I Have an Echo CS 520 which they don’t make anymore. It’s 10cc less than the one you mentioned and almost a decade ago it was about $100 to $120 less than the 590. It came with an 18″ bar and would accept anything from a 12″ to a 22″ bar. I have had little use for anything other than the 18″ bar.

I have also worked with two different tree service companies in the past. One was a sole-proprietor with a single crew of 3-4 people. He would climb with a similar sized saw, but I’ve always preferred to climb with smaller saws. Smaller saws were the preferred tool for the second company I worked with also. They were Stihl saws and I believe they were one of the 29cc models with a 12″ bar.

The climbers NEVER climbed with anything else until there was a bare-straight trunk, and the largest they climbed with at that point was an 18″ 50cc saw. There were a total of 7 crews and about 21 employees. Only 2 of the crews had saws longer than 18″ depending on the scope of work for the day. It was usually a 36″ (probably similar to the 60cc the caller was asking about) saw. In the whole company, there were only two 54″ saws, and those stayed back at the shop unless absolutely necessary.

As far as branding on the saws, I agree with Jack’s source. They’re all good saws. I still believe Stihl and Husqvarna are best, with Echo close behind. I’ve used all 3 and all are nearly indestructible. I’ve only used Stihls and Echos long enough to have to buy anything other than chains and parts were readily available for both. The Husky I’d used was the 54″ with what amounted to a small motorcycle engine, and it was frankly a bear to start and would often flood.

I’ve never used a Poulan I’ve liked, however. The several I have used were under-powered for their weight and shaped awkwardly for climbing.

The skill of the crew members I worked with was impressive. They’d tackle 12″-14″ limbs with a 12″ bar with no bark tear-out on the underside of their cuts. When it comes to chainsaws, bigger is not always better. When I bought my Echo, I was thinking my next saw would be one with more power and a longer bar, but after having worked with and learned from these professionals, I have decided that much more work can be safely done with skill and a well-sharpened smaller saw than can be achieved clumsily simply by adding “More Power! ar ar aar!”

Great show today.
I once burned out a chainsaw because I accidently put unmixed gasoline in it, forgot to label can as unmixed, I was using an identical can as the one with 2 stroke mix in it.

I have learned that its important to shake a chansaw before starting it to mix up the 2 stroke oil.

On that blackout kit question, if it’s something you don’t want to spend a lot of cash on. You can put a simple kit together and type up a manual for it, but also include a “suggested addition list” or something.

Regarding intro kits, auto safety/tool kits
Fire extinguishers, etc

Jack, I really like the idea of seeing a tour of your kitchen setup! I always appreciate your cooking insights.

Just wanted to throw in a quick plug to circle back to the backup cell phone options people suggested from a few weeks for consideration as part of the intro kit.