Purchased brand new, make sure to use proper fuel and oil mix... with these new small engines, they're not like the old ones that can take some serious abuse. Otherwise can't beat the value on this saw, takes down 12 in. trees easily. Stock chain is so-so, I will replace with stihl chain once this one's worn out.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Started on the 3rd Crank. Cuts good.... Medium Power Chainsaw. I have a Husqvarna with the same size engine. The Husqvarna will out preform the Echo. But it works well for what I use it for. I'm happy with my purchase. Thank You Todd
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I decided on the Echo brand after reading s...everal chainsaw reviews and ratings. It appeared to be well made, fairly safe, and especially, easier to start than other "top" brands. I haven't had a chance yet to use it much, so I really can't give an accurate review, but I do like what features it has. However, there is one thing I really don't like about it's design--if I had noticed this before I bought it, I may have decided not to buy the Echo brand of chainsaw. I don't like that the throttle cable is exposed, instead of being enclosed. It's not like you can get your finger stuck between the saw's body and the cable, but it is open to dirt, chips and other debris. Other than that, I believe I made a good purchase of a good saw.
I love my Echo CS-400!... I was looking for a solid 'homeowner' saw that could handle a decade of firewood cutting. I like commercial quality saws - for longevity. I don't clear property, but it is always tempting to 'overbuy' when looking at chainsaws! :) Some years I might cut 5 cords of wood while other years I might only pull a saw out once or twice. All my friends and family own Husqvarna or Stihl saws for farm/commercial use. I was looking for something affordable, but comparable to those products. I was trying to stay away from the horrible Poulan/Craftman/Homelite throw-away saws. Prices on Stihl saws blew me out of the water. So I was holding out for a good deal on a Husqvarna like my fathers Husky 50cc saw, but my father kept encouraging me to consider the Echo line of saws. After much browsing, I found a SPECTACULAR ebay deal on a new-in-the-box Echo CS-400. The more I looked - The more I was impressed! - 18" roller bar - 40cc engine with easy start system - cartridge style air cleaner - 5 year warranty - Solid reputation So I took the plunge... In the past couple months, I've used it to cut at least 3-4 cords of storm-downed hardwood behind our neighbor church. Some of these hardwood trees were easily 30+ inches in diameter at the base! I'm not going to misrepresent this saw, the 18" bar is somewhat oversized for heavy cutting with the 40cc engine compared to my Dad's 18" bar 50cc Husqvarna. The power of this saw would be perfect sized with a 16" bar - BUT keeping the 18" bar is worth it for those 5% of cuts that actually require an 18" bar simply to get the job done. The rest of the time the extra 2" doesn't get in the way or rob power. On large cuts with the bar *buried* you need to be patient - but it will definitely get the job done without a sweat. Time is the factor. A powerful commercial Stihl saw will allow the owner to dice up large timber to make money, but the Echo CS-400 will simply chew threw it at a leisurely pace. So... as far as I'm concerned - it is PERFECT for my needs. Starts within 3 pulls every time provided you drain the fuel after every use (BEWARE newer ethanol-mix fuels will kill any chainsaw motor if left sitting). Air cleaner stays unbelievably clean so I've got to believe Echo's claims that their 'pre-cleaner system' knocks dirt out of the air before it reaches the cleaner. Only time will tell if this saw is as reliable as a Stihl or Husqvarna, BUT it's reputation says 'yes' and it certainly has all the commercial grade features you can imagine PLUS a 5 year warranty. If you can live with a saw that is a little down on power for LARGE diameter trees - this is the saw for you. It is truly a pleasure to use.
I bought this Echo CS400 because the more expensive ...Stihl MS211 chainsaw that I had recently bought was a disappointment. Other than learning the proper procedure for cranking it the first time, I love this saw. I had to take it to a dealer to have them crank it the first time and it has worked every time since. You only push the bulb twice if fuel is in it, you pull out the choke and pull the cord only twice, push the choke back in and then pull the cord and it will crank on the first or second pull. They said that Echo saws would flood easily and never pull it more than twice with the choke out. This thing cuts so much faster and better than my other saw. I used an entire tank of gas before adjusting the tension on the chain, and even then it really didn't need it. It comes with a tool that is a "T" with the socket and a screwdriver bit on it that makes the adjustment very easy and quick, unlike the Stihl that had to be adjusted after every few cuts because it is plastic and can be done without any tools but can't be tightened down very much. I have only used this Echo a few times, but would highly recommend it over the Stihl "Home Owners" category of saws or the Poulan saws that I have owned. I am over 60 and have used chain saws since my high school days.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
