Echo vs. Husqvarna Chainsaws

Both Echo and Husqvarna make a wide range of chainsaws from homeowner to professional grade. This article provides a comparison between two popular homeowner-grade models that a consumer would purchase for occasional tree felling, firewood cutting, and even pruning. These models are rough equivalents and represent a base line model from each manufacturer.

Chainsaws are among the most powerful wood-cutting tools available. They are used in such diverse settings as professional logging operations and intricate wood and ice carvings. Because they are handheld, they can cut in any direction the operator wishes, with speed and efficiency. Chainsaws are very dangerous if used improperly, however, and can result in severe injury. Even in experienced hands, chainsaws must be handled with extreme caution. According to extension.umn.edu, the most common source of injury is called "kickback," when the chain strikes an object and the teeth take too large of a bite, stalling the motion and transferring the energy of the chain back to the saw, causing it to rotate backwards, often striking the operator. A kickback can result in a backwards swing of 90 degrees in one-tenth of a second.

The Echo CS-400 chainsaw has a 40.2 cc engine that generates an engine speed at full throttle of around 12,000 rpm. (This is engine speed, not chain speed). According to echo-usa.com, the CS-400 comes with a standard 18-inch chain bar with an optional 16-inch bar. The saw uses a diaphragm carburetor and carries 13.9 fluid ounces of fuel for extended operation and has a dry weight of 10.1 pounds.

According to echo-usa.com, the CS-400 comes with their i-30 starting system, which reduces the required starting effort by 30 percent. The air filter is set near the back and features a tool-less removal system. In addition, the CS-400 has an engine air pre-cleaner that prevents particulate matter from getting into the engine even before it reaches the filter, extending engine life. The CS-400 also has a dual-post chain-brake handle for increased ease of braking. The chain-tensioning system is positioned at the side for ease of operation. There is also a cold-weather bypass system for ease of starting in cold weather.

The Husqvarna 435 has a 40.9 cc engine that produces a max engine speed of 9,000 rpm and a total of 2.2 horsepower. According to husqvarna.com, the 435 can use chain bars from 13 to 18 inches. The saw has a 2.88 fluid ounce fuel capacity and weighs 9.33 pounds.

According to husqvarna.com, the 435 features an engine technology called X-Torq that produces high output with low fuel consumption. The air injection system uses centrifugal force to remove larger dust particles before they reach the air filter, resulting in fewer filter replacements and longer engine life. The Husqvarna LowVib technology is designed to reduce vibration and operator fatigue. The housing features distinct, colored marks to aim the direction of timber fall. The 435 also has the chain-tensioning system set at the side of the saw for ease of access and operation.

While both the Echo CS-400 and the Husqvarna 435 are powerful chainsaws with roughly equivalent weight and power, the Husqvarna has an edge in fuel efficiency and chain bar length options. The Echo, however, provides about 3,000 rpm more of engine speed and carries significantly more fuel capacity for longer use between re-filling.