Chainsaw Repair

In Ohio, Echo and Dolmar are distributed by the same company (Central Power) from Columbus

+1
I've found Echos to be excellent saws.  A muff mod really gets them going.

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. 

A friend of mine wants to buy a new saw. He is wanting something that will pull an 18" bar and last for awhile.His last saw was a craftsman.He doesnt cut much. He thought he could buy a new Stihl for $250 I laughed at him. He said he looked at dolmars and echos. His thoughts were Dolmar is too expensive. I guess the Echos come with a 5 yr warranty.He is leaning toward an Echo. Any input?

what kind of wood is your friend cutting?  an 18" bar is available options for countless different cc size saws.

if he doesn't cut much, maybe a good used saw (insert your favorite brand here) would be an option.  savings could be used for canned fuel/extra chains/chaps/sharpening equipment.

can say i have 2 echo products and am satisfied with their build quality.

-joe

IMO a firewood guy looking at a pro built style saw in 60cc.  Echo would be really really hard to overlook and would pull the trigger on one. The echo 590 can be had for under $400. Comparable saws in husky 555 562 $600 and up and stihl 362 $700 and up. 

If I am wrong correct me.