Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw Review | 20″ Gas Chainsaw. Timber wolf chainsaw

Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw Review | 20″ Gas Chainsaw

The Echo CS-590 started production in 2013, while the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf started in 2014. The Timber Wolf won the won the Dealers Choice Award from Power Equipment Trade magazine. That’s fairly prestigious considering over 1,000 lawn and garden power equipment dealers participated in the survey. At the very least, we have to recognize that this is an impressive chainsaw that customers love.

Over the last couple of years, the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf has proven itself to be dependable, well-made, and a strong value considering its price point. In this article I will review it alongside a couple of the gas chainsaws it competes with to see how it compares.

Depending on your garden, a chainsaw may be a legitimate basic necessity. I guess you could post an ad on Craigslist or call a professional every time you needed help, but these days many folks are deciding to do basic chainsaw work themselves. There are a few reasons for this…

• It’s hard to find good, cost-effective help as a homeowner (even professional services) that you can trust
• The new technology you can find in chainsaws make them safer and more usable to practically anyone, regardless of their skill level

With the right saw, pretty much all of us should be able to take down small trees, trim nuisance branches, and perform many other tasks as the need arises. This is why models like the Echo CS-590 are getting so much attention. But as you’ve heard, you get what you pay for (hopefully), so don’t just indiscriminately buy any junky chainsaw you see.

Battle Between Gas And Electric Chainsaws

I’m sure you’ve noticed, this Echo is gas-powered. As I’ve said in other reviews here on ChainsawsToday, electric chainsaws do have their benefits. Unfortunately, they have a few trade-offs too. Be careful who you listen to if they advise you that cordless models are THE solution to every homeowner.

The answer to this question is: it depends. It boils down to the specific needs of your home and garden, and your specific preferences. Yes, sometimes a battery chainsaw will make the most sense. But sometimes a gas-powered saw will be the right choice. We should go through these trade-offs to see what the right choice is for you.

Several Quality 20″ Gas-Powered Chainsaws

If you’re primarily interested in gas chainsaws, we are going to look at a few high-quality 20 inch models today. Each one is a bit different and it will give you a couple of options to choose from. Here are the top chainsaws you’ll get to read about:

Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf

✓ Here you can view or download Echo’s sell sheet. ✓ Here you can view or download Echo’s MANUAL. ✓ Here you’ll find a press release from Echo about this saw. ✓ Here you’ll find a press release about the Timber Wolf winning the Dealers Choice Award!

Overview : Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf

Professional-Grade Engine

You can have a bar and chain made out of magic pixie dust, but all the power required to cut comes from the engine. You won’t be disappointed when you grab the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf chainsaw and give it full throttle. It’s quite capable of cutting through anything you throw at it.

There’s a deliberate feature behind this – a high-quality 59.8 cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine. This allows it to deliver fantastic performance, including a runtime that beats any battery saw due to its fuel tank capacity of 21.8 ounces.

As any pro will tell you, a dry chainsaw is going to give you nothing but a headache. It certainly won’t cut anything, at least not for long. You definitely want to choose one that has a self-lubricating system. That will greatly extend the life of the chain, meaning you cut for longer with less effort. The “old school” saws that require you to stop and manually oil them every so often are a real pain.

Echo’s CS-590 Timber Wolf self-oiling system is actually quite sophisticated. It uses a clutch-driven oiler (that’s adjustable) to manage the process. That means it won’t waste oil, and run out at just the wrong moment.

I realize it’s a small thing, but I want to mention the translucent fuel tank Echo has put on this saw. It’s supremely annoying when your chainsaw runs out of fuel right in the middle of a job. And of course nobody wants to needlessly pop open the fuel cap to peek inside. That’s actually a really common way of getting junk into the fuel and gumming up the carb.

Echo fixed this issue by making the tank translucent on their CS-590. That makes it much easier to keep an eye on the fuel available, reducing both the hassle and the chances you’ll run out.

Maybe ten years from now, all chainsaws will have a magic start button! Until then, we’ll have to pull on a cord to get it started, and we can count on the team of Smart folks at Echo to make that a breeze.

They did this by designing it with a decompression valve. This will help you get the saw started on your first or second attempt. No more yanking your arm off! An it’s nice that the technology works regardless of temperature, so it helps you start it even on cold Fall/Winter days.

The Air Filter Is Awesome

As I mentioned before, even if a chainsaw runs great right out of the box, if it’s temperamental or requires a ton of maintenance, it won’t be long before it has a problem. The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf avoids this with a couple of cool tricks. One of the most common-sense features is that it’s so easy to get to the air filter.

And once you open the panel to get to it, you can clean it within mere seconds. The way they’ve designed their G-Force engine air pre-cleaner, it effectively blows out any debris, which significantly reduces the amount of times needed to perform filter maintenance over the saw’s lifetime.

Metal Bucking Spikes For Performance and Peace of Mind

Pro Tip:

You’ve heard the phrase “sht happens”. If you cut enough wood, you will eventually run into a situation where the chainsaw kicks back. As you graduate to a 20 inch bar, that can become more frequent. You’ve heard me talk about comfort before, but what’s even more important is absolute, complete control.

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf manages kickback with some pretty beefy metal bucking spikes. These help to keep the bar from slipping, especially if/when you get into a situation where the chain gets bound up and the saw wants to kick.

Echo’s website has more info about some of their products.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher (Echo’s Competitor)

• 20″ long bar
• 55.5 cc 2-stroke gas powered engine (CARB compliant)
• Their X-torq engine technology reduces fuel consumption up to 20-percent and emissions up to 60-percent
• Low vibration handle and chassis system
• Engine technology for easy starting and reduced risk of engine flooding
• Easy access air filter for cleaning and replacement
• Centrifugal air cleaning system blows large particles and dust away from air filter (reducing air filter cleaning and improved engine life)

Overview: Husqvarna 455 Rancher

X-Torque Engine Technology

With its 55.5 cc 2-stroke engine, the 455 Rancher is plenty capable of performing in a heavy-duty capacity. And you’ll probably come to appreciate the X-torq technology too.

Saws don’t exactly come with catalytic converters. Their exhaust can be pretty “dirty” for the environment. The 455 Rancher has technology that can allow it to decrease emissions by up to 60 percent. This also impacts fuel consumption by reducing it up to 20 percent. Thankfully, that can also result in substantially increased runtimes, all with a normal-sized fuel tank rather than straining your arms with a ton of heavy fuel.

Like the Echo CS-590 saw, this offering from Husqvarna is equipped with bucking spikes. Thankfully, the 455 Rancher also has low-vibe technology that will reduce your hand and arm fatigue.

Those ergonomic improvements become apparent quickly once you start using this saw. When your chainsaw vibrates less, it’s easier to control and requires less effort. If you are using it for long periods, that means much less fatigue and probably more efficiency and productivity.

Nice Built-In Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner

I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but please PLEASE make sure you buy a saw with a chain tensioner. The chain needs to maintain proper tension to be durable, and work both effectively and safely. If it gets too loose, your cutting speed will drop off significantly. You have to make sure the chain tension is set properly as a part of it’s normal operation.

Different brands and models address this differently. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher requires chain tension be set (and maintained) manually. Compared to auto systems out there, it may sound burdensome, but don’t be intimidated. It is not as difficult as it sounds. Husqvarna’s side-mounted chain tensioner provides easy access for this task.

Centrifugal Air Cleaning System

We all want a durable engine. Something that is low-maintenance is a real bonus too. If it lasts a long time, but you have to babysit it and tinker with it all the time, that’s probably not ideal. In a dirty, chainsaw environment, the air filter can get clogged quickly, shutting down your fun early. This saw’s centrifugal air cleaning system helps to limit this nuisance task.

This air system limits or removes large pieces of debris and dust before they can get to the filter and clog it. This clever design makes perfect sense once you see how simple and effective it is. And their adjustable oil pump also minimizes the amount of maintenance you have to do on your chain.

Note: If you need more size and power, you can always check out the Husqvarna 460 Rancher (24″ — 60.3cc)

Chain Brake For Added Safety

Eventually I’ll get around to posting a guide on chainsaw safety. Hopefully you are a responsible adult, and you will wear appropriate safety gear. Picture a chainsaw turning 9,050 RPM, and you hit a knot or a snag, and it kicks back at your face. Forget stitches, you may not live to get yourself to the hospital.

Chainsaws aren’t toys, and when it comes to your safety, you are going to obviously want multiple safeguards. The 455 Rancher has a pretty trick inertia activated chain brake. If the saw kicks back, the system is designed to stop the chain as quickly as possible.

Hopefully we can operate saws in a way that doesn’t test the chain brake device too often. But it’s always good to have that feature there if you need it.

It Was Designed For Increased Comfort

Even if you use the Husqvarna for a few hours at a time, or I guess I should say especially when you do that, you’ll notice it has been designed with maximum ergonomics and comfort in mind. The front handle in particular feels like it was designed to be easier to hold and to maximize the control you’re able to wield over the chainsaw.

The fact that this thing only weighs 12.8 lbs makes a big difference too. This is something that is readily apparent when you pick it up in comparison to heavier saws. You sort of get used to it after awhile, almost spoiled by it. For a 20 inch gas-powered saw, this is close to being industry-best.

And don’t forget the guys at Husqvarna designed it to be easy to start, too. They call their technology SmartStart. At least when I was using it, one light pull and this beast was roaring and ready to cut. It was warm out when I was testing this saw, so I can’t speak to its startability in cold weather, but I was impressed by what I experienced.

Makita DCS6421RFG

Professional 20-inch, 64cc, Gas-Powered Chainsaw

• Easy-starting automatic half throttle lock
• Chain compartment is easy to clean and clears chips away efficiently
• Slide out baffle can be configured for efficient cold weather operation
• Large metal spike bar for increased productivity
• Two-point durable inertia/mechanical chain brake
• Decompression valve reduces force required for starting
• High power-to-weight ratio: weighs only 13.9 lbs. (with chain)
• Maximum engine speed of 13,500 RPM
• Lateral chain tensioning for quick and convenient chain adjustment
• Advanced vibration dampening system engineered to reduce vibration

✓ Here you can download the MANUAL or the SPARE PARTS LIST for the Makita DCS6421RFG.

Overview: Makita DCS6421RFG

Great Power To Weight Ratio

Power is great, but if you break your back and wear out your forearms trying to control it, it’s not going to be helpful. It’s semi-easy for manufacturers to add power to their engines, but it usually drives up the weight. I don’t know who the braniac is that designed it, but the Makita DCS6421RFG seems to have almost the ideal power to weight ratio.

It has a 64cc engine putting out 4.7 HP when operated at its maximum of 13,500 RPM. And get this: it only weighs 13.9 lbs! That’s not quite supersaw territory, but it’s very respectable in the company of the Echo and the Husqvarna.

Slide Out Baffle For Improved Cold Weather Performance

The two most common complaints about saws is:

Makita tried to nip the hard to start issue in the bud with its slide out baffle. This really only helps in cold weather. I didn’t get the opportunity to try it, since it was around 75F when I was doing this comparison test. But obviously, if you live in the North and tend to do most of your cutting in cold temps, you may want to give the Makita a close look.

The DCS6421RFG also has a decompression valve to reduce the amount of force required to get it running. These two features show that Makita is listening to their customers, and trying to design in what we most want and use.

Easy to Clean Chain Compartment

I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know: cutting wood with a chainsaw is dirty business. Yep, it makes a mess. Some kind of magical feature that would take all the sawdust and make it magically disappear, or get dumped into a tidy bag, would be great. But… let’s not hold our breath.

In fact, depending on how often you use your chainsaw and in what type of environment, you are probably going to have to clean it often if you want it to keep working properly. Us lumberjack types usually don’t enjoy cleaning stuff.

Depending on what chainsaw you use, cleaning it can actually be a hassle. Makita designed the DCS6421RFG so that the chain compartment is very easy to access. Brushing out debris, or using compressed air to blow it out, couldn’t be more simple.

With many higher-end, gas-powered saws, they have so much power that it’s surprising how capable they are with heavy-duty, near professional tasks. Long bars and hearty engines (along with a few cool features) can accomplish that. But I always want to be careful to pick one that isn’t temperamental, or will lock up an engine on me after only a year’s use. I want something designed to last many seasons.

Makita has a reputation for building tough engines. This model has a magnesium housing that looks tough as nails. the knobs and controls on this thing seem beefy, and I’m satisfied they built it to last.

Vibration Dampening System

Makita calls it LowVib, and they market it as a special feature that enables you to use the chainsaw near it’s maximum performance limit for hours on end while minimizing fatigue. Basically anything that’s capable of running at 13,500 RPM will shake itself (and you) to death if it doesn’t dampen vibration.

The DCS6421RFG has a lateral chain tensioning system that allows you to adjust the chain. Proper chain tension will be critical to minimizing vibration. Between these two features, Makita scores well on the vibration scale.

Hefty Metal Spike Bar For Improved Productivity

Power and weight and cool features are great. But if you use a chainsaw with any regularity, you may often wonder about productivity. How fast can I get the job done with a given saw?

As I’ve said before, a large metal spike bar improves stability, helping to keep you safe and often making the job at hand feel easier to accomplish. Basically, spikes like this mean control. When you’re in control of that bar, you’re working safely and productively. You don’t want to feel like the chainsaw is moving you around (instead of vice-versa). I have to give them credit, the bucking spikes on the Makita DCS6421RFG are bigger than on models like the Echo CS-590.

Click for the Makita site to learn more about this chainsaw and their extensive line of tools and power equipment.

The 20″ Echo CS-590 Will Cut Through The Toughest Wood Although we covered 2 other choices here, if you are looking for a gas-powered chainsaw the Echo CS-590 is the perfect choice. Obviously, there are a few other options available to you. If you don’t think battery saws will do what you need, these gas saws are all three ideal.

Given the great features on each saw, you may have a hard time coming to a final decision. I’ve tried to lay this review out in a fashion that will help you. Don’t be shy, you can always take a look on Amazon and read the reviews from some of the customers.

I will mention though, that sometimes Amazon reviews tend to be negatively biased. Think about it – are you more likely to go online and post a review if you feel like you got your money’s worth, or if there was some kind of problem with your new saw. Echo, Makita, and Husqvarna all make great saws.

Advantages : Gas-Powered Chainsaws With all the hoopla around battery saws, it’s probably tempting to look at a gas chainsaw like the Echo CS-590 and think it’s an old dinosaur. But as you could see from some of the details above, this saw has a lot of cool features and relatively new technology. Among many of the top reasons to purchase an Echo CS-590, the fact that it’s gas is a big one. Let’s discuss that for a minute…

Gas Saws Typically Offer Power

Battery technology keeps improving. If you used a saw “back in the day” when they used NiMH batteries, you know that lithium ion is drastically better. And they keep improving the chemistry and performance of Li-Ion as well. Within a few years, cars, motorcycles, planes, and certainly outdoor power equipment will all move to battery.

Having said that, the gas-powered chainsaws are still more powerful than battery these days. It’s possible to buy a big enough battery chainsaw that it can match, on the short-term, the power of a gas saw, but runtime will be significantly reduced.

Power isn’t at the top of everyone’s list. But if power is what you’re after, you really need to FOCUS on finding the right gas saw, as the benefits of battery are in other areas.

You Can Take Them Anywhere

Mobility or portability is probably worst with corded chainsaws. Battery chainsaws are much improved, but it’s hard to beat a gas saw. All battery saws will come with a unique charger. If you don’t have the charger with you, you’re out of luck. Add to that the fact that sometimes when you’re out in the “south forty”, you don’t have access to an outlet to plug in a charger.

A gas saw of course won’t run forever. Once the tank is exhausted, it’s a simple matter to pour some more gasoline in. Some would argue that a gas station isn’t any more accessible than an outlet if you’re out in the forest somewhere. But for a few dollars, you can have a gas can and several gallosn of spare gas. Have a spare battery is much more expensive.

Poulan PRO PR5020 | Homeowner Gas Chainsaw

You Typically Get a Longer Bar

It stands to reason, since battery saws can be “power challenged”, that smaller tools will be the first and most applicable to convert from gas to electric. Battery-powered chainsaws can be expensive, so for the same money as a gas-powered saw, you’re probably going to get something that is a bit smaller.

The longer the bar, the longer the chain. And the longer the chain, the more power it will take to run the saw. It’s not that you can’t get a “long” or big battery-powered chainsaw, you just tend to get a shorter bar for your money.

As chainsaw bar lengths reach 20 inches, the saws typically are gas-powered. That makes it nice when wielding the saw against thick tree trunks or big branches. The longer bars can help increase your reach without making you stretch or get out of balance.

Newer Models Are Easy to Start

Just as battery technology has evolved, so have gas-powered saws. The “old school” tech that forced you to wrench your arm off over and over trying to get a saw started is, for the most part, gone.

Manufacturers like Echo these days do a good job using decompression valves to reduce the pull effort involved in starting their engines. They are also spending extensive time doing research and development on carburetor settings that make the saws start faster than ever.

Winterization of gas saws can be important. You don’t want to leave gasoline in them for long periods of dormant time, because it can cause numerous corrosion problems and make them hard to start.

Disadvantages : Gas-Powered Chainsaws We’ve covered some of the awesome features that high-end gas-powered models like the Echo CS-590 offer, but are there negatives? Like any handheld power tool, they do have disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at the big ones and evaluate whether they’re as bad as reported.

Heavier Than Electric Models

If you pay attention to the specs, you’ll see that gas models tend to be heavier than their battery equivalents. Yes, there are numerous exceptions. And high-end models like the CS-590 do tend to use more expensive tech (like magnesium castings) to reduce their weight.

This is just a part of the selection process. If you are slight of build, or worried about handling a saw that is a pound or two heavier, make sure you prioritize that while you’re shopping. Be sure to avoid any saw that doesn’t forthrightly publish its weight.

For all their benefits, gas saws will always be louder than battery saws. Wow, you’ve heard a gas saw screaming along at 13,500 RPM, right?? It takes a specially tuned motor to make this kind of power at this kind of RPM and chain speed.

Electric saws are not completely silent, but they are orders of magnitude more quiet than gas. A part of your safety equipment should include hearing protection, regardless of which saw you choose. The noise factor may or may not be important to you. If you are going to use it at 6:15 AM right next to your neighbor’s bedroom window, you may want to prioritize accordingly!

Getting Them Started Can Be a Pain

As I mentioned above, manufacturers like Echo and Husqvarna have taken to heart many of the complaints and requests from customers, and they’ve made their saws much easier to start. But seriously, how much easier could it be than a battery-powered saw? Click the battery in, hit the button, and go!

So this is all relative. Because if its feature set, the Echo CS-590 is easier to start than many gas saws. But when compared to a battery saw, anything that runs off a spark plug and gasoline is going to lose the competition on this front.

Require Maintenance Work

Other than keeping the chain lubed and sharpened and tensioned, you really don’t have to do much maintenance for an electric saw. And that’s something you’ll have to keep up with for any saw.

When it comes to gas saws, in addition to the chain items mentioned above, you should plan on

Taking the saw to a shop where a mechanic can give it a tune-up once a year may be plenty. And looking at the list, you may find you can do all that on your own anyway. Modern saws are a lot less finicky than they used to be.

Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 Chainsaw Review

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf has found a sweet spot between simple functionality, intelligent design, and outstanding value. Users will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of this commercial level chainsaw.

When I was asked to review the Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 chainsaw as a heavy-duty saw, I’ll admit that I was a bit skeptical. I am used to some of the other big name commercial saws and Echo just is not a brand that is traditionally mentioned in that mix. As I began to take a close look at this chainsaw however, I went from being pleasantly surprised by the quality to flat out impressed with the intelligence of the design.

The first thing that I noticed when I picked up this saw was that there is actually some weight to it. It’s much lighter than the Echo CS-400 chainsaw I also have on-hand which I use for light-duty projects. Often consumer brands create a light weight saw that feels nimble enough for the average person to use around the home, but the lack of weight transfers all the workload to the arms of the user. A well-weighted saw like this one balances that weight to work with the user.

Editor’s Note: Check out our 36V cordless chainsaw shootout article for a look at what cordless chainsaws can accomplish.

Features Design

As I took a closer look at the Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 chainsaw it became very clear to me that someone actually talked to chainsaw users and used what they found to design the saw. I have seen many companies try to break into the commercial side of the industry and try to add something that the other companies don’t have. Most of the time, the addition is either unnecessary or actually detrimental to the tool. Echo avoided that mistake and while there isn’t really a feature that makes it stand out from the other major commercial brands, they did do a great job with some small things that make a difference.

A great example of the intelligent simplicity is the filter access. Simply unscrew a single nut on the back, which is affixed so you can’t lose it, and there’s the filter. There’s nothing else to unscrew, just take the filter off, clean or replace it, tighten the nut, and you’re good to go. Instead of using a nylon rope to keep the fuel and oil caps from going anywhere, Echo attached it with plastic. That may seem minor, but there isn’t a nylon cord I’ve owned that has outlived the tool’s usefulness. The plastic, on the other hand won’t fray and get cut over time like that nylon cord.

On most chainsaws, if you look underneath, you’ll notice a plastic chain stay that helps keep the chain from vibrating off during use. Taking the bar off will reveal that piece is actually two plates and helps to direct the oil to the chain where it needs to go. Being made of plastic and living next to a fast moving, sharpened chain means that it gets nicked, cut, and eventually loses the specific design it originally had. Engineers of the Timber Wolf designed these plates to be metal, and it will last much longer while still maintaining the design intent.

Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 Chainsaw Testing

We tested the Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 chainsaw on a couple of stumps we needed removed before using it to tear down a pole barn. It started extremely easily and without hesitation. You’d certainly hope that would be the case with a new saw, but it has been just as easy every time we’ve started it since.

We needed the Echo to make cuts into the beams while we, in true redneck style, gently pulled on the pole barn with a heavy duty rope attached to an F-250 to direct the fall of the structure. The 59.8 cc motor made quick work of the beams, cutting smoothly with an ease that I honestly didn’t expect to experience. There was more than enough torque and no kickback whatsoever. As I mentioned before, the balance and weight worked with me rather than against me or forcing my arms into delivering most of the effort in making each cut. One by one, we cut each structural beam until we got a satisfying groan as the building gave way to gravity and an F-250.

Realistically, the Echo CS-590 can more than hold its own against my other chainsaws that I use for heavy duty work. than once, I had to remind myself that I was holding an Echo saw and not my beloved STIHL.

Conclusion

Despite my initial skepticism, I am thoroughly impressed with the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. While it doesn’t stand out over and above other commercial chainsaws, it should absolutely be included in a performance discussion with them. If I could wrap it up with a single statement, it would be that this chainsaw just works, and I mean that as a compliment.

The intelligence and obvious attention to functionality in its design reminds me of the Echo tools I bought 20 years ago, which are still running. The simplicity of the design ensures that any parts that do break are easily replaced, though it appears that it will be quite some time before that happens.

The bottom line for me is that if Echo continues to produce this kind of quality in its power tools, I’m going to buy them. At an MSRP of 399, this saw keeps up with others that I have paid almost twice that amount for, so it gets excellent marks for value as well. I would recommend the Timber Wolf without hesitation and encourage you to give it some serious consideration if you’re looking for a commercial level chainsaw to add to your tool shed.

Echo Timber Wolf CS-590 Chainsaw Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 59.8 cc
• Fuel Capacity: 21.8 fl. ounces
• Oil Capacity: 10.1 fl. ounces
• Dry Weight (without bar and chain): 13.3 pounds
• Bar Length Options: 18 or 20 inches
• Oiling System: Auto/Adjustable/Clutch Driven
• Warranty: 1 year commercial/5 year consumer
• MSRP: 399

Review : Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw | vs Other 20″ Chainsaws

The Echo CS-590 was released in 2013 and in 2014 the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf chainsaw won the Dealers Choice Award from Power Equipment Trade magazine — over 1,000 lawn and garden power equipment dealers participated in the survey. Have no doubt, this is an impressive chainsaws that customers love, even in 2023, but the truth is, you can get a much better chainsaw for less money today.

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf has proven itself to be dependable, well-made and worth the money. In this article we review it alongside a couple other gas chainsaws to see how it compares.

It’s impossible to carry out some tasks in your garden unless you own a chainsaw. You could call in a professional, but these days average people are deciding to do the work themselves. It’s partly down to new technology inside chainsaws making them accessible to anyone.

Everyone should be able to cut down small trees, trim dangerous branches, and perform many other tasks when the need arises. It’s obvious why models like the Echo CS-590 are getting so much attention. You just need to be careful you don’t buy any old chainsaw you see.

Battle Between Gas And Electric Chainsaws

First of all, electric chainsaws do have their benefits. Unfortunately, they have a lot of downsides too. It’s why you shouldn’t trust anyone when they say corded or cordless models are the best choice for homeowners with a small garden.

It will always come down to the specific needs of each individual. Sometimes gas-powered chainsaws will be the obvious choice, which has to do with all their main advantages. We’ll take a look at them so you’ll know if they’re the right choice for you.

A Selection Of Quality 20″ Gas-Powered Chainsaws

If you’re still interested in gas chainsaws we’re going to look at a few quality 20 inch models today. Each one is slightly different and it will give you a couple of options to choose from. Here are the top features you’ll get to enjoy:

Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Review

Overview | Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf

Comes With A Professional-Grade Engine

You can have an excellent bar and chain, but all the power comes from your engine. You won’t be left disappointed when you pick up the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf chainsaw. It’s capable of cutting through anything you throw at it.

This is because it’s loaded with a quality 59.8cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine. It delivers an unbelievable performance, which includes the runtime. The fuel tank has a maximum capacity of 21.8 ounces.

It Won’t End Up Wasting Lots Of Oil

A dry chainsaw is never going to cut through anything, so you want one with the ability to lubricate itself. It will extend the longevity of your chain while making life a little less annoying.

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf takes things up to an even higher level. It has an adjustable clutch-driven oiler, so you’ll reap the self-lubricating benefits while saving extra oil at the same time.

A Translucent Fuel Tank Helps You Out

You don’t want your chainsaw to start running out of steam when you’re in the middle of a job. There isn’t usually much you can do when it’s impossible to tell how much fuel you have left in the tank.

Echo decided they would alleviate this problem by making the tank translucent on their CS-590. As long as you keep an eye on the tank while you’re working you’ll know exactly when it’s time to top up.

VIDEO | Why Buy Echo? See how their products are made

You Won’t Find It Hard To Get Running

The Echo CS-590 isn’t lucky enough to have an electric start button, so you will have to pull on a cord. Fortunately, they’ve still tried their hardest to make it as easy as possible for you.

This is because it has a decompression valve on the chainsaw, which will help you get it going on your first attempt. It’s also going to work when it’s cold in case you need to use it during winter.

The Filter Won’t Need Cleaned Out Much

We spoke earlier on about the importance of keeping your chainsaw well-maintained. The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf does it in a couple of different ways. First of all, it’s simple to access the air filter.

Once inside you’ll be able to clean it within seconds. The G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner blows out any debris, so it will reduce the amount of times you’ll need to perform filter maintenance over its lifetime.

VIDEO | CS-590 Timber Wolf

Metal Bucking Spikes Give You Stability

Cutting into wood with any kind of chainsaw is difficult, but it’s harder when you’re using a 20 inch bar. Any task would be a lot more pleasant if you felt in complete control while you were working.

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf managed to get around this by adding metal bucking spikes, which will stop the bar from slipping. The fact it only weighs 17 pounds is a big bonus in this category too.

Visit the Echo site to learn more about their product line-up.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher

• The X-torq engine technology reduces fuel consumption up to 20-percent and emissions up to 60-percent, Low vibration
• Facilitates cleaning and replacement of the air filter
• Allows for easier starting and reduces the risk of engine flooding
• Centrifugal air cleaning system removes larger dust and debris particles before reaching the air filter
• 20-Inches long 55-1/2cc 2-stroke gas-powered chain saw; CARB compliant; this results in reduced air filter cleanings and improved engine life

Comes With X-Torque Engine Technology

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher comes with a 55.5cc 2-stroke engine, so it’s more than capable of performing heavy-duty tasks. This well-designed engine comes with special x-torque technology too.

Gas chainsaws aren’t amazing for the environment, but the 455 Rancher emissions will be cut by up to 60 percent. It’s also going to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent increasing your runtime.

The Chainsaw Doesn’t Vibrate Too Much

When we talked about the Echo CS-590 you’ll have noticed it had bucking spikes for increased stability. You’ll find them on this model too, but it will also have LowVib technology to stop it from shaking.

If your chainsaw doesn’t vibrate too much it will be easier to control. It will also help with fatigue when you’re holding it for long periods of time, so you won’t need to keep putting it down.

VIDEO | Watch it in Action

Built-In Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner

The chain will always need to be tense to get the job done. If it’s lose you won’t be able to cut through anything. You need to make sure it’s set at the correct tension before you switch your chainsaw on.

Different models offer different ways you can do this. On the Husqvarna 455 Rancher you’ll need to do it manually, but it won’t be as hard as you think. The side-mounted chain tensioner is easy to access.

Has A Centrifugal Air Cleaning System

You want your engine to last an extremely long time, plus it’s a bonus if you can go for months without cleaning the air filter. The centrifugal air cleaning system will help you achieve these goals.

It will remove large dust and debris particles before they even get a chance to go near your air filter. The adjustable oil pump will increase the time between maintenance work on your chain too.

For more size power consider the Husqvarna 460 Rancher (24″ — 60.3cc)

Includes Chain Brake For Added Safety

You’ll get a maximum power speed of 9,000 RPM, so it’s not the kind of tool you’ll want to kick back in your face. Although a chain is designed to help you they’re not exactly 100 percent reliable.

When your safety is on the line you’ll want multiple features to protect you. The 455 Rancher has an inertia activated chain brake. If the saw kicks back it will stop the chain as quickly as possible.

It Was Designed For Increased Comfort

When you’re using the Husqvarna 455 Rancher you’ll notice it’s been designed with maximum comfort in mind. The ergonomic front handle makes it much easier to hold when you’re performing any tasks.

The maximum weight comes in at only 12.8 pounds too, which is wonderful for a 20 inch gas-powered chainsaw. It’s even comfortable to get up and running thanks to its SmartStart technology.

Learn more by reading our indepth review of the Husqvarna 455 Rancher.

The 20″ Echo CS-590 Will Cut Through Anything

If you want a gas-powered chainsaw the Echo CS-590 is the perfect choice, plus there are a few more options available to you. They’re all ideal if you don’t think electric models will meet your requirements.

You’ll need to come to a final decision before you can start enjoying your purchase. If you need any help it’s probably worthwhile reading all the unbiased Amazon reviews from past customers.

Advantages | Gas-Powered Chainsaws

Don’t be fooled into thinking a gas chainsaw like the Echo CS-590 is archaic. The latest models contain lots of wonderful technology while retaining their main advantages. Here are some of the top reasons to purchase an Echo CS-590:

They’ll Offer You A Lot Power

When you step outside it’s not just about trimming a few branches or cutting some logs. You also want to make life easier on yourself. If you want to do that you’ll need a chainsaw offering you more power than an electric one.

You won’t have to wait around for ages while the blade slices through your wood. It will fall through it like you’re slicing into a chocolate cake. You’ll also be able to handle difficult tasks an electric model couldn’t touch.

You Can Take Them Anywhere With You

Even if you buy your chainsaw to use at home you don’t need to keep it there. In fact, you’ll discover lots of occasions when you can use your tool somewhere else. You won’t be able to do the same thing if you rely on an outlet.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need an outlet if you own a battery-powered chainsaw. When the juice runs out you’ll still have to recharge it. Carrying a little extra gasoline with you is much easier.

You’ll Have Access To A Longer Bar

You might have small trees in your garden, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the branches won’t be thick. Electric chainsaw bars aren’t too long, so they’ll make it awkward and dangerous to cut certain things.

When you reach bar lengths of 20 inches you’ll generally be looking at gas chainsaws. Those couple of inches might seem insignificant, but they’ll come in very handy for various tasks over the years.

They’re Easy To Get Up And Running

If you have gasoline in your garage you’ll be ready to go at all times. This is helpful after a storm when you can’t plug anything into your sockets. Cordless models are sometimes hard to get up and running too.

Unless you’ve charged them beforehand they’ll be useless. You’ll have to wait a long time for them to recharge. Gas-powered chainsaws can be up and running within a few minutes 100 percent of the time.

Disadvantages | Gas-Powered Chainsaws

You’ve seen the best gas-powered models like the Echo CS-590 will offer you, but what about all the negatives? Like any power tool they’ll have their disadvantages too. We’ll take a look at the big ones and why they’re not as bad as they sound:

They’re Heavier Than Electric Models

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out gas models will be heavier. After all, they’re longer and more powerful. Even though they’re not extremely lightweight it’s not the end of the world.

Gas chainsaws are only a little heavier than other models and if you’re not weak you won’t notice a huge difference. Your body will start to fatigue sooner than usual, but all the extra power will help you complete jobs quicker.

The Noise Levels Will Be A Lot Worse

Electric chainsaws will always be quieter than gas models, but they’re not completely silent. When you’re cutting through wood it will be noisy. Will the difference in noise levels cause you additional problems?

Your neighbors are the only ones it will impact in a negative way. You should be wearing hearing protection no matter which model you buy. Wearing better ear defenders will solve everything straight away.

It’s Not As Easy To Get Them Running

Any electric power tool takes around a second to start. You press a button and they’re ready for action. Gas-powered chainsaws require you to pull a cord, plus they’re not as friendly in cold weather.

Modern models like the Echo CS-590 will take some of the effort out of your hands. They’ll never be as easy to start when compared to electric chainsaws, but new technology means they’re easier to start than in years gone by.

They’ll Require Maintenance Work

You don’t really have to do much when you own an electric chainsaw. The maintenance work takes care of itself 95 percent of the time, but gas-powered chainsaws will require a bit more work to look after them.

Fortunately, they require a lot less maintenance than you’d have expected years ago. New features do lots of the work for you. They will only take up a little more of your time should you decide to use one.

Last Updated: March 8, 2023 at 3:04 AM / by Chainsaw Journal

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Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaws

Setting a new standard for toughness, this rugged chainsaw features a professional-grade 59.8 cc two-stroke engine. The G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner extends engine life by spinning out dirt, and the heavy-duty air filter is easily accessible. A side-access chain tensioner allows for quick adjustments. In addition, the chainsaw features a digital ignition system, a decompression valve, a spring anti-vibration system, a clutch-driven oiler, a dual-post chain brake system, and a translucent fuel tank.

Engine Size: 59.8 cc. Weight: 13.3 lbs. Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.8 oz. Chain Oil Capacity: 10.1 oz. Warranty: 5-Year Consumer; 1-Year Commercial.

4.8 of 5 4 of 4 would recommend this product to a friend.

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5 of 5

Purchased this saw from Forestry Suppliers in 2018. They had the best price. This saw outperforms everything else in its class. It’s a beast. The closest competitor is the STIHL Farm Boss, but this is a better saw for less money. I cut large oak and large cedar and it does great. I have used many STIHL saws in my day and this one has held up better and cuts stronger. The only downside is its weight. It’s a little heavy, but it really will out cut anything else. You’ll be done with your tree faster than the guys who are using Husky and Still.

This reviewer would recommend this product to a friend.

4 of 5

I am a logger, feller or Sawyer what ever you wanna call it. I am the guy who cuts all the trees to be hauled to the yarder and then drug up to be bucked to length to be loaded on trucks. I use a saw 8-10 hours on average per normal day. I had heard good things about Echo Saws so I bought this one for limbing and smaller trees. I have a 16″, 18″, and 20″ bars and chains for mine because I need one saw to be many. I beat the daylights out of this saw and can’t fault it anywhere except the balance is off when you put on a 18″-16″ bar. Make no mistakes this is a professional duty saw and can stand up to any Other of the 3 major brands pro duty saws and at a fraction of the price. When the other saws I have and use everyday break down I have no doubts I WILL replace them with Echo Saws close to equal displacement and the length of bar they will turn. It’s a shame nobody in the USA can build a saw equal to these for the same

This reviewer would recommend this product to a friend.

5 of 5

I received my CS-590 fully boxed with a scabbard for the blade. Started on the 3rd or 4th pull. 2 or 3 since then. It has been used at 6200 to 10,500 ft since purchase without major carb adjustments. Plug looks appropriate. Runs like a champ. Has cut everything no problem. Idles smooth. Beats the daylights out of all my previous Husky, Poulan, Jonny and other saws especially for the price. Happy? No. Ecstatic? Yes. I agree with other reviewer that it is slightly heavy for the displacement. So what. I need the exercise.

This reviewer would recommend this product to a friend.

5 of 5

First day impressions: Its great. No trouble assembling or getting it to start. It does include the scabbard although it\’s not shown in the pics. Slices through 20″ oaks that were blown over by Hurricane Irma with ease. Comparing this CS.590 to my old 18″ 42cc chainsaw, is like a comparing a Harley to a moped. Although I\’ll keep my old saw for lighter tasks such as limbing since this is a little heavy.

This reviewer would recommend this product to a friend.

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