New small pro saw ?

[Tractor62]

I'm considering getting a new little saw for the days cutting small stuff when a husky 560xp on 18" with 3/8 chain is a bit overkill. I've had and liked the 550xp and an older 353 from husky and my main saw where I work is a stihl 261 with the usual bearing issues and its generally just not as nice to use as the huskys. However as I'm looking for a real weight saving I'm looking more at 40ish cc which husky don't do for pro and I'm not convinced with stihl. the two that come up most often in that range seem to be the echo 390esx and the dolmar 420. So the question is from those with some real experience of either model which is the one to go for and why.

Cheers

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

The two you mention; I thought of the Echo 390 esx before finishing reading your op.

[geoff]

I have the Echo 390, it is a very nice saw, well built and cuts fast for its size.

[billpierce]

i have the 420 (makita equivalent) and its is good, very pokey, maybs a bit heavier than you would think but very good snedding saw. obviously stuggles a bit when buried. infact you can buy it for £180, still got paint on its first bar.

 

not tried the echo

[Daythe trees]

I know you said dolmar 420 but I have the echo 420es and it's a great bit of kit, goes on every job always starts very easy and is a pleasure to use. Mines on a 15 but a 13 would probably suit it better, struggles a bit buried in timber but is punchy for it's size. As with most echo kit goes far better once it's had a few litres put through it and is given twenty seconds from being started cold to warm up each morning.

[harvey b davison]

Well i like my makita dolmar, and you carnt go wrong with them in my mind. I have a little dolly35, ok its small but punches above it weight. Speak to shavey, he will sort you out.

[Tractor62]

I've put in my order with a local dealer and gone for the echo. will it be ok on the same husky Xp 2 stroke oil my other saw uses or is that really only for the auto tune engines

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

I've put in my order with a local dealer and gone for the echo. will it be ok on the same husky Xp 2 stroke oil my other saw uses or is that really only for the auto tune engines

 

Use some Echo Power Blend oil; it's fine stuff