Leave the Lopping Shears Behind and Reach For The Echo 56V Pruning Saw
As we head into Spring, the time for seasonal trimming and pruning is upon us! You could reach for a chainsaw, lopping shears, or heavy-duty hedge trimmer, but what if there was a better solution? The Echo 56V Pruning Saw aims to make these tasks faster and simpler, but is it the right option for you? Let’s find out!
Pros
- Confident cutting power
- Fast chain speed
- Automatic oiler
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Echo 56V Pruning Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 25 ft/s (7.8 m/s)
- Bar Length: 6 in.
- Chain Pitch: .325 in.
- Chain Gauge: 0.043 in.
- Oil Capacity: 1.7 oz. (50ml)
Cutting Power
Pruning saws like the Echo DHS-3006 are ideal for branches around 3 inches, but they can handle branches up to 5 inches in a pinch. The brushless motor spins the chain up to 25 ft/s (7.8 m/s), which allows it to power through cuts with ease and quickly eject chips.
These speeds exceed what we experienced with the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet (2527) and the Skil 20V Pruning Saw, which both fall in the 5 m/s range.
Bar and Chain
On the business end, Echo utilizes an OEM 6-inch bar paired with a 30-link Oregon 0.325-inch pitch, 0.043 gauge chain. They also designed this pruning saw with an upper blade guard that provides a little extra protection while you work; however, this guard won’t allow you to undercut branches.
With that in mind, it’s important to understand that this saw is not designed to handle large-scale cuts. If you are going to tackle larger branches regularly, I’d suggest stepping up to one of Echo’s larger 56V chainsaws.
Echo 56V Pruning Saw Design Notes
- Model: Echo DHS-3006
- Power Source: Echo 56V battery
- Weight: 3.1 lbs (bare tool), 5.4 lbs (with kitted 2.5Ah battery)
- Length: 12 in.
Size and Weight
Echo is the first brand we’ve seen come out with a pruning saw at this kind of voltage. It’s one thing to put a 12V or 18V battery on a tool this small, but 56V? That’s a challenge. The DHS-3006 weighs 3.1 pounds as a bare tool, 5.4 pounds with the kitted 2.5Ah battery, and measures 12 inches from tip to tail.
One of the competitors we use most often is Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Hatchet. While that’s an 8-inch model, it weighs 4.9 pounds bare and 7.1 with a 6.0Ah High Output battery. So, even with the higher voltage pack, Echo continues to do a great job of managing the weight on its compact chainsaws.
The grip and motor housing are draped in rubber overmold for added security and comfort, and Echo added a plastic guard to protect your fingers while you work.
Chain Tensioning
Echo opted for a tool-free chain tensioning system. All you need to do is loosen the dial on the left side, pull forward on the bar, then tighten the dial to lock it in place.
Automatic Oiler
The automatic chain oiler is one feature that sets this pruner apart from similar models. Many of the early models required you to periodically apply oil to the chain and bar by hand. As we expect, the 1.7 ounce oil tank is translucent, making it easy to check your levels at a glance.
Additional Features
- Compatible with all Echo 56V batteries
- Belt hook
- Tether ready
Echo 56V Pruning Saw Price
The Echo DHS-3006 retails for $179.99 as a bare tool and $249.99 as a kit that includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger. Echo backs this pruning saw with a 2-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Echo 56V Pruning Saw’s design and price give it a wide appeal. If you’re a professional arborist or landscaper, it’s your lightweight supplement to your top-handle and larger rear-handle models.
For homeowners, it’s the tool you need when things are too tough for your hedge trimmer but not worth dragging out a chainsaw for. In most cases, it can replace your manual loppers and give your hands a well-deserved break.
Regardless, the benefits are the same—it makes pruning and light limbing quick, easy, and even more convenient than reaching for a compact chainsaw. Don’t go throwing away your hand pruners or cordless pruning shears, though. You’ll still want those for lighter cutting on plants where making precise, clean cuts on softer growth is key to maintaining their health and beauty.
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