It is a very good saw but underpowered for an 18" bar. You would be happier with 50cc or more.

Echo makes decent small saws for occasional use. I think that saw is a little small for an all arounder (40cc). I also think that saw is underpowered for an 18" bar. A good rule of thumb is about 3:1 (cc's:bar inches). I think you should look for a 50-60cc saw. That recommendation is based on my thinking that you could do most of your cutting with a 16" bar and occasionally needing something a little larger, say 20".

Given how much you will use the saw from your writeup, you could justify a pro model saw. In the Stihl models, I'd recommend the 260. If you think you could use a step up in a saw, the 361 is about top of the class. On the Husky side, you'd probably want to look at a 346xp or 357xp.

Don't forget the safety equipment with that saw (chaps, helmet, eye and ear). That will add ~$100 to your purchase. Well worth it considering the cost and life changes of an accident.

Thanks for the input. I looked some Huskys at the local Tractor Supply and the prices seemed comparable for the saw classes. My budget (saw only) is $300. The reason I'm leaning towards the Echo is the local dealer and service tech. There is a dealer less than 5 minutes from the house whereas the nearest husky dealer is at least 30 minutes. I will look at the stihl model you suggested. Is there any other Echos that would be recommended?

Sounds to me like you'ld get by just fine with a CS400, a couple of bigger trees and smaller ones after that. You could try and find a CS440 with a few more cc and about the same wieght. I've found the Echo saws built better than the home owner Stihl and Husky saws and not quite as good as thier pro models which cost a lot more. With any new saw now days if it likes to bog easy get the high adjusted a little richer. Most are set to lean thanks to EPA and get worse if you have to use ethonal. Also use Sea Foam or Stabil in your gas, running them dry doesn't get all the gas out of the carb which will turn to crud when they are in storage. Steve

We have three of the Echo cs-520's and I like them. Two piston ring engines last longer. Of course they come lean and you need to fatten them up a little. Echo has stayed with the adjustable carbs so you can adjust for local gas mixes and altitude. Buy one from your local dealer and they will set it up for you. 520's use the same engine as the newly released model 530, just gray in color instead of red/orange.

Best wishes,
Bob

I have a 440 with an 18" blade and it's a good combination of power & weight.