Pretty sure this model has a flex drive shaft so if the bends are no more then the curve at the end of the shaft it shouldn't cause much trouble.

Thing is the bends will probably make handling the trimmer a bit awkward. The shaft removes from the engine pretty easily but the R&R of the handle/trigger assembly can be a bit of a testy situation for a first timer.

Thanks. It does have the flexible drive shaft. The bend is probably less than the bend at the end. I don't know why Echo didn't engineer it to take being run over by an SUV. :)

Another question. Instead of replacing the drive shaft, would having it bent back work?

If you can get away with it. The outer shaft is thin aluminum and re-bending it can break it. Aluminum won't take as much bending back and forth like steel will.

rdaystrom...........shame on you!

From someone in the returns department.

I'm sure you returns dept. people have stories to tell of ridiculous returns. My post was placed in jest. I backed over a set of brand new car speakers while getting them ready to install in the car once. What a sick feeling. I feel for you johnbrad.

I would try to bend the shaft.

I have had several things like this straightened at a local garage with a hydraulic press. If you have a local garage or muffler shop. Let them have a go at it, shouldn't cost but a few dollars. Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Don't feel bad..... When I cut the 1st tree w/ my brand new Stihl MS250, I was in a close spot with a fence on one side and a shed on the other and a 10' gap. No problem on a day like today.......... Just to make sure everything went right, I tied a rope in the top of the tree before I cut it through to the point that it was ready to give, and hooked up my tractor to pull it in the right direction. Set that nice new saw upagainst the fence next to it's nice new carrying case so it would be out of harms way. Got on the tractor and pulled the tree where I wanted it to fall. NOT...............
Murphy's law took over and something made the tree fall sideways right across the neighbors fence. The only thing that saved the neighbors green house and my nice new carrying case was the magnetic pull of my heroic new chainsaw.
I was so embarrassed and didn't want to risk killing my wife when she made a smart comment, that I rushed to the local dealer and had everything replaced. Cost me more than the saw itself because I had a friend buy it in the States and ship it to me, but bought the parts here in Germany.

Sure wish I could have got my stuff for 40 bucks...

Good Luck,

Dave

Thanks for all the input. I had several people on another forum seriously suggest that I take it back to Home Depot, but I just can't do that. I worked at Sears and my manager would make me return items that weren't even bought at a Sears. I feel for the return's people who have to deal with beligerent customers.

I think I'm going to take like_my_yards suggestion and try to see if my local auto shop can straighten it out.

Shot in the dark, but you might try to go back to HD and talk w/ the returns and see if maybe they have another broke one that you could swap the part. Sometimes you only have to ask...........