PB-580: Cool, calm and collecting leaves

ECHO have announced the introduction of a new backpack power blower available for professionals. The new PB-580 is ECHO’s most comfortable to date with a host of new features that enhance operator comfort and help reduce fatigue.

A new, ventilated backpack pad is designed to keep the operator cool even when the Stage 2 compliant 58.2cc engine is running at maximum revs. Four anti-vibration springs and padded shoulder straps provide increased support for the operator’s back to make this blower more comfortable to use for longer periods; in turn increasing productivity and seeing faster clearance of leaves and debris. The blower’s handle has a newly designed palm rest and hand stop, to reduce the chances of the operator’s hand slipping down the handle and losing control. The blower has a longer trigger for increased throttle precision.

An important factor for the operator in the field is being able to maintain a blower with minimum down-time. The ECHO PB-580 has an air filter cover that can be removed without the need for tools, allowing the pleated automotive-style air filter to be easily replaced if needed. There is also easier access for tightening the throttle cable which is a time-saver.

It’s no good having a blower that gets clogged and the PB-580 has a leaf guard to eliminate clogging of the fan and filter. Another neat and important feature is the metal ring at the end of the straight or curved pipe which helps prevent damage from general wear and tear.

ECHO’s professional backpack blowers have a deserved reputation as tough, durable and dependable machines and come with a two-year professional warranty. The new PB-580 is no exception. 

Download the marketing bulletin for the new backpack blower today. The bulletin includes all of the key features and benefits for this superb ECHO machine.

Light, compact, powerful. ECHO’s new top handle saw.

Compact, lightweight and with an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, the new ECHO CS-2510TES top handle sets a benchmark for chainsaws. It’s clear the designers have aimed to create a top handle saw that fulfils the arborist’s needs in terms of superb balance, reliability, performance and comfort. This latest model in ECHO’s range of new generation chainsaws is their lightest and most compact saw to date. The dry weight is just 2.3kg and with its ergonomic, compact design the saw is highly manoeuvrable and can be used for long periods with little operator fatigue. The engine produces 1.11kW to give the CS-2510TES a superior power-to-weight ratio. Tim Kirk, Managing Director of TKF Training, got his hands on the saw before its launch.

 “I was recently given the new ECHO CS-2510TES top handled chainsaw to test – it was the only one in the country – and my first impression was it must be one of the smallest chainsaws on the market. The saw was fitted with a 10” bar and I have to say it was very light. The big test for such a small saw was the removal of limbs between 150mm to 200mm. I was amazed the saw cut through oak and beech without a dip in power.”

A key feature Tim picked out was using the starter cord toggle as a tool to open the fuel and oil filler caps. This can be done even when wearing gloves. Wider tank openings also make oil and fuel refilling easier and the oiler adjustment is conveniently on top for operator access. The dropout prevention nut is held on with a wire spring to prevent loss when working at height. Attention to detail in the design sees the CS-2510TES fitted with a selection of other features to make the operator’s life easier and more productive. There’s a swing-out lanyard ring for attaching the chainsaw to harness ropes, leaving the operator’s hands free for easier and safer climbing, while the rotating plastic chain catcher is a key safety feature. Narrow louvers in the body are designed to prevent pine needles and debris penetrating the engine compartment. Summing up, a great saw arborists are already talking about and ECHO dealers can’t wait to get in their showrooms, the CS-2510TES is available from November 2015.

 

Watch an overview video of the ECHO CS-2510TES by clicking here.

You can find out more from your ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.

The ECHO CS-2510TES product test

Tim Kirk, managing director of TKF Training was lucky enough to get his hands on the new ECHO CS-2510TES top handle chainsaw. Below are his thoughts when he did a product test in the summer.

'I was recently given the new ECHO CS-2510TES top handle chainsaw to test. It must be one of the smallest chainsaws on the market, I was very fortunate to get my hands on it as it is the only one in the country.'

'The saw was fitted with a 10” bar and chain and I have to say, it was very light. I used Aspen pre-mixed 2 stroke fuel and ECHO Bar and Chain oil. The saw started easily and ran smoothly. I removed several branches of varying sizes and found the wrap around handle that came back at 45° very good.'

'Now for the big test for such a small saw - the removal of limbs between 150 - 200mm. I was amazed the saw cut through Oak and Beech without a dip in power - it continued to cut safely and efficiently. I gave the saw to two local authority tree surgeons to also put to the test. Both guys were suitably surprised and impressed. The icing on the cake was when I used the starter cord toggle as a tool to open the fuel and oil filler caps.'

'Look out for the ECHO CS-2510TES when it appears on the market, I suspect it will go like hot cakes.'

Download the marketing bulletin for the new saw today. The bulletin includes all of the key features and benefits for this superb ECHO machine.

ECHO top with professionals

There is much debate among professional arborists about the top handle chainsaw. Working at height, balance, performance and reliability are critical factors for the highly trained and qualified arborist and they need the right chainsaw.

“Having the right gear to do the work quickly, efficiently and safely is imperative,” says Niall Campbell, a Lead Climber for Special Branch Tree & Hedge Surgery in St. Andrews, Fife. “Nowhere is the gear debate more hotly contested amongst arborists than that of the top handle chainsaw. I was lucky enough to win an ECHO CS-360TES at the 2014 Confor APF Fair. I have been so impressed with this chainsaw.”

ECHO, part of the Yamabiko Corporation, has been a leading Japanese manufacturer of professional outdoor power tools for over thirty years. In designing the latest generation top handle chainsaws it’s clear Yamabiko are aware of what arborists really need. They haven’t just looked at one part of the chainsaw, they have looked at everything and started from scratch. This begins with maximum control over the machine to work in the safest possible way. ECHO began by creating excellent balance and made the saws light enough to be used throughout the day, without causing excessive user fatigue. Arborists want a clean running saw that accumulates very little debris and that was built in. The ECHO G-Force engine air pre-cleaner reduces the chainsaw’s maintenance for less downtime and safer operation.

Next, the chain brake was slimmed down to allow the operator a clear view of what they are cutting. The ECHO Stage 2 Low Emission engines with Easy Start offer effortless starting, which is what arborists really want, while a patented palm rest and larger thumb space ensure greater control and operator comfort. The contoured handle is designed to fit comfortably in the operator’s hand to reduce fatigue. All of which adds up to a combination of productivity with less downtime for maintenance and the ECHO promise of being tough, durable and dependable. Qualities that are borne out by Niall Campbell who says,

“having used all of the popular arborist chainsaws I am extremely happy with this saw, having given it hard use in a professional environment for ten months. In an industry dominated by two ‘big boys’, ECHO have stepped out of the shadows with an excellent product.” ECHO have two models of top handle chainsaws, the CS-280TES and CS-360TES and with demand high the range is expanding with a new model, the CS-2510TES arriving in October 2015 following its first showing at the 2015 ARB Fair. There is no doubt arborists are talking about the top handle chainsaws and can’t wait to get their hands on them. Tim Kirk, Managing Director of TFK Training, one of the country’s leading independent training providers, product tested the CS-2510TES and says, “I love this top handle chainsaw and I expect it will sell like hot cakes when it’s available.” The warranty on ECHO chainsaws is 2-years in professional use.

You can find out more from your ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information. 

ECHO CS-360TES Product Review

'Like many other arborists, I am incredibly passionate about our industry. I enjoy every aspect of my job and having the right gear to be able to do the work quickly, efficiently and safely is imperative. Nowhere is the gear debate more hotly contested amongst arborists than that of the top-handled chainsaw. I was lucky enough to receive the latest ECHO CS-360TES top handle saw at the 2014 Confor APF fair. I was awarded the chainsaw as a prize in a competition held by TKF Training. I have been so impressed with this chainsaw that I would like to share my thoughts on it.'

'Out of the box I noticed marked improvements on the previous model (note also that the CS-350TES was the first top-handle I had owned). In particular, the ergonomics felt better and the chain brake was slimmed down and felt much more robust. I was initially disappointed to find a felt air filter as opposed to the gauze in the 350. However, it proved to be a very clean running saw, never accumulating much debris, even after the hardest day smashing the nastiest Leylandii. After running the saw for longer, it got better and better, having much more low end grunt and guts. Pulling at the 14 inch bar supplied was no bother, it only ever so slightly bogged down in the cut when I buried full bar in Beech.'

'Other noticeable improvements on the 360 were the increased throttle response and pick-up I did after running it fully. I switched to a 12 inch bar but this was solely due to personal preference. The only gripe I have with this saw, which I feel could use a bit of work, is the tuning screws being more user friendly - it would have saved me a trip to the dealer.'

'Having used all of the popular arborist chainsaws, I am extremely satisfied with this saw having given it hard use in a professional environment for 10 months. In an industry dominated by two “big boys” ECHO have stepped out of the shadows with an excellent product and more traditional tool. The ECHO CS-360TES top handle chainsaw easily stands up to the rivals.'

Review from Niall Campbell, Lead Climber at Special Branch Tree and Hedge Surgery Ltd (Fife, Scotland.)

The SRP for the ECHO CS-360TES top handle chainsaw start from £410 (ex-VAT).

You can find out more from your ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.

A New Handle on ECHO Hedge Cutters

Landscapers, arborists and gardeners not only depend on their power tools to be reliable, they need them to be comfortable and easy to work with. All qualities we have come to expect from ECHO and the ECHO HCR-185ES hedge cutter is no exception. You can see it’s built for the professional, with integral features that ensure you’ll get the maximum productivity. The powerful 0.57kW output and reliability of the ECHO 21.2cc two-stroke, Stage 2 compliant, low emission engine gets you quickly through the work. Naturally you also get the ECHO Easy Start® system for effortless starting and there’s a throttle lock-out to prevent accidental throttle engagement.

Ease of use is a main consideration and the ECHO hedge cutter has a newly designed rear handle which locates the frame base higher than the blade. The five position rotating handle also increases manoeuvrability and comfort for the operator, allowing you to use the hedge cutter at different angles without having to twist the whole machine. A definite plus for ensuring the HCR-185ES runs smoothly across hedges with no bumping or snagging, making it the perfect tool for garden and ornamental hedges.

Using a hedge cutter over extended periods is tiring work and like all ECHO power tools the new machine has integrated, low vibration technology to help minimise fatigue. The speed and smoothness of cut will be high on your productivity list and the laser cut, precision ground, double reciprocating blades provide both while ensuring long lasting sharpness. The 35mm blade pitch is ideal for tackling a variety of hedges from thorn, privet and hornbeam to beech and yew. The hedge cutter has an effective cutter length of 744mm with and there’s a half length blade guard to help protect you from accidental contact with the blades.

The superior design of the exhaust system directs exhaust emissions away from you, while preventing scorching and discolouration of the hedge, and there’s a fully enclosed cover to protect you from touching the hot exhaust. Other neat touches are the easy, tool-free access to the air filter, even when wearing gloves, and the vertical fuel filler neck for easier re-fuelling. Like all ECHO power tools, the HCR-185ES hedge cutter is built to endure tough, professional work and comes with a two-year warranty in professional use.

The ECHO HCR-185ES hedge cutter is £415.83 (ex-VAT).

You can find out more from your ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.

The New ECHO CS-390ESX Chainsaw: Power, Productivity and Comfort

With a lightweight, strong and durable magnesium body, ECHO’s new CS-390ESX rear handle chainsaw weighs just 4.5kg*. It has been built to meet the demands of professional operators: high power, comfort and outstanding productivity. Its 38.4cc engine produces an impressive 1.9kW of power and, being so light, provides the chainsaw with an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

This saw is tough enough to be used in extreme weather conditions. Featuring an advanced anti-icing system, which channels warm air from the engine to the carburettor, the CS-390ESX will continue to perform even in freezing conditions. This machine can be used all year round.

The New ECHO SRM-420TES - The Professional’s Choice

The SRM-420TES is the latest offering from ECHO’s high torque range. Designed and built exclusively for professional operators, this brushcutter utilises multiple technologies to enhance user productivity and comfort.

With a 1:2.07 gear reduction ratio, the SRM-420TES’s high torque gearbox spins the cutting head one-and-a-quarter turns per engine cycle and delivers 50% more torque than its predecessor. This extra torque means that, when fitted with heavier line, the brushcutter can make short work of even dense bramble or brush without losing head speed.

The cutting head on the 420TES has been upgraded too. Now with an extra 7.6cm of cutting radius, operators can cut wider swathes, reducing the number of passes required to complete the job at hand. Coupled with ECHO’s ‘Tap & Go’ quick line release system, the SRM-420TES can quickly work through larger areas with few stops to load new line.

The 420TES benefits from a new engine design. Now stage 2 emission compliant, the 41.5cc engine boasts a power output of 1.78kW, over 10% more than its predecessor. Engine performance has been further enhanced thanks to a new air filter design. Positioned at the rear of the machine, away from flying dirt and debris, filtration has been greatly improved, allowing for smooth and efficient engine performance. Access to the filter is tool-free and the cover can be removed and fitted by hand, even when the operator is wearing work gloves.

A newly designed quick hook-up and release harness is features on this U handle brushcutter. This allows the operator to easily detach themselves from the machine quickly should the need arise.

ECHO only build equipment to one standard – professional. The SRM-420TES is no exception. It has been tested in the same punishing conditions that it will be used in every day.  So confident are ECHO of its durability, the 420TES comes with a two year warranty in professional use.

The ECHO SRM-420TES high torque brushcutter is £649.17 (ex-VAT).

Visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.