New Chainsaw Question

[crazyal]

I do notice a difference. The 7900 has noticabally more power IMO. But I have not ran the 576 or the 385.

But how the saw feels in the cut, and how fast it cuts isn't just about power. Chain sharpening, raker depth, and cutting technique have as much to do with it as anything considering these saws are all fairly close on power.

The 372xp does perform very well. And if you cut with it today and the 7900 tomorrow, you wont notice much difference. You have to run them back to back to notice.

And as far as wether or not to compair the 7900 to the 385 or the 372, I would say either. Husky doesn't really have a saw that matches up with the 7900. It is about right smack in the middle of the 372 and 385 as far as cc's go. And its like the power of a 385 with the weight of a 372. The 385 is a couple of lbs heavier than either the 372 or the 7900. So as far as shear power to weight ratio, the 7900 wins.

Looking around I've noticed the 7900 looks like it's about the same price as the Huskys (372 and 576). Of course if you look over at baileysonline they sell a big bore kit for the 7900 that also fits the Makita 6421/ Dolmar 6400 (they use the same crankcase). For under $600 you could get a saw with more power than any of the saws listed above.

 

[LD1]

Looking around I've noticed the 7900 looks like it's about the same price as the Huskys (372 and 576). Of course if you look over at baileysonline they sell a big bore kit for the 7900 that also fits the Makita 6421/ Dolmar 6400 (they use the same crankcase). For under $600 you could get a saw with more power than any of the saws listed above.

Price is the one thing that dolmar usually has in its favor. It us usually a good bit cheaper than stihl and husky.

Around here, the 7900 can be had for 700-750. The 372xp and the ms460stihl are a tad over 800.

 

[gladehound]

Price is the one thing that dolmar usually has in its favor. It us usually a good bit cheaper than stihl and husky.

Around here, the 7900 can be had for 700-750. The 372xp and the ms460stihl are a tad over 800.

Price is not the ONE thing. It is just one of the many things.

HP - 6.3 (7900), 6.0 (460), 5.3 (372xp)
weight - 13.6 (7900), 14.6 (460), 13.4 (372xp)

Yes, the 7900 head weighs 2% more than the 372xp but for that 2% you get 20% more power!

Price, power, power/weight over both the 460 and 372xp, and weight over the 460. Are the many advantages of the 7900.

Plus did I mention the vibration control is awesome? It might also be awesome on those other saws but I haven't run them.

Dolmar has been in the game as long or longer than Stihl and Husky as well.

You really can't knock the 7900. Some say the plastic looks "cheaper" than that on the Stihl or Husky. That's subjective and usually comes from individuals who have never used a Dolmar. And if that's the best knock a Stihl or Husky loyal can take on a 7900 that in itself tells you something about the depth of the individuals thinking.

The one legitamate complaint I've heard about Dolmar is that the dealer network at least in the U.S. is weak compared to Stihl and Husky. The saw it's self seems top notch but if you don't have a dealer close by that has to be a consideration. That being said, I have only taken 1 of 5 saws that I or my father owned back to the dealer for repair. And that saw (a JD, I think made by Echo) was totaled (not the saws fault, my sisters boyfriend removed the spark arestor and did not re-tune the saw so it was probably running lean). So in 5 saws and 40 years of cutting firewood a dealer has never been helpful.

So why is Dolmar less expensive? I think it's where the company spends or doesn't spend money. I've seen lots of Stihl and Husky commercials on TV. Never in my life have I seen a Dolmar commercial. So I speculate that Dolmar is not paying for a big marketing campaign in the U.S. contributing to an overall lower cost structure.

Bottom line, I think Dolmar makes a better saw for the price than Stihl or Husky and that's why I bought one after owning two Stihls. I still like Stihl very much. I don't have experience with huskys but I think the plastic looks cheap :laughing: (I crack myself up!) But seriously, in the 70-80cc range, the 7900 is THE saw as long as you're not color blind.

 

[gladehound]

LD1 - How did you find all those Dolmar saws that you have! I think the big ones are kind of rare aren't they?

 

[LD1]

Price is not the ONE thing. It is just one of the many things.

HP - 6.3 (7900), 6.0 (460), 5.3 (372xp)
weight - 13.6 (7900), 14.6 (460), 13.4 (372xp)

Yes, the 7900 head weighs 2% more than the 372xp but for that 2% you get 20% more power!

Price, power, power/weight over both the 460 and 372xp, and weight over the 460. Are the many advantages of the 7900.

Plus did I mention the vibration control is awesome? It might also be awesome on those other saws but I haven't run them.

Dolmar has been in the game as long or longer than Stihl and Husky as well.

You really can't knock the 7900. Some say the plastic looks "cheaper" than that on the Stihl or Husky. That's subjective and usually comes from individuals who have never used a Dolmar. And if that's the best knock a Stihl or Husky loyal can take on a 7900 that in itself tells you something about the depth of the individuals thinking.

The one legitamate complaint I've heard about Dolmar is that the dealer network at least in the U.S. is weak compared to Stihl and Husky. The saw it's self seems top notch but if you don't have a dealer close by that has to be a consideration. That being said, I have only taken 1 of 5 saws that I or my father owned back to the dealer for repair. And that saw (a JD, I think made by Echo) was totaled (not the saws fault, my sisters boyfriend removed the spark arestor and did not re-tune the saw so it was probably running lean). So in 5 saws and 40 years of cutting firewood a dealer has never been helpful.

So why is Dolmar less expensive? I think it's where the company spends or doesn't spend money. I've seen lots of Stihl and Husky commercials on TV. Never in my life have I seen a Dolmar commercial. So I speculate that Dolmar is not paying for a big marketing campaign in the U.S. contributing to an overall lower cost structure.

Bottom line, I think Dolmar makes a better saw for the price than Stihl or Husky and that's why I bought one after owning two Stihls. I still like Stihl very much. I don't have experience with huskys but I think the plastic looks cheap :laughing: (I crack myself up!) But seriously, in the 70-80cc range, the 7900 is THE saw as long as you're not color blind.

I mention price as the one thing but obviously in certain classes their are other things as well. The power to weight advantage in the case of the 7900vs372vs460 does not hold true through out the entire line up. In the 30cc-60cc range in particular. But in the case of almost all of the saws they sell, they are usually cheaper than the comparable husky and stihl.

Also, The 7900 kinda has an unfair advantage over the husky and stihl as it fits a nitch right in between the 372 and 385 as well as the 460 and 660. So that is why I didn't mention the Power/weight ratio either.

And another disadvantage for dolmar is that they dont make a saw bigger than 90cc's. And even their 90cc PS9010 isnt quite the performer as the 660, 390xp and 395xp, or so I have read. I have never actually ran a 9010, but I have ran the 660 and 395xp.

But no doubt the 7900 is a great saw. I agree 100% with your last statement.

 

[LD1]

LD1 - How did you find all those Dolmar saws that you have! I think the big ones are kind of rare aren't they?

Which saws in particular are you talking about???

The biggest I own is the 7900. It as well as the 6400 and 350 are all current models that can be had at any dealer right now.

Of the others, NONE are over 70cc's.

The 120si is 68cc
The 117 is 61cc
The 116si is 60cc
and the 112 is 52cc

And by far, the better of the older ones is the SI saws. I did a little more agressive port job on the 116si and I think it will actually out-cut the 6400 and the 120si. It currently only has an 18" bar with semi-chisel low profile chain on it.

And in timed cuts in 12-13" ash it holds its own at the 9-10second mark.

The 6400 and the 120si are in the high 8's, the 372xp was in the low 7's and the 7900 is in the mid 6's. But If I were to run the full chisel chain on the 116si, I think it would possibly outcut the 6400 and 120si.

And just incase anyone was wondering, the 117 was in at mid 11's, the 112 was 15-16 seconds and the 350 was 19-20 seconds.

 

[gladehound]

LD-1 - Good info... I was mistaken and thought the model numbers indicated the engine size... i.e. 120si = ~120cc.

All my comments about the Dolmar advanges were specifically directed towards the three saws being compared (7900, MS460, 372XP). Didn't mean to imply it extended to the entire line. Dolmar did used to make a bigger saw. I think the model was 166. It was around 118cc. Don't know why they dropped that size.

 

[LD1]

LD-1 - Good info... I was mistaken and thought the model numbers indicated the engine size... i.e. 120si = ~120cc.

All my comments about the Dolmar advanges were specifically directed towards the three saws being compared (7900, MS460, 372XP). Didn't mean to imply it extended to the entire line. Dolmar did used to make a bigger saw. I think the model was 166. It was around 118cc. Don't know why they dropped that size.

Yes they also made a 133 @ 85cc a 143 @ 95 cc and a 153 @ 100cc's.

I would love to have any of them. The 133-153 usually go pretty reasonable. But the guys that have the 166 usually want $800+ for them. Too rich for my blood.

I think the reason they dont make em any bigger any more is demand. Most of the stihl and husky shops that have the new 3120xp and the 880, they are a few years old because they dont move that fast. And then they end up selling them for a lot less profit than intended. The guys that actually need saws that big dont use them that often either, so they aren replacing them that often.

I think it is costing dolmar sales in the smaller models too. Cause most tree outfits (atleas around here) like to stick to one brand and one servicing dealer. And when they NEED a bigger saw, and dolmar doesnt offer one, they wont even give the smaller models the time of day, even if they are in every way better and cheaper.

And to answer toy earlier question as to where I got them, Mostly c-list and ebay. I would like to eventuly own one of every dolmar in the series from 109-123, and then a few of the bigger ones earlier mentioned. But there are a few in that 109-123 range that were older models from the 70's. like the 118, 119, and the 122. I am trying to get the ones from the mid 80's and on.

 

[Storm56]

LD1 - How did you find all those Dolmar saws that you have! I think the big ones are kind of rare aren't they?

I bought 2 Makita 6401's, (same as Dolmar, just different color), from Baileys. $499 shipped when they have free shipping. Also bought a big bore kit, have not yet installed it. Saws have plenty of power for my uses stock. I also bought a new never had gas in it Dolmar 510 out of the local paper for $240. Deals are around, you just have to keep your eyes open.

As stated in an earlier post, I also have 3 Stihl's and have come to prefer the Dolmar/Makita saws. No new Stihl's are in my future.

 

[crazyal]

I mention price as the one thing but obviously in certain classes their are other things as well. The power to weight advantage in the case of the 7900vs372vs460 does not hold true through out the entire line up. In the 30cc-60cc range in particular. But in the case of almost all of the saws they sell, they are usually cheaper than the comparable husky and stihl.

Also, The 7900 kinda has an unfair advantage over the husky and stihl as it fits a nitch right in between the 372 and 385 as well as the 460 and 660. So that is why I didn't mention the Power/weight ratio either.

And another disadvantage for dolmar is that they dont make a saw bigger than 90cc's. And even their 90cc PS9010 isnt quite the performer as the 660, 390xp and 395xp, or so I have read. I have never actually ran a 9010, but I have ran the 660 and 395xp.

But no doubt the 7900 is a great saw. I agree 100% with your last statement.

I really don't need a new saw as I have no plans on cutting until spring at the earliest so I have been reading up. The 6400, 7300, and 7900 are all the same frame. I think that in power to weight the 7900 should be very high while the 6400 not so. The advantage of getting the 6400 (or the makita version if you like blue) is you can put the same big bore kit on it for under $600.

The next time I head down to NH I'll stop at a Dolmar dealer and get some hands on.

 

[crazyal]

I bought 2 Makita 6401's, (same as Dolmar, just different color), from Baileys. $499 shipped when they have free shipping. Also bought a big bore kit, have not yet installed it. Saws have plenty of power for my uses stock. I also bought a new never had gas in it Dolmar 510 out of the local paper for $240. Deals are around, you just have to keep your eyes open.

As stated in an earlier post, I also have 3 Stihl's and have come to prefer the Dolmar/Makita saws. No new Stihl's are in my future.

Baliey's sells the Makita with the big bore kit as a package. The problem is the Makita comes with a 1 year warranty and the big bore kit also comes with a 1 year warranty but if you install the BBK then you void the Makita warranty. So Baliey's recomends you wait a year before installing it, just as the warranty on the kit expires as well. It's best to buy the saw and install the kit right off (and if you have a non piston problem reinstall the stock kit) or wait a year and buy the big bore kit.

 

[LD1]

Baliey's sells the Makita with the big bore kit as a package. The problem is the Makita comes with a 1 year warranty and the big bore kit also comes with a 1 year warranty but if you install the BBK then you void the Makita warranty. So Baliey's recomends you wait a year before installing it, just as the warranty on the kit expires as well. It's best to buy the saw and install the kit right off (and if you have a non piston problem reinstall the stock kit) or wait a year and buy the big bore kit.

Baileys discounts the BB kit $20 if you buy the package deal, but you are right about the warrenty issues.

If I were going to do it, I'd wait a year and spend the extra $20. It would be like having the 1 year warrenty and then sort of a 1 year extended warrenty on the P&C only.

But the 6400 is a pretty impressive saw in its stock form. It might not have the power to weight ratio as the 7900 or some others in the 60cc class, but it is still one of the best in the 60cc line-up. Huqvarna doesn't currently make a saw that will compete. They jump from the 357XP which has less power and slower to the 372xp which is bigger and faster. The 6400 kinda fits in the middle. And stihl doesn't offer a PRO saw in the 60cc class either. The 361/362 is just out @ 59cc and a tad less power and the 441 is in the 70cc range and obviously faster. In their mid-range class, they do offer the ms390/391 that is 64cc, but it makes even less power than the 361/362.

But I have to admit, I was looking hard at the baileys $599 combo for the 6401 and BB. But our local dealer met the price and we couldn't turn that down. $500 OTD for the 6400, but we were buying 4 saws at once so that helped. Our local dealer also offers all his dolmar saws a 2-year warrenty. 1 through dolmar and then they pick up the other year. So we stayed orange but I do think I like them in blue just a little better. I would really love a blue makita with the dolmar black top covers. I just think that would look sweet.

 

[Storm56]

Baliey's sells the Makita with the big bore kit as a package. The problem is the Makita comes with a 1 year warranty and the big bore kit also comes with a 1 year warranty but if you install the BBK then you void the Makita warranty. So Baliey's recomends you wait a year before installing it, just as the warranty on the kit expires as well. It's best to buy the saw and install the kit right off (and if you have a non piston problem reinstall the stock kit) or wait a year and buy the big bore kit.

Yes, I did buy 1 as a kit, still did not install it though. I have the 20 inch bar and quite honestly do not see a need for more power. I do plan on at some point in the future setting a saw up with a 24-28 inch bar and that will be where the BB kit comes in.

 

[LD1]

Yes, I did buy 1 as a kit, still did not install it though. I have the 20 inch bar and quite honestly do not see a need for more power. I do plan on at some point in the future setting a saw up with a 24-28 inch bar and that will be where the BB kit comes in.

How long ago did you buy the kit.

I know they had some quality issues with some of the earlier NWP BB kits. Supposidly the newer 4th generation kits are much much better.

Either way, baileys is known for great customer support regarding the NWP kits.

 

[Storm56]

How long ago did you buy the kit.

I know they had some quality issues with some of the earlier NWP BB kits. Supposidly the newer 4th generation kits are much much better.

Either way, baileys is known for great customer support regarding the NWP kits.

Oct 2009. Should be OK. From what I was able to research, the bad kits were from a few years ago. I did look pretty close at the piston and cylinder and could find no flaws. Most of what I had read indicated you could see the flaws as imperfections on the surface.

But you are right about Bailey's service, they do stand behind their stuff.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

Well, I got back here after almost a year and I'm still in the same boat. Last year I was actually set to go down and buy the 372XP and I checked the weather forecast and it said snow, so I waited and saw, and it was the end of my sawing, so I passed.

Now what I'm thinking is maybe I'll do the 372XP and relegate the CS500 (which has no chain brake) to the task of running a capstan winch, which would be a huge help around here.

Would a pro saw with a modern chain brake be safer than an older saw with a low-kickback chain and no chain brake? One dealer here said the only thing saws without chain brakes are good for is hanging on the walls for decoration.

Well, anyway, the purchase of the new saw and winch would be a total of about $1600, and if it snows, I can think on it another few months 'till spring, lol..

Also, Bailey's has the Makita 6421 going now for that same $599 and two big bore kits available with it. I would think a 64 cc saw would have enough power for me, but I would want a longer than the 20" bar in the ad.

 

[Chilly807]

Would a pro saw with a modern chain brake be safer than an older saw with a low-kickback chain and no chain brake? One dealer here said the only thing saws without chain brakes are good for is hanging on the walls for decoration.

I'd have to agree with him there, unless you're only using it for milling or maybe blocking at the woodpile. Even that has it's moments.

I picked up an old 41 Husky a few weeks ago that needed a new brake band, and it got it before I'd use it for anything but woodpile use. That saw doesn't kick hard, but I've seen enough nasty cuts to make me a believer in safety equipment.

If you need the big saw, you might as well just swallow the cost and buy it. Either the 372XP or a 441 Stihl fits the bill nicely, and both will turn your wallet pale. I've no personal experience with the Dolmar/Makita offerings, so I won't comment on them.

Any saw over 60 CC should pull a 24" bar, although maybe not as fast as a pro might expect for everyday use. As long as they can keep the bigger chain and bar oiled properly they'll do the job, it just may take a little longer with a slightly less aggressive filing job.

My Stihl 044 with a 20" bar (old mid-90's version of the MS441) goes through softwood like shi* through a goose, I doubt a 24" would be much different. Hardwood takes a little longer, but there's no lack of power. Just keep a fuel can handy, you'll be using more than you're used to :laughing:

I remember the first time I used the Stihl, I commented to my wife that I wasn't really impressed with the fuel economy, although the saw DID work well. She just shook her head and pointed to the pile of wood, as if to say," Did you think it would cut all that for nothing??"

Sean

 

[MiserableOldFart]

Well, I finally bit the bullet today and ordered the 600P with 24" bar and chain from Wise Sales in Illinois. They actually had it in stock, which is more than I can say for other dealers. Price was about $50 less, including free shipping via fedex than same saw with 20" bar at closest dealer.

Would have preferred to do it with a local dealer, but wasn't to be.

BTW, one of the big hardware chains (not chain, really, the stores are independent,) the one with the card name, has a deal going where if you sign up for their VISA card, you can get $100 off your first bill. One about 25 miles from here does Stihl and another about five miles closer does Husky, but after taking all into consideration, esp. being able to use the bars/chains from my CS500VL, stayed with the Echo brand. Still have to say though that the newer saws do not look anywhere near as rugged as my 30 year old one.. Since I don't have 30 years to worry about, though, that's not my problem, lol..

Now the race against the first big snow begins.. might have just purchased an expensive ornament for the next few months if we get a storm.

 

[cqaigy2]

You'll have to post a pict before you get it all dirty and such.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Well, I finally bit the bullet today and ordered the 600P with 24" bar and chain from Wise Sales in Illinois. They actually had it in stock, which is more than I can say for other dealers. Price was about $50 less, including free shipping via fedex than same saw with 20" bar at closest dealer.

Would have preferred to do it with a local dealer, but wasn't to be.

BTW, one of the big hardware chains (not chain, really, the stores are independent,) the one with the card name, has a deal going where if you sign up for their VISA card, you can get $100 off your first bill. One about 25 miles from here does Stihl and another about five miles closer does Husky, but after taking all into consideration, esp. being able to use the bars/chains from my CS500VL, stayed with the Echo brand. Still have to say though that the newer saws do not look anywhere near as rugged as my 30 year old one.. Since I don't have 30 years to worry about, though, that's not my problem, lol..

Now the race against the first big snow begins.. might have just purchased an expensive ornament for the next few months if we get a storm.

That saw will serve you well...
My dad had an older EV 4400 Echo that was a fine performer until it was stolen...
IMHO, Echo's are very well engineered for long life...
I really like the air filtration system that they have and think that it does a better job than most of the other systems out there...
My little old Stihl 019T was stolen last month and I have been in the process of getting my dad's old Homelites running...
So far 4 are running fine with 4 to go...
I don't think that I will wear out those 8 saws anytime soon...