Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311: 3 Shocking Facts

After I compared the Echo to the smaller Stihl saws, a few of you asked about the Stihl MS 311.

This is a good question. The MS 311 is Stihl’s “step up” saw. It is the big brother in the Farm Boss line. It is for people who think the MS 291 is just too small.

So, I put the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf up against the Stihl MS 311.

Both of these are 60cc class saws. They are made to cut down trees. I took them out to cut up a large maple tree that fell on my land.

Here is the truth about what I found.

The Weight Problem

I have to start here. It was the first thing I felt.

• The Echo CS-590 weighs about 13.2 lbs.
• The Stihl MS 311 weighs about 14.1 lbs.

That might not sound like much. But when you carry it in the woods, it matters. That extra pound feels like a brick after an hour. The MS 311 feels very heavy for its size.

My Time with the Stihl MS 311

I started the Stihl first.

• The Feel: It feels solid. It acts like a tank. But it also feels wide and heavy.
• The Cut: I put the bar into an 18-inch log. The power is good. It pulls hard. It has plenty of muscle. It felt very smooth in the cut.
• The Parts: It has a great air filter. It keeps the dust out well.

It is a good saw. But it felt like I worked harder just to hold it up.

My Time with the Echo CS-590

Then I switched to the Timber Wolf.

• The Feel: It felt lighter right away. It was easier to move around.
• The Build: This is the big secret. The Echo has a magnesium case. The Stihl MS 311 uses a plastic body.
• The Cut: I went back to the same log. The Echo roared through it. It has high torque. It never stopped or slowed down.

I felt like I had a “Pro” tool with the Echo. The Stihl felt like a very heavy home tool.

Details Comparison: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

I took these two big saws to the woods to cut up a fallen maple tree. It was a cold day and the wood was wet, which is a hard test for any tool. I switched between the orange Stihl and the gray Echo often to feel the weight and power. It was clear that one saw is built for speed while the other is made for heavy duty work.

Cutting Speed: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

The Echo cuts very fast when you push it into the wood. I buried the bar deep in a log and it did not stop or slow down at all. The Stihl is also fast but it takes a little more time to finish the same big cut.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 311 – 8/10

Blade Quality: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

Stihl makes their own chains and they stay sharp for a long time. The chain on the Stihl cut well even after I hit some dirty bark near the mud. The Echo bar is strong but the chain it came with got loose and needed help sooner.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 311 – 10/10

Motor Strength: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

You can feel the deep power of the Echo when you cut hard oak. It has a strong pull and does not quit even when the wood is full of knots. The Stihl engine is good but it feels like it has less raw force when you lean on it.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 10/10 | Stihl MS 311 – 8/10

Weight Balance: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

The weight difference was huge when I had to lift the saws up high. The Stihl feels very heavy and wide which made my arms tired after just one hour. The Echo is lighter and thin so it is much easier to carry through the thick brush.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 311 – 6/10

Safety Features: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311

Both saws have a brake that stops the chain if it kicks back at you. The guard on the Stihl feels very stiff and clicks loud so you know it is safe. The Echo brake works fine but the plastic handle feels a bit soft compared to the solid Stihl part.

Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 311 – 9/10

FAQs – Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 311