I had an echo first(srm410u), but it got stolen. There's stuff I like about each of them. For the work I do with it, I think I like the Husky a little better. The shaft is shorter, but that works ok for the steep slopes I'm frequently on. Just need to watch my toes. I've almost gotten them a couple times. It was impossible with the echo. The Husky also has a bit more power. It's like 3cc bigger, but I notice the difference. I blew the tube on the echo, but I used it *very* hard. After ordering a new tube, I was looking around, and it looks like Stihl bushings would have worked in it. Never got the chance to try it. I don't like that the echo doesn't have a part# for bushings. All told, they're both very good machines, and I'd be happy to use either assuming they work.
That said, I'm not impressed with my current problem. I guess any brand can have issues, but it really irritated me today, cause I wasn't just playing. I needed that thing to work. I only have ~20hr on it. Next one I get will be Stihl. Echo doesn't go bigger than 43cc, and I've found size helps. If they made a machine 45cc+(50CC would be ideal), I'd definitely go that route. I couldn't be happier with my other echo gear.
