Chainsaw Repair

Even with the issue I had with the CP-600P (search further down for my posts from last summer), I'd still recommend one. For the money, you are getting a powerful saw with excellent build quality. My only gripe is the carb mounting threads, which are plastic instead of proper metal inserts. Not sure if this carrys over into all Echo saw designs. There is nothing they really cheaped out on except for this aspect. As already mentioned, purchase it from a dealer unless you have experience tuning small engines.  Its temptingly convenient to go to Home Depot for browsing and no-pressure purchasing, but find an elite class or sterling level (whatever the designation) dealer to establish a relationship and purchase from.

I have an 5 year old Echo SRM-230 trimmer which I tore down this summer to inspect and replaced the carb (from improper/uninformed fuel maintenance on my part), and the bore and piston was as smooth/unworn as can be. Their engines are really really good.

I ended up getting the discontinued and discounted CS-360T as brand new early in the summer for limbing and rapid branch clearing and its just as useful as its big brother.