Husky353,EchoCS520 & MakitiaDCS540 Which Would You Buy???

[tenacrewoods]

These are the 3 saw I'm considering,Which is better saw & deal since I have service/dealers in my area,Price is in my (new buget) and would like advice from all you pros.

Husky353 is $336
MakitaDCS540 is $299
EchoCS520 is $340

 

[Lawn Masters]

Of those models, I'd go with the Husky 353, its the ideal saw for working all day.

 

[HiOctane]

Of those 3,my choice would be a 353.

 

[TonyM]

All three saws will have similar perfomance, weight, and durability. The Husqvarna will be the most modern design. The Dolmar is the lightest and has the largest displacement. I have not had an Echo CS-520 in my hands, but did own a CS-670. Well built, and I have no problem recommending one, although it may not be up to the power to weight ratio of the others, and Echo doesn't advertise their horsepowers.

To me it would come down to your individual preferences and dealer support. If you like to follow the masses, get the Husqvarana. If you like to be a little different, buy the Dolmar. If you like having widespread parts and service support, get the Echo. I don't think you'd be unhappy with any of them.

 

[keith c raymond]

How much are you cutting?I would recommend any of these saws,however.

 

[tenacrewoods]

Won't be cutting a whole lot right off,but my family + 5 other homes in
extended family all live on different parts of 135acres 3 of which have
fire places + mine.We get together most holiday (excuse for some to
drink) build hugh bonfires Invite 75 to 100 people and stay up all night
partying.We do this atleast 15 times yearly.I've owned quite afew Homey
saws ussually lasting no more then 6month to a year,and for what I paid
for all them I could've bought a quality saw to out perform and outlast
them all.
Live and learn!!!

Mike E.

 

[eric_271]

The makita is the purtyist and it will cut all day and all night.

 

[Bob Wright]

Being an x Echo salesman.
Echo 1
Husky2
Makita 3
But my opinions are lopsided....Bob

 

[Damo]

At the end of the day, no matter how good your saw is, you will need parts and technical service...I'd stick with the company that offers you the best and easiest parts and service advice because they're all good saws. In Australia, for instance, we would go with Husky...not much help to you, though, if you live in North America!!
Cheers,
Damo.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

The used Stihl 046 for around $300 will be your best bet. Use it for a few years and sell it for more than you paid. It will out cut the others 3 to 1, and make you smile while it's doing it.

 

[SawTroll]

Another vote for the Husky 353. As TonyM said it is the most modern design -It is pro saw quality and has some nice and useful features.
Cutting is fast and very smooth with the 95VP/H30/S30 chain.

 

[pbtree]

353 rocks!

 

[eric_271]

When not being used to cut wood all day and all night is purty enough to replace your wifes center piece on the kitchen table. No other saw can make that claim. List was over $400. They are pro saws and our local saw shop has stocked dolmar parts for the last 30 years. I bought 2 at the same time brand new for $200 each. I would upgrade to the most modern, the 5100 if I could wear these 2 out.

 

[timistall]

Where can you find those for 200.00?

 

[eric_271]

I cant remember the name of the place. Contact Elmore I gave him the name and phone number. He bought one a few months back. They are the 520 I. A little more power then the 540 and had the chrome cylinder.

 

[Elmore]

When not being used to cut wood all day and all night is purty enough to replace your wifes center piece on the kitchen table. No other saw can make that claim. List was over $400. They are pro saws and our local saw shop has stocked dolmar parts for the last 30 years. I bought 2 at the same time brand new for $200 each. I would upgrade to the most modern, the 5100 if I could wear these 2 out.

When not in use it also looks good as a modern landscape sculpture. A good focal point near Japanese Maples, Hosta and other fine ornamentals.
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Elmore/Misc/P5220005.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Elmore/Misc/P5220003.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">
As for the cylinder, after much research (asking questions with Dolmar and reps) I believe that it is Nikasil.
Eric, thanks again for the tip.
I think a DCS540 with a very slight muffler mod is a very good value.

 

[eric_271]

Elmore The 540 does have a nikasil cylinder. Im sure the 520I is chrome.

 

[Elmore]

Elmore The 540 does have a nikasil cylinder. Im sure the 520I is chrome.

You may be right but in talking with Dolmar_Tech_Mgr he said that it was nikasil. He didn't think that Dolmar ever used chrome. It is not that important to me at this point. I'm just going to use the saw and if I have the opportunity to remove the jug or peer through a port maybe I will be able to tell; although I doubt if I will be able to discern the difference between a highly polished nikasil surface and a chrome surface. All I know is this saw can cut.

 

[Elmore]

I cant remember the name of the place. Contact Elmore I gave him the name and phone number. He bought one a few months back. They are the 520 I. A little more power then the 540 and had the chrome cylinder.

I got mine from powerzone in VA but they don't have any more, I got the last one and they don't expect another shipment until the war in Iraq ends. Contact your Senator and representatives for further info, heh heh...Thanks Eric.

 

[eric_271]

You are welcome Elmore. There were 10 left after I bought my 2. I told a friend about them and he bought 1. Those deals dont come along to often.