Echo cs-490 vs Makita/Dolmar 5121/510

[heyitsp]

PS, "one saw needs" means 60cc...

you will find it handy to have a small saw and a bigger saw. The 4300 is a great small saw that will cover almost all of your needs.

I won't need anything that powerful 60cc. I would like to leave the big uns standing clear out the small wood and ladder fuel in between so fire cant spread. Create a park like setting. Won't be cutting anything bigger than I buy my pants.

 

[r black]

the dolmar 420/421 ...or the 5 series are tough to beat .......I have been wanting to try the 590/620 echo myself ..but have several dol/kitas and love-em

 

[foeke]

+1 for the Maruyama MCV 51 . If I didn't live in Europe, I would definitely buy one. They are suppose to have great customer service and I really like the 5121.

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[holeycow]

The 40cc Dolmar is a much better handling saw than the 50cc Dolmar, fwiw

 

[Tree Feller]

I have not ran the 490 but I have a dolmar 510 and run it a lot! Over all it’s a good saw. A Little heavy for the power it puts out but handles fine. The biggest problem I have with this saw is the carb. At least on mine. It has been rebuilt twice in 3 years. Also this saw is REAL east to flood. If you miss the pop when the choke is on its flooded! I run a 16” bar with a 3/8 chain. That’s where I think the dolmar has the edge over most other 50cc saws imo for I like 3/8 better than .325. But if I had to buy again I would get the 5105 over the 510. Also my 510 is assembled/made in China.

 

[heyitsp]

The 40cc Dolmar is a much better handling saw than the 50cc Dolmar, fwiw

This is very useful! I will look into the 40cc Makita further. Though I'm leaning heavily toward the Echo as @Red97 mentioned the echo490 is roughly the weight of the 401 maki and the 490 is much more powerful unit.

 

[holeycow]

there is a thread around here somewhere comparing a cs490 to a dolmar 421 which shows the dolly to be more powerful than the echo...or at least "faster"

it might even be the 501 echo in that comparison?

I don't believe the echo compares to the dolly in overall feel. I own the dolly and have only held the echo. The echo feels like a great handling saw for sure, but the dolly has extraordinary ant-vibe and a tremendous real-world engine.

they are both small saws where the weight differences in the real world are nearly nonexistent for most people

 

[heyitsp]

Echos has great saws and power equipment in my experience. They seem to be long lasting and run well, so I can't knock them. If I were looking for a good farm/ranch/homeowner saw, I'd probably choose one.

For my needs and flavor in chainsaws, I prefer Dolmar. If you want a good strong 40+cc saw, I recommend the EA4300/421 by Makita/Dolmar. Mine serves me very well and I LOVE using that saw. Its very comfortable, weight balanced and seems to be very economical on fuel. The ergonomics feel right and it has gobs of torque for that size saw.

If you want a 50cc saw, I'd choose the PS-5105 by Dolmar. Its not much more expensive than the Makita saws you are looking at and its a pro saw. The Maruyama MCV51 (Made in Germany) is the exact same saw as the 5105 and you may find it a little cheaper (just bought one myself).

Hope this helps and let us know what you choose. Post pics......

It seems like the 40cc Makmar is a quite popular choice. I'm gonna have to see if I can find one. I'm sure this saw will be able to handle "most of my needs" though I think down the line I might be wanting a bigger saw to heat my house.

 

[r black]

It seems like the 40cc Makmar is a quite popular choice. I'm gonna have to see if I can find one. I'm sure this saw will be able to handle "most of my needs" though I think down the line I might be wanting a bigger saw to heat my house....
.......@fordf150 can help you with the dolmar 421 version............. good guy to deal with ............

 

[Deleted member 149229]

Echo 590, you won’t regret it.

 

[heyitsp]

Echo 590, you won’t regret it.

I might end up with this saw or similar down the line but I have held it and it is more hefty than I want to be using as a primary saw I'd prefer to get away with a 10lb PH saw for versatility with enough power that in a pinch I'm not wanting to rent a bigger unit. Ideally I really like the ms 261 stihl as a saw that I'm familiar with using the heck out of. Buuut its $200 more. I realize Ill have to make compromises so I'm really looking for the 2nd best version of this saw. If I'm being real.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

If you find a participating Echo dealer for Customer Appreciation sale you can get the 490 for $275. Super easy muff mod, retune and it’s a good saw for the money.

 

[heyitsp]

http://opeforum.com/threads/dolmar-421-vs-echo-490.807/page-4
Very interesting @holeycow I am going to certainly have to see this 401 in person I'm going back to the shop on Monday.

 

[holeycow]

Have a look at the cs501p as well. I have no idea, but I am thinkin' that is also a great saw??

As noted in the thread, see if the Jonsereds are on closeout somewhere, whichever one matches up to the 550 Husky would be a sweet saw (though overcomplicated by the autotune - and therefore running on the edge of lean constantly).

You started with two saws which don't really compare to each other, except for being the same displacement. Arguably the weakest and strongest in the 50cc class and probably the lightest and heaviest in the class.

 

[Brian72]

You really can't go wrong either way. Maybe handling both will sway your decision. I actually really like the Echo controls. Very simple and never any problems. I will say my Echo equipment has been excellent!(4 saws,trimmer,blower and hedge trimmer.) Some of the easiest starting and most reliable equipment I've ever owned. With proper maintenance, any of these saws will give you years of good service.

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[holeycow]

yes. Years and years.

 

[heyitsp]

If you find a participating Echo dealer for Customer Appreciation sale you can get the 490 for $275. Super easy muff mod, retune and it’s a good saw for the money.

That's when I was planning to buy it. it's normally $500 but comes 20% off soon so $400 +tax. The Makita 5121 is $530 reg but dealer will take off 10% and eat the tax. I think they had the 40cc Makita too though I don't remember the price. I think I breezed over it to the 50cc not knowing any better.

 

[heyitsp]

Have a look at the cs501p as well. I have no idea, but I am thinkin' that is also a great saw??

You started with two saws which don't really compare to each other, except for being the same displacement. Arguably the weakest and strongest in the 50cc class and probably the lightest and heaviest in the class.

The weakest being???? I mean If I go to homomedepot.com the echo is $350 and the Makita is $425 usually if the difference is that great there is a reason.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-20...490}:st++cn:{0:0}++echo+{brand}+c+490+{rest}+

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18-in-50cc-Gas-Farm-Ranch-Rear-Handle-Chainsaw-DCS5121/205564477

 

[holeycow]

the weakest being the Echo, of course...but also the lightest and sweetest in the hands. I haven't run the echo though, so there's gotta be an unbiased opinion around here somewhere that is better than mine.

the reason for the difference in price is that the Dolmar is built a little better. Or at least it certainly feels/looks like it. Though the Japanese are famous for putting strength in the right places...

the echo is decent for the price. The Dolmar is decent at any price

imo.

 

[heyitsp]

I am wrong for those reading this tread the 490 does not have captured bar nuts.