Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 261: Best Honest Review

It was a cold Saturday morning. I could see my breath in the air. A large oak tree lay on the ground, waiting to be cut.

I stood there with two orange saws on my truck gate. On the left was the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. On the right was the Stihl MS 261 C-M.

I have used both saws a lot. I know how hard it is to pick one. They are both great tools. But they act very differently.

Here is my honest look at how they compare.

Muscle vs Speed

The first thing I felt was the weight.

I picked up the Echo CS-590. It felt like a tank. It was heavy and wide. It felt like a tool built for hard work.

Then I grabbed the Stihl MS 261. It felt light. It was slim. It was so light, I smiled.

This is the main difference. One is a brute. The other is a racer.

My Time with the Echo CS-590

I bought the Echo for one reason. I needed power for cheap. I had big logs. I did not want to spend a lot of cash.

What I Liked

• The Power: It pulls hard. I pushed the 20-inch bar into the wood. The saw did not stop. The 60cc engine is strong.
• The Cost: It costs much less than the Stihl. It is a great deal.
• Easy Start: It has a button to help you pull the cord. It starts fast once it is warm.

What I Did Not Like

• The Weight: I cut wood for an hour. My arms got tired. The saw is heavy. It weighs over 13 pounds.
• Cold Starts: It was cold out. It took time to warm up. You have to learn how to choke it right.

My Time with the Stihl MS 261

I switched to the Stihl MS 261 later. This is a “pro” saw. You can tell right away.

What I Liked

• The Speed: This saw is fast. It revs up quick. It cuts limbs like butter. It makes the job fun.
• Smart Tech: This saw has a brain. It is called M-Tronic. It tunes itself. I did not have to touch a screw. It ran great in the cold air.
• Easy on Me: It is very light. It weighs less than 11 pounds. I could carry it all day. My back did not hurt.

What I Did Not Like

• The Price: It costs a lot. You pay for the light weight.
• Short Bar: It likes a short bar. A 16-inch or 18-inch bar is best. It can run a 20-inch bar, but it feels a bit odd.

It is always a good day when you have wood to cut. I have spent many weekends turning old logs into fuel for my stove. Choosing the right tool for the job is a big step for any homeowner.

Details Comparison: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

This choice comes down to raw power versus speed. The Echo is a big saw that loves heavy work, while the Stihl is light and fast. I found the right pick depends on the size of the trees you cut the most.

I recall a long day cutting a huge oak tree after a storm. I used the Echo for the thick trunk because its weight helped it dig in. Later, I grabbed the Stihl for the limbs, and my arms felt great. You can feel the change in weight as soon as you pick them up.

Cutting Speed: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

The Stihl is built for speed and revs up fast. It cuts through limbs and small logs with ease. I love using it to clean up tree tops because it is so snappy.

The Echo is slower but has deep strength. It keeps pulling even when the bar is buried in hard wood. You can lean on it hard without the motor stopping.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 10/10

Blade Quality: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

The Echo comes with a 20-inch bar that is tough but heavy. The chain is good for farm use and stays sharp for a while. It handles dirty bark well enough for most yard jobs.

Stihl makes their own bars, and they are very light. The bar on the MS 261 is stiff and helps you cut straight lines. The chain holds an edge for a long time, even in dry wood.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9.5/10

Motor Strength: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

The Echo has a big engine that gives a lot of power for the price. It uses a simple carb that needs time to warm up on cold days. Once it is warm, it pulls like a much bigger saw.

The Stihl has a smart chip that tunes the engine for you. It runs perfect in any weather, hot or cold. The motor is smaller, but it works very hard and fast.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9.5/10

Weight Balance: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

The Echo weighs over 13 pounds and feels big in your hands. It is fine for logs on the ground, but it gets heavy fast. I felt tired after carrying it for just one hour.

The Stihl is very light and easy to hold. I can run this saw all day and not feel sore. It is easy to move around in tight spots or over your head.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 7/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 10/10

Safety Features: Echo CS 590 vs Stihl MS 261

Both saws have good brakes to stop the chain if it kicks back. The Echo has a plastic guard that works well and is easy to reset. It feels strong enough to keep your hand safe.

The Stihl has nuts that stay on the cover so you do not lose them. The smooth body does not snag on brush while you work. It feels very safe and well made in your hands.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8.5/10 | Stihl MS 261 – 9.5/10

FAQs – Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 261