Italian power equipment manufacturer Efco, a key brand under the Emak Group umbrella, has earned a solid reputation among landowners, arborists, and timber contractors for building dependable two-stroke chainsaws. While many off-shelf retail brands rely heavily on plastic crankcases and light-duty components, Efco engineers its saws around high-torque engines, forged steel crankshafts, and robust aluminum bar mounts. Whether you are bucking heavy hardwood logs for winter fuel, clearing storm damage, or maintaining acres of wooded property, selecting the right Efco model depends directly on matching cylinder displacement and guide bar length to your specific workload.
Quick answer: The top Efco chainsaws span light arborist work to heavy timber production. For heavy felling, the 63.4cc Efco MT 6510 leads with 4.7 HP, while the 54.5cc MTH 5600 and 50.9cc MTH 5100 deliver the best balance of price and cutting speed for farm and property maintenance.
Engineering Standards and Core Mechanics of Efco Chainsaws
To evaluate Efco chainsaws accurately, it helps to understand how Emak builds their engine assemblies and vibration damping systems. Unlike standard consumer saws, Efco utilizes multi-piece aluminum crankcases paired with chrome-plated cylinders and twin piston rings. This construction maintains compression under severe heat buildup when pulling a full load through thick oak or maple. The powerheads operate on a standard 50:1 gas-to-oil mix using high-grade 89+ octane fuel and ISO-L-EGD synthetic two-stroke oil.
Vibration isolation is another area where Efco excels. High-frequency handle vibrations cause user fatigue and long-term joint strain during multi-hour cutting sessions. Efco uses a combination of steel coil springs and rubber buffers to decouple the front and rear handles from the engine block and guide bar. This layout absorbs rotational forces before they reach the operator's hands, making high-displacement saws much easier to control during complex felling cuts.
Pro tip: When breaking in a brand-new Efco chainsaw, avoid running the engine at wide-open throttle without a load for the first two fuel tanks. Make progressive cuts in soft wood to allow the piston rings to seat properly against the chrome cylinder wall, and re-tension your saw chain after every 15 minutes of initial operation as the new drive links stretch.
In-Depth Reviews of the Top 5 Efco Chainsaws
1. Efco MT 6510: The Heavy-Duty Timber Workhorse
The Efco MT 6510 is designed for demanding logging tasks, big-timber felling, and severe storm cleanup. Packing a 63.4cc displacement engine generating 4.7 horsepower (3.5 kW), this powerhead turns a heavy-duty 3/8-inch pitch chain at high chain speed. It easily pulls a 20-inch or 24-inch guide bar through dense hardwoods without bogging down. The decompression valve significantly reduces pull-rope starter resistance, while the multi-segment anti-vibration system cushions the operator.
Maintenance on the MT 6510 is simple thanks to an onboard clutch drum design and a quick-release nylon air filter cover. An adjustable aluminum oil pump delivers a continuous flow of bar lubricant during deep plunge cuts and stops oiling automatically when the saw idling. If you routinely cut trees larger than 18 inches in diameter, the heavy-duty torque curve of this model makes it an absolute powerhouse.
| Displacement | 63.4 cc |
| Power | 4.7 HP |
| Bar Length | 20" |
| Chain (pitch x gauge) | 3/8" x .058" |
| Oil pump | Automatic / Adjustable |
| Oil/fuel tank capacity | 15.2 / 27.0 fl. oz. |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs.* |
2. Efco MT 5200: Mid-Range All-Arounder
For landowners who need one saw to handle firewood processing, fence line clearing, and medium tree removal, the Efco MT 5200 sits in the sweet spot of power and weight. Driven by a 51.7cc engine delivering 3.4 HP (2.5 kW), this model weighs approximately 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) powerhead-only. It comes fitted with a .325-inch pitch chain on a 16-inch or 18-inch bar.
The lateral chain tensioner allows quick bar adjustments without putting your hands near the sharp cutters, and the metal chain catcher provides reliable protection in case of an derailment. With its 5-point anti-vibration rubber damper layout and reliable carburetor tuning, the MT 5200 starts consistently in both cold winter conditions and hot summer afternoons.
| Displacement | 51.7 cc |
| Power | 3.4 HP |
| Bar Length | 18", 20" |
| Chain (pitch x gauge) | .325" x .058" |
| Oil Pump | Automatic / Adjustable |
| Oil/Fuel Capacity | 9.13 / 16.9 fl. oz. |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs.* |
3. Efco MTH 5600: High-Value Farm and Estate Saw
Part of Efco's "H-Series" intensive duty line, the MTH 5600 combines serious engine displacement with an affordable price point. Its 54.5cc two-stroke engine outputs 3.5 HP (2.6 kW), giving it plenty of grunt for pulling an 18-inch or 20-inch guide bar. Designed specifically for smallholders and suburban property owners who need professional-grade cutting power without paying commercial tree-crew prices.
Features include an EasyStart spring-assisted recoil system, an air purge primer bulb for cold starts, and a robust aluminum front handlebar. The tool-free twist knob on the air filter cover allows rapid field inspection of the filter element. It is slightly heavier than high-end magnesium-cased saws, but its cutting speed per dollar spent is exceptional.
4. Efco MTH 5100: Compact Firewood Cutting Specialist
The MTH 5100 is the 50.9cc sibling to the MTH 5600, generating 3.0 HP (2.2 kW) while utilizing a .325-inch chain pitch with a .050-inch gauge. Fitted with a 16-inch or 18-inch bar, it weighs only 11.9 lbs dry, making it ideal for limbing downed trees and bucking firewood logs up to 14 inches in diameter.
The automatic adjustable oil pump keeps the bar drive links supplied with chain oil, while low handle vibration specs (under 5.2 m/s²) minimize operator fatigue during long afternoons in the woodlot. It offers an intuitive combination choke, throttle lock, and ignition switch that reduces cold-start flooding risks for occasional users.
| Displacement | 54.5 cc |
| Power | 3.5 HP |
| Bar Length | 20" |
| Chain (pitch x gauge) | 3/8" x .058" |
| Oil Pump | Automatic / Adjustable |
| Oil / Fuel Tank Capacity | 8.8 / 18.6 fl. oz. |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs.* |
5. Efco MTT 2500: Precision Top-Handle Arborist Saw
Rounding out the top five is the Efco MTT 2500, a specialized top-handle pruning chainsaw engineered specifically for trained arborists working up in tree crowns or out of bucket trucks. With a 25.4cc engine delivering 1.2 HP in a featherweight 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) chassis, this saw is built for surgical precision on 10-inch to 12-inch guide bars.
Its compact layout includes a lanyard attachment ring, an EasyStart recoil mechanism, and an air purge bulb for quick one-handed restarting while suspended in a climbing harness. Homeowners should note that top-handle saws are strictly designed for certified in-tree workers, but for professional pruning and bucket operations, the MTT 2500 is one of the lightest and most agile saws on the market.
Detailed Specification Comparison
Comparing technical specifications helps clarify which chainsaw matches your property layout, cutting volume, and physical requirements. Below is a side-by-side technical breakdown of the top Efco models:
| Model | Displacement (cc) | Power Output (HP / kW) | Bar Options | Chain Pitch & Gauge | Dry Weight (Powerhead) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT 6510 | 63.4 cc | 4.7 HP / 3.5 kW | 18" – 24" | 3/8" x .058" | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| MT 5200 | 51.7 cc | 3.4 HP / 2.5 kW | 16" – 18" | .325" x .058" | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| MTH 5600 | 54.5 cc | 3.5 HP / 2.6 kW | 16" – 20" | .325" x .050" / .058" | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| MTH 5100 | 50.9 cc | 3.0 HP / 2.2 kW | 16" – 18" | .325" x .050" | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| MTT 2500 | 25.4 cc | 1.2 HP / 0.9 kW | 10" – 12" | 3/8" LP x .050" | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
Essential Maintenance Practices for Peak Efco Performance
To keep an Efco chainsaw operating reliably season after season, consistent maintenance routine is non-negotiable. Gas-powered two-stroke engines require proper fuel care and clean air flow to maintain top operating RPM and prevent severe engine overheating.
- Fuel System Care: Always use ethanol-free fuel or fuel treated with a quality stabilizer. Ethanol attracts moisture, which breaks down two-stroke premix oil and corrodes internal carburetor jets during winter storage.
- Air Filter Inspection: Clean the nylon mesh air filter after every 5 to 10 hours of cutting. Blow out dust from the inside out with compressed air or wash it in warm, soapy water. Never reinstall a wet filter.
- Guide Bar and Sprocket Care: Clean wood dust out of the guide bar rail groove using a bar tool every time you remove the saw chain. Rotate the guide bar upside down every few sharpenings to ensure even wear across the top and bottom rails.
- Chain Sharpening and Depth Gauges: Sharpen cutters using a round file matched to your chain pitch (e.g., 3/16-inch file for .325 chain, 7/32-inch file for 3/8 chain). Check the depth gauges (rakers) every 3 to 4 sharpenings with a flat file and depth gauge tool to maintain aggressive, clean chip clearance.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always operate your chainsaw wearing cut-resistant chainsaw chaps (ASTM F1897 standard), steel-toe boots, heavy leather gloves, and a logger safety helmet equipped with a mesh face screen and ear muffs (ANSI Z89.1).
Choosing the Right Efco Model for Your Needs
If your primary goal is felling large hardwoods or running a high-volume firewood processing setup, invest directly in the professional-grade Efco MT 6510 paired with a 20-inch bar. For average homeowners, smallholders, and storm recovery tasks, the MTH 5600 or MTH 5100 offers the best overall performance, balance, and purchase value. Match your powerhead choice to the diameter of wood you cut most often, equip yourself with full safety gear, and always maintain clean 50:1 fuel for years of dependable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gas-to-oil fuel ratio do Efco chainsaws use?
All two-stroke gas Efco chainsaws run on a 50:1 fuel-to-oil mix ratio. This equals 2.6 fluid ounces of high-grade 2-stroke engine oil per 1 gallon of 89+ octane gasoline.
Are Efco chainsaw parts interchangeable with Oleo-Mac models?
Yes, Efco and Oleo-Mac are sister brands manufactured by the Emak Group in Italy. Many corresponding models (such as the Efco MTH 5100 and Oleo-Mac GSH 510) share identical engine blocks, guide bars, tensioners, and internal replacement parts.
How do I fix an Efco chainsaw that floods during cold starting?
If the engine floods, switch the ignition control to the run/on position, turn off the choke completely, set the fast-throttle latch, and pull the starter cord 5 to 8 times with the saw pinned firmly on the ground until the motor fires and clears the excess fuel from the crankcase.
Sources
- Efco Official Global Product Catalog & Technical Datasheets
- ANSI B175.1 - American National Standard for Power Tools - Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws Safety Requirements
- OSHA 1910.266 - Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Logging Operations
| Displacement | 50.9 cc |
| Power | 3.0 HP |
| Bar Length | 18" |
| Chain (pitch x gauge) | .325" x .050" Micro Lite |
| Oil Pump | Automatic / Adjustable |
| Oil / Fuel Tank Capacity | 8.8 / 18.6 fl. oz. |
| Weight | 11.0 lbs.* |
| Displacement | 38.9 cc |
| Power | 2.3 HP |
| Bar Length | 16" |
| Chain (pitch x gauge) | 3/8’’ x .050’’ Low Profile |
| Oil Pump | Automatic / Adjustable |
| Oil / Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.4 / 10.8 fl. oz. |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs.* |
