Dolmar 5105

[chike]

My 25 year old saw (Sachs-Dolmar 110) has finally died (actually, it still runs - I just have a hard time finding parts). Its the only saw I ever owned (gift from my wife) so have no other experience to compare it to. I have friends who swear by Stihl and a brother who swears by Huskies. I went to the dealer fully intending to buy one or the other. To my surprise he recommends the Dolmar 5105 ($435). He says its the equal to a $600 Husky or Stihl. He sells Huskies, Stihl, Dolmar, and a few others.
Does anyone know if they are that good? Could he be recommending it because he is the only Dolmar dealer around, and if people start hearing good things about them, he will have the market cornered. Does that make any sense? Any thoughts? Is it truly a good deal?

 

[milkman]

Looks to be a good price to me and they are real screamers, just be sure after a few tanks of gas through it, get it tuned again with a tach. They turn a lot of RPMs and if too lean they can score a piston same as other screaming saws.

 

[chike]

Thanks Milkman.
Do you have experience with any of the other brands to compare it to? Is it as good as a Stihl or Husky?

 

[milkman]

The 5105 is a really fast saw, I would consider it as a Pro level saw with the Stihl 260/026 and he Husky 346XP, although the Husky is faster than either the Stihl or the Dolmar, just because that's what I got.

 

[RandyT]

I have a neighbor that bought one 2 years ago and compared it to his brothers 034 stihl and he claimed it cut faster and had more power than the 034

 

[Storm56]

I have 3 Stihl saws and 3 Dolmars, although I do not have the 5105 model. I do have a 510 which is just a detuned 5105. The 5105 also has a magnesium crankcase which saves a few ounces on weight.

Bottom line is I prefer the Dolmars to the Stihls. The 5105 is a high performing screamer. As is customary, high performance does come with a price. The 5105 runs higher RPM and you have to watch your carb tuning a bit closer. Some that have not paid attention have paid the price of a burned up saw. If you are an occasional user the 510 may work better for you.

I have 1 Jonsered which is supposed to be the same as a Husky, no complaints on that saw either.

 

[Skyco]

I have a Makita DCS510, which is a Dolmar 5100, just blue instead of red. Great saw, I'm very pleased with it. I didn't have it long before I snipped off the limiter tabs on the carb screws to richen it up for proper running, EPA can kiss my can....I want this saw to last.:thumbsup:

 

[American Bulldog]

I just purchased a 5105, to complement my Husqvarna 455 Rancher. They both can take the same bar and chains, so I need less spare parts to keep. I run the 3/8" chain on an 18" bar on both.

The Dolmar weighs just over 11 pounds, where the Husky weighs over 13 pounds. The weight difference is notable. Also, the Dolmar has almost 4 HP vs. 3.2 HP on the Husky. This also makes a big difference. I like the power curve a lot better on the Dolmar.

Bad thing about it is that it has that stupid sprocket that roasts the chain the minute it gets thrown. I don't know what rocket scientist came up with that sprocket, but it drives me nuts. I just need to keep a close eye on it with the new chain, as it stretches fast.

Interesting info on the carb tuning. This is the first screamer saw I have had, and I didn't know that they were more sensitive.

One interesting tidbit - the dealer told me to only use super unleaded in the Dolmar saw. In the manual it specifically recommends 87 octane. I pretty much always defer to the manual over some redneck chainsaw dealer, but I would like to hear everyone's opinion.

 

[peterc38]

For a 50cc saw you can get a Husky 346XP for 500 clams. I don't think you could go wrong with this. You would be hard pressed to find anyone that has run one have a bad word to say about it.

I have not run the Dolmar5105 but its precursor (5100) was not without issues, although they have supposedly corrected some of these in the 5105.

 

[chike]

The Dealer did say I should only run premium gas due to the ethenal stuff burning hotter. He said the previous models of this saw had an over heating problem. They apparently solved this with a bigger fan and more clearance.

The chains getting toasted sounds a bit troubling. Does this happen often?

Thanks to all for all the good info. At least now I have enough info to compare it to a Stihl or Husky.

 

[American Bulldog]

The chains getting toasted sounds a bit troubling. Does this happen often?

Only if you are not paying attention. I don't know why they make sprockets like that. Dolmar is not the only one.

Since you have been in the stone age with chainsaws, anything you get is going to be amazing. The saws have such power, and low weight, that you will feel like a super hero when cutting. Enjoy your new saw, whatever it is.

 

[Skyco]

Not sure what is meant by "toasted"
I have had the chain jump off my Dolmar when I wasn't paying attention and it got too loose , my fault...luckily the sacrificial aluminum catcher thingy stopped it with no damage.
As for running hot...well most new saws are too lean and that will drive temps way up, break off those limiter caps and set the mixture correctly and they'll run way cooler, have more power and last longer.

 

[RandyT]

Most of the newer high speed saws hammer the back of the drive links when the chain is thrown off the bar. That includes stihl, husqvarna, as well as dolmar.

 

[American Bulldog]

Most of the newer high speed saws hammer the back of the drive links when the chain is thrown off the bar. That includes stihl, husqvarna, as well as dolmar.

Yeah what he said..... lol. The 5105 is guaranteed to hammer the drive links if the chain is thrown. After that they will not fit in the guide bar unless you file them back into shape.

My Husky 455 Rancher does not do this. If I throw the chain on that, I simply put it back on and keep cutting.

To me this is a big selling point. In every other category the Dolmar blows the 455 away. These two saws are about the same price too.

 

[LD1]

First question I would answer is how often you cut wood?? Do you need a bigger saw than your 110??? The 110 was only a 43cc saw. If you are an ocassional user and only need a smaller 14-16" trim saw, I'd save a few $$ and look at the Dolmar 350 and 420. Both basically the same saw but the 420 just has a bigger bore. And both are under $300. The 350 that dad has is probabally the smoothest running trim saw that I have ever ran.

But if you are serious about cutting and want/need the upgrade, the 5105 is a great saw as well. I have heard several rumors about its predecessor the 5100. Including the rumor that a lot of them burned up due to the 10% ethanol in 87 octane gas thet owners were using.

The husky 346 is a great saw as well. For it's size it is indeed impressive. My only complaint is the pricetag. For what it is, it isnt worth the 500+ IMO. Especially when a dolmar 6400 or makita 6401 can be had for 500 as well. Yes they are bigger and heavier, but will out cut the 346 every time.

 

[mountainlake]

Looks to be a good price to me and they are real screamers, just be sure after a few tanks of gas through it, get it tuned again with a tach. They turn a lot of RPMs and if too lean they can score a piston same as other screaming saws.

I'd get it tuned right before running it, around 13500 at first, maybe around 13750 after break in. None of 14300 to 14500 unless you want to burn it up in the first long hard cut. The Dolmar 5100 5105 are built every bit as good as Pro Husky and Stihl saws and are reasonable. The 346xp is a nice saw also, just a few more bucks, the 346xp and 5105 will be real close in cutting speed. Steve

 

[Skyco]

I have heard several rumors about its predecessor the 5100. Including the rumor that a lot of them burned up due to the 10% ethanol in 87 octane gas thet owners were using.

Probably true. The owners manual for my Makita/Dolmar states 91 octane with NO alcohol allowed..RTFM:thumbsup: