Chainsaws

Test Report

As the newer of Echo's two dedicated forestry saws, the CS6702 has technology to impress. And there's bags of power to drive a full 60cm bar.

The technology begins with the Pro V heavy-duty engine with a two-piece crankcase and vertical cylinders. It’s smooth but seems a little noisy. There are two chain-oiling systems — one is an adjustable automatic, so the operator can match it to timbers of varied density, and the other a supplementary manual.
Starting the CS6702 is painless and undemanding — semi-automatic decompression means that just one push of the release button is needed to fire up the machine. Once it starts, the decompression device is automatically cancelled. There’s an automatic choke return system too, but the clever part of the CS6702 lies in the slope advance ignition system. This automatically senses the engine speed and advances the ignition timing for optimum performance, avoiding starter kickback and stabilising running at low revs.
We reckon a lot of thought has gone into making the CS6702 as maintenance-friendly as possible. It has got spring clips to access the air filter — handy and fast for access but how long will they last? The air filter itself is a commercial-grade, heavy-duty cartridge type so it should give a longer operation period before maintenance is needed. With a side access chain tensioner, there is no problem adjusting the chain tension.
“It’s a good-quality saw with plenty of power — you are getting your money’s worth with this one,” says our tester
But the component our testers had the greatest difficulty with was the on/off switch. It’s on the wrong side to operate with the thumb. At least one of our testers is perplexed by the manual dexterity needed to use it.
“You have to look for the on/off switch,” says one. “That’s the last thing you need when you’re in a hurry.”