Step Up from Echo 352 ES ??

[Witterings]

I have an Echo 352 ES and it's a great little saw for the odd job here and there and easy to start but it's not the most powerful and bogs down quite easily which if you're doing a couple of hours worth of cutting at a time becomes quite frustrating so am really looking for something with some more grunt and ideally a quicker cutting speed as well.

 

It's got a 14" bar which for cutting firewood logs is nice and easy / light to use, I don't necessarily need any bigger although if it'd take larger bar for the odd one off job would be useful (but not essential) even if it wasn't the best performer.

 

It is only for cutting up firewood at home not professional use although I've managed to find a reasonable supply of wood so am using the fire more and more as opposed to the heating .. probably about 4 fires a week.

 

If anyone can suggest some recommendations would be much appreciated!

 

 

[Khriss]

Low profile smaller kerf chain for speeding up the cut or drop a drive sprocket tooth to increase torque. Or both. K

[Silverhooker]

I used a little husky 440 on a 15" bar for years for firewood and on occaision an 18" bar it was great. 

[Moose McAlpine]

What's your budget? That's generally the most deciding factor.

[Paul in the woods]

I'm curious to know why it's bogging. I have the same saw and it might not be the fastest but it doesn't really bog at all. Took down a fair sized ash this week, 16" diameter at the base and logged it up in a couple of hours without any bogging. Best of all it only used a litre of fuel.

 

Mines had over 100 tanks of fuel through it and I'm sure it's improved. I keep the chain sharp and don't lower the depth gauges too much. Also a wedge in the top of a large cut helps. Apologies if that's obvious.

[Stere]

ea4300 ea5000 550xp ms261

[gary112]

I bought a Makita EA4300 and have been really impressed so far,15" bar and loads of power for just over £300

[Stere]

 

2.2kw v the 1.3kw echo so big step up in power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dan Maynard]

ea4300 ea5000 550xp ms261

In a nutshell, nicely put. Depends on your budget and if you have any predisposition to husky or Stihl, or a good dealer nearby.

[harvey b davison]

The makita ea4300, is a cracking saw.