Echo CS 590 Review

Echo is a world-renowned brand and one of the go-to manufacturers for consumers and professionals alike. The CS 590 showcases Echo's 50 years of research and development of two-cycle gas-powered chainsaws. Where this particular model stands apart from the other saws that we've tested is its raw cutting power. If you know that you need tons of power to tackle your projects and don't want to wait around while your chain slowly chips away at a log, this is the model for you.

Performance Comparison

Saw Performance

First and foremost, the way that a chainsaw performs while cutting wood is the most important factor to consider. For this reason, we dedicated the largest portion of our overall score to this section of our review. This metric is a combination of objective dimensional lumber-cutting tests with our team's personal judgment of the saw's cutting performance in various typical situations that you might find, such as slicing up firewood rounds before a long winter or trimming trees around your property.

We built a sawbuck and then stacked 8' long Douglas Fir 4"x4"s in a diamond shape in order to mimic a natural log but also ensure that we can always keep the test controlled and repeatable. We then timed five cuts per saw and threw out the lowest two trials to eliminate as much human error as possible, then calculated an average. The Echo CS 590 put up an extraordinary average time of 4.9 seconds, slicing most of the competition to pieces.

After the time trials, we took the saws out to a property covered in Pinyon Pines that is under development to see how each model did while removing problem trees, pruning branches, and bucking firewood so that we could get a feel for the ergonomics and balance outside of using a simplistic sawbuck. The Echo CS 590's performance was on par with the best of the best. It had no problem slicing branches off of downed trees, leveling stumps, or any other task we could throw at it.

Ease of Use

The next portion of our overall score is dedicated to how easy each chainsaw is to operate. For gas-powered saws, we looked at the switches, the air filter compartment, the choke, and the gas cap. We also conducted a side-by-side comparison of the elements that all chainsaws have — an oil tank, a throttle system, and a chain tensioning system. We noted any elements that made each model either easier or more difficult to operate.

Running the Echo CS 590 is reasonably straightforward, but there are certainly simpler models on the market. Unless they have some sort of innovative starting system, gas-powered models take more effort to get going than battery or corded-electric models. However, compared to some of the other fuel models that we've seen, the 590 is easy. The controls are as basic as can be. With a simple pull choke, a tool-free air filter cover, and a self-priming gasoline delivery system, there really isn't much to figure out.

For changing and tensioning the bar and chain, the Echo CS 590 uses the old-school “scrench” system. While it is certainly more involved than tool-free plastic chain tensioning systems, it's hard to debate whether this system still offers the most precision and the tightest bind. However, it definitely isn't the easiest to use. We do love the fact that the designers of this model thought to install metal guides on the top and bottom of the saw body that help to ensure that the chain stays lined up with the drive wheel even if it slightly loosens.

Power Performance

We dedicated the next portion of our overall score to determining the runtime of each saw. Portable chainsaws are divided into two categories — battery-powered and gas-powered. We made sure that batteries were charged to 100% and that gas tanks were completely topped off before beginning our assessment. We then strapped the saws down and clipped the throttles wide open, and timed how long each gas tank or battery lasts. We also timed how long it takes for each battery to recharge and how long each gas tank takes to refill.

With a measured runtime of 29 minutes, the Echo CS590 lasted longer than several other gas-powered models in our review. This comes as a surprise considering this saw has a 59.88cc cylinder while other models have 50ccs or less.

Where the Echo CS590 and other gas-powered models earn bonus points for this metric is when it comes time to refuel. While all battery-powered models have a charging period, some lasting hours, two-stroke gas tanks can be refilled in a matter of seconds. If you're tackling a big task and want to be as efficient as possible, gas is the way to go, which is why this type of saw is the weapon of choice for professional tree services and wildland firefighters.

Noise

The remaining portion of our overall score is dedicated to the amount of noise each saw emits. While running the saw at full throttle, we used a sound pressure level meter to measure decibel levels from 48 inches away. We also subjectively judged the pitch of each machine from various distances to determine if they were more whiny or annoying than the others.

The Echo CS 590 emits 92.3 decibels at a distance of four feet from the motor. While this is substantially louder than some battery-powered models, it is much quieter than every other gas-powered chainsaw that we've tested.

Should You Buy The Echo CS 590?

The Echo CS 590 is the way to go if you need an absolute beast of a chainsaw. With a big engine and a long bar, this model offers top-tier cutting performance. There are some trade-offs for the power, such as needing a tool to adjust the chain tension and the fact that it is louder than battery versions. If you're willing to deal with these downsides, this model will make quick work of large tasks and is even suitable for professional use.

What Other Chainsaw Should You Consider?