Echo Chainsaw Review

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.