When it comes to chainsaws, there are a few big brands that everyone knows. However, it can be worthwhile to check out some smaller chainsaw producers. ECHO is a frequently-overlooked chainsaw brand that you might want to explore. They craft some very reliable and well-made products, so they’re slowly gaining popularity among serious professionals. To see if an ECHO chainsaw is right for you, check out our guide. We’ll tell you all about the company’s history, manufacturing processes, and more.
Why Choose ECHO?
ECHO has a reputation for producing simple, reliable equipment. Users praise them for their intuitive controls, powerful engines, and durable construction. Though ECHO chainsaws don’t always have trendy features, they’re solid and effective. Typically, the company is a favorite among small business owners and serious DIYers.
If this isn’t enough to automatically sell you on the company, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to get all the details about the company.
History
The ECHO brand is a subsidiary of the Yamabiko Corporation. This corporation produces a variety of agricultural and forestry machinery. They’re technically a newer company that has only existed since 2008. However, Yamabiko’s history actually dates back decades. The corporation was made by merging several reputable companies into a single business.
The oldest half of ECHO’s parent company is the Kioritz Corporation. This Japanese business was launched by the Asamoto brothers in 1947. Initially, the brothers produced tools for farmers. However, over the years, they began experimenting with power tool production. In 1971, the company launched the CS-302. This was their first professional saw, and it had the same bright orange housing you see on modern ECHO chainsaws.
The ECHO line of chainsaws was first released in the late 70s. The Kioritz Corporation launched the ECHO line as a way of marketing their tools to a new audience. Instead of just focusing on tools for farmers, they began selling tools for other professionals. ECHO originally produced a range of petrol-powered tools like saws, leaf blowers, and brush cutters. They began selling their products internationally and quickly found success. After creating a deal with Home Depot, ECHO began supplying the home improvement store with their saws. This allowed them to reach a whole new market of chainsaw users.
Though it was originally developed by the Kioritz Corporation, ECHO also owes a lot of its design to Shindaiwa Incorporated. Shindaiwa Incorporated is the other company that merged to create the modern Yamabiko Corporation. This company was founded in 1952 as a producer of all sorts of outdoor power equipment. They originally manufactured a lot of industrial products, and starting in 1955, they began producing chainsaws. Shindaiwa specialized in electrical products, so their input has helped design the ECHO battery-powered chainsaws.
Initially, when Kioritz and Shindaiwa merged, there was little difference in the ECHO chainsaws. They continue to produce many of the classic ECHO chainsaw models that had been in production for decades. However, over the years, the company has been able to add more products to its lineup. In modern times, you can choose from a broad range of both fuel and battery-powered ECHO chainsaws.
Founding and Milestones
The ECHO brand and the company that created it have undergone a lot of changes over the years. Explore this timeline to learn about notable dates in the company’s history.
- 1947: The Kyoritsu Noki Company is founded in Japan as an agricultural machinery company.
- 1952: Shindaiwa Incorporated is founded in Japan as a producer of electrical equipment.
- 1955: Shindaiwa produces its very first chainsaw.
- 1963: Kyoritsu launches the ECHO CS chainsaw, their very first saw.
- 1971: Kyoritsu rebrands itself as the Kioritz Corporation. This year, they also release their first professional chainsaw, the ECHO CS 302.
- 1978: Kioritz creates the ECHO brand name which they use to sell their ECHO saws.
- 1985: ECHO establishes its first American headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois. They also open a manufacturing facility in the same area.
- 1994: ECHO begins selling its products through Home Depot.
- 1997: The ECHO 2-stroke engine is created.
- 2008: Kioritiz and Shindaiwa merge, and both company’s designs are sold under the ECHO name.
Production and Manufacturing
One of the things that sets ECHO apart is its production and manufacturing system. Check out some fascinating facts about how ECHO chainsaws are produced.
Products
ECHO produces a wide range of chainsaws from factories in the US, Japan, and China. Their company lineup currently includes 21 chainsaws, and there are also some older models still for sale at select retailers.
The company creates a very wide range of chainsaws. They primarily produce ECHO cordless chainsaws powered by gas. However, they also have some very reliable electric chainsaws. These ECHO battery chainsaws typically have a rechargeable battery that provides power for hours of cutting. ECHO tends to prioritize chainsaw features that make their tools more comfortable and convenient. Many models have onboard tool storage, Pro-Fire ignition systems, and automatic oilers. Comfort and control are enhanced with vibration reduction technology and wrap-around handles too.
Manufacturing
ECHO products are built with professional-grade components sourced from a variety of locations. They manufacture their components at plants in Japan, China, and the United States. These items are then assembled at one of ECHO’s four plants. Typically, where you bought your chainsaw determines where it was made. Most ECHO chainsaws sold in the US are at least assembled in the US. If you buy an ECHO product in Europe, Australia, or Asia, it’s probably assembled in Japan or China.
Unlike some other chainsaw companies, ECHO doesn’t outsource any part of the production. Every step of production, from design to part production to assembly is directly controlled by ECHO. This lets them oversee production and maintain consistent quality. The manufacturing, distribution, and design centers are all on the same campus, allowing for seamless communication between departments.
ECHO has multiple locations, but its headquarters and flagship factory are in Lake Zurich, Illinois. When Kioritz and Shindaiwa first merged, they went through several major changes. Both companies moved the majority of their operations to Lake Zurich. They then started to make plans to upgrade the factory. Over the next few years, over 50,000 square feet of space were added to the ECHO compound. They now have more than 600,000 square feet of space at their manufacturing, warehouse, and office facilities.
Key Facts
When producing chainsaws, ECHO prioritizes durability and user-friendliness. They collaborate with professionals to find designs that are easy to work with. Each product includes ECHO’s signature attention to detail and commitment to quality. Depending on the chainsaw you get, it may have one or more of these patented features designed by ECHO.
- Power Boost: ECHO’s patented 2-stroke engine uses less fuel while still being high-performance. Power Boost Tornado technology ensures the engine meets all EPA and CARB emission standards.
- G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner: This cleans the air before it enters the filter and engine. The end result is less debris inside your chainsaw, so the engine lasts longer and you have less maintenance.
- RazorEdge Blades: ECHO prides itself on producing the sharpest and longest-lasting blades. They use precision grinding and laser cutting to produce incredible results.
- i-Start: This system reduces the amount of force needed to pull-start your chainsaw. It can reduce force requirements by up to 75%.
- PowerBlend Xtended Life: The PowerBlend synthetic oil exceeds all ISO-L_EGD and JASO M345/FD requirements. It minimizes exhaust blockage while cleaning the engine.
Warranty Information
ECHO includes a warranty with every purchase. This warranty is meant to cover any potential defects in the chainsaw. It usually will not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to user error. However, it will cover the costs of parts or labor for any manufacturer issues.
Since ECHO products are often marketed to professionals, their warranty will depend on how you use them. Any chainsaw used for commercial application has a one-year warranty. This is defined as any use where you intend to get income from using the chainsaw. If you only use the chainsaw for personal use, you get a warranty that lasts five years. This is a little longer than industry standards, so it’s one of the big perks you get from selecting ECHO.
For some of their products, ECHO offers an additional warranty. They provide a money-back guarantee for their Arborist Chainsaw line. If you are not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund within seven days of purchase.
ECHO Chainsaw Parts
ECHO does provide a nice selection of parts if you want to upgrade or fix your chainsaw. You can shop on their website for a variety of chainsaw accessories. This includes upgrade parts like longer bars and different chains, and it also includes common repair parts like handle replacements.
For more mechanical parts, like cylinders or engine gaskets, you’ll have to shop elsewhere. ECHO does produce these parts, but they don’t usually sell them through their shop. Instead, you’ll need to find a licensed ECHO parts dealer. These retailers sell original equipment manufacturer parts that are compatible with ECHO chainsaws.
Check Out More ECHO Content From Chainsaw Selector
We’re committed to providing the best chainsaw information on the web. Explore our website to find out more great details about ECHO.
ECHO Product Reviews
See how individual models compare to other chainsaw designs. Our product reviews will give detailed looks at all the great ECHO features.
ECHO Product Roundups
ECHO’s got plenty of great products to choose from. Discover all the options by reading our Product Roundups.
ECHO Press Releases
Stay on top of the latest ECHO news. We give you access to the company’s most recent press releases.
ECHO Recalls
ECHO’s generally quite reliable, but unfortunately, just like any other brand, they do make mistakes. Check here to make sure your chainsaw model hasn’t been recalled.
Where to Buy
ECHO doesn’t typically sell its products directly to consumers. Instead, they partner with various retailers to sell their chainsaws. Since the 90s, Home Depot has been the official supplier of ECHO products. The Home Depot ECHO store page tends to have a broad range of ECHO chainsaws at reasonable prices.
However, Home Depot isn’t the only ECHO retailer. You can also find ECHO products on other home improvement stores like the Acme Tools ECHO store page and the Zoro ECHO store page. ECHO products are also sold through online retailers, so you can explore ECHO on the Amazon ECHO store page.
Similar Brands
ECHO certainly has a lot of great features, but it’s not the only reputable brand on the market. If you like ECHO products, here are a few other chainsaw brands you might want to consider.
Online Presence
ECHO tends to have a decent amount of online presence. You can visit the ECHO website to learn all about their chainsaws’ features. The ECHO Facebook page and ECHO Twitter page are good spots to get updates about new products. If you’re interested in tips for using the company’s chainsaws, explore the ECHO Instagram page and ECHO YouTube page.
Contact Information
ECHO has several ways for you to get in touch with them. If you have any questions about a product from ECHO, here are a few ways to contact them.
- ECHO customer service number: 1-800-432-ECHO (3246)
- ECHO live chat
- ECHO customer support center