Chainsaws are very important equipment, mostly if you stay in an area prone to violent thunderstorms. There are many different uses to chainsaws, the major one being to cut trees or limbs. Whether it is because of thunderstorms or any dead limb you want to remove from your garden, you will need a chainsaw.
For maintaining your garden, you may be satisfied with shears, a small saw, or even clippers; however, a chainsaw serves a completely different purpose. If you have a quite big and expansive property, you will be in dire need of a chainsaw to keep it well-maintained and clean.
You can find many different kinds of chainsaws in the market. However, you will need to invest in a chainsaw for the best use that would work for the long-term.
There are three brands Echo, Stihl, and Husqvarna, which are well-known for their chainsaws. Known for their high performance, these three chainsaws will be your best companion.
To understand which chainsaw would be best for you, we have a detailed comparison of the Echo vs Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw. Based on different features, you can make a detailed decision after knowing about the Echo vs Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw.
Table of Contents
Finish/Fit
Echo
The finish of the chainsaw is the first thing that you will have to focus on. This is because you notice in an object is the look. Echo chainsaws are dark orange, which is quite attractive. They are well known for their quite exquisite finish, which is appealing to the user.
You will also have to look into the hardware that is used in the chainsaw. The kind of bolts and materials used to construct the chainsaw will matter a lot to the user. You also have to see if you are comfortable while holding the chainsaw and when in use.
Stihl
Stihl is another high-quality machine that has quite an appealing finish. Just like the Echo chainsaws, the Stihl chainsaws are of orange color as well, just in a lighter shade. The Stihl chainsaw’s best thing is that they possess extremely modern features that are focused on optimal performance.
Stihl chainsaws are also equipped with some of the best safety features, which are great for the users. You will not have to worry about harming yourself while using the machine. If you know the correct way to use the machine, you can complete your work in the best way possible.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna manufactures some of the most durable chainsaws, which are green in color. The material used for the manufacturing of the chainsaws is quite sturdy. If you are looking for professional chainsaws, then you can look into different models of the brand.
You also have to see if the chainsaws are vibrating too much when it is being used. Along with that, you need to check if there are any sharp edges in the machine that can hurt you when you are holding the chainsaw.
Based on the finish of the Echo vs Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw, you can choose either one of them.
Price/Warranty
Echo
The price of a product is something that would be considered by people in the initial selection process. When choosing a chainsaw, you will have to look at the price and the warranty of the product suit your needs. The price is a major factor since you may have a budget that you would need to fix.
For Echo, two different kinds of warranties can be availed by customers. You will get separate warranties for customers and commercial use. Consumer warranty is for five years, whereas commercial warranties are for only two years.
Stihl
Stihl chainsaws fall in a very affordable price range, much lesser than the Echo and Husqvarna chainsaws. Different types of chainsaws will fall under different price categories.
If you have a low budget, then you can invest in Stihl chainsaws. Even the most high-priced of Stihl chainsaws will be budget-friendly.
Two warranties are provided by Stihl, which are Stihl Ultra Limited Warranty and Stihl Limited Warranty. The first warranty will provide double protection for all the gas-powered models of Stihl. On the other hand, the second warranty is for a limited period of 1 – 3 years, depending on the chainsaw model.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna is one of the costliest brands as compared to the Echo and Stihl. If you want a higher quality model without having any budget constraints, you can opt for the Husqvarna models. However, the price will differ according to the different models of the brand.
Even for Husqvarna, there are two kinds of warranty categories. For the consumer category, the warranty period is for two years. For the professional category, the warranty period is from 90 days to a maximum of one year.
You can choose the product according to the price as well as the warranty period of the brands.
Availability of Accessories
Echo
If this is the first time you are using a chainsaw, then you might be unaware of the importance of available stores of the chainsaw brand you have chosen. In case you are opting for an Echo chainsaw, you need to ensure that there would be proper availability of the model’s accessories.
Echo has a website from where you can find different products and their accessories. However, the online presence may not be as much, which means that you might not always find the models you want. You can also search for stores which are near your area.
Stihl
When it comes to the availability of Stihl’s products and accessories, it must be one of the hardest things you have to look for. There are not many stores or even a vast online presence of the brand. You will be unable to find most products that you are searching for.
There is too much trouble when buying a Stihl chainsaw. This is because you will have to communicate with any licensed dealer to buy any product. There will be no price display or even a provision for buying products online through the website, which is very problematic.
Husqvarna
One of the easiest products to find is the Husqvarna chainsaw. Their online presence is very good, which means that people can order them from anywhere at all times.
The best thing is that you can find the product prices and details on the website itself. This makes it easy for customers to know about and purchase the product.
You will also find several retail stores for the brand. The chances are that you will find Husqvarna retail stores near your house or even at a little distance.
This is why most people find it best to opt for Husqvarna models. You can also find accessories of the brand very easily due to this high availability.
Materials
Echo
The material used in the manufacturing of the chainsaws is something that cannot be ignored. Based on the material used, you can understand whether the machine will last for a long time.
Most of the chainsaws are constructed of similar materials. The body of the chainsaw is either made from metal, plastic, or a mixture of both.
Echo has a completely plastic body, which is quite durable. There are all metal chainsaws as well, which are found in professional chainsaws.
On the other hand, for consumer chainsaws of the Echo, you will find that the body is plastic. The chain of the product may be made from metal or other material.
Stihl
Stihl also has similar material construction to the Echo. The body is made from plastic, which is of the highest quality.
There are some professional chainsaws of the brand that may be made from metal. However, for consumer products, you will find that the manufacturing material is plastic.
The chain is also made from heavy-duty material, which makes the product quite durable. You may sometimes find it hard to acquire the brand chains since the variety is quite low. This may make it difficult for you to change chains when needed or when the chain faces any fault.
Husqvarna
In the debate for Echo vs Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw, you will find that the materials are more or less similar. This makes all of the three brands quite on a similar level.
The only difference between Husqvarna and the other two models is the variety of chains. In Husqvarna, you will find several chain options.
If you are searching for a model with different chains, you can choose the Husqvarna. All of the materials used in the model are quite high in quality. This means that the product will run for a long time without serving you with any problem.
Weight
Echo
The weight of the chainsaw is something that you would have to determine before you finalize the system. You do not want to invest in a model that would be very heavy or difficult for you to carry around. The model should be light enough that you can use it easily handled without any problem.
The Echo model has diverse weight categories in different models. This means that you can choose a model that you feel would be suitable for you. Check out the different model weights to decide which one you will carry around and use easily.
Stihl
Stihl also has variable weights for different models. If you are inclined towards lightweight models, then you will find them.
The lightweight models are exceptionally good for light uses around a small area. You can comfortably carry them around the house and even to other places if you want.
If you are looking for models suitable for heavy-duty tasks, you can choose a heavier model. For heavy-duty work, a lightweight model would not do the job. According to the work that you require, you can choose the model that is needed.
Husqvarna
When it comes to weight, you will find similarities between the three models. All of the models come in variable weights. This provides you with optimum comfort so that you can carry it around easily. There will not be much effort required if you opt for a comfortable model.
If you select a model that you can easily hold in your hand, then the work will be much easier. Whether the model is light or heavy, you need to ensure that you can work with it to the best of your abilities.
Longevity
Echo
The longevity of a chainsaw can be measured in two ways. The first way would be when you can carry on with the cutting and second the time till which the chainsaw will last. For the second way, you have to know the amount of time you can use the machine before it needs to be replaced.
Echo has very durable chainsaw models that provide you with good longevity. This longevity goes both ways, for the cutting time as well as the usage time.
For good longevity, the motor and the tank of the machine has to be large. The larger the tank and motor, the longer it will run.
Stihl
Stihl also has good longevity since both the tank and motor of the machine are quite large. This means that the run time of the models is quite long.
Also, you need not be worried about the machine dying soon. You can use the machine for a long time without facing many problems.
You need a device that will be able to run for long to use it to the maximum level. There is no point in investing in a machine that will die down within a few months. However, you need to opt for a suitable machine for the kind of work you will be doing.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna chainsaws have the best longevity rate as compared to the other two brands. This is because the brand is quite well-known for its large-sized gas tanks and motors. There is no doubt regarding the durability that this product has.
The maintenance for Husqvarna may be more than the other two models when used for a prolonged period. Even then, you will not be disappointed with the kind of run time that the model provides. If you can take the best care, then longevity will be maintained.
Performance
Echo
Like every other feature mentioned above, the Echo chainsaw performance will also depend on the model you are opting for; however, echo chainsaws are known as an all-rounder device as a general overview. They can cut with extreme precision and at a good speed.
The performance of a chainsaw is generally measured in these two ways. However, people may also bring in other metrics to evaluate the performance of the device.
Depending on the job you are searching for a chainsaw for, you would have to determine the performance. You can check out different echo chainsaws and learn about their performances.
Stihl
Stihl chainsaws are very sturdy and are often used for normal to heavy-duty tasks. This is because these chainsaws are adept at cutting tough objects.
The speed of cutting the object might not be what you are looking for. But this is only for some people, while some users may find the speed quite good.
If you are looking for a strong and useful chainsaw for tough tasks rather than one that has good speed, then it is better to opt for a Stihl chainsaw. Performance-wise the chainsaws of this brand are very good and up to the mark.
Husqvarna
The performance of Husqvarna is quite the opposite of that of a Stihl chainsaw. This is because Husqvarna chainsaws are better with their speed than their cutting performance.
It does not mean that these chainsaws will not be able to cut a tough object. However, you may have to find specific models that are designed for heavy-duty tasks.
On the other hand, the speed is quite fast, which reduces the time that you spend on any work. If you are more focused on cutting speed, then you will be very happy with Husqvarna products as compared to either of the brands.
Maintenance
Echo
The last element that would help you decide the chainsaw that you could opt for is the maintenance. In a busy schedule, you do not want to end up with a machine that would require your continuous assistance. Frequent maintaining can be a huge trouble, especially if you are using it often.
The maintenance reputation of Echo chainsaws is moderate. You might need to spend more time maintaining some models, while others would require less maintenance. According to the need and the time you can devote to caring for the device, you can choose the chainsaw model.
Stihl
When it comes to maintenance reputation, Stihl is on top of the list. The brand provides low-maintenance products that would be best for you.
If you have a busy schedule, then these chainsaws will be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Even if you are using the chainsaw frequently, you will not have to spend much time on maintenance.
The best thing is that the chainsaws will run smoothly with just the basic regular cleaning. You can take it for the scheduled maintenance from a professional at good intervals. This would make the job much easier for you.
Husqvarna
For the ones who cannot spend much time on chainsaw maintenance or who prefers to check with professionals often, this is not a good option. This is because the maintenance reputation of Husqvarna is not as good as the other two brands.
The products under this brand are quite delicate in terms of maintenance. If the machine is not taken care of properly, then it might stop working. The visit to a professional maintenance unit might be frequent if you are the owner of a Husqvarna chainsaw, which is quite troublesome.
Echo vs Stihl
Both Echo and Stihl have a wide variety of product options. Certain products are perfect for professional uses, while some are best for homeowners. Certain features such as the finish, weight variations, and longevity of both the brands are quite on a similar level.
For other features such as the price consideration and maintenance, it would be better to opt for Stihl. However, in terms of availability, Echo overshadows Stihl since Stihl’s purchase process is quite complex and time-consuming. In the comparison between Echo vs Stihl chainsaw, Echo might be a slightly better option than Stihl.
Stihl vs Husqvarna
When comparing Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw, the latter precedes in most of the areas. This is because Husqvarna is mostly recommended for professional tasks. The products of this brand are quite sturdy and well-equipped to handle tough jobs. However, even Stihl gives strong competition.
If you are looking for a durable and affordable option, then Stihl would be a good choice. Husqvarna products are quite expensive, which may not be affordable for some people. Moreover, Husqvarna requires quite a great deal of maintenance, which is also not feasible for many users.
Echo vs Husqvarna Chainsaw
In the debate of Echo vs Husqvarna chainsaw, it can be said that both these brands give a tough competition to each other. The availability of both these brands is good, along with the online presence.
Even the finish, construction material, and weight of the products for these brands are similar. You may choose either one of these brands based on the kind of budget that you have. Husqvarna is costly, while Echo provides budget-friendly options.
Summing Up
Every product comes with pros and cons. Each one is good enough to meet the provided features and requirements. The chainsaw that you choose would depend completely upon your preference. The comparison between Echo vs Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw would help you understand the three brands’ many important features. However, they are quite similar to each other in several aspects.
As mentioned-above, the strengths, as well as the weaknesses of each brand, would help you in the decision-making process. You can determine which brand and product would be suitable for your needs.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.