The Echo CS-310-14 is a powerful standard gas-powered saw and one of the best chainsaws we've tested. The 14-inch bar is strong enough to fall trees, but the tool is small enough to store in a garage.
The CS-310-14's 30.5 cc two-cycle engine is light, but it has enough muscle to rip through your wood while maintaining fuel efficiency, so you won't need to stop every few minutes.
However, this chainsaw isn't for everybody, as casual users may find it too much for household needs.
Having tested plenty of chainsaws for TopTenReviews, J.D. Chadwick is the resident expert on chopping wood. The Echo CS-310-14 was put through the same battery of tests as all the other chainsaws we test.
Echo CS-310-14: Key specs
- Power Type: Gas powered
- Bar length: 14in
- Chain size: 14in
- Max cut diameter: 25in
- Chain pitch: 3/8in
- Weight: 10.3lb
- Handle type: Rear handle
- Noise: Up to 90 dB
Echo CS-310-14: Design
When we tested this saw, our lab team had several things to say. One tester appreciated the placement of the primer bulb, saying, “More convenient primer location than on Husqvarna.” Another tester commented, “ It’s more convenient for you because you don't have to hold the trigger to prime it.”
They also commented on the cutting power it produces: “Doesn't seem as powerful as the previous two,” one said, referring to the 30.5 cc Sthil MS170 and the 38.2 cc Husqvarna 240, compared to this model’s 30.1 cc engine. But that wasn’t enough to sour them: “Not a bad saw, though.”
Echo uses an i30 starting system for quick ignition. We started each chainsaw for the first time out of the box and noted how long it took each one to start with just one pull of the cord—the Echo took four attempts. This is good, but not the fastest we saw in our test—Husqvarna only took three attempts, while the Poulan Pro took seven.
Score: 7 out of 10
Echo CS-310-14: Performance
The Echo chainsaw cut through our test log at high speeds, averaging under five seconds per cut. However, its noise level reached around 90 decibels. That being said, you should always wear hearing protection when operating any chainsaw. The chainsaw’s plastic and aluminum body weighs only 8 pounds. These materials may bend if strained, but they keep the saw light and easy to handle.
We used the chainsaw to clear out an overgrown yard with half-dead bushes, dead trees, stumps, and more. We were impressed at how well the Echo cut through everything in its path with relative ease, even on a hard, dried cherry tree stump—which several of our corded models struggled mightily with.
The final verdict for this chainsaw from the testing crew was, as one tester put it, “These are more pro models, not for use around the house.” Professionals, enthusiasts, and frequent users will appreciate all the aspects of Echo, but it’s overkill for the occasional user who wants to remove a bush in his yard.
Score: 9 out of 10
Parts and repairs are available for the Echo saw from large home improvement stores and licensed dealers alike. This provides the option to visit a specialty store or a large chain, depending on the services available in your area. Some chainsaw brands require licensed professionals to perform maintenance, which increases the chances of your chainsaw being repaired correctly the first time versus making multiple trips to the home improvement store for new parts. Luckily, this saw is under warranty for five years.
This specialty service is part of why this Echo model doesn’t come with many accessories. Rather than including items like a chain or sharpening tools, you must visit these specialists to find exactly what the model needs. In the box, there are essentials like an owner's manual, scrench, bar scabbard and engine oil. Although there is no carrying case included with this model, Echo dealerships provide cases, files and other accessories you may need.
Echo CS-310-14: User Reviews
The Echo CS-310-14 has a 62% five-star rating on Amazon. Users consistently praised the Echo for its small, light frame, which made it perfect for small jobs around the garden, such as tree limb cleanup. One user noted that they used it for “brush clearing and trimming and pruning trees with trunks up to 10 to 12 inches thick without any problem.”
Some users noted that while it’s perfect for small and medium jobs, the Echo CS-310-14 doesn’t have enough power for really heavy-duty work. Another user noted issues with claiming against the warranty when the saw broke down, so be mindful of this.
Should you buy the Echo CS-310-14?
After extensive testing, the Echo chainsaw impressed our team with its high-speed cutting ability and effortless handling of tough obstacles. Our testers liked the priming location, and although it took four tries to start, the chainsaw performed well overall. The Echo chainsaw is designed for professionals and frequent users, not for occasional users with light yard work.
The noise level is around 90 decibels, so you need hearing protection during operation. Many outlets are available for parts and repairs, including specialty stores and large chains. Users should note that this model doesn't come with many accessories and may need to be purchased extra to ensure it's right.
