Stihl MS 180 VS Echo CS-3510 Chainsaw – What’s the Better Option?
For light firewood bucking, delimbing felled trees and other light-duty wood work, we present you with two excellent options.
The Stihl MS 180 and the Echo CS-3510 are both fine machines that will surely satisfy the “around the house” wood working and processing needs. They are in the same power class but they also differ in terms of features.
Of course, you won’t always need a ton of features – especially if you are just working through chores around the house. Still, in order to get the most value for your money, you have to pore over the details. Luckily, we have composed a comparison review of these chainsaws to help make your decision easier.
Overview of the Echo CS-3510 Vs the Stihl MS 180
We were actually a bit surprised to see that the Stihl MS 180 was so scantily clad. Usually, Stihl loads a bunch of periphery features into their chainsaws; but the absence of extras isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Both the Echo CS-3510 and the Stihl MS 180 are very easy to operate. If you don’t have a lot of experience with chainsaws, neither of these models should be too intimidating. They are both for light-duty work and are gas-powered saws.
Echo CS-3510 Key Features
- Momentary Stop Switch – This feature allows you to stop the engine and restart it at the same speed without cranking.
- Three-Point Spring System – Sort of like suspension for your hands. The three-point spring system is meant to reduce operator fatigue by dampening vibration.
- Side Chain Tensioner – The side-mounted chain tensioner allows you to quickly adjust the tension of the chain.
Echo CS-3510 Common Issues
Most of the problems reported by actual users had to do with poor starting capability and problems running under heavier loads.
Echo CS-3510 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable in the hands
- 5-year consumer warranty
- Large fuel tank
Cons:
- Not for heavy felling
- Struggles with hardwoods
Stihl MS 180 Key Features
- Intellicarb Carburetor – This special carburetor will pull air from the clean side of the air filter when the carburetor is clogged.
- 16” Guide Bar – The Stihl MS 180 can be fit with a bar between 12 and 16 inches.
- 9 Ounce Chain Oil Capacity – A good amount for this size chainsaw. This helps keep the chain lubricated and the saw working optimally.
Stihl MS 180 Common Issues
Some users reported that after about a year or so of use, the Stihl MS 180 chainsaw starts to leak air from the chamber and lose compression – making it difficult to start.
Stihl MS 180 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Should last a long time
- Good power for its size
- Efficient with fuel
- Great for small cutting jobs
Cons:
- Air leak issues
- Floods easily
Who Should Buy Each?
Both the Echo CS-3510 and the Stihl MS 180 would be solid choices for light firewood processing or storm cleanup. However, there seem to be fewer operational issues with the Echo CS-3510.
Overall, it may be the easier chainsaw to operate so if you are looking for an user-friendly saw, the Echo CS-3510 may be the better choice.
The Stihl MS 180 would still be a good choice for anyone who is looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense chainsaw. It’s great for beginners and compact enough for almost anyone to use.
Price Comparison
The Stihl MS 180 will cost you about $240 from Stohl before tax. The Echo CS-3510 sells for $280 straight from the manufacturer.
Weight & Handling Comparison
The powerhead of the Echo CS-3510 is slightly lighter than the Stihl MS 180. The Stihl MS 180 powerhead is 8.6 pounds and the Echo CS-3510 powerhead is 8.2 pounds. Both models have a dual-post chain break and comfortable handles and grips.
Both are also easy to wield – although it should be noted that they both struggle with tree logs bigger than 12” in diameter.
Blade & Chain Comparison
Both of these chainsaws can be outfitted with a blade as long as 16 inches.
Power Comparison
The Echo CS-3510 is outfitted with a 34.4cc engine while the Stihl MS 180 comes with a 31.8cc engine. Power output is about the same though despite the difference in engine size.
Efficiency Comparison
The Stihl MS 180 has a 8.5 ounce fuel tank while the Echo CS-3510 has a larger 9.5 ounce tank. Both will give you about 20-30 minutes of runtime when operating at max speed and burn through fuel at about the same rate.
Durability Comparison
These days, manufacturers look to cut down on weight and production cost by opting for mostly plastic parts. The Echo CS-3510 and the Stihl MS 180 fall victim to this design trend.
However, the Echo CS-3510 appeared to be the more durable chainsaw and the one that would ultimately need less maintenance and repair.
Other Chainsaws to Consider
Echo 18” Chainsaw
This is a slightly larger Echo chainsaw that sports an 18” blade. It is still good for residential chores and features a spring-assist starter for easier startups.
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Echo CS-310
This is another 16” chainsaw that comes with a momentary stop switch and a purgeable carburetor.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Stihl MS 170
The Stihl MS 170 has a 30.1cc engine which is capable of a 1.7 HP output. It may be a bit underpowered, but it’s lightweight at just 8.6 pounds and ready to tackle light-duty property chores.
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
In terms of cutting power, both the Echo CS-3510 and the Stihl MS 180 are equally matched. And while the Stihl MS 180 may be a bit more user-friendly, the Echo CS-3510 won us over with its additional features.
One of the issues with the MS 180 was that it could be very hard to start. The Echo CS-3510 has features like a carburetor purge that helps take care of startup issues. The Echo CS-3510 is also likely to last longer so it wins our recommendation in today’s comparison.
