Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291: The “Big Brother” Battle

After I tested the smaller Stihl MS 271, a lot of people told me I was unfair. They said, “You should have compared the Echo to the Stihl MS 291.”

They were right. The MS 291 is the bigger, stronger brother. It is Stihl’s top “Farm Boss” style saw before you spend big money on the pro models.

So, I got my hands on an MS 291 to see if it could finally take down the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf.

I took both saws out to clear a fence line that was buried under fallen maple trees. Here is what happened.

The Gap Got Smaller, But It Remains

The first thing I checked was the engine spec.

• The Stihl MS 291 is a 55.5 cc saw.
• The Echo CS-590 is a 60 cc saw.

The gap is smaller now (only about 4cc difference), but the Echo is still the bigger dog. The crazy part? The bigger Echo usually costs less than the Stihl MS 291.

My Time with the Stihl MS 291

I picked up the Stihl first. It looks exactly like the smaller MS 271.

• The Feel: It is light for its power (12.3 lbs). It feels balanced and agile.
• The Cut: I cut through a 14-inch log. It was fast. Much faster than the 271. The extra power is real. It felt snappy and responsive.
• The Limit: I buried the 20-inch bar in a thick knot. The saw slowed down. It did not stop, but I could feel the engine working very hard.

It is a fantastic saw. It is smooth, starts easy, and your arms won’t hurt after using it all day.

My Time with the Echo CS-590

Then I switched to the Timber Wolf.

• The Feel: Immediately, I felt the extra weight. It is about a pound heavier. It feels wide and bulky compared to the slim Stihl.
• The Cut: I went for the same big logs. I pushed down. The Echo just grunted and kept spinning.
• The Torque: This is where the 60cc engine shines. It has more torque. It pulls the chain through the wood with less effort from me.

The Echo does not care if the wood is hard or soft. It just eats.

The “Pro” Difference

Here is the thing that really separates them. It is not just power. It is how they are built.

The Echo CS-590 has a magnesium crankcase. This is a “Pro” feature. It handles heat better and is easier to rebuild.

The Stihl MS 291 still uses a plastic (polymer) clamshell design. It is tough, but it is technically a homeowner design.

So, with the Echo, you get a Pro-style engine build. With the Stihl, you get a very powerful homeowner saw.

Details Comparison: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

I used both saws to clean up my back lot on a cold day. The wood was wet and heavy, which is a great test for any tool. I swapped between the orange Stihl and gray Echo often to feel the difference. One saw is built for power while the other is made for comfort.

Cutting Speed: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

I saw how fast the Echo cuts right away. It went through a big log without stopping or slowing down. The Stihl is fast too but takes a bit longer. It feels a little more polite in the cut.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 8/10

Motor Strength: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

You feel the power when you push hard on oak. The Echo growls and keeps spinning even when I lean on it. The Stihl has good power for firewood. But it likes a lighter touch to keep moving fast.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 10/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 8/10

Build Quality: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

I cleaned the saws on my bench to look at the parts. The Echo has a metal case that feels very tough and cold. The Stihl uses plastic to keep it light. It is strong but feels different in your hands.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 7/10

Weight Balance: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

My back felt tired after I held the Echo for an hour. It is wide and feels heavy in my hands. The Stihl is thin and lighter. It is easier to toss around in the brush.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 6/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 9/10

Cold Start: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

Both saws sat in the cold garage all night long. The Echo has a button to make the pull easy on your arm. The Stihl does not have the button. But it started up smooth on the third pull.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 8/10

Bar & Chain Options: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291

I put a long bar on both saws to test them. The Echo felt great with the long reach and balance. The Stihl felt heavy in the front. It works better with a shorter bar.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 291 – 7/10

FAQs – Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 291