The Echo CS 490 vs Stihl MS 271 debate is a tough one for many homeowners. I have spent long weekends cutting storm damage and firewood with both.
I have used the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss and the Echo CS-490 side-by-side. They are both 50cc saws. But they feel very different.
Here is what I learned after running tanks of gas through both.
The First Impression
The first thing I noticed was the weight.
I grabbed the Stihl MS 271 first. It feels like a tank. It is solid and heavy. The powerhead weighs about 12.3 pounds. You feel it. It feels tough, but I knew my arms would be tired.
Then I picked up the Echo CS-490. It is light. It weighs about 10.6 pounds. That two-pound gap sounds small. But when you lift it high to trim a limb, it is huge.
- Stihl Feel: Heavy and planted.
- Echo Feel: Fast and light.
Starting Them Up
Nothing hurts more than a saw that won’t start.
The Stihl Experience: Stihl saws can be tricky. You have to know the steps.
- I set the lever to full choke.
- I pulled three times. It “burped” (fired once).
- I moved the lever to half-choke.
- One more pull, and it ran.Note: If you miss the “burp” and keep pulling, you will flood it.
The Echo Experience: The Echo felt easier.
- I pulled the choke out.
- I pulled the cord twice. It popped.
- I pushed the choke in.
- It started on the next pull.
For me, the Echo was easier to start cold.
Cutting Firewood: Echo CS 490 vs Stihl MS 271
I took both saws to a fallen oak tree. This is the real test.
The Stihl MS 271 has torque. It pulls hard in the wood. I buried the 18-inch bar in a log, and it kept spinning. The springs stop the vibration well. My hands did not tingle much.
The Echo CS-490 was different. It is not as “grunty.” I had to keep the speed high. If I pushed too hard, it slowed down. But it is so light that I could move faster.
Here is how they compare in the wood:
Power and Handling: Echo CS 490 vs Stihl MS 271
| Feature | Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss | Echo CS-490 |
| Torque | High. It powers through thick wood easily. | Medium. It likes high speed, not heavy pressure. |
| Vibration | Very Low. Great springs save your hands. | Low. Good, but you feel the wood a bit more. |
| Weight Feel | Heavy. It tires you out on long days. | Very Light. Easy to carry and toss around. |
| Best Wood | Large logs and hardwood rounds. | Limbs, brush, and medium logs. |
Maintenance and Quirks
Every tool has things that annoy you. I found a few on both.
The Stihl has a great air filter. It stays clean for a long time. But the gas caps drive me crazy. They are “tool-less” caps. If you don’t line them up perfectly, they leak gas on your pants.
The Echo has a “pro” build. It has a magnesium case. This handles heat well. But the chain it comes with is not great. It cuts slow. I swapped it for a better chain, and it cut much faster.
Here is the breakdown of the good and the bad:
Comparison Table: Maintenance & Build
| Feature | Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss | Echo CS-490 |
| Air Filter | Excellent. Keeps dust out for days. | Good. Easy to get to, but needs cleaning more. |
| Gas Caps | Frustrating. Flippy caps can be hard to close. | Simple. Standard screw caps work every time. |
| Engine Case | Plastic/Composite. Tough but standard. | Magnesium. Pro-grade metal. dissipates heat. |
| Stock Chain | Sharp. Cuts well right out of the box. | Slow. I recommend replacing it immediately. |
| Chain Tensioner | Side Access. Easy to reach with a tool. | Side Access. Simple and standard. |
My Verdict
This choice depends on your back and your budget.
Buy the Stihl MS 271 if: You want raw power. If you cut wood on the ground and don’t carry the saw far, get this. The torque is great.
Buy the Echo CS-490 if: You want value and comfort. It is lighter and has a better warranty (5 years). If you have to carry the saw in the woods, your back will thank you.
What I kept: I kept the Echo. The light weight won me over. It starts easy and gets the job done without wearing me out.
FAQs – Echo CS 490 vs Stihl MS 271
Which chainsaw is better for homeowners?
The Echo CS 490 is a top pick for home use. It is light and very easy to hold. The 5-year warranty makes it a safe bet for yard work. It fits most needs well.
Is the Stihl MS 271 heavier than the Echo?
Yes, the Stihl MS 271 is heavier. It weighs two pounds more than the Echo. You will feel the drag in your arms. The Echo is much easier to carry in the woods.
Can the Echo CS 490 cut big trees?
The Echo CS 490 cuts wood well, but it works best on limbs. It is a great saw for storm clean up. For thick logs, the Stihl MS 271 has a bit more torque.
Which chainsaw has a better warranty?
Echo wins this spot. They give a full 5-year warranty. Stihl gives you just one year. Echo covers you for a long time. This adds great value to your purchase.
Is the Stihl MS 271 hard to start?
The Stihl MS 271 can be tricky. You must set the choke right or it might flood. The Echo CS 490 is easier to pull. It starts up fast with much less fuss.