BobbyDee

OK it's back...my oil was replaced with Stihl oil and it's working as it should. Oil level dropped to about one third of a tank after using a full tank of fuel, so that's more like it. I have been advised to use only Stihl Synth plus and not the Oregon oil I was using. The Stihl oil is definitely thinner but I have to assume it does a good job. Thanks for all replies to my post.

Update on my new Echo 620SX....super saw, starts easily and cuts like a good'un. I'm really going to have to give this one extra respect as it's a beast. Time will tell if it's reliable but so far I'm impressed. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to my post.

Thanks

It's on the way back now from supplier. They tell me it's working 'as it should' so I'll try it as soon as UK Mail extracts the digit and actually delivers it to me after some sort of delay.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the fuel additives you can get to allegedly keep petrol usable for longer when it's stored are not good for the carburettor in a chainsaw, or any other petrol engine machinery for that matter. Could anyone kindly confirm whether this is in fact the case please?

Thanks everyone who replied. I've gone for the Echo CS620SX so only time will tell if I've made a good choice or a real lemon. I shall post how I get on.

Thanks to all. Point noted Gardenkit. I just thought I'd try it on a saw that gets lots of stick as being crap, but I found it pretty good.

Thanks to everyone who took the time and trouble to reply. The saw is,in fact, two weeks old so I'm returning it to be sorted as it does appear to be the pump. I shall look forward to getting it back in full working order as it seems to be a cracking little saw. If I get any info on it I'll post it here.

Yes done that. No oil flow from groove with bar and chain off and engine revved, but with small amount of petrol in the oil reservoir instead of chain oil there is a flow of fuel from the groove so no blockage and presumably the pump is working to some extent but maybe not enough to get the chain oil moving?

Has anyone who has the above saw experienced a problem with the chain oil level not dropping? The oil in mine is obviously not getting through. I've tried emptying the reservoir, putting in a small amount of petrol to flush things out and fuel can be seen coming out of the oil groove with the bar removed and the engine running so I assume the oil pump is working. I have tried semi synthetic car engine oil - that doesn't come through and chain oil certainly will not appear. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Rob

Are Echo worth considering then? The CS600 looks good on spec.

Me again..haven't posted for at least 2 years and now 2 in one day. My trusty 18" Hitachi CS45EL is dying. It has performed really well over the past 3 years and has never been thrashed and has been lovingly looked after. I have recently been fortunate enough to have been offered some 'woodland management' at a good remuneration but the above saw is now definitely struggling at being asked to cut fallen oak of 18" diameter or more and other similar hardwood. It's just not man enough and is not up to the task. I've researched saw after saw and I'm going round in circles - just when I think I have found the ideal 'pro' saw I find a couple of shite reviews on it. As it seems that I need to spend at least £500 (or do I need to up my amount) I would like to think I'm going to get something that will start, run and cut well and not be too heavy as I'm getting on a bit now, 5kg ish would be a benchmark. It would also be nice if spares were readily available and that it would last for a few years. Am I asking too much? Can Arbtalk forum members point me in the right direction please and tell me which saw to get? P.S. Definitely do not want tool-less chain adjustment type cack.

Hello folks..I have a Hitachi top-handle saw as above and would like to change the existing 12" bar and chain for a 14". I cannot seem to find anyone who can tell me of a compatible make of bar. I expect Hitachi UK might help with a bar of their own but their prices are sky high and they will not send any spares directly to me, I have to make a round trip of 40 miles if I need an air filter etc. which sucks. I know Hitachi/Tanaka saws don't have the best reputation but all I can say is that I've had this one for 3 years, it still starts easily, runs well and cuts OK. When it does clap out however, Hitachi will not be on my list to replace it with. In the meantime can anyone help please?

Thanks for your replies. Confirms what I thought but nice to get others' views.

Is there any reason why I cannot swap the 12" bar on my Hitachi CS33ET for a 14" bar as and when needs dictate? The CS33ET is available for purchase with either sized bars and the engine spec appears to be the same in both. The 14" bar would be more useful when cutting on a saw-horse (yes I know the ET is not for ground use but as long as I grip with both hands and resist the temptation to operate with just one I don't see a problem) as with the 12" bar the engine occasionally comes into contact with the upper cross-members of the saw-horse.