The ECHO CS-620P is a similar chainsaw to the better-known CS-590 Timber Wolf, but it’s different in some important ways.
They are both 59.8 cc chainsaws but the 620 costs around $150 – $200 more than the 590 (view on Amazon), so it’s natural to ask, ‘What’s the difference, and should I just get the 590?’
We’ll get into all the differences below, but to summarize them, the reason you should consider the 620P is that it has more power – 5.3 hp to the 590’s 3.9 hp – and it has less plastic, among other things.
The ECHO CS-620 is a good middle-of-the-road saw for everyday use and has a wide range of applications from tree felling to milling. Here’s everything you need to know before picking one up yourself.
ECHO CS-620
*360° video from ECHO’s 620P listing.
There are two different versions of the 620P:
- CS-620P – the base model
- CS-620PW – same but with a full-wrap handle
Compare prices here:
- Amazon – with 24″ bar
- Home Depot – with 20″ bar
- Acme Tools – with 18″ bar or with 24″ bar
- Ebay (new) – with 20″ bar
The CS-620P is part of ECHO’s X-series which “represents our best-in-class products designed for the landscaper looking to tackle many jobs. They’re designed to be Powerful, Lightweight, and offer Greater Productivity.” That’s what the “P” is denoting, and I suspect it stands for Performance, Power, or Professional, though it’s hard to find a clear answer.
Other blogs or forums state that the “P” on ECHO chainsaw model names means Performance Cutting System, but there are other chainsaws like the ECHO CS-680 which do not have a P but do have the Performance Cutting System, so I don’t think that’s the answer. However, all X-series saws are also P-designated saws, so I’m seeing a nice connection there!
CS-620 Vs CS-590
There are slight build differences between the 590 and 620P as you can see in the screenshot above, but many parts are interchangeable, and others require modification. Specs are similar, but the CS-620 definitely has the advantage.
| Specs | ECHO CS-590 | ECHO CS-620 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement (cc/cu in) | 59.8/3.64 | 59.8/3.64 |
| Power Output (hp/kW) | 3.9/3 | 5.3/3.95 |
| Starting System | Standard | Standard |
| Ignition System | Digital | Digital |
| Oiling System | Automatic/Adjustable | Automatic/Adjustable |
| Vibration Reduction System | Standard | Standard |
| Available Bar Lengths (in) | 18, 20, 24 | 16, 18, 20, 24, 27 |
| Oil Capacity (fl. oz.) | 10.2 | 10.2 |
| Dry Weight (lb) | 13.2 | 13.7 |
| Sprocket Cover | Plastic | Magnesium |
| Bar Type | Pro-Lite w/ ProAm material | PowerMatch |
| Sprocket Type | Spur | Rim |
| Handle | Plastic | Aluminum w/ Rubber |
| Fuel Capacity (fl. oz.) | 21.8 | 21.8 |
| Carburetor | Butterfly-Valve Diaphragm | Butterfly-Valve Diaphragm |
| Warranty | 5 year consumer/1 year commercial | 5 year consumer/1 year commercial |
| MSRP 1 | $419.99 – $439.99 | $599.99 – $609.99 |
You will see that while the CS-590 has some metal construction, it has a plastic sprocket cover and handle. The CS-620 has a magnesium cover and aluminum handle, both tougher materials.
The 620 is also 5.3 hp or 3.95 kW to the 590s 3.9 hp or 3 kW power output. This makes it significantly more powerful, and it is in fact “ECHO’s highest horsepower per displacement,” as stated in Home Depot’s listing.
Other differences include the 620’s Rim sprocket and its capacity to run a 27-inch bar, whereas the 590 has a spur sprocket and is only recommended for use with up to a 24″ bar (though guys run it with larger anyway, of course). The 620 also has a larger carb, unlimited coil, and as you will have gathered, a lot more torque.
The CS-620 is a much better saw than the Timber Wolf, but that’s not to say the 590 isn’t any good, because it’s fantastic as well. The 620 is just a tougher and more powerful version that’s better for professionals or heavy users. But for the price, it’s really a good professional chainsaw for everybody and anybody.
ECHO CS-620P Review
For the price, the 620P is a very good professional chainsaw. It’s well built making it tough and durable, and it performs well. As many have said, it will “chew through anything”. Even the hardest of woods, described as “concrete wood”, it gets through it fast.
Here are some reviews from users of the 620P:
- Best saw I have.
- I have 2 logging full time. Very happy with them.
- Best saw out in the 60 cc range, easy.
- I got the PW. 4 tanks through it… pulls a 28″ bar fine. Rips a 20″ like you can’t imagine.
- I run an Oregon 28″ on my 620. Saw cuts great with it. Definitely has the power and oiling capability to run it.
- I’m running the factory 27″ bar on mine. Hasn’t left me wanting something different yet! Love it!
- Try one up against a Husqvarna 562XP and there’s no match for ECHO’s power
Brett said:
I’ve had my 620 for about a year. It makes me enjoy cutting wood again. It will kick a MS290 or MS391 in the butt! No comparison, the power to weight ratio is so much better.
Corey said:
Love my 620p. Bump the timing and let her breathe a litle bit and she will eat with the 70cc saws all day. Hands down the best 60 cc saw on the Mmarket for the money.
Zach said:
620 is hands down a fantastic saw. And it’s only 59cc. Stihl and Husky guys hate it because it’s a great saw and cheap. Echo’s good.
It is difficult to find bad reviews or negatives with the 620. There are a couple of 1-star ratings from people whose saws have broken down after a short period of use. These could be the odd rare faulty saw, which all chainsaw brands have, or it could be user error.
One legitimate complaint or con I saw was that the on/off switch is easily hit while the saw is in use. It’s easy to accidentally turn the saw off while in operation. This is an issue with many different saws, including my 450 Rancher. But other than this, everyone who has one seems to love it.
Check out the Amazon or Home Depot reviews for more examples of what users have to say about the CS-620P.
Specs And Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinder displacement | 59.8 cc / 3.64 cu in |
| Power output | 3.95 kW / 5.3 hp |
| Air filter | Rear-mounted two-piece |
| Smart assist system | Decomp |
| Idle speed | 2400 – 3200 rpm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg / 13.7 lbs |
| Spark plug | NGK BPM8Y |
| Carburetor | Diaphragm type |
| Fuel and lubrication system | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 21.8 US fl oz |
| Oil tank capacity | 10.2 US fl oz |
| Type of oil pump | Adjustable/Automatic |
| Chain/bar | |
| Standard bar length | 20″ |
| Recommended bar lengths | 16, 18, 20, 24, 27″ |
| Pitch / Gauge | 3/8″ / 0.58″ |
| Sprocket type | Rim |
| Chain brake | Inertia activated |
| Chain tensioner | Side |
Specs (again) for the ECHO CS-620P Chainsaw – it’s a powerful saw for its displacement.
Other great features of the saw, besides its metal construction and torque, include a translucent fuel tank that lets you see how much fuel you have left and a heavy-duty air filter.
And it has these other standard ECHO features:
- Front and rear hand guard
- Anti-vibration device
- Spiked bumper,
- Throttle control lockout,
- Chain brake and chain catcher
- Spark arrestor muffler
The saw is suitable for heavy clearing, storm clean-up, logging, bucking firewood, pruning, limbing, and other tree-case applications. The good power-to-weight ratio makes it great for all-day use.
ECHO CS-620P Chainsaw
It’s a popular saw that is hard to find bad things said about it for a reason: it’s a very good chainsaw. Many think it’s the best 60cc chainsaw out there, so that’s saying something.
ECHO chainsaw fans are a bit quieter than their Stihl counterparts, but the 620P is a saw worth getting excited about. For the money, you’re getting an excellent saw that out-cuts equally priced saws like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher or Stihl Farm Boss chainsaws. It’s well worth it, if you don’t mind it “not being a Stihl”!
If you have a 620P ECHO, let us know how it runs in the comment section below.
Used my 620p for the first time today. It runs great. It will eat through anything I think. This is my second echo saw, my last one lasted 13 years about 10 cords of wood a year. This will be my last chainsaw. But it flooded when starting warm, my fault I think. Just use to my old one.
Where did you come up with power output of the CS-620 at 5.3 horsepower? Since when will a 60cc engine, in stock configuration, match the HP of a Husqvarna 372xp with a 71cc displacement? Even Echo’s own global website (echotools.com) rates the 620 at 3.3 kW (4.5 hp). Your power claim for the 620P surpasses even that of the CS-680 saw. Some more fact checking should have been carried out before posting this erroneous information. Sorry, but I felt that this had to be addressed and that a correction is in order.
For more info about the differences between the CS-620P and the CS-590, check out http://www.sawsuppliers.com. They have a nice chart describing the features of both saws.
Bought a 620P earlier this year after reading your review, used it extensively for clearing fence line and cleaning up our property, lots of cedars and privets, as well as the occasional big dead pine, and it has mowed through everything I fed it like a light saber, maybe 40-50 trees altogether, still on the original chain. Last well, hurricane Helene came through north Georgia and left us with no exit from our neighborhood, maybe 25-30 trees, some 20-24 inches in diameter uprooted and across the road. About 6 neighbors and I convened with saws after confirming the power lines were cold (called the local EMC) and started cutting our way out. One Husqvarna, 5 Stihls, and one Echo at bat; the 620P cut as much lumber as the other saws combined, still on the original chain at this point (I changed it after this adventure). It’s absolutely terrifying to see this thing stack wood and leave mountains of chips behind. Starts on the first pull, runs like it’s being chased, rips through wood. The stock Echo chain (with some kickback reduction) is amazing, and stays sharp much longer than the Stihl chains on the Farm Boss it replaced, can’t wait to try it with something even more agro. Thanks for the well written and researched rec, I concur and highly recommend this saw.