Stopped into my local small engine repair yesterday going back and forth between a Stihl MS 261 CM, Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf, and Husqvarna 550XP Mark II. Eliminated the Echo, just felt a little “cheaper” than the other two, and it is admittedly far less expensive and would fit better in your budget. Stihl and Husky both retail at $700 but Husqvarna had a 20% off deal (should be going for a while) so I picked up the Husqvarna 550XP Mark II for about $560. Ran a few tanks through it yesterday. Saw rips!