Every trail ride is an adventure, but sometimes the path less traveled needs a little clearing. When the time comes, you’ll want a reliable tool along for the ride. Enter ECHO, the brand that understands the thrill of the open trail, and the grit of trail maintenance. We recently tested the ECHO CS-355T and DCS-2500TN compact echo chainsaws, two of their saws perfect for turning overgrown paths into smooth sailing.
TOOLS FOR EVERY JOB
ECHO’s arsenal of outdoor power tools is vast, including a chainsaw for everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned pros. For our off-road adventures, we needed a saw that could ride shotgun on our ATV or UTV, ready to tackle downed limbs and brushy, overgrown trails. Our ideal saw would boast a top handle for easy maneuverability, a rugged build, and a compact bar length.
The 36cc CS-355T, ECHO’s most powerful top-handle chainsaw, immediately caught our eye with its ergonomic design and user-friendly features. But the innovative, DCS-2500TN, an all-electric powerhouse that packs a serious punch, also demanded a closer look. Let’s put these two trailblazing saws to the test!
THE ECHO CS-355T
The Echo CS-355T has all the features that make it an excellent choice for clearing trails. Its ergonomic design makes it feel like an extension of your arm, and it just feels “right”. Echo even supplies it with a couple grip options, allowing you to fit the CS-355T to your hand, with features right at your fingertips on the top handle grip. It feels solid, well-built, and not flimsy or cheap. We also appreciate the dual bar clamp nuts, the metal spike bar that bites into the work for security, and the good-sized oil and fuel caps. Details of the CS-355T are:
• 35.8 cc professional-grade, 2-stroke engine
• Available with a 14” or 16” bar
• Excellent, tool-free air filter access for quick servicing
• Dual bar lock nuts for secure clamping and consistent chain tension
• Metal Spike bar to grip work and dual post chain break
• Good sized fill caps for fuel and automatic / adjustable oiling system
• Heavy duty, professional features in a compact, nimble package
ECHO CS-355T IN ACTION – GRIP AND RIP!
Every new tool, from an impact wrench to a bottle opener is a cause for celebration, but when we handed professional arborist and fellow rider Andrew the CS-355T, he lit right up! His first words:” This is an awesome saw! Climbers love them for their maneuverability, reliable starting, and toughness.” Andrew also noted they are a favorite for modification. Apparently, arborists are like most gearheads, including Andrew who rides a 1000cc Can-Am and clearly knows a thing or two about tuning, “A lot of guys do a little porting and pull the carb limiter, along with opening up the muffler a little, and this thing RIPS!” He’s not wrong.
The Echo CS-355T carves through trail brush and downed limbs like a champ. It starts with ease, usually on the first pull, whether it’s already warmed up, or just out of a cold shed. We like the Japanese built engines which are ultra reliable, and we appreciate the rear mounted air filter access which makes cleaning quick and easy. It’s also proven to be extremely tough. As Andrew reports, “Climbers are hard on saws. They get knocked around, dropped, and misused on a daily basis”. The CS-355T has survived all that and more. While the stock chain is functional, some pros opt for an Oregon chain, which they feel gives less chatter and holds a sharp edge longer. Overall, the ECHO CS-355T has been tough as nails and has easily done everything we’ve asked. It’s a compact, wood chewing, champion!
ECHO CS-355T Specs
Engine: 35.8cc Two Stroke with Spring Assist starting and Digital ignition
Oiling System Automatic/Adjustable (Clutch-Driven)
Vibration Reduction Standard
Bar Lengths 14 or 16 in. Spur type sprocket
Oil / Fuel Capacity 8.2 oz Oil, 11.2 oz. fuel
Dry Weight 8 lb.
Warranty 5-year consumer / 1 year commercial
MSRP: $409.99
THE ECHO DCS-2500TN
Remember when battery powered tools were mostly toothbrushes and bread knives? Well, those days are long gone! Today’s high-performance batteries pack a punch and have liberated power tools from the wall outlet. Even the mighty chainsaw, a symbol of raw power, can now roam free, ready to get in on the cordless action.
The DCS-2500TN is ECHO’s top-of-the-line electric saw. It’s perfect for everything from quick yard work, to climbing and brushing. A harness ring and lanyard hook keep it close at hand, ensuring safety for both you and those below. While we don’t climb often, it’s ideal for our regular trail and brush clearing. Details of the DCS-2500TN are:
ECHO DCS-2500TN Specs
Motor: 56v Brushless with MAXOUT™ technology for consistent power
Battery 2.5 Ah – 126 Watt Hours – projected at 70 average cuts
Charger Rapid Charger with DCS-2500TN kit. Recharge time – 38min
Oiling System Automatic/Adjustable
Vibration Reduction 80TXL cutting system for efficient cutting and less vibration
Bar Length – Chain 12 in. bar – .325″ Low Profile pitch chain
Dry Weight 7.3 lb.
Warranty – Tool 5-year consumer / 2 year commercial
Warranty – Battery 2-year consumer / 2 year commercial
MSRP: $659.99 with 2.5AH battery and Rapid Charger
FIRST CUTS
Our first impression of the DCS-2500TN was that it’s a solid, well-balanced tool. The large battery pack doubles as a counterweight, while the thumb-activated power button and wrap-around side bar offer comfortable and controlled operation. A metal spike bar, clear oil tank, and vented motor case further enhances the saw’s durability and ease of maintenance. But the real question is: How does it perform?
Our trailblazing buddy, Chris, racks up more miles of ATV and motorcycle trail clearing than anybody we know. He was the perfect person to put the DCS-2500TN to the test. Armed with the saw, Chris vanished into the woods. A few days later, he emerged with his verdict.
“I love it!” Chris’s first words about the DCS-2500TN. “I started with limbs downed by recent storms, and it cut every bit of it easily, even the biggest limbs. It never ran out of power. I cut an entire stack, and it still had 50% power left on the battery. I can’t wait to trim out more trail with this”. The 2500’s top handle and balanced weight make it a breeze to maneuver. Its compact size fits perfectly in any ATV or UTV, ready to go whenever you are. And with its cool-running design, you don’t have to worry about a muffler melting anything next to it.
Echo was determined to create an electric chainsaw that excelled in every aspect: ergonomics, durability, and performance. They even named specific performance technologies, like the 80TXL cutting system, which reduces vibration and boosts efficiency through a unique chain and bar design. The 12″ bar with a narrow tip, a popular choice among carving artists, also minimizes kickback.
To guarantee consistent power, ECHO integrated MaxOut technology into the DCS-2500TN, delivering maximum power output for the entire battery life. The last cut will be as powerful as the first, and ECHO estimates around 70 cuts per charge, but in our experience, it can easily exceed that, depending on the wood you’re working with. To protect the electronics, the DCS-2500’s vented side panels feature debris screens that can be quickly cleaned. The ECHO DCS-2500TN is a trailblazer, making trail clearing and yard work a breeze. It’s compact, easy to handle, and incredibly convenient.
RIDE – CUT – REPEAT
The ECHO CS-355T and DCS-2500TN compact chainsaws are the real deal. They’re everything a tool should be: well-built, user-friendly, reliable, and incredibly handy. Perfect for weekend trail rides or camping trips, they’ve become our newest trail clearing buddy.
