Anyone with REAL experience with the new Echo CS-530?

[Rocky_J]

You're right, DanG. It's probably been 4-5 years since the last time I had any substantial run time on an Echo saw. I've owned several, although not the 510 or 530.

Maybe these two models are the start of a new era for Echo and they finally built saws with better power to weight ratios than Husky or Dolmar. That must be why all the pros are running them and nobody is buying the Husky 346XP. 

Like I said earlier, Echo's quality and durability are excellent and most users won't miss the slight difference in power or the difference in weight. I'm not trying to brag, but I don't consider myself a casual or typical user. In fact only one of my saws is still stock, and that's because I just bought it a week ago and haven't taken the time to tear it down yet. But it will be torn down before it ever cuts wood.

[DanG]

Thats cool Rocky.  I was just trying to determine if you had actually used them.  My two Echos are 4-5 years old too, and I haven't seen the one that was asked about.  A lot can happen to a company in five years, and I'm wondering if Echo is better, worse, or the same.   I've been thinking of adding another saw, and it will be an Echo, simply because they have the best dealer in the area.  I want something between the 670 and the 300, sizewise.  Maybe something in the 45-50cc range.

[Al_Smith]

And if you really care my 80cc CS8000 took 14 seconds in the same cut but weights 23# full, my CS510 still comes with me.     Steve

Once again going back to the fact that it's a bigger displacement saw . By that fact alone it will cut a tad faster .

Just depends on what you want to do .I have 60 cc saws that will cut with 70's and 70's that with  with 80's because they've been worked over . However for a person that only cuts a few stacks of wood per year this would be a moot point .

The only reason I have hopped up saws is because they are of interest to me plus the fact I have acquired the knowledge to be able to enhance their performance .Not everybody has that desire or ability or could care less . So any good dependable saw that does the job fills their needs and they are pleased with the outcome . Many are just as happy using a Poulan/Craftsman or Echo as some are with a Stihl ,Husqvarna or Dolmar .No big deal one way or another .

[ladylake]

Thats cool Rocky.  I was just trying to determine if you had actually used them.  My two Echos are 4-5 years old too, and I haven't seen the one that was asked about.  A lot can happen to a company in five years, and I'm wondering if Echo is better, worse, or the same.   I've been thinking of adding another saw, and it will be an Echo, simply because they have the best dealer in the area.  I want something between the 670 and the 300, sizewise.  Maybe something in the 45-50cc range.

  Dan  I'd really recomend  a CS510,  520 or 530. Out of my 15 saws most brands  my CS510 is my favorite.  It's light, well balanced and has really good snort for a 50cc saw and no parts in the last 7 years besides bars and chains.   Steve

[underdog]

Planning to buy a 50cc class saw for the wife.

We have hard wood for fire wood..we heat with wood..and I drop them and she tops them. We also do tons of trail and fence / hedge row maintenance on our farm.

She's been using my goofy modded Homelite Ranger with a real chain, modded muffler and re-jetted to actually be effective....its light, safe, and just effective enough to keep her from getting impatient...but she needs a real saw. My old antique iron isn't the right path....so onto a newer lighter solution.

My origional choice was either a Husky 445 or Stihl MS-250 for her.

Then after a few weeks of spec sheet study along with a thorough trashing of the Stihl MS-250 over at the other place..I morphed to more "pro level saws....the Husky 353 and Dolmar 5100s.
Finally this weekend I decided the Dolmar wins the Spec. Sheet war....

THEN I saw an Echo CS-530 at our local dealer AND the mechanic there of something like 25 years stated his opinion of Echo's....he basically said they may not be the fastest or fanciest looking saws in their respective price and displcement classes, but they would outlast anything else on the market by a long  margin. Anyone "Echo" this with REAL experience? AND I found this thread...

Does the fact that a lot of part throttle work happens here enter into this discussion?

Did you buy the saw?
I to have my eye on this same saw. It apears to be a newer CS-520
You can still get a CS-520 They are like $10 cheaper and a different color, Do not know if there was a change to the muffler.
Anyway i am going back to a dealer next thursday to see if an Echo is really the saw of my dreams.

[ladylake]

And if you really care my 80cc CS8000 took 14 seconds in the same cut but weights 23# full, my CS510 still comes with me.     Steve

Once again going back to the fact that it's a bigger displacement saw . By that fact alone it will cut a tad faster .

Just depends on what you want to do .I have 60 cc saws that will cut with 70's and 70's that with  with 80's because they've been worked over . However for a person that only cuts a few stacks of wood per year this would be a moot point .

The only reason I have hopped up saws is because they are of interest to me plus the fact I have acquired the knowledge to be able to enhance their performance .Not everybody has that desire or ability or could care less . So any good dependable saw that does the job fills their needs and they are pleased with the outcome . Many are just as happy using a Poulan/Craftsman or Echo as some are with a Stihl ,Husqvarna or Dolmar .No big deal one way or another .

  Al   There a people on here who say Echo saws are way down in power per cc compared to Husky or Stihl saws, my 044 is 70cc and took 19 seconds and my CS8000 is 80cc and too 14 seconds and cuts faster per cc than either of my 044 saws.  If you want to lump something toghther with Poulan/ Craftman put Stihl and Husky home owner saws in that group, Echo saws have way too much quality to be compared to that group.   Steve

[sharkey]

Wanted to stop by and say hello as this is my first post.

I have a couple of the Echo cs-520's.  Good power and chain speed, light weight. .325 x.050 chain and we use 18 inch bars.  Only difference from the 520 to the 530 is the color and where the chain brake handle is located.  Same piston ported engine design and displacement so says the Echo dealership I asked at.  Two piston rings, Walbro carb, non limited ignition, adjustable oiler and side access chain tensioner.       

If you liked or used the Echo cs-4400 the cs-520 engine has a larger diameter crank,  bearings, and a larger clutch.  Sometimes manufacturers will beef up displacement on an engine without changing the lower end so I thought I should mention this. 

Overall Im happy with ours.  Ive had them for about 18 months and havent had any problems.  I like the fast idle step on the choke rod because it never slips off, unlike a rear handle pin type will as it wears.  Ditch the safety chain and richen up the carb because they all come set up real lean.  Overall I like the 520 as much or more than any other 50cc saw Ive used.  Also like the round air filter as I think theyre better than the flocked Husky type. 

Thanks and looking forward to getting to know you folks,
Bob               

[ladylake]

 Bob  Welcome, nice post you covered it all well.  I really like that air filter, it seems like you can cut forever before it gets dirty.   Steve

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum, sharkey.  Hope to get to know you too. 

[weimedog]

Did you buy the saw?
I to have my eye on this same saw. It apears to be a newer CS-520
You can still get a CS-520 They are like $10 cheaper and a different color, Do not know if there was a change to the muffler.
Anyway i am going back to a dealer next thursday to see if an Echo is really the saw of my dreams.

Actually...no. In a twist of fate, I ended up with a Husqvarna 440 and a Husqvarna 455, both with less than an hour on them; for the same price one "new" Echo CS-400 would have cost me.

Time will tell if I will wish I stuck to plan or not. So far the Husky 440 is better than I expected and the 455 is exactly what I expected.