Echo CS-590 Chainsaw (Specs & Features)

The ECHO CS-590 is a 59.8 cc, two-stroke chainsaw intended for demanding ground-based cutting and appropriately sized felling. Its key setup requirements include a 50:1 fuel mix, bar and chain parts approved for the saw, and careful safety checks. Match the configuration to your work, verify details in the model-specific manual, and judge the saw by its specifications—not bar length alone.

If you have several chainsaws open in browser tabs, the CS-590’s headline number is its 59.8 cc displacement. But displacement alone does not tell you whether a saw suits your work, or which replacement bar and chain to buy. The useful questions are how you plan to cut, what the manual approves, and whether you can safely handle the setup.

I focus here on specifications and operating details that can be checked against the ECHO operator’s manual. I have not treated bar length as a promise of cutting capacity, or added unverified performance claims. Use the guide to narrow your decision, then confirm the exact parts and procedures for your saw.

ECHO CS-590 specifications at a glance

The CS-590 is a 59.8 cc, two-stroke gasoline chainsaw. Its manual lists 12,900 rpm as maximum engine speed and 2,800 rpm as idle speed; these are specifications, not targets for field adjustment. The setup details below help you assess parts, fuel, and basic fit for your work.

Pitch is the spacing used to identify chain size, while gauge is the thickness of the chain’s drive links where they fit into the bar groove. Drive-link count is the number of links that run inside that groove. All three must match the bar, chain, and saw setup.

Do not assume that every CS-590 uses the same bar-and-chain combination. Read the markings on your guide bar and chain, then check them against the model-specific manual. The takeaway: verify the complete set of specifications, not just the bar’s stated length.

Choosing a bar and chain for your work

A bar’s length describes the guide bar, not a guaranteed safe cutting diameter. Safe capacity also depends on the wood, the operator, the cutting position, and the approved chain-and-bar combination. Pick a setup the manual allows and that you can control; do not use a longer bar simply because it is available.

The 20-inch configuration listed above is a common setup, not a universal fit for every replacement part. A different bar length may call for another drive-link count. Before buying, compare the bar’s pitch and gauge markings, the chain’s specifications, and its link count with the manual and the parts being replaced.

If a tree’s lean, decay, overhead hazards, or target area make the cut uncertain, stop and get qualified help. A chainsaw’s engine size does not make a difficult felling situation safe. The next step is to confirm both the setup and the job before starting.

Setup and safety checks before cutting

A safe setup starts with a sound saw, correct fuel, and a clear work area. Before each job, check the parts that stop or control the chain, confirm the bar-and-chain fit, and follow the manual’s starting and lubrication procedures. Wear protective gear and plan your footing and escape route before starting the engine.

Mix fuel at 50:1 using quality two-stroke oil that meets the ECHO manual’s requirements. Never run straight gasoline in this two-stroke engine, and do not guess at a fuel-oil ratio. Put bar-and-chain oil in its separate oil tank. ECHO does not give one universal field flow rate or viscosity for every condition, so use the manual’s procedure to verify oil delivery.

Inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, stop switch, chain catcher, handles, and fasteners. Check chain tension, bar rails, and oil delivery. If a safety device fails or a part is damaged, do not cut until the issue is corrected. Wear a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and protective boots.

Keep the work area clear of bystanders and obstructions. For felling, assess the tree’s lean, wind, defects, nearby targets, overhead hazards, and people in the area. Plan an escape route. Follow applicable ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements, along with the operator’s manual. The takeaway: a correct specification cannot replace a pre-cut inspection.

Field setup examples for bucking and felling

These examples show how to apply the CS-590’s setup guidance to common tasks; they are not reported test results or a promise of capacity. The right decision depends on the wood, site, saw condition, and operator skill. Use the manual for approved parts and procedures, and stop when conditions exceed your training.

Ground-based bucking: Before cutting sections of downed wood, clear footing and check that the log cannot roll or shift. Keep the bar nose clear of the wood and nearby obstacles. Maintain two-handed control and a stable work position. If the chain becomes dull, stop and sharpen or replace it rather than forcing the cut.

Felling assessment: Before starting, inspect lean, wind, decay, overhead hazards, and targets near the tree. Keep workers and bystanders out of the work zone. Felling requires a correctly formed directional notch and sound hinge wood; wedges and a planned retreat may be appropriate. If the tree or cut behaves unexpectedly, stop and reassess rather than trying to force the result.

For either task, start with the chain brake engaged and the saw on stable ground, following the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps. Confirm that the chain stops at idle and that lubrication reaches the chain before cutting. Keep both hands on the saw, and avoid cutting with the bar tip.

Kickback is a fast rotational movement that can occur when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts wood. Keep that area clear, do not cut tip-first, and use a functioning chain brake. The brake is a safety feature, not a substitute for sound technique.

Maintenance, sharpening, and storage

Routine care helps you spot wear and setup problems before they affect a cut. Follow the manual for cleaning and service intervals, and use the chain maker’s specifications when sharpening. If the saw has been stored or develops starting or running problems, inspect it before returning it to work.

Clean the air filter and cooling areas as directed. Inspect the sprocket, clutch area, chain catcher, guide-bar groove, and oil passages. Reverse or replace the bar as the manual specifies, and replace damaged or excessively worn parts. Keep the chain properly tensioned according to the manual.

Sharpen each cutter to the chain manufacturer’s filing angle and cutter specification. Set depth gauges, also called rakers, to that chain’s specification with a gauge tool. Do not assume one clearance suits every chain. For carburetor adjustment, use the ECHO service procedure and a tachometer; do not tune by sound alone or exceed the specified 12,900 rpm maximum.

For extended storage, follow the manual’s fuel-system instructions. Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel during operation, and keep fuel in an approved container. Clean and dry the saw, protect the bar and chain, and store the equipment secured away from children and ignition sources. Before using it again, inspect safety devices and verify chain lubrication.

Refuel only with the engine stopped and cooled, away from ignition sources. Never cut above shoulder height, and never force a dull chain through wood. Stop, secure the saw, then correct the setup or sharpen or replace the chain.

Is the CS-590 the right fit?

The CS-590’s verified specifications establish a 59.8 cc two-stroke saw with a required 50:1 fuel mix and specific service limits. Whether it fits your workload depends on the approved bar-and-chain setup, the wood and site conditions, and your ability to operate it safely. Confirm those details before purchase or parts replacement.

I would treat the common 20-inch setup as a starting point for parts verification, not as proof that every 20-inch bar or chain will fit. Check the manual and the markings on your current parts. If you cannot confirm pitch, gauge, chain type, or drive-link count, pause before ordering.

The practical next step is to identify your main task, verify a manual-approved configuration, and review the safety and service requirements. If those requirements match your work and training, the specifications give you a clear basis for considering the CS-590.

Frequently asked questions

These short answers cover the main CS-590 specification and setup questions. Confirm fit, service procedures, and safety instructions in the operator’s manual for your specific saw. Parts can vary by bar length and configuration, so check markings before buying.

How large is the ECHO CS-590 engine?
It has a 59.8 cc, two-stroke engine.

What fuel mix does the CS-590 use?
Use a 50:1 mix with quality two-stroke oil that meets the ECHO manual’s requirements. Do not use straight gasoline.

What are the CS-590’s listed engine speeds?
The manual lists a maximum engine speed of 12,900 rpm and an idle speed of 2,800 rpm. These are specifications, not field tuning targets.

What chain fits a common 20-inch CS-590 setup?
A common setup uses 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge, and 72 drive links. Verify your bar and chain markings and consult the manual before ordering.

Can I use a different bar length?
Use only bar-and-chain combinations approved for the saw. A different bar length may require a different drive-link count.

What oil goes in the bar-oil tank?
Use bar-and-chain oil in the separate oil tank. Check oil delivery using the model-specific manual’s procedure.

Should the chain move at idle?
No. The chain should stop at idle. If it keeps moving, stop using the saw and follow the manual’s troubleshooting or service guidance.

Can I adjust the carburetor by ear?
No. Carburetor adjustment should follow the ECHO service procedure and use a tachometer. Do not exceed the specified maximum engine speed.

What should I check before starting a cut?
Inspect safety controls, chain brake, chain catcher, handles, fasteners, chain tension, bar condition, and oil delivery. Clear footing and bystanders, and wear appropriate chainsaw protective gear.

What should I do if the chain is dull?
Stop cutting and secure the saw. Sharpen it to the chain maker’s specifications or replace it; do not force a dull chain through wood.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)