Call us on 01590 623893 or email us for price and availability
Our opinion
How to describe the CS-281WES? Firstly, it’s based on the CS-280TES professional top handled climbing saw, but with a rear handle and conventional front loop handle fitted. This may seem like an odd thing to do, but as always, the Japanese don’t do things for no reason. Top handled saws need to be light-weight and easy to handle whilst up a tree, but they’re not to be used by anyone without proper training and aren’t to be used on the ground at all. Adding the rear handle makes it available to all users, but keeps a very low operating weight. The balance of the saw is also incredibly good, considering the handle change. The net result is in our opinion the best pruning and hedging saw available to buy. At just over 3kg, with a 27cc engine and fitted with a 12″ bar and chain it’s perfect for every pruning task and is more than capable of being used for cutting up firewood too. Echo’s enviable reputation for reliability and build quality, coupled with a 5 year domestic warranty make this chainsaw unparalleled.
Whilst Echo do the same trick with the larger CS-361WES, based on the CS-360TES, we don’t stock this model as the larger, heavier machine is matched in performance by other Echo and Husqvarna saws that we stock and at 3.8kg, it’s getting a bit heavy for a dedicated pruning saw. The CS-361WES is available to order however, and is still a great all-rounder, with an RRP of £419.00. Call or email us if you’d like to order one.
Alternative options
Manufacturers Description
Used by homeowners and farmers, the CS-281WES is a lightweight, highly manoeuvrable petrol chainsaw, ideal for pruning and hedging. It features a 26.9cc, low emission engine and Easy Start for almost effortless starting.
The CS-281WES is the lightest rear handle chainsaw in the ECHO range, weighing just 3.1kg*.
Domestic / Home owner saws
Averaging 4 hours a month, used for cutting up firewood, pruning trees and the occasional felling or cutting up operation.
Farmer / Land owner
Used for an average of up to 4 hours a week, for all aspects of tree-work and maintenance. Capable of performing all of the operations that a professional saw would be used for, but balancing price against features and longevity. For example, it may be less technologically advanced or slightly heavier than it’s ‘pro’ equivalent.
Professional
For the full time forest worker, arborist or tree surgeon. Expected to work in the region of 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. If your livelihood depends on a chainsaw, then these saws are designed for you. Life expectancy will ultimately depend on the conditions that it’s used in, along with the amount of maintenance it receives, but Husqvarna offer a 2-year warranty on all of their professional saws.
We use Aspen Fuel in all of the hand-held and pedestrian machinery that we sell, service and repair. Click here for further reading on the benefits of using Aspen Fuel in your equipment.
