Echo Battery Chainsaw Review - 2500T

My thoughts on the top handled Echo 2500T chainsaw after using it on the job for several months.
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#chainsaws #echo2500T #treeclimbing

[@havespurswillclimb]

Enjoyed the video. I think some of the negatives you note for this saw goes for most E-saws. You just learn to run them a little different. I love my 2500T. I use it 90% of the time for limbing. I also have a 2511T that I love.....but, constant need to restart gas saws in the tree is a big negative for me. The quiet nature of the 2500T is also nice. I have two batteries, but, I rarely ever have to go to a second battery. I find the saw stalls mostly when I get down to 2 bars on the battery. With fresh battery I get no stalls (unless you intentionally push hard into the wood). 5 Stars for the 2500T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@metaspencer]

Great to hear your perspective and it's good to know that the other battery saws work similarly. I agree: ya just gotta get used to how they run. 5 Stars! I definitely grab the 2500t more than my others saws these days

[@Johnnyreengo]

I would also point out that the "stall" seems to be more like a protection feature within the electronics.

[@CaptainRScott]

Best review on the 2500t that I've seen to to date. Mine came in today + got it charging. Thanks

[@metaspencer]

I think you're gonna like the saw. Not perfect and you've gotta get used to how it works, but it's got a great place in the arsenal of saws. Thanks man

[@johnsommerfeld6889]

Thanks for the review! You make a lot of good points.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man

[@hudsonhollow]

I love my little 2500. Unlike my Stihl MS150TS, the Echo is truly a one hand saw. The convenience of not having to pull a rope under certain circumstances is nice as well as being more safe. The captive nut on the sprocket cover is also nice. You don't have to go looking for it in the woods. 😅

[@brerrabbit4265]

Just got mine and used the crap out of it. I cannot say one bad thing about this saw, and I really do think it's the one saw that is under-rated. LOVE IT!

[@metaspencer]

agreed man ... it's often the first saw I grab for a job ... so easy and quick to get going with. great for limbing

[@Cholton327]

Awesome dude. I'm in the air about that one or husky. Thanks Spencer. Another pro video bro.

[@metaspencer]

Oh yeah, no problem. I've heard good things about that Husky but haven't run one

[@Cholton327]

@@metaspencer I haven't got a chance to run the husky . But I would pic that first echo second then stihl 3rd. Lol.

[@littlemogocreek]

Great stuff, thanks for the review Spence. Looking into this style of saw so great to see and hear what the pro' thinks. Cheers. Dunk.

[@metaspencer]

Definitely an interesting new tool

[@jefferykeeper9034]

Every piece of seal equipment I have ever owned have been a piece of junk went back to Echo it was very happy with the results.

[@metaspencer]

Dang those Echo saws keep running! And with little maintenance. They're the working dogs of the industry :)

[@DayDreamer4488]

yea overrated larp,echo is good

[@Kaizen747]

Seal?

[@lisak6321]

Thanks for the info Spencer. Sounds like this is the perfect chain saw for the average person who might need to trim up around their property. I've switched over to battery power tools and equipment because it's easier and typically weighs less than the gas powered alternatives. They've come a long way with the power level on many electric machines. I have a battery powered string trimmer that is still going strong 3 years later. I tried a gas powered trimmer but it was way too heavey. I have a battery powered leaf blower and recently obtained a battery powered mower, this thing is sweet! I'm 5' tall with back problems and couldn't get my gas powered mower started consistently. I should add my gas powered mower was over 20 years old, it was a great mower but was getting harder for me to start. I didn't have the wing span or the ability to yank the cord like I used to. Now, I press a button and pull the handle and off I go. I do miss the sound of a gas powered mower though. And as you know, if you take care of the equipment, it should last decades.

[@metaspencer]

It's cool to hear about those various battery options -- I haven't tried one of the mowers yet, but it's on my list. :)

[@lisak6321]

@@metaspencer I have a Kobalt and .4 acres and haven't lost power yet. You have a little more lawn to mow than I do, you might need two or twenty extra batteries😀Have a great weekend!

[@kevinseely6632]

Good video man, I run nothing but stihls, but I have the 2511 t as well. So light, yet a little badass.

[@metaspencer]

yeah that little 2511 means business :)

[@mcciaccio]

I didn’t like my Sthil version and sold it. My Husq. is bad ass but basically $1000 after you get batteries and a charger. I seen this echo at home depot and was thinking about buying one. We have lots of different battery saws and use them around office buildings,when customers are working at home on conference calls etc. Its also nice to be able to communicate with your ground guy. I have had good luck with gas echo products, but not much experience with their battery products.

[@metaspencer]

I'm heard only GREAT things about that Husky electric saw ... except for the price I guess. But tools pay for themselves quickly, so no worries. The Echo works for me tho it's not perfect

[@mudhustle]

Great review. I'm wanting a lightweight electric chainsaw so bad. It's not easy for me to start my stihl 201t up in the tree. I don't know why but the first pull seems to yank back and then I can start second pull no problem. I agree that most customers would like me using an electric saw as a lot of them are older and retired.

[@metaspencer]

You'll find the right saw, man ... the little e-saw is not the best on big jobs and hard wood, but they're not bad

[@joeshmo5399]

I have a Skil electric chainsaw, and I found the 2.5 AH battery didn't give me enough cutting time. When I changed to a 5 AH battery I had more cutting time and it also gave me more to draw from so it wouldn't stall as easily if that makes sense.

[@metaspencer]

Echo makes a much larger 5amp hour battery, but the dang thing doesn't fit in this saw. Doh! Always nice to have more juice. I do what you describe on my battery framing nailer and it really helps

[@mtbguidecoeurdalene2741]

Hey man if you like that saw you’ll go full stoke on the husky 540ixp… Ive been using one for a couple years now. During the first half of your video, I was excited about there being an echo battery too handle out, didn’t know it!!! Way cheaper than husky I’ll bet (husky is like $900 for the battery, charger & saw) Buuuut by the end I could tell that echo is weak sauce compared to the 540ixp. The audibly slow chain speed, low torque and stalling made me be like… no. And the husky has all the other pro’s you listed for the echo. If you go husky you gotta get the pole saw in the battery lineup as well… it’s a game changer. Great review! Thanks man!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah man you said it: the Echo is okaaaaay but nothing like the Husky. It's affordable and works in some situations, but I don't take it up on jobs where I need that chain speed. Good hearing from ya :)

[@dancutting8940]

I like mine for similar reasons. Future people may check the echo blower out. When it goes on sale, you’re getting a new battery, a charger, and the blower for almost the same price as just buying the echo 2.5 battery. I’ve noticed that mine seems to squeak when it gets a lot of sawdust behind the clutch. I’m hearing yours squeak too, and I’m wondering if you have found the same cause? A little air cleans that out, and it’s oiling fine, but it annoys me. It’s way better than the four finger action required for the stihl. Try running it left handed and you’ll see the hand contortion that is required to hit all the safety buttons. Would have looked at the husqvarna, but no one had one, and twice the price of the echo. Appreciate the videos, keep them coming.

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I've hear the squeak and can't figure it out beyond just blowing it out. I really like cleaning it though since there is no air system/carb to blow out. That blower dealio you mention sounds awesome -- I'll have to look for that. Echo makes a monster 5 amp hour battery but it doesn't fit the saw. It would be cool to make a tether and roll with the battery on the belt

[@greenphonecase]

Awesome unpaid/unsponsored review! How does this compare to your top handle DeWalt in your opinion?

[@metaspencer]

The two saws are really in a different class -- the DeWalt is okay for occasional cuts and nothing on the professional/production scale. The Echo can be integrated into the lineup with other pro saws

[@nhmountains5683]

I wonder how the battery life will be in sub freezing weather? I agree on the 2511. I love it for apple orchard work.

[@metaspencer]

I worry about that too and keep all my batteries inside in the winter. Performance tends to go waaaay down when cold

[@Kaizen747]

2:55 😂😂😂 genius

[@metaspencer]

that may not be true in every area, but it sure is around here :)

[@merlenelson4894]

Another arborists opinion - Husky T540i is great up to lots of 6 inch dia cuts, I demoed this and thought of it as great up to lots of 3 inch dia cuts. I go to gas saws when doing a lot of cuts above those sizes. I passed on this saw at first because I have about 10 Husky batteries and didn't want to add in another platform. Can use my Echo 2511T when I want a lighter saw. "Passed" that is until I just put a down payment on a 100ft lift (with a Lithium Ion Battery option.) So any end weight pruning will tend to be alot of smaller cuts. I'll buy one about the time my lift arrives. Totally agree on peoples positive attitude, questions, and added jobs as a result of using lots of battery powered tools. Thanks for making great content.

[@metaspencer]

Great to hear your perspectives -- our tools become pretty personal and extensions of ourselves. That T540i has had my attention for a while ... but I agree: bigger wood and the power of the gas saw is more effective. Enjoy that new lift! It sounds like a good one. 100' is a nice reach

[@Johnnyreengo]

i buck down with my 540ixp no problem

[@TyeWills]

I run multiple mowing crews. I have 3 that run all gas mowers and equipment and 1 crew that runs all electric mowers, trimmers and blowers. The old people group homes and some apartment complexes love the electric crew so much that they pay me extra for their property to be done with all electric. I ordered 4 more electric mowers to replace a set of my gas ones. People like quiet.

[@metaspencer]

Interesting to hear! that makes perfect sense ... sounds like you're adapting with the times very well

[@scottwilcox6741]

Yes I do understand what you're saying about the people like in the battery powered chainsaw but what happens when you fire up the chipper

[@metaspencer]

For those who use a chipper, and I'm not one of those guys (on most jobs), it BRINGS THE THUNDER haha

[@CoolGen10]

Slightly off topic … as you may remember I have a 14” 2511t. It’s essentially my only saw. I need a midsize saw for bucking and cutting 20” or 24”?. What size bar would be your go to midsize saw? And what saw? Any thought on a echo cS-590? Like you, I live on a budget when I buy these toys. Happy holidays and stray warm!

[@metaspencer]

I've run a few other Echo saws over the years but that 2511t is still my fave. I run a 20" bar on my bucking saw and really like that length. It's long enough to get through stuff and can even fell larger trees if you work both sides of the stem. That Echo 590 sounds good I just haven't run it. I have a Stihl 362 which I like a lot, but DANG they're overpriced these days

[@metaspencer]

I bet you could do a lot with that echo cS-590 ... looking at it now it seems like it could be a good one

[@Duckowski]

I have the Stihl one and it stalls out the same way, I love the thing though. The 2511 beats the Stihl battery too but I like the battery operated for the same reasons.

[@metaspencer]

I've been drooling over that Stihl version for a while now ... they look pretty sweet

[@Clothis64]

It’s funny, I wondered watching the last video if the owners had asked you to use mainly an electric chainsaw :)

[@metaspencer]

they never asked but seem to appreciate the diminished noise :)

[@billambrose3944]

Great review ! I've been running the husky T536 (older model) $1100 for about 9 years now its been a great saw still on the original 2 batteries I purchased with it . I'm thinking about getting the newer HuskyT540 , but at $1200 i might try this one instead, by the way, no beep on my Husky

[@metaspencer]

9 years! That's great to hear. I was down at my local saw shop checking prices yesterday and they're REALLY gone up. If and when I replace this echo it'll be with the husky battery saw just cuz it seems like a good bet. thanks man

[@merlenelson4894]

Bill, find someone with a T540i that will let you try it in a few cuts - preferably with a brand new chain. It cuts as fast as a T540XP up to about 8 inch dia. The motor is upgraded from the T536i and the batteries are upgraded to give more power faster. They have a faster charger too. If you don't mind it being heavier than this newer Echo, it's pretty nice.

[@6ftS]

sweet machine...

[@metaspencer]

Thanks buddy

[@DayDreamer4488]

sorry but wats the range? can last you all day? how fast the rapid charge?

[@metaspencer]

Definitely not all day. It kind of depends on the temp but on a warm day I can remove a reasonable pine with it as long as I don't chunk down with it. Not great on large oak and ash limbs (12" say) or anything like that

[@obfuscated3090]

Time is money even for DIYers. If I were an arborist I'd run a mix but as a homeowner whose work is mostly limbing and small trees my cordless saws get frequent use and my perfectly good gassers have hung on the wall for several years as backup.

[@metaspencer]

Interesting to hear! More and more I grab the battery saw as well ... it's just so easy to use and always ripping

[@petershea3131]

The Husqvarna stalls a lot. I used the echo with the still 1/4 pitch conversion and it was amazing

[@metaspencer]

I'll have to go for that conversion at some point ... always better on small saws. Thanks for the tip, man

[@Johnnyreengo]

my t540ixp stalls too, but it seems more like a protection setting in the electronics. it runs the .325 chain but i might put a 1/4 pitch on it

[@petershea3131]

@@Johnnyreengo you should. The 1/4 pitch makes all the difference

[@DayDreamer4488]

huskies are always trash

[@gregbrown9271]

Got 5 top handle stihl saws two 2511 seem to always grab the 2511 just haven't been able to talk my self in to the battery saw yet I do like reviews on the husky I bet your echo is lighter than husky

[@metaspencer]

agreed: the 2511 is a great saw. The battery top handle is not my everyday saw, but good in some situations

[@misterz2719]

The Husqvarna rep told me it's very hard to get the battery operated one, the guys out west try to buy them up. I like the battery saws because they are quiet,

[@metaspencer]

Yeah these shortages are rough -- I agree with you about the noise.

[@treebossmike8818]

You should check out the Makita 40v XGT Top-Handle Chainsaw. Way more torque and chain speed than the echo.

[@misterz2719]

I have 2 different makitas and I use the small one battery saw many times , they are all nice and quiet.

[@metaspencer]

I've seen them around but never used one. That torque is pretty sweet

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

I actually really like the Milwaukee 2826 14” m18 battery saw but I’m no professional either, however for my needs it’s far and away more than what I need to take care of my family’s property…make sure and use batteries that are under warranty and HO packs only preferably the 12ah or the 6ah HO or 6ah forge

[@metaspencer]

I've used one once and liked it too -- good torque and if you have other Milwaukee tools it's a win-win :)

[@taphonomyoftitans417]

Stressing me out with those no touch , no rope cuts so close to the house 😂

[@metaspencer]

The blood can get to boiling real quick with those cuts! maybe the camera made it look closer to the house or something haha

[@williamrehberg2546]

So, I mean, is it a how to....or just a story of how you did it?🤣

[@metaspencer]

A "How I bought it" video :)

[@michaelmoran6861]

You beat me to it.🤣🤣

[@rjarman325]

Dude I just had this in my hands at TCIA expo !!!! Sad part is I just bought a cs2511. 😢

[@rjarman325]

A PR tool. You are hilarious!!!

[@metaspencer]

Well that 2511 is a beast! I'm sure you're happy with it ... great little saw

[@rjarman325]

Most definitely

[@rjarman325]

But it would be nice to start work at 0600 lol!

[@TimberTrainer]

In comparison to the other battery top handle saws, the 2500 is way lighter than the Husky or Stihl, has better ergonomics, and less than half the price. Other saws definitely have more power, but the 2500t is the better saw for pruning, and I would rather have a gas saw for larger wood.

[@metaspencer]

Great points man - I agree

[@Version135]

Could never ditch my 1/4 pitch 2511t. It gets meaner every use

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I feel the same way about the 2511 ... what a great saw

[@sporranheid]

Stalling on battery tools is annoying. I don't exactly know the science but know it's to stop the battery burning up (overheating) under heavy load. Think there are electronic sensors inside modern batteries. As a carpenter I have Hilti, Makita and Mafell battery tools and they all have a cut off point if I ask too much of them. I find it hard not to think of them as mincing prima donnas when I'm trying to get a job done but I guess the manufacturers are trying to help make them last longer. 😁 The higher Ah batteries do seem to give a bit more torque.

[@metaspencer]

I recently got a bigger battery powered circular saw (Hitachi) and it stalls out less on that bigger battery, but it's still not nearly as powerful as my old corded wormdrive skilsaw. Still, nice to have the convenience of the batteries. I'm thinking you must have a bunch of different chargers for those tools! :)

[@sporranheid]

@@metaspencer Aye, I could be more streamlined but my self-control only goes so far 🤣

[@fbroussard87]

I'm not a fan of the stalling or the slow chain speed. I cut a hackberry with it. Died half way through the job. Almost every limb barber chaired. And it stalled at some of the worst times.

[@metaspencer]

I see your point - especially on a wood like hackberry. And yet in a cottonwood the other day it was fine. Still always better o have that chainspeed

[@Cholton327]

It probably wouldn't stall if it had .25 pitch chain. And it was always sharp. Bsafe dude

[@metaspencer]

Those .25 chains are the way to go -- no doubt

[@Cholton327]

@@metaspencer I have the 151 stihl muff modded. It's ok. The 2511 does out stroke it. . Bsafe dude

[@jesseshort8]

Has the electric saw ever worked the opposite way you mentioned? Like thinking you're some kind of tree hugging tree slayer? 🤯

[@metaspencer]

Ya know, it's always a possibility! :)

[@CatDaddySteve]

WARNING: Do NOT crank down hard on the bar stud nut because the stud is held into plastic not metal. You can install a Panther brand 1/4 pitch Pico bar and chain for faster smoother cutting.... Also You can start earlier in the morning in a neighborhood and not piss off the neighbors, oh and You can snipe wood in the forest without having a forest ranger sniffing up your butt

[@metaspencer]

That stud is held on plastic!? Crazy … thanks for the tip … I’ll have to be more gentle

[@btsllc9676]

I have the Echo 2511T, Echo 355T, Stihl 161T electric, Stilh 201T, and Husqvarna T536i electric. My go to saw is the Husqvarna, it outperforms all the others except the Stihl 201T. I was going to purchase the Echo 2500T to compare, but after your review, I am going to pass. If it doesn't outperform the 2511T, then it would be a big step down from the Husqvarna in my opinion.

[@metaspencer]

I think you're making a good choice -- from everything I've seen that Husky battery saw you have is the best one out there. For me, it's the Stihl 201 that's most essential as it's the only saw I trust for really critical, fast cuts in bigger wood up there. Nice hearing your perspective!

[@btsllc9676]

The 201 is my favorite, and it is fast, especially compared to the 355T. And like you said, any time i need a saw that is fast and reliable, it is the 201, but i use the Husqvarna 90 percent of the time. And I can only give a big thumbs up for the electric in being much cheaper to operate and not having to crank the saw. I may not be a fan of electric automobiles, but I definitely like the saws. Have a great day :)

[@lowellmiller6663]

Is your 355t muffler modded?

[@metaspencer]

I’ve only muffler modded the 2511 … is the 355 worth doing?

[@lowellmiller6663]

@@metaspencer yes Muffler mod it and it's right up there with the best of them.

[@dustoff499]

Battery expense is no joke. Those suckers cost almost as much a gas powered chainsaw.

[@metaspencer]

You said it, and they don't like cold temps

[@followtheciaence]

Check out Dr Eric Berg here on youtube, he is your doppelganger! Mannerisms and everything!

[@metaspencer]

Brother from another mother! Maybe it’s because we both don’t eat sugar hahaha

[@davidrehaluk8620]

I’m going deaf from running saws every day And my hands can’t take the vibrations I’m trying to get away from the pissy. Husqvarna shakes the shit out of your hand for eight hours a day.

[@metaspencer]

That sounds tough man. Maybe an electric option will help ya out -- I've heard good things about the husky battery saw (except for the price)

[@jamesweir139]

Wow that was some aggressive chain filing

[@metaspencer]

Must have had a tough day in the trees