Popular Mechanics - USA (2019-09)

STIHL MSA 200C-BQ

PRICE: $640 WEIGHT : 11.6 lb*
VOLTAGE: 36 AMP HOURS: 5.2
BAR LENGTH: 10 inches

Stihl is the only saw manufac-
turer that makes its own chain,
and it designed this one for
pruning, to give a smooth cut
and to reduce tearing. The rest
of the saw was designed from
there: a small bar with a nar-
row nose for good access, a slim
saw body, and a small but capa-
ble motor. The saw proved to
be a beautiful power tool that
zipped through one cookie after
another. We like its low weight,
its lack of vibration, and its tool-
free chain adjustment. Yes, it
is expensive, but it’s every bit
as dependable as a gas-pow-
ered Stihl.

CRAFTSMAN CMCCS660

PRICE: $270 WEIGHT: 13 lb

VOLTAGE: 60 AMP HOURS: 2.5

BAR LENGTH: 15 inches

We were surprised by this

unusual-looking saw, the only

one with a bottom-mount bat-

tery and a rear handle positioned

higher than on other saws. Yet

none of those features affect

the saw’s performance, we

found. We were impressed by its

lack of vibration, which should

improve the saw’s durability, and

we felt less fatigue while cutting.

We also appreciate how spunky

this one felt, moving rapidly and

smoothly, cut after cut. We liked

its tool-free chain tightening,

but not how difficult it is to see

the battery gauge, which is par-

tially hidden by the rear handle.

DEWALT DCCS670

PRICE: $350 WEIGHT: 13 lb

VOLTAGE: 60 AMP HOURS: 9

BAR LENGTH: 15 inches

DeWalt fans will not be dis-

appointed with this saw. It’s a

powerful cutter, and the cookie

count doesn’t convey how

enthusiastically it goes about its

work, thanks to the great big

motor and an equally massive

battery to provide the needed

current. It’s an easy saw to use,

with a lack of vibration, good

balance, and good visibility

over the saw to the bar. It has

excellent battery access; its tool-

free chain tightening further

improves our opinion of it. Our

only dislike is the thumb-acti-

vated safety switch, which feels

too stiff and is tiring to press on.

ECHO CCS-58V

PRICE: $250 WEIGHT: 14.4 lb

VOLTAGE: 58 AMP HOURS: 4

BAR LENGTH: 13 1⁄2 inches

Echo tools have earned high

marks from us in the past, espe-

cially its string trimmers and

chainsaws, which are simple

to use and effective. So is this

saw. If you’re moving over from

a gas saw, this would be a good

choice. Its length, width, weight,

and balance will feel familiar to

gas-engine saw users. Its cut

performance is very good and

mimics engine-driven saws. Our

only complaint is a small one:

This Echo has a puny, plastic tim-

ber spike. Even on electric saws,

a sharp metal timber spike is a

necessity to dig into the log and

form a solid pivot point.

BEST VALUE

COOKIES

29

SQUARE

INCHES CUT

1,168

C O O K I E S

108.5

SQUARE

INCHES CUT

4,173

C O O K I E S

43

SQUARE

INCHES CUT

1,732

C O O K I E S

56.5

SQUARE

INCHES CUT

2,536

78 September 2019