Echo CS-310 16" Gas Chainsaw Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Homeowner
- Firewood
- Tree felling
Per specs and owner feedback, Echo's CS-310 is a 16-inch, 30.5cc gas chainsaw that cuts firewood and fells small-to-medium trees battery saws stall on, staying manageable at 8.8 lb dry. It needs 2-stroke mixing and upkeep. Its higher power means higher kickback risk, so full PPE (chaps, helmet with face shield, gloves) are mandatory.
Pros
- 30.5cc engine and 16-inch bar cut real firewood and fell small trees that stall battery saws
- Light 8.8 lb dry weight and i-30 easy-start system make it manageable for homeowners
- Runs as long as you have fuel — no battery limits during a big cleanup day
Cons
- Requires 2-stroke fuel mixing, periodic maintenance, and produces noise and exhaust
- Heavier and more intimidating than a mini or battery saw for light pruning tasks
- Higher power means higher kickback risk — full PPE (chaps, helmet with face shield, gloves) and proper bracing technique are mandatory
Specifications
| Power | 30.5cc 2-stroke gas |
|---|---|
| Bar | 16 in |
| Cut capacity | ~14 in log |
| Runtime | Unlimited (refuel) |
| Weight | 8.8 lb dry |
| Best for | Firewood cutting & felling small-to-medium trees |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size trees can a 16-inch chainsaw handle?
- Roughly a 14 in log, which covers real firewood cutting and felling small-to-medium trees. That is beyond what most battery saws manage before they bog down.
- Is the CS-310 hard to start?
- The i-30 easy-start system reduces pull effort noticeably, and at 8.8 lb dry it is light for a gas saw. You still deal with 2-stroke fuel mixing, periodic maintenance, noise and exhaust.
- What safety gear does a gas chainsaw require?
- Full PPE — chaps, a helmet with face shield, and gloves — plus proper bracing technique. Higher power means higher kickback energy, and kickback happens faster than a person can react.