hi guys i had recently thought of buying a 361 or 2171 for myself and maybe cutting trees for people.Not sure i'll have the funds now.So i'm thinking of buying a saw to trim up around my new house.I have about 7 trees need cutting,in the 10 to 18 inch range.Id like to stay within 425.00.I do want a pro quality saw though.I am considering these 2.Which would be the best choice
Dolmar 5100 or Husqvarna 346 xp
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TooTall999
ArboristSite Operative
The best choice is dependent several factors.Go to a local dealer and talk to him.try out the saws if you can and decide for yourself.They are both good saws,the final choice should be up to you.Go with the one that feels best,and the dealer you're most comfortable with.
emmerth
ArboristSite Lurker
I currently have the 346xp and the 361. Both of these saws would more than handle the job that you are looking to do. I have never run the 5100 but from all the hype, it sounds great and would handle your work load. In reference to pricing, I can get the 5100 for less than $400.00 locally but the 346xp and 361 are higher.
I suggest that price is not everything. If you have a good dealer, it more than justifies a 10-20% difference in price.
Good luck and happy cutting
I suggest that price is not everything. If you have a good dealer, it more than justifies a 10-20% difference in price.
Good luck and happy cutting
blis
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 5100 is no doubt a great saw and has propably most bang for buck, but its still rather "green" in chainsaw market and has some quality issues (cosmetics mostly) while the 346 while having less power outclasses 5100 in quality and ergonomics (IMO) , but its up to you which you pick and you cant really go wrong with neither one, yet, id myself pick 346xp over 5100 due to its proven design and great ergonomics....
You shouldn't talk about THALL like that!
spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
Now where in Virginia might that old guy be?
hello and thank you may I ask what you paid fpr your 346 xp? Also how does it cut in say 16 hardwood
SawTroll
Information Collector
This one is really difficult......:biggrinbounce2:
The 5100 has more power, but also more weight than the 346xp.
It is also correct that the 346xp is a more proven design.
For the limited use in question, a Husky 353 would probably do........
The 5100 has more power, but also more weight than the 346xp.
It is also correct that the 346xp is a more proven design.
For the limited use in question, a Husky 353 would probably do........
Your described usage is not extensive, so I don't know you HAVE to have a full on pro saw.
I understand the motivation though, the pro saws are very nice.
I gotta agree with SawTroll, the 353 (which is stil pro) (or possibly even the 350) are light, good saws, less money, and you probably could then save up for the next size up, or get yerself some ppe. I have not run a 5100, but the 346xp kicks a lot of butt.
You should be able to find the 346xp for $399.
I understand the motivation though, the pro saws are very nice.
I gotta agree with SawTroll, the 353 (which is stil pro) (or possibly even the 350) are light, good saws, less money, and you probably could then save up for the next size up, or get yerself some ppe. I have not run a 5100, but the 346xp kicks a lot of butt.
You should be able to find the 346xp for $399.
Engineeringnerd
ArboristSite Operative
I love my 346xp. If you get one, do the muffler mod and break it in. It gets radically stronger after about 10 tanks of gas.
Not the torquiest saw on the planet, but it loves the limbing jobs and mine carries a 20" bar when needed. Usually I leave it for lumber 14" and under in diameter and get something bigger for things over 14" if I've got more than a few logs to cut.
I'm also impressed by the fit and finish of the 346. handles nicely, light, and extremely good on gas. I can cut, and cut, and cut....
The only two negatives I can think of is that it is quite loud (with mod) and I wish it had an inboard clutch. Changing chains takes a few extra seconds and the clutch can collect some "fries" if you do any ripping. Chances are you won't, so that's not a big issue.
I hear great things about the 5100, and hear it has more grunt. I've also read a number of folks running into quality problem with carbs and trim being blemished. Anybody can screw up occasioinally though. If I were buying again I'd take a close look at the 5100 but I'm extremely pleased with the 346.
Not the torquiest saw on the planet, but it loves the limbing jobs and mine carries a 20" bar when needed. Usually I leave it for lumber 14" and under in diameter and get something bigger for things over 14" if I've got more than a few logs to cut.
I'm also impressed by the fit and finish of the 346. handles nicely, light, and extremely good on gas. I can cut, and cut, and cut....
The only two negatives I can think of is that it is quite loud (with mod) and I wish it had an inboard clutch. Changing chains takes a few extra seconds and the clutch can collect some "fries" if you do any ripping. Chances are you won't, so that's not a big issue.
I hear great things about the 5100, and hear it has more grunt. I've also read a number of folks running into quality problem with carbs and trim being blemished. Anybody can screw up occasioinally though. If I were buying again I'd take a close look at the 5100 but I'm extremely pleased with the 346.
precaud
ArboristSite Operative
I was facing pretty much the same choice; Husky 353, Dolmar 5100, or Stihl MS260, with only a Stihl local dealer. I just couldn't stomach $469 plus tax for the 260, so I ordered the 5100 today. I look forward to firing it up next week.
spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
If you are only going to have one saw, then the 5100 would be the better choice. But if you are going to also own a larger one, (372/2171), then the 346 would be a better compliment to the larger saw.
Stan,
I recently bought a 5100, so I can't speak to its reliability, but my 401 and 540, have been run for a couple of years with zero problems. Maybe that says something about Dolmar's culture regarding product reliability.
Both stock, its pretty close, if not equal to my 359, don't think you could say that about any other 50cc saw. It does weigh a little more than the 346/353, and might suprise you how close it "feels" to a 359 in weight and "volume" (don't know if thats ever been used as a subjective comparison point!)
If you are really sensitive to compactness and handling, go 346, if you'd give up a little of that for power, then the 5100. Or as one of the banned builders told me, if you want a 5100, buy a 359 get it modded and end up with something about the size/weight of a 5100 that will run with a 372! Something I will be verifying.
Luke
I recently bought a 5100, so I can't speak to its reliability, but my 401 and 540, have been run for a couple of years with zero problems. Maybe that says something about Dolmar's culture regarding product reliability.
Both stock, its pretty close, if not equal to my 359, don't think you could say that about any other 50cc saw. It does weigh a little more than the 346/353, and might suprise you how close it "feels" to a 359 in weight and "volume" (don't know if thats ever been used as a subjective comparison point!)
If you are really sensitive to compactness and handling, go 346, if you'd give up a little of that for power, then the 5100. Or as one of the banned builders told me, if you want a 5100, buy a 359 get it modded and end up with something about the size/weight of a 5100 that will run with a 372! Something I will be verifying.
Luke
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
After having both, the 5100 clearly has a lot more umph in the cut. The 346 is a nice saw and flies threw the small stuff, but bury it in 12-14" hardwood and it is a differant story. The 346 also doesn't like 3/8 chain. The 5100 has the power to bury an 18" in hardwood with 3/8 chain.
The wieght issue isn't an issue for me at all, there is not much difference between the two once they are full of fuel and oil. The dolmar might be a tad heavier, but for the extra power it boasts, it is well worth it.
Most of the guys that have the 346's like them, but only the guys with the 5100's know what all the hype is about. The 5100 shouldn't be in the same class as the 346 and 353 IMO. People like to talked about the modded 346 being equal to the 5100, but most of the people out there aren't into modding saws...
The wieght issue isn't an issue for me at all, there is not much difference between the two once they are full of fuel and oil. The dolmar might be a tad heavier, but for the extra power it boasts, it is well worth it.
Most of the guys that have the 346's like them, but only the guys with the 5100's know what all the hype is about. The 5100 shouldn't be in the same class as the 346 and 353 IMO. People like to talked about the modded 346 being equal to the 5100, but most of the people out there aren't into modding saws...
SawTroll
Information Collector
I think of the 5100 as a "halv a class" larger saw, even though it is only 50cc.
Engineeringnerd
ArboristSite Operative
Stan,
At the time I bought, the 346 and 372 were the best combo in my opinion. I'm really intrigued by the 5100 / 7900 combo and would seriously consider it if shopping today given the great reviews by most owners and especially given input from those who have owned both.
I still like the idea of a small saw for small jobs and a bigger saw for bigger jobs. I don't imagine the 1/2 pound difference between the 346 and 5100 is significant enough to really matter. But carrying a 372 or 7900 for a few hours when a smaller saw would do is significant. Similarly trying to get either of the smaller saws to work big lumber is a pain and carrying a few extra pounds in a larger saw is the way to go.
It is my duty as a AS person to talk you into more saws. Let us know when you get two and we'll start building a case for the reason's you need the next size up!
At the time I bought, the 346 and 372 were the best combo in my opinion. I'm really intrigued by the 5100 / 7900 combo and would seriously consider it if shopping today given the great reviews by most owners and especially given input from those who have owned both.
I still like the idea of a small saw for small jobs and a bigger saw for bigger jobs. I don't imagine the 1/2 pound difference between the 346 and 5100 is significant enough to really matter. But carrying a 372 or 7900 for a few hours when a smaller saw would do is significant. Similarly trying to get either of the smaller saws to work big lumber is a pain and carrying a few extra pounds in a larger saw is the way to go.
It is my duty as a AS person to talk you into more saws. Let us know when you get two and we'll start building a case for the reason's you need the next size up!
BLACKeR
ArboristSite Member
for $425 you can get a husky 359. heavier than the other ones but, would allow you to take down some fairly significant trees. if your going to have one saw for $400 thats what i would choose.
emmerth
ArboristSite Lurker
I purchased mine about 4 years ago from a dealer who was switching to Stihl. He was closing them out. I picked it up for $400 including some extras, case, and taxes. My current dealer in selling them for $459 plus tax. He is firm on his pricing and will not budge. If you find a dealer that is willing to work with you, I would suspect that you should be able to pick one up with the extras and tax for under $500.00. I have found a dolmar dealer who is willing to sell the 5100 with the extras and tax for just a little over $400.00
It handles 16" hardwood very well.
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