Recommendations for 14"/16" chainsaw?

[IslandTractor]

I need to limb and cut up a bunch of small/medium size softwood trees that I felled with tractor/BH/ripper. The biggest is probably 12 inches in diameter, most are 6-8 inches. I already own a crappy 16" Poulan on it's last legs and was thinking of investing in a better and perhaps even lighter saw as this is the type of work I do most often. I have access to a 20" Husky for bigger work. I expect to be doing this type of cutting each year as I clear land and imagine it will be about two or three days of chainsaw work each year (a few cords).

I'd like to get a reliable saw that I will not need to replace in a few years (eg not a Poulan) and also do not want to have problems locating parts.

I know most of the discussion here is for bigger saws but wonder if any of you have experience with the smaller versions put out by Husquvarna, Stihl etc. In particular I came across a Makita DCS34 which is a rebranded Dolmar PS34 for a pretty good price ($230 or so) and wonder about that saw's reputation and parts availabilty. How would the Dolmar compare to prosumer versions of Husky/Stihl products?

Finally, am I wrong to think that a smaller saw would be the way to go in my situation? I really will not need to use this saw on anything bigger than 12" and most cuts would be 4-6" or smaller.

Thanks

 

[dfkrug]

I have the DCS34, purchased new 5 y ago. I love it, and I VERY much
need a small saw for my hillside logging and limbing. (My big saw is for
level ground cutting only.)

I accidentally broke it a few years ago, and the parts cost was too high
at the time. I custom-fixed it myself, and it has served well for these
years. 2 weeks ago, the starting effort made it unusable. Thankfully,
the parts prices are way down, and I have ordered the plastic parts to
repair it.

Meanwhile, I need a small saw, so I bought a Shindaiwa 377 used on
Craigs. Not cheap, but I love the easy-start, and the power of this
thing. Soon I will have TWO good light saws.

 

[LD1]

I need to limb and cut up a bunch of small/medium size softwood trees that I felled with tractor/BH/ripper. The biggest is probably 12 inches in diameter, most are 6-8 inches. I already own a crappy 16" Poulan on it's last legs and was thinking of investing in a better and perhaps even lighter saw as this is the type of work I do most often. I have access to a 20" Husky for bigger work. I expect to be doing this type of cutting each year as I clear land and imagine it will be about two or three days of chainsaw work each year (a few cords).

I'd like to get a reliable saw that I will not need to replace in a few years (eg not a Poulan) and also do not want to have problems locating parts.

I know most of the discussion here is for bigger saws but wonder if any of you have experience with the smaller versions put out by Husquvarna, Stihl etc. In particular I came across a Makita DCS34 which is a rebranded Dolmar PS34 for a pretty good price ($230 or so) and wonder about that saw's reputation and parts availabilty. How would the Dolmar compare to prosumer versions of Husky/Stihl products?

Finally, am I wrong to think that a smaller saw would be the way to go in my situation? I really will not need to use this saw on anything bigger than 12" and most cuts would be 4-6" or smaller.

Thanks

The PS34 is actually one of dolmars lowest end saws. And they don't still currently offer it in their lineup.

As dolmar saws go, anything with 2 numbers is considered a homeowner version. Allthough it is still a better quality saw than a craftsman/poulan/homelite. 3 Numbered saws are mid range. And 4 numbers are professional.

If you have acess to the bigger saw when you need it, I would be looking at the dolmar 350 or 420. They are the same saw, the 420 just has a larger piston and cylinder.

Thing about smaller saws like what you are looking for, performance IMO means nothing. Vibration means everything. Our trim saw used to be a 136 husky from the box store. It got stolen and we got a 350 dolmar. I have NEVER ran a saw this smooth. The AV is amazing. You cant even feel the saw in your hands. I would get to a dealer and see if he will let you try one of these. I think they rund about 250 new and the little bigger 420 is closer to 300 but I think still under.

If you think you want a little more power with not much more weight look at the 5105.

Or if you have a spare $750 laying around, buy a 7900 and throw a 14" bar on it.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[ultrarunner]

I've been using a Echo CS-341... it's been bulletproof and keep in my truck at all times.

What I like about it is:

Always easy to start... one of the few models with a primer bowl.

Light Weight making it perfect to use when I'm climbing high in a tree.

Replacement Loops are reasonable... a good thing when I know I might damage one cutting a root.

A few years ago, a large 40" dia tree topple and blocked a friends driveway... I had the Echo in the truck and it did the job making two cuts allowing a section of trunk to be moved.

This is a small saw and the handle is compact great for limbing and one handing...

I paid around $239 a few years ago.

 

[mjonesnh]

I have a Husky 142-e series that was was purchased new at Lowes by a co- worker. It came with a 16" bar but after I bought it from him I put a 14" Oregon bar and chain on it. Going to a 14'' bar made this saw into a very decent limbing saw for my occasional farm use.

 

[LD1]

I forgot to mention (ultrarunner reminded me)

The PS350 and PS420 also have a primer bulb.

 

[bstrom]

I've had good luck with the smaller Echo saws that I've owned. Right now I've got a CS-400 that is lightweight, always starts, has great revs and compression and cuts like crazy. And since it's orange, you can find it in the woods and if you got a Kubota it will match your tractor.

 

[ultrarunner]

The Echo cs-341 is a little more pricey... around $300 now.

ECHO CS-341 33.4cc Top Handle Chain Saw - ECHO USA

 

[IslandTractor]

For those of you with Dolmar saws, have you found it difficult to get parts or service?

 

[LD1]

Have rarely needed parts of service.

But I do have a good servicing dealer 20 miles away. But the only dolmar "parts" I have ever purchased were top plastic covers.My 7900 was one of the first few years that was ALL ORANGE. I like the black top plastic better. None in stock, order only. He took the plastic off a saw he had on the shelf, gave that to me, and said he would put the ones he ordered back on that saw. Hows that for service.

But seriously, in this day in age, internet is the parts king. You can get anything and everything. Ebay, out of state distributors and dealers.

But I do my own servicing though. But have rarely had to. Dolmars are built solid.

 

[LD1]

I forgot to add that most of the wear items that need replaced on a saw from time to time aren't even brand specific.

Like chain- can be bought at any dealer.

Bars-MANY interchange of different brands

Sprocket Rims - can be picked up at any dealer

Spark plugs - Most dealers of any saws will carry one that will work

You get the idea.

 

[bglz42]

I love my echo. I also have a Stihl Farm Boss for the big stuff...

 

[IslandTractor]

Have rarely needed parts of service.

But I do have a good servicing dealer 20 miles away. But the only dolmar "parts" I have ever purchased were top plastic covers.My 7900 was one of the first few years that was ALL ORANGE. I like the black top plastic better. None in stock, order only. He took the plastic off a saw he had on the shelf, gave that to me, and said he would put the ones he ordered back on that saw. Hows that for service.

But seriously, in this day in age, internet is the parts king. You can get anything and everything. Ebay, out of state distributors and dealers.

But I do my own servicing though. But have rarely had to. Dolmars are built solid.

Thanks. I need to find a local dealer. I usually do things via internet (even bought my tractor from a dealer 300 miles away) but the Dolmar chainsaws seem to be sold only "in store". I suppose they are not that strict about parts and supplies though so internet support should be fine.

I'm interested in looking at the 350 and dreaming about the 3410.

I'll still check out the relevant Husky, Stihl and Echo models but those are easier to locate. The Dolmar dealer network reminds me of the Kioti network.:laughing:

 

[ultrarunner]

Thanks. I need to find a local dealer. I usually do things via internet (even bought my tractor from a dealer 300 miles away) but the Dolmar chainsaws seem to be sold only "in store". I suppose they are not that strict about parts and supplies though so internet support should be fine.

I'm interested in looking at the 350 and dreaming about the 3410.

I'll still check out the relevant Husky, Stihl and Echo models but those are easier to locate. The Dolmar dealer network reminds me of the Kioti network.:laughing:

I know Sachs/Dolmar makes good motors... the one in my 1939 Motorcycle is still kicking... 16 to 1 mix.

Echo CS-341 is widely available... my Saw Shop sells a lot of them to arborist because they cost much less than the Stihl version top handle saw and are very reliable.

I've bought all of my saws at saw shops... the one Echo and two Stihls.

Was very tempted to go with a new Tanaka... my saw shop confirmed it is a terrific saw and he can get parts... they just don't stock them which is the case with most shops.

I've used Tanaka commercial hedge trimmers for years and ZERO problems... smooth and quiet.

I forgot to add another reason I like my little Echo that I keep in the truck... it doesn't leak oil all over the place and I can't smell any gas fumes...

 

[LD1]

Thanks. I need to find a local dealer. I usually do things via internet (even bought my tractor from a dealer 300 miles away) but the Dolmar chainsaws seem to be sold only "in store". I suppose they are not that strict about parts and supplies though so internet support should be fine.

I'm interested in looking at the 350 and dreaming about the 3410.

I'll still check out the relevant Husky, Stihl and Echo models but those are easier to locate. The Dolmar dealer network reminds me of the Kioti network.:laughing:

It doesn't do you any good for trying them out, but I see NEW dolmars on ebay quite often. And it also probabally wouldn't be good for a warrenty either, but just an option.

I would also stay away from the 3410 UNLESS you plan on climbing and NEED a top-handel saw. The top-handel saws are actually built more like a home-owner grade saw. With lots more plastic and a plastic case to save on weight. They arent designed to last as long as a magnesium-cased mid or pro grade saw. They are used for limbing only and not ran for extended periods of time like bucking/felling. Not to mention that a TH saw is more dangerous.

And if you do find a dolmar dealer to try the saws, you may want to try the 460 and 510 as well. Because these are also made in the Makita version which can be purchased online through places like baileys. But unfortunatally, they dont have a makita version of the 350,420,or 5105

 

[dfkrug]

I need to find a local dealer. I usually do things via internet (even bought my tractor from a dealer 300 miles away) but the Dolmar chainsaws seem to be sold only "in store". I suppose they are not that strict about parts and supplies though so internet support should be fine.

I never saw any Dolmars or Makitas in a store. I bought mine based on
the experience I had renting the DCS5400, and the sterling rep that
Makita has. (I never take anything into a store for service.)

I paid $150 for my DCS34 new from an internet dealer. I still see some for
sale new, but it has been discontinued. The Dolmar equivalent is the
PS34.

After I broke mine, I contacted Makita for parts. Wrong move. I have
just ordered the new starter and handle I need from ToolPartsDirect.com,
where you can view all the parts diagrams.

As for the DCS34 being a light duty saw....yes, but I found it to be
made better than the Stihl MS170 that I also have owned. That's a light
duty saw, too. Both have lots of plastic, but some much bigger saws
do, too.

The only complaints I have with the DCS34 is that the oil pump drips when
the saw is not being used, and the choke is on the left side and is easily
engaged accidentally when you rest the idling saw on your hip.

 

[ultrarunner]

The only complaints I have with the DCS34 is that the oil pump drips when
the saw is not being used.

I took two saws back because they always left a puddle of oil...

Never had that problem with the Echo...

 

[LD1]

I took two saws back because they always left a puddle of oil...

Never had that problem with the Echo...

Yep, echo makes a great little saw. And the PS34 is at the bottom of the dolmar barrel. As mentioned, it is a cheaper homeowner grade saw. If the only experience one has with dolmars is a PS34, I can see why they wouldn't think they were a good saw. I am actually glad they are dropping that model. It is giving dolmar a bad rap since most people havent heard of them, they think all their saws are that bad.

But if the only husqvarna you ever ran was a little 136 or similar from a big box store, you probabally wouldn't be impressed with them either. That is all dolmar was doing with the PS34. Trying to make a saw to compete with the poulans and the poulan made huskys at the box stores.

I dont actually own any small saws. The 350 I list in my sig line is actually dads. But since you mentioned TANAKA, I almost owned one last year. The tanaka TCS 33EB that is about $260. That is a little too much $$$ IMO for a 33cc saw and only ~1.6HP. BUT WAIT, tanaka is owned by hitachi power tools. And last year, menards was offering a $100 mail in rebate on the hitachi CS33 (same saw) which brought the price down to $99. I almost got one but decided I didn't want to fool around with the mail-in-rebate.

 

[IslandTractor]

Well, after lots of internet research, I think I have narrowed the choices down a bit.

Leading contender:
Dolmar 420 at $265 delivered via ebay or $330 locally

Also considering:
Dolmar 350 at $250
Husqvarna 440e at $289
Stihl MS180cbe at $230 and MS210cbe at $290
Echo cs370 at $265

From what I have read these are all excellent 14 or 16" saws with many happy owners. I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them. They are all fairly lightweight (at about or under 10lbs) so should be good for cutting up brush and delimbing trees.

I'm leaning towards the Dolmar 420 due to the magnesium construction and "prosumer" rating while the others at similar price points are more clearly fine consumer grade saws. Against the Dolmar is the potential for service hassles though I did finally discover there is a dealer in Eastern MA. I am unimpressed with the Dolmar USA operation though. Their website dealer locator is broken and a phone call to headquarters to find a local dealer went to an answering machine. I get the impression they have a just as good a dealer network as Kioti does.:laughing: Still, I am used to that by now and the combo of internet and UPS is something I have gotten quite comfortable with for service.

Now I need to decide whether to buy one sight unseen via internet based on reputation or whether to dedicate next weekend to visiting dealers.

Any others I should think about in this price/performance range?

 

[peterc38]

Well, after lots of internet research, I think I have narrowed the choices down a bit.

Leading contender:
Dolmar 420 at $265 delivered via ebay or $330 locally

Also considering:
Dolmar 350 at $250
Husqvarna 440e at $289
Stihl MS180cbe at $230 and MS210cbe at $290
Echo cs370 at $265

From what I have read these are all excellent 14 or 16" saws with many happy owners. I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them. They are all fairly lightweight (at about or under 10lbs) so should be good for cutting up brush and delimbing trees.

I'm leaning towards the Dolmar 420 due to the magnesium construction and "prosumer" rating while the others at similar price points are more clearly fine consumer grade saws. Against the Dolmar is the potential for service hassles though I did finally discover there is a dealer in Eastern MA. I am unimpressed with the Dolmar USA operation though. Their website dealer locator is broken and a phone call to headquarters to find a local dealer went to an answering machine. I get the impression they have a just as good a dealer network as Kioti does.:laughing: Still, I am used to that by now and the combo of internet and UPS is something I have gotten quite comfortable with for service.

Now I need to decide whether to buy one sight unseen via internet based on reputation or whether to dedicate next weekend to visiting dealers.

Any others I should think about in this price/performance range?

If you do decide to go with Stihl, I'd skip both those models in favor of the MS211 which can also be had for under 300 clams and is a superior saw to both the MS180 and MS210.