Don't Buy Echo

Don't Buy Echo · 30th March 2011, 12:39 PM

I bought an Echo cs310-es 3 weeks ago. In all I've done about 4 hrs work with it. Last Saturday I had to take it back for warranty due to the bar oil tank leaking undernearth. Allpower, the suppliers of Echo have opted to repair the saw with a new tank.
I feel that the saw being less than a month old they should replace the unit not just repair it.
Personally I wouldn't recommend them at all considering their warranty process.

What does everyone think about their warranty?
Should they Repair it or Replace it?

Garry Brockley · 30th March 2011, 03:16 PM

Yes thats not good! but if it is just a faulty oil tank then replacing it will fix the problem and the saw will be good as new and able to do the job it was bought for hopefully, if you buy things on the cheap then cheap things are what you get! im sorry but you can't complain about the quality of a cheap product when there are other manufacturers out there i.e. Stihl, Husqvana, Dolmar ect that produce these products at a far higher standard and are far less likely to break down when put to the test.

superfire · 30th March 2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry Brockley

Yes thats not good! but if it is just a faulty oil tank then replacing it will fix the problem and the saw will be good as new and able to do the job it was bought for hopefully, if you buy things on the cheap then cheap things are what you get! im sorry but you can't complain about the quality of a cheap product when there are other manufacturers out there i.e. Stihl, Husqvana, Dolmar ect that produce these products at a far higher standard and are far less likely to break down when put to the test.

Have to agree. A cheap tool makes for a poor quality job. The new Echos are over priced box store saws

I have talked to many pros in my area and it is either Stihl Or Husqvarna, More Stihl. The material a saw is made from is a good clue as to the way the manufacture is operated. Cheap materials are a warning to the buyer. A saw with a metal verticaly split tank is a good saw quality to look for.

Eric Frei · 30th March 2011, 04:22 PM

Where I live the manager bought an Echo blower .... busted 3 times in a few months under warranty, been replaced twice I think.

First they blamed no 2 stroke in mix and tested the fuel and got caught out, was 2 stroke in it.

Then the second time they blame 10% ethanol and said not to use ethanol blend fuel.

Third they blamed the type of 2 stroke oil and said not to use certain brands.

But strangley my blower is 10 years old and goes hard ... Echo blower. Maybe new ones aren't built the same anymore like most the shit coming out of China. Ever notice longevity and quality going down hill lately?

superfire · 30th March 2011, 04:59 PM

The newer equipment from Echo has become box store grade for sure. Got a older Echo 346, runs great never had on issue with it.

Drouin Tree Service · 30th March 2011, 06:16 PM

Talked with a bloke the other day who owned a large power tool import buisness,cordless drills angle grinders etc coming out of China.

Aparentley GMC power tools had a 70% return/replace and went belly up for $70 million!Buyer beware cheap is oftern nasty.

Jeff Darby · 30th March 2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_lopa

Talked with a bloke the other day who owned a large power tool import buisness,cordless drills angle grinders etc coming out of China.

Aparentley GMC power tools had a 70% return/replace and went belly up for $70 million!Buyer beware cheap is oftern nasty.

These cheap as chips saws and tools will do the job as long as you dont treat them as a Stihl or a Husky...the cheapies are throw aways, a consumable to get out of trouble when money is short..

Don't Buy Echo · 30th March 2011, 07:21 PM

Well I thought I did my research, damn the internet

. Every link/forum I looked at in regard to the brand had nothing but good things to say.
In regard to just repairing the unit what are peoples thoughts?
Should it be repaired or replaced, seeing as it is only three and a half weeks old?

Don't Buy Echo · 30th March 2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

Where I live the manager bought an Echo blower .... busted 3 times in a few months under warranty, been replaced twice I think.

First they blamed no 2 stroke in mix and tested the fuel and got caught out, was 2 stroke in it.

Then the second time they blame 10% ethanol and said not to use ethanol blend fuel.

Third they blamed the type of 2 stroke oil and said not to use certain brands.

But strangley my blower is 10 years old and goes hard ... Echo blower. Maybe new ones aren't built the same anymore like most the shit coming out of China. Ever notice longevity and quality going down hill lately?

Did they replace it the first time or did they wait until the second problem arose?

Jeff Darby · 30th March 2011, 07:33 PM

My experience with cheapies you get a new unit....or as one saleswomen suggested in a roundabout way do your job and bring it back....

I think they were having a no questions asked if you were not happy with the tool...

danschweitzer · 31st March 2011, 05:15 AM

Both my saws were bought on e bay 1 stihl 026 cracking saw was £142 including delivery other a ms361 which was nt even run in prob about 1 tank through it was £435 to the door came with a case and an 18" bar new chain/cover 20" bar new chain/cover cant go wrong with that one Both were well less than new price. 361 would be £800 with that lot. Both with modified egsausts and are great tools. the point being these can be chucked about and nought happens bullet proof easy to work on buy out of season ie in the summer if you have in and out of season where you live would be my tip. not to worry you went on wat you read and were unlucky.

Eric Frei · 31st March 2011, 08:04 AM

They replaced twice and rebuilt once

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don't Buy Echo

Well I thought I did my research, damn the internet

. Every link/forum I looked at in regard to the brand had nothing but good things to say.

People are afraid these days to say anything negative for fear of litigation. Hosts (like me) also get attacked because we do not pull it down.

Remember when http://www.google.com.au/search?q=2clix+litigation&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a#sclient=psy&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=4R3&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB%3Aofficial&source=hp&q=2clix+litigation+whirlpool&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=a5a83db4b436d47e .... so these days less is said especially when it is bad.

Goes even further, imagine film or food critics when they get a real bad product, how truthful can they be? What if a film critic buries a film and they get low audience because of it will the producers sue?

Joshua Rugg · 31st March 2011, 01:55 PM

i run an echo 360T and 330T. both are great saws. they start on the first pull and both are muffler modded and retuned. for the price they are good saws and they are built tougher then the stihl Ms192(flimsy plastic parts)

, thats for sure.

sharkey · 31st March 2011, 03:47 PM

My Echo's all run good, cant say for sure what your problem was. I have a couple pole saws, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws.

Do you thjnk that if you had bought a Stihl or Husky they would have replaced the saw because the oiler was leaking? Come on...

KevinE · 1st April 2011, 05:43 AM

I'm happy with my Echo gear too! No complaints here.

gooddog · 1st April 2011, 01:52 PM

I bought a cheap plastic Homelite 20(14") sixteen years ago and that thing has been a great little saw for me. I love my 4 stihls, but, I have to admit that I got my money out of that cheap saw.

KevinE · 1st April 2011, 04:06 PM

Don't know if I'd call the Echo stuff cheap tho. The home owner chainsaws are comparable in price to Stihl, as are pro trimmers, whips etc.

APSE · 5th April 2011, 04:05 PM

Shame that you got a bad one...However as it has been pointed out here a couple of times, when you buy cheap stuff that is what you get, Stihl, Husqvarna, etc. all make bottom feeder saws as well. If you did so much internet research it must have been from dealers. Because I gotta tell ya if you talked to guys that USE their saws, you would have been advised to stay away from Homeowner quality machinery.
PS
I'm a dealer, too.

Joshua Rugg · 5th April 2011, 11:55 PM

hey APSE, you still got that large makita for sale? im in the market for a new saw over 60cc bar lengths 25-36.

APSE · 6th April 2011, 12:39 AM

Hard-as Stihl,
I can find out and let you know. It got sold and the guy isn't using it. Brand new DSC-9000, Muffler mod and no rev limiter, good running saw.
Thanks you

Don't Buy Echo · 6th April 2011, 11:45 AM

No-one has really answered the original question of 'Do you think they should just repair it or replace it, seeing as it was only three and a half weeks old?'
In regard to a lot of the comments regarding it being cheap, it was purchased from Chesterfields Mowers not Bunnings, so I expected a little bit of quality.
The 'good' information I found was on forums not dealer websites.

Sam Beazley · 6th April 2011, 06:11 PM

that same problem happened to my Echo 350 Climbing saw and i took it back to the mower shop and got a replacement echo 350. so yes you should have got a replacement saw

newguy18 · 6th April 2011, 06:13 PM

Echo, ask a real pro, don't buy an Echo. 200t all the way.

KevinE · 6th April 2011, 08:24 PM

I read an ad on "Trading Post" today where a farm machinery store not far away was selling off floor stock Echo saws for great prices; they had a 350T listed as $399 & CS3400 at the same price (very old model for a store to be still selling), Well, I thought "why not?" I'll buy them both at that price! (unlike a lot of guys on here I REALLY LIKE ECHO) So I put the cash & phone number in my wallet & went to work. So at my 1st break I call them. They are sorry, they've sold the "run out saws" but can help me with "another" 350T on special offer for $630! WTF????? They advertise a 350T for $399, but when I call, they want $630 for the one they've got because it's not "run out stock" Of course I told them no, but hey, is that legal? I haven't posted a link in case I breach forum rules, but I have the web page saved to my PC.

Victor Lindsay · 6th April 2011, 08:46 PM

I only have an echo dealer close to me, so all my saws are echo. No problems with any of them. I've had them for years.

My dealer would have just replaced the oiler, not the saw, and i would have been happy with that.

shindaiwa had an impeller on their backpack blowers that was exploding on people, all they did was replace the impeller. Thats business. Car dealers have recalls...not car replacements.

Eric Frei · 7th April 2011, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinE

I read an ad on "Trading Post" today where a farm machinery store not far away was selling off floor stock Echo saws for great prices; they had a 350T listed as $399 & CS3400 at the same price (very old model for a store to be still selling), Well, I thought "why not?" I'll buy them both at that price! (unlike a lot of guys on here I REALLY LIKE ECHO) So I put the cash & phone number in my wallet & went to work. So at my 1st break I call them. They are sorry, they've sold the "run out saws" but can help me with "another" 350T on special offer for $630! WTF????? They advertise a 350T for $399, but when I call, they want $630 for the one they've got because it's not "run out stock" Of course I told them no, but hey, is that legal? I haven't posted a link in case I breach forum rules, but I have the web page saved to my PC.

That's called "bait and switch" advertising and is illegal. They can be fined for it now worries. They need to prove they had sufficient stock at that price and will be investigated to see how many sales they really made at that price.

Dob them in to Fair Trading.

REJ2 · 8th April 2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vl2007

I only have an echo dealer close to me, so all my saws are echo. No problems with any of them. I've had them for years.

My dealer would have just replaced the oiler, not the saw, and i would have been happy with that.

shindaiwa had an impeller on their backpack blowers that was exploding on people, all they did was replace the impeller. Thats business. Car dealers have recalls...not car replacements.

I agree completely, dealers are not giving new saws in lieu of replacing parts or assembly's.

Don't Buy Echo · 8th April 2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don't Buy Echo

I bought an Echo cs310-es 3 weeks ago. In all I've done about 4 hrs work with it. Last Saturday I had to take it back for warranty due to the bar oil tank leaking undernearth. Allpower, the suppliers of Echo have opted to repair the saw with a new tank.
I feel that the saw being less than a month old they should replace the unit not just repair it.
Personally I wouldn't recommend them at all considering their warranty process.

What does everyone think about their warranty?
Should they Repair it or Replace it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don't Buy Echo

No-one has really answered the original question of 'Do you think they should just repair it or replace it, seeing as it was only three and a half weeks old?'
In regard to a lot of the comments regarding it being cheap, it was purchased from Chesterfields Mowers not Bunnings, so I expected a little bit of quality.
The 'good' information I found was on forums not dealer websites.

Just want to make everyone aware that the issue with warranty has been resolved by the Chesterfields Mowers manager. They will have a brand new saw available for me to pick up tomorrow morning. The manager was suprised that a new saw wasn't offered in the first instance.
Thanks all for the input.

newguy18 · 9th April 2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vl2007

I only have an echo dealer close to me, so all my saws are echo. No problems with any of them. I've had them for years.

My dealer would have just replaced the oiler, not the saw, and i would have been happy with that.

shindaiwa had an impeller on their backpack blowers that was exploding on people, all they did was replace the impeller. Thats business. Car dealers have recalls...not car replacements.

I need to come visit and let you use one of my 200t's don't I?

REJ2 · 11th April 2011, 01:45 AM

Mighty ironic handle "Dont Buy Echo" for a guy getting a new replacement Echo saw. Come on Man!!!

30th March 2011, 03:16 PM	#2
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: Don't Buy Echo Yes thats not good! but if it is just a faulty oil tank then replacing it will fix the problem and the saw will be good as new and able to do the job it was bought for hopefully, if you buy things on the cheap then cheap things are what you get! im sorry but you can't complain about the quality of a cheap product when there are other manufacturers out there i.e. Stihl, Husqvana, Dolmar ect that produce these products at a far higher standard and are far less likely to break down when put to the test. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

30th March 2011, 04:22 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Don't Buy Echo Where I live the manager bought an Echo blower .... busted 3 times in a few months under warranty, been replaced twice I think. First they blamed no 2 stroke in mix and tested the fuel and got caught out, was 2 stroke in it. Then the second time they blame 10% ethanol and said not to use ethanol blend fuel. Third they blamed the type of 2 stroke oil and said not to use certain brands. But strangley my blower is 10 years old and goes hard ... Echo blower. Maybe new ones aren't built the same anymore like most the shit coming out of China. Ever notice longevity and quality going down hill lately? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

30th March 2011, 04:59 PM	#5
superfire Former Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 166	Re: Don't Buy Echo The newer equipment from Echo has become box store grade for sure. Got a older Echo 346, runs great never had on issue with it.

30th March 2011, 06:16 PM	#6
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,726	Re: Don't Buy Echo Talked with a bloke the other day who owned a large power tool import buisness,cordless drills angle grinders etc coming out of China. Aparentley GMC power tools had a 70% return/replace and went belly up for $70 million!Buyer beware cheap is oftern nasty. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

30th March 2011, 07:21 PM	#8
Don't Buy Echo Former Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 10	Re: Don't Buy Echo Well I thought I did my research, damn the internet. Every link/forum I looked at in regard to the brand had nothing but good things to say. In regard to just repairing the unit what are peoples thoughts? Should it be repaired or replaced, seeing as it is only three and a half weeks old?

30th March 2011, 12:39 PM	#1
Don't Buy Echo Former Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 10	Don't Buy Echo I bought an Echo cs310-es 3 weeks ago. In all I've done about 4 hrs work with it. Last Saturday I had to take it back for warranty due to the bar oil tank leaking undernearth. Allpower, the suppliers of Echo have opted to repair the saw with a new tank. I feel that the saw being less than a month old they should replace the unit not just repair it. Personally I wouldn't recommend them at all considering their warranty process. What does everyone think about their warranty? Should they Repair it or Replace it?

30th March 2011, 07:33 PM	#10
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Re: Don't Buy Echo My experience with cheapies you get a new unit....or as one saleswomen suggested in a roundabout way do your job and bring it back.... I think they were having a no questions asked if you were not happy with the tool... __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011 Last edited by Jeff Darby; 30th March 2011 at 07:43 PM.

31st March 2011, 05:15 AM	#11
danschweitzer Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: whitby north yorkshire england Posts: 89	Re: Don't Buy Echo Both my saws were bought on e bay 1 stihl 026 cracking saw was £142 including delivery other a ms361 which was nt even run in prob about 1 tank through it was £435 to the door came with a case and an 18" bar new chain/cover 20" bar new chain/cover cant go wrong with that one Both were well less than new price. 361 would be £800 with that lot. Both with modified egsausts and are great tools. the point being these can be chucked about and nought happens bullet proof easy to work on buy out of season ie in the summer if you have in and out of season where you live would be my tip. not to worry you went on wat you read and were unlucky.

31st March 2011, 01:55 PM	#13
Joshua Rugg Mature tree Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: maui, hawaii Posts: 285	Re: Don't Buy Echo i run an echo 360T and 330T. both are great saws. they start on the first pull and both are muffler modded and retuned. for the price they are good saws and they are built tougher then the stihl Ms192(flimsy plastic parts), thats for sure.

31st March 2011, 03:47 PM	#14
sharkey Sappling Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pennsylvania USA Posts: 38	Re: Don't Buy Echo My Echo's all run good, cant say for sure what your problem was. I have a couple pole saws, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws. Do you thjnk that if you had bought a Stihl or Husky they would have replaced the saw because the oiler was leaking? Come on...

1st April 2011, 05:43 AM	#15
KevinE Mature tree Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Adelaide SA Posts: 292	Re: Don't Buy Echo I'm happy with my Echo gear too! No complaints here.

1st April 2011, 01:52 PM	#16
gooddog Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Wisconsin Posts: 72	Re: Don't Buy Echo I bought a cheap plastic Homelite 20(14") sixteen years ago and that thing has been a great little saw for me. I love my 4 stihls, but, I have to admit that I got my money out of that cheap saw. __________________ I'll be fine if my body holds out.

1st April 2011, 04:06 PM	#17
KevinE Mature tree Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Adelaide SA Posts: 292	Re: Don't Buy Echo Don't know if I'd call the Echo stuff cheap tho. The home owner chainsaws are comparable in price to Stihl, as are pro trimmers, whips etc. Last edited by KevinE; 1st April 2011 at 04:06 PM. Reason: typo

5th April 2011, 04:05 PM	#18
APSE Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Aspen Park,Colorado Posts: 76	Re: Don't Buy Echo Shame that you got a bad one...However as it has been pointed out here a couple of times, when you buy cheap stuff that is what you get, Stihl, Husqvarna, etc. all make bottom feeder saws as well. If you did so much internet research it must have been from dealers. Because I gotta tell ya if you talked to guys that USE their saws, you would have been advised to stay away from Homeowner quality machinery. PS I'm a dealer, too. __________________ Vintage Chainsaws, Parts, Restorations, Custom Work, Special Saws on Request and Much More. Please visit our webalbum: http://picasaweb.google.com/APSELLC or our website https://apse.mybigcommerce.com/ APSE-LLC Email:apse-llc@live.com Phone:720-260-0157 Business Hours: Tuesday Through Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Rocky Mountain Time, USA If ya got sumthin' ya can't find we'd be glad to try and help ya! Brian and Tina :

5th April 2011, 11:55 PM	#19
Joshua Rugg Mature tree Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: maui, hawaii Posts: 285	Re: Don't Buy Echo hey APSE, you still got that large makita for sale? im in the market for a new saw over 60cc bar lengths 25-36.

6th April 2011, 12:39 AM	#20
APSE Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Aspen Park,Colorado Posts: 76	Re: Don't Buy Echo Hard-as Stihl, I can find out and let you know. It got sold and the guy isn't using it. Brand new DSC-9000, Muffler mod and no rev limiter, good running saw. Thanks you __________________ Vintage Chainsaws, Parts, Restorations, Custom Work, Special Saws on Request and Much More. Please visit our webalbum: http://picasaweb.google.com/APSELLC or our website https://apse.mybigcommerce.com/ APSE-LLC Email:apse-llc@live.com Phone:720-260-0157 Business Hours: Tuesday Through Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Rocky Mountain Time, USA If ya got sumthin' ya can't find we'd be glad to try and help ya! Brian and Tina :

6th April 2011, 11:45 AM	#21
Don't Buy Echo Former Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 10	Re: Don't Buy Echo No-one has really answered the original question of 'Do you think they should just repair it or replace it, seeing as it was only three and a half weeks old?' In regard to a lot of the comments regarding it being cheap, it was purchased from Chesterfields Mowers not Bunnings, so I expected a little bit of quality. The 'good' information I found was on forums not dealer websites.

6th April 2011, 06:11 PM	#22
Sam Beazley Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bulli N.S.W Posts: 105	Re: Don't Buy Echo that same problem happened to my Echo 350 Climbing saw and i took it back to the mower shop and got a replacement echo 350. so yes you should have got a replacement saw

6th April 2011, 06:13 PM	#23
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,948	Re: Don't Buy Echo Echo, ask a real pro, don't buy an Echo. 200t all the way. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

6th April 2011, 08:24 PM	#24
KevinE Mature tree Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Adelaide SA Posts: 292	Re: Don't Buy Echo I read an ad on "Trading Post" today where a farm machinery store not far away was selling off floor stock Echo saws for great prices; they had a 350T listed as $399 & CS3400 at the same price (very old model for a store to be still selling), Well, I thought "why not?" I'll buy them both at that price! (unlike a lot of guys on here I REALLY LIKE ECHO) So I put the cash & phone number in my wallet & went to work. So at my 1st break I call them. They are sorry, they've sold the "run out saws" but can help me with "another" 350T on special offer for $630! WTF????? They advertise a 350T for $399, but when I call, they want $630 for the one they've got because it's not "run out stock" Of course I told them no, but hey, is that legal? I haven't posted a link in case I breach forum rules, but I have the web page saved to my PC.

6th April 2011, 08:46 PM	#25
Victor Lindsay Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ? Posts: 441	Re: Don't Buy Echo I only have an echo dealer close to me, so all my saws are echo. No problems with any of them. I've had them for years. My dealer would have just replaced the oiler, not the saw, and i would have been happy with that. shindaiwa had an impeller on their backpack blowers that was exploding on people, all they did was replace the impeller. Thats business. Car dealers have recalls...not car replacements.

11th April 2011, 01:45 AM	#30
REJ2 Sappling Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas Posts: 28	Re: Don't Buy Echo Mighty ironic handle "Dont Buy Echo" for a guy getting a new replacement Echo saw. Come on Man!!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Echo CS 345	superfire	Chainsaws	13	29th November 2011 08:40 PM
Echo cs-1201	wrebelmachine	Chainsaws	1	27th January 2011 07:06 PM
Echo CS-6700	Gunslinger	Chainsaws	1	7th June 2009 08:38 AM
Echo Saw Chain	FARMWOOD	Chainsaws	2	18th January 2009 05:46 PM
echo cs-3450	agbtrim	Chainsaws	6	13th November 2008 12:13 PM