Cheaper brand saws

[njc110381]

I've been reading through the topic about the new saw for a groundy and it got me thinking. Not wanting to derail that thread, I started this one.

 

I'm thinking I could do with a similar saw (15" bar) for my gardening business but as I don't run a saw day in, day out I was very interested by the comment made by wyk about the Shindaiwa and Echo saws. Does anyone here run either of those? How well do they last?

 

On paper the Shindaiwa looks better. Lower cc but more hp, and the weight is better for the Shindaiwa. I have one of their long reach hedge cutters and it has lasted me years, so it's not bad kit in my experience. The chap I sub for has the same tool made by Echo, which is also pretty good. I'd happily put either head to head with a Stihl, especially in a weight and balance contest!

 

I've pretty much always been a Stihl or Husky man. My first two saws were a Husky 254xp and a top handled thing... 336xpt maybe? Then I used a Stihl ms200t and never looked back. The balance was much improved so I bought a 200t for myself along with an ms260 and an ms660 as the 254 was getting tired. I still have the 200t and 660, but sold the 260 when work went quiet. I figured I could use the 660 on the ground for light felling and snedding with a short bar but actually, it tires me out much faster and I have to admit to using the 200t on the ground. Not ideal.

 

My main worry is that I will find the Shindaiwa a bit second rate? I've always run what I consider to be some of the best saws on the market at the time but with my current work I just cannot justify spending the money on a Stihl ms261. That's what I would buy if money was no object but the new mog has reduced my will to spend much more for now!

[spikeymikey]

I would no way class an echo as lower rate saw! I would never buy a stihl or Husky again! buy an Echo, you'll save a few quid and wont compromise on the quality!

[Dan Earp]

Ill swap my ms260 with a bunch of chains 2 15" bar one sugiharra one stihl and the other is 18" stihl bar. Saw runs on aspen for ur 660😜

[onyx landscaping/fencing]

nothing wrong with ECHO a have 1 and had no problems with it

[doobin]

Echo are the same money as Stihl.

[Ray1]

Mitox 5020 Chainsaw

[wyk]

I'll chime in, of course.

 

I wouldn't even say the quality is an issue worth discussing. Shindaiwa/Echo(both under Yamabiko now), Stihl, Husqvarna, are built to the same standards. All saws nowadays are EPA choked, and have similar power for their displacements, etc. The Husky AT and Stihl M-Tronic are notable exceptions, as are their prices. I have been using saws off and on for 25 years now. Until the electronics made the scene, they have all been more or less the same for quality and power.

 

It is astonishing how much marketing plays a role in branding. People like the policy Stihl have of no internet selling etc. "Face to face customer service" is what it's all about, etc. This policy has little to do with the consumer - it is to protect the dealers, but marketing says otherwise, and folks believe that nonsense.

 

I have had completely abhorrent service from virtually all saw dealers in my lifetime, and great service from all likes. Service has more to do with the shop than the brand.

 

What matters to most is the support. If you do not work on your saws, or are flat out unable to, support matters. In such a case, this will drive purchases and create brand loyalties. And for good reason. What ya need to consider is if that Shindaiwa/Stihl/Husky does fail, and you need a part - does your local guy have it right here right now? Do you have spares?

 

If you ask me - if you make a living with equipment, you need to know that equipment inside and out. You need to be able to make it work if it fails because it undoubtedly will fail you sooner or later - no matter the brand, and I have used them all. If it hasn't failed, you haven't been using it. Let's be honest here - it does not get any more simple than a petrol powered chainsaw as machines go. You can probably fit most saws on three pages of IPL, including an exploded carb view. Know your equipment.

[Stubby]

I'll chime in, of course.

 

I wouldn't even say the quality is an issue worth discussing. Shindaiwa/Echo(both under Yamabiko now), Stihl, Husqvarna, are built to the same standards. All saws nowadays are EPA choked, and have similar power for their displacements, etc. The Husky AT and Stihl M-Tronic are notable exceptions, as are their prices. I have been using saws off and on for 25 years now. Until the electronics made the scene, they have all been more or less the same for quality and power.

 

It is astonishing how much marketing plays a role in branding. People like the policy Stihl have of no internet selling etc. "Face to face customer service" is what it's all about, etc. This policy has little to do with the consumer - it is to protect the dealers, but marketing says otherwise, and folks believe that nonsense.

 

I have had completely abhorrent service from virtually all saw dealers in my lifetime, and great service from all likes. Service has more to do with the shop than the brand.

 

What matters to most is the support. If you do not work on your saws, or are flat out unable to, support matters. In such a case, this will drive purchases and create brand loyalties. And for good reason. What ya need to consider is if that Shindaiwa/Stihl/Husky does fail, and you need a part - does your local guy have it right here right now? Do you have spares?

 

If you ask me - if you make a living with equipment, you need to know that equipment inside and out. You need to be able to make it work if it fails because it undoubtedly will fail you sooner or later - no matter the brand, and I have used them all. If it hasn't failed, you haven't been using it. Let's be honest here - it does not get any more simple than a petrol powered chainsaw as machines go. You can probably fit most saws on three pages of IPL, including an exploded carb view. Know your equipment.

 

That is one of the most sensible posts I have read lately .

[harvey b davison]

Why not have a look at the makita / dolmar range. Plenty on here use them.

[easy-lift guy]

Wyk, knowledge is power. Any product is only as good as your supplying sources for spares and service.

easy-lift guy