ECHO CS-501P Chainsaw Meets High-Performance Needs Without the Bulky Weight
Our resident ranch foreman and country music singer, Eli Mosely, called me to see what we could do with chainsawing some of the fallen oak trees he had on his estate. We had good success with the battery powered model, but he wanted something in the 50cc class for more productivity. We gave a shout out to our friend at ECHO and got our hands on the CS-501P, an X-Series chainsaw that seemed to fit his bill.
advantage
- Excellent performance at the 50c level
- Lightweight in the 50cc class
- easy to start
- Easy access to filters
shortcoming
- The ignition switch does not automatically return to the on position
- No onboard screch storage
ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Performance
As part of the X-Series we expected more performance, and that's what we got from the chainsaw's 50.2cc engine. With the 20-inch Pro-Lite handlebars and 20LPX chain completely melting into the hardwood, we feel confident in this engine class when these guys are fast handling fallen oak.
NOTE: You can also get this saw with a 16 or 18 inch bar if either of these sizes fits your needs better.
What ECHO calls the G-Force Engine Air Precleaner helps this engine run. It is designed to prolong the life of the filter and extend the time you can use the chainsaw between maintenance intervals. When you need to access filters, it's a tool-less process. Just loosen the knob on the housing above the handle.
There's also a digital ignition system and a pressure relief valve to make starting easier.
ECHO CS-501P X-Series Chainsaw Design Notes
weight
ECHO's X-Series is about more than performance. It's also about saving weight. With a dry weight of only 10.6 lbs, the CS-501P is the lightest 50cc chainsaw in North America. For you, this means excellent cutting performance and less fatigue on larger jobs.
chain tension
Chain tensioning is a simple process. Start by loosening the two stem nuts. Each 1/2 turn is sufficient. Support the crossbar with one hand and adjust the chain tensioner with a wrench with the other. Re-tighten the crossbar nuts and you're good to go.
When you do need to access the sprockets to remove debris or change bars/chains, the bar nuts are secure so you don't have to worry about losing them.
Ignition Switch
The only thing we don't care about with this chainsaw is the ignition switch. It does not automatically return to the "on" position when the engine is turned off. This may seem trivial, but it's actually a pain point for many chainsaw users. The product team at ECHO is aware of this, and their latest chainsaw model, which we saw at Equip Expo (formerly GIE) in October, has an automatic return design.
other highlights
- Strong Metal Spikes
- Inertia Activated Chain Brake
- Adjustable automatic oiler
- Ergonomic aluminum front handle
This ECHO X-Series chainsaw retails for $499.99 to $519.99, depending on the length of pole you use. It comes with a 5-year consumer warranty or a 1-year commercial use warranty.
the bottom line
The ECHO CS-501P X-Series chainsaw is an absolute joy to use. It has the performance to cut through hardwood with ease and is lightweight so it's easier to manage. As long as the ignition isn't an issue for you (and it shouldn't be), you'll be hard-pressed to find a better combination of weight and power in the 50cc class.
Specification
- Model: ECHO CS-501P
- Engine: 50.2cc
- Fuel: 50:1 air/oil mix (up to 10% ethanol)
- Fuel Capacity: 16.6 oz
- Pole Length: 16 – 20 inches
- Chain Pitch: 3/8"
- Oil Capacity: 9.5 oz
- Dry Weight: 10.6 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year consumer warranty, 1-year commercial warranty
- Price: $499.99 – $519.99