Need advise

[Jan Pijpelink]

I think you will be happier with the dolmar. It is more of a professional saw versus the stihl is more of a home owner saw. I personally think the dolmar is built better. It has a magnesium case. Wish there were place around to run both. If you were close to where i live, you could run my dolmar to see if you like it. You will be impressed. I can guarantee that.

Thanks. Good arguments. Appreciate your reply.

 

[Jon1270]

Okay, so you want something that can pull a 16" bar completely buried in hardwood. I'd normally recommend a 50cc model for that, but the smaller models you're looking at will work.

If you find an extra $50 hidden in the couch cushions, consider a Husqvarna 545.

 

[Jon1270]

(Of the 2 you mentioned, I'd go for the Dolmar too).

 

[Bigg_Redd]

My Poulan Pro needs to be replaced.

I am looking at Dolmar (Makita) 421 and the Tanaka (Hitachi) CS40.

Very comparable.

Dolmar comes with 3 years warranty and the Tanaka with 7 years.

Any suggestions/experiences?

My advise is that you save your nickles and get a real saw.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

My advise is that you save your nickles and get a real saw.

Define real saw.

 

[Jon1270]

Define real saw.

He probably means some combination of larger displacement and pro-style construction with a magnesium crankcase and flat-bottomed cylinder. The Dolmar has the latter qualities, whereas the Stihl 251 is a plastic-chassis carrying a clamshell motor, making it a bit heavier, less robust and sometimes harder to repair. Both of the saws you're considering are smaller than most people would want for regular cutting of 14-20" rounds.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Not affiliated but this seems like a decent alternative.

http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/dcs-6401.11354/

 

[Babaganoosh]

I agree that if you are serious about cutting wood for a stove that you want to go with a pro level saw. Barring a disaster it a going to just plain run.

I went from a poulan to an older stihl 036. Makes cutting a pleasure. I'd have gone a little larger to an 044 but I got a good deal.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

I agree that if you are serious about cutting wood for a stove that you want to go with a pro level saw. Barring a disaster it a going to just plain run.

I went from a poulan to an older stihl 036. Makes cutting a pleasure. I'd have gone a little larger to an 044 but I got a good deal.

I understand what you all are saying. I am have most (90%) of my firewood delivered, cut and split. Sometimes I get some free rounds that I need to cut to get them onto my splitter. Also thicker branches.

Whenever we have a storm, people in the neighborhood need to cut some (smaller) trees. But these are not 60 feet tall, 30 inch diameter trees.

I appreciate all the advise and take it all in serious consideration, but for the every now and then cutting I am doing I was assuming a 42 cc 16/18 inch saw is sufficient.

 

[Jon1270]

for the every now and then cutting I am doing I was assuming a 42 cc 16/18 inch saw is sufficient.

I think you're probably right about that.

(Go ahead and buy the Dolmar.)

 

[Babaganoosh]

Yeah if you are getting the bulk of your wood delivered you don't need a pro level saw. But.... it's not always about need when it comes to horsepower!

 

[DodgyNomad]

I looked at one at a local dealer who has both brands. I noticed the Tanaka is made in China. Being originally from the Netherlands, I know the German quality, so I am leaning towards Dolmar. However I was surprised that Tanaka has a 7 year warranty.

Don't hassle the warranty, if you buy the dolmar and it doesn't break in half in the first year, as long as you treat it right, it will last way more than 7 years, and way longer than the tanaka. Those 2 saws aren't comparable, imo.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

So, I went with the Dolmar. Arrived early this evening. Checked everything out. Chain was nicely installed. Cut a few 14" rounds with it just now. Looks very good so far. Lots of power for a "compact" machine. Nice balance. Very high rpm.
Will take a while before it has run in; time will tell, but I am very impressed so far.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Pics!

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

Pics!

Tomorrow.

 

[duramaxman05]

The only thing i will say is run it for a while and then get rid of that cat on it. They get very hot and add a liitle extra weight. You are gonna like.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

Pic #1 is one of the crates I got. I will use them to support the interior of the shed I will build from pallets.

 

[Fishnuts2]

I have a dolmar ps421 and i love it. For the price its hard to beat. Plenty of power and is well balanced. Always starts in first or second pull. I have never pulled it more than that. And it will cut with a stihl 029 super. So for a little saw, i am very impressed.

I'd second this observation. The 421 is always the choice compared to the MS-290 I that I have also.