50-60cc Chainsaw Comparison

[Frett]

Hello, I've been studying the available models in this bracket over the last couple of weeks, and collected my findings into this;

 

 

 

Some notes

 

- The lower the number in the power to weight/power to weight vs cost score the better.

 

- All technical specifications take from the manufacturers web page where possible. Stihl didn't list the oil/fuel capacity for example, so I retrieved those from a sellers website.

 

- The Solo 651, Efco 156, and Echo CS-550 are listed as semi-pro saws by some sites, professional by most.

 

- The Efco 162 strays above the top boundary in terms of capacity, but in weight terms its right in the pack, so is included.

 

- I made this for myself, and I would want a saw with a heated handle, so I've included the heated handle option where possible. Since the heating system adds around 200g or so onto a saws weight, this slightly skews the power/weight ratio in favour of those with no heating systems.

 

- Obviously the Power to weight/Cost score will change depending on where the saw becomes available and unavailable at a given price, this is based on what I've been able to find and consider reliable. I found the Jonsered saws on various Norwegian, Latvian and German websites but couldn't tell if they had them in stock or would deliver to the UK

 

- This also doesn't take into account things like Auto-tune, X-Torq and the like, nor the build quality or the general 'feel' of the saw. Was just an exercise in cost, power to weight and market comparison.

 

If anyone wants the actual spreadsheets I made, just ask. Thought it was interesting if nothing else.

 

Cheers!

Edited October 2, 2014 by Frett

[SawTroll]

Your "power to weight" numbers are turned upside down - and you seem to assume that the specs are always correct and accurate. This is far from the case in reality though

[SawTroll]

Comparing heated versions of some models to unheated ones of others are of course misleading.

[MattyF]

So if the 560 is highest in the cost score thing that makes it the worse?

[Stubby]

So if the 560 is highest in the cost score thing that makes it the worse?

 

And that's why it takes so long to get up in the morning unless you are a banana fish .

[MattyF]

So it puts the efco on top? I would not mind trying one , had an oleo Mac which is the same brand and could not fault it on performance but hopeless getting spares.

Back to the 560 though,looks like if you went to fr Jones as you did with the other saws you would of saved £50 +

[TGB]

I seem to remember that Echo quote the weight of their saw inclusive of bar & chain. Whereas I know neither Husky nor Stihl do. I don't know about the others. If you're going to calc the kW to weight ratio, you might aswell include full tanks of fuel & bar oil, plus the weight of bar & chain as supplied, (or bar & chain as desired). Without the full setup, how can you truly state the kW to weight ratio.

 

As has been suggested, trying to compare weights of heated and non-heated handle saws by different manufacturers, is an exercise in pointlessness. If you really want heated handles. Just include those saws that have them.

 

Back to the drawing board.

Edited October 2, 2014 by TGB

[MattyF]

Or you could just buy the 560xpg and be done with it as it will wipe the floor against the others on that list if your cutting for productivity.

[Jackalope]

So Power-weight aside, when you've got a big larch or Ash which is starting to go you want a 60cc Saw to chase it through FAST. Buy the 560xp.

[Adamam]

On the efco saws:

 

I have had/fixed a few.

 

I find 5.5kg very hard to believe. They are old skool, solid saws.

 

The 62cc saw is a lowish rpm firewood grinder built for longevity, not comparable to pro forestry saws. The 56cc efco is ace.