, felling or trimming activity you need to do. Here they are as follows:
- Experience – How long have you been using chainsaws? Do you, at least, know the basics of its operation? If you’re still only beginning, it’s best to opt for a smaller sized chainsaw. For blade length, the rule of thumb is usually anything 20” or more should be left to more experienced users.
- Chainsaw Type – Keep in mind that most brands design their units based on the target audience they have in mind. For most homeowners, they design them with ease-of-use and portability in mind. You don’t really have to go all out with power when using a chainsaw for residential projects.
As for professionals and semi-pros, the opposite rings true. They often need as much power as possible in their chainsaws because they usually handle thicker trunks, firewood cutting, among others. For this, you will also need a chainsaw that can handle overheating very well and should deliver top-notch durability.
- Weight – You should be able to easily handle it as well, so weight plays a vital role in your decision. Make sure it’s manageable and won’t strain you too much, especially if you will be using it for lengthier projects. A lot of first-time users are subject to fatigue because of the extra weight they can’t handle. This is why it’s often recommended to get chainsaws with a two-stroke engine because they are built with portability and lessening heaviness in mind.
- Chainsaw Size – We mentioned the importance of size, which merits a more detailed explanation. It’s not just about your experience level, after all. When trying to decide on the size, you also need to already have an answer to the equally important question of “What are you going to use your chainsaw for?” If you already know the materials you will be cutting frequently all the better.
The thickness of the wood, in particular, should always be noted because your chainsaw’s bar size should always be at least 2 inches longer. Otherwise, there’s a very high chance that the chainsaw will not be able to handle the wood you are trying to cut – it might even break down.
- Power and Weight – The power-to-weight ratio serves as a good gauge of finding a machine that you can handle perfectly. Power determines how easily the chainsaw will be able to perform the cutting, trimming, and felling, while weight influences how well you will be able to handle the unit.
Once you find the balance between these two, you will be working more efficiently every time. Otherwise, you might end up with a model that is too difficult to control, which only renders it hard to use – and even poses safety hazards.
Why is it important to tighten the chainsaw’s chain?
It ensures the solid performance of your unit – no more, no less. In fact, ensuring proper chain tension is nothing short of a crucial step to take before starting up a chainsaw. This is especially true if the model does not have an anti-kickback system in place; a loose chain tends to have a higher chance of kickbacks, after all.
If you’re not already aware of it, kickbacks serve as the most prevalent cause of a lot of chainsaw-related accidents. That said, we always encourage users to conduct optimal chain tightening prior to doing any activity that will require the use of chainsaw – even if it has an anti-kickback feature – to lessen their risks of untoward accidents.
Proper chain tension also has a domino effect in that making sure the chain is nice and tight will help prevent the chainsaw from overheating. It also gives you better control over where you position the guide bar, underscoring its importance. What’s good is certain brands actually incorporate nifty self-adjusting chains, which ensure proper tension while you are using chainsaws.
Does a chainsaw with a two-stroke engine have disadvantages?
Many brands like to offer chainsaws with two-stroke engines, and as said above, this is because it allows the entire model to be more compact and enjoy greater weight reductions. We even wholeheartedly recommend models that integrate them. However, do take note that they are not without disadvantages.
For one, they are almost always louder than other models. This is why it’s necessary to wear ear protection when using these kinds of chainsaws. Another downside is that they tend to eat up more fuel faster, and since this is the case, they’re prone to creating more smoke as well. These are just general characteristics of most chainsaws that fall in this category – don’t expect all machines to exhibit all of them at once because brands often incorporate features that address these issues.
Final Verdict
Most Echo models optimize their chainsaw’s design by minimizing their model’s sizes, leading to better management of weight. They understand how straining it can be to use chainsaws for extended durations so they focused on resolving that issue – without sacrificing cutting efficiency – and the end result is a brand that has since gained a reputation for doing that.
They may not be wallet-friendly machines, but you’ll find that you’ll immediately warm up to them with consistent use because of how efficient and lightweight they are. Truly, a quality-over-quantity brand, as far as chainsaws are concerned.
Our Top Pick
ECHO CS 271T
- Performs outstandingly for cutting and pruning projects that fit its size
- Very compact and easy to transport
- Starts easily
- Lightweight means fatigue is greatly reduced