Husqvarna 450 or Dolmar 421?

[7sleeper]

The 490 can be had for $ 350 or less no dealer needed

So around what a Dolmar 421 costs. By the recomendation of a dealer, who sell's both brands, the 421 is the nicer and equally powerful saw.

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[LittleLebowski]

I'm gonna agree and disagree with this.

First, they're two very different saws. The 400 costs as much as a Dolmar 421. You can only get the 400 with an 18" bar, where the 421 comes with a 16". If you want a 16 on the Echo, you have to buy the saw, and then separately buy a second bar and chain (the dealer likely won't swap it for you before the sale). Personally, after considering both of these saws, I chose the 421. It's got a little more displacement, runs great out of the box, and has a loyal following.

The 590 seems like a great saw to own, but it's a pretty big saw for an only saw. I'd agree that the OP should consider one, but only as a second saw when he runs into wood that is a little big for his Dolmar 421.

Lastly, I'd disagree with your suggestion to buy from the cheapest source online. The OP has voiced a desire for support for his saw after the sale. Buy from a good local dealer or trusted dealer from AS seems like the best way to ensure support down the road. Saving $10-20 isn't worth not having someone to call with questions about your purchase.

Solid advice, thank you. I figure that $15 in shipping to a trusted AS dealer is money well spent if my future 421 ever has a problem.

 

[Douglas Wend]

Please don't say "just find one of these XYZ saw's for the same price used" unless you have an actual link for said deal.

I'm a hard working homeowner with a few acres and lots and lots of wood to cut. My trees rarely get over one foot in width. I have two wood stoves. I want a saw I can rely upon. I want a manufacturer that will stand behind their saw. I don't want to tinker with the saw, I want to work. I don't have spare time to fiddle with stuff. I'd like to do not much more or just sharpen chains, replace chains, add fluids, check air the filter. I will clean the bar, check the spark plug, etc.

I don't want "buy XYZ saw for cheap and learn how to maintain it" as an answer. I don't have spare time to fiddle with something.

I have a local Husqvarna dealer. I have made contact with a Dolmar dealer on here that I trust.

I recently went though similar decision, wanting a solid 40 to 50 cc saw for my 2 acre lot. Mostly stuff under 1 foot, mostly softwoods. After owning a Makita 6421, I decided the extra weight is not worth the trouble. So power/weight is important. Do not under estimate the significance of 1 pound. I have come to value a lighter weight saw and briefly considered a Stihl MS241 but could not justify the extra expense. I am partial to ECHO and Makita/Dolmar brands, but respect Husky and Stihls as well. But to get to your question, I would suggest that the Dolmar is a simpler more rugged piece of gear and would be simpler to maintain over the life of the saw. While the Husky boasts of some nice features, their may be a penalty down the road when you find that replacement parts are more exensive and the increased complexty of the fuel system will require dealer level support at a steep price. This has been true of cars for some time and it appears that outdoor equipment is heading down the same path. I bought a Stihl MS271 a couple of years ago and was disappointed on how stingy it oiled. Went to the dealer and he explained that the EPA had started regulating oil wastes and the Stihl engineers went to work. I wound up selling the saw. So I wound up with a Makita verision of the 421 and "love it." Best saw decision I have made to date. It is right at my limit for a "light, manueverable saw" that I can easily handle in the woods without fatigue. I am 6'3" and in good shape. I just feel that lighter saws are safer for the type of wood cutting I am into. The Makita is powerful for its size, starts easy and runs like a champ. I performed the muffler mod which is pretty easy to do but honestly you would be happy just the way it is. I put a Oregon Pro Lite 16" Bar on it and also have an 18" bar if needed. I kepy my Echo 370 as a backup. Until I prove that I need a larger saw, this may be it for me. So to sum up, go with the 421. Over the life of the saw, it will probably be less expensive to own, I doubt you need a dealer as they are simple but rugged designs.

 

[LittleLebowski]

I recently went though similar decision, wanting a solid 40 to 50 cc saw for my 2 acre lot. Mostly stuff under 1 foot, mostly softwoods. After owning a Makita 6421, I decided the extra weight is not worth the trouble. So power/weight is important. Do not under estimate the significance of 1 pound. I have come to value a lighter weight saw and briefly considered a Stihl MS241 but could not justify the extra expense. I am partial to ECHO and Makita/Dolmar brands, but respect Husky and Stihls as well. But to get to your question, I would suggest that the Dolmar is a simpler more rugged piece of gear and would be simpler to maintain over the life of the saw. While the Husky boasts of some nice features, their may be a penalty down the road when you find that replacement parts are more exensive and the increased complexty of the fuel system will require dealer level support at a steep price. This has been true of cars for some time and it appears that outdoor equipment is heading down the same path. I bought a Stihl MS271 a couple of years ago and was disappointed on how stingy it oiled. Went to the dealer and he explained that the EPA had started regulating oil wastes and the Stihl engineers went to work. I wound up selling the saw. So I wound up with a Makita verision of the 421 and "love it." Best saw decision I have made to date. It is right at my limit for a "light, manueverable saw" that I can easily handle in the woods without fatigue. I am 6'3" and in good shape. I just feel that lighter saws are safer for the type of wood cutting I am into. The Makita is powerful for its size, starts easy and runs like a champ. I performed the muffler mod which is pretty easy to do but honestly you would be happy just the way it is. I put a Oregon Pro Lite 16" Bar on it and also have an 18" bar if needed. I kepy my Echo 370 as a backup. Until I prove that I need a larger saw, this may be it for me. So to sum up, go with the 421. Over the life of the saw, it will probably be less expensive to own, I doubt you need a dealer as they are simple but rugged designs.

Fantastic post, thank you!

I plan to stay at 16", what is the number of drive links on the stock setup?

 

[Chris-PA]

the increased complexty of the fuel system

I liked your comment, but wanted to correct this point - there is no increased fuel system complexity on this range of Husqvarnas. The strato system uses a typical Zama C1M carb with one extra link to open the air valve.

 

[quotedraven]

So around what a Dolmar 421 costs. By the recomendation of a dealer, who sell's both brands, the 421 is the nicer and equally powerful saw.

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I doubt the 421 a 40 cc equals a 50 cc but that is opinion. I would take the Japanese built engine.

 

[LittleLebowski]

Went ahead and ordered Dolmar 421 from @fordf150, hopefully he will have more in soon.

 

[7sleeper]

I doubt the 421 a 40 cc equals a 50 cc but that is opinion. I would take the Japanese built engine.

Echo 490 50ccm/2.14kw/2.9 hp
http://www.yamabiko-corp.co.jp/echo_global/products/category_detail/id=3599

Dolmar 421 42ccm/2.2kw/3hp

And the story is not invented by me, but from a dealer who has both brands in his program.

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[Douglas Wend]

I liked your comment, but wanted to correct this point - there is no increased fuel system complexity on this range of Husqvarnas. The strato system uses a typical Zama C1M carb with one extra link to open the air valve.

Thanks for the correction. I was relying too much on a amazon review and checked with a local dealer and your correct. I withdrwa my statement about complexity, however Husk makes a lot of marketing claims that might cause one to wonder about reliability. Having said this, I have no data too support this concern beyond my awareness of increasing complexity in consumer products that make it more expensive to fix I can speak a little to the Dolmar products having taken a couple apart and like their approach to design and building. Yes they are a little heavier but seem more rugged to me. But I am not going to knock another brand.

 

[Douglas Wend]

I doubt the 421 a 40 cc equals a 50 cc but that is opinion. I would take the Japanese built engine.

There is some youtube video out there showing a 421 beating a 490. I forget the particulars on mods and chain setups but would not doubt that it could.

 

[quotedraven]

Hope the saw works out

 

[CoreyB]

Stock vs stock the 421 is the winner. But with porting the 490 pulls ahead.

 

[fordf150]

Stock vs stock the 421 is the winner. But with porting the 490 pulls ahead.

im not sure whether that shows how strong a 421 is or how weak a 490 is in stock form but ported it should be expected that a saw with an 8cc advantage should win

 

[svk]

I'm sorry I had to laugh. Only on AS would a "help me pick my first real saw" turn to a discussion on porting lol.

 

[LittleLebowski]

Near as I can ascertain, stock chain is 16" 3/8 .050 56DL, correct? Do I need a 5/32 setup for sharpening or is it 7/32?

 

[LittleLebowski]

I'm sorry I had to laugh. Only on AS would a "help me pick my first real saw" turn to a discussion on porting lol.

Fine by me, I enjoy the discussion.

 

[Franny K]

Near as I can ascertain, stock chain is 16" 3/8 .050 56DL, correct? Do I need a 5/32 setup for sharpening or is it 7/32?

16" 3/8 .050 56DL, correct? Probably if you did not discuss otherwise. I am not a dealer and do not know how many part numbers they have for complete saws or power head only. The bar is most likely the 7 tooth nose if you did not discuss otherwise. "16" 56 DL probably is more like 15 inches if measured to the case going past the prongs of the bucking spike. 3/8 low profile chain not normal 3/8.
5/32" file and guide
https://www.oregonproducts.com/pro/products/chain/38pro_chain_main.htm
like 91vxl at above link

There is a link to the manual here
http://www.dolmarpowerproducts.com/productcatalog/chain_saws_gasoline/ps-421/index.html

 

[LittleLebowski]

Thanks, Franny K. I appreciate it. The manual is well written. I've got a Stihl chain en route and @fordf150 should be sending me a Carlton NC1 chain once the chainsaw ships. That's what we're waiting on; Fordf150 had a shipment of Dolmar 421s last week that sold out and now he's waiting on the next shipment. Happily, I've already spoken for one of the ones coming in. He'll be testing and tuning my saw as needed and sending it to me.

 

[CoreyB]

@fordf150 will take good care of you. And is great to do business with.

 

[MountainHigh]

just received my Makita EA4300 (aka Dolmar 421).
First impressions ... very sturdy, nicely balanced, quality feeling saw that seems more powerful than it's rating.

Standing on bathroom scale, the EA4300 comes in just a couple ounces lighter than my 45cc OE 346xp. Haven't ran this saw hard yet, but from the brief slice and dice on some back yard 8" sticks, I really like its feel and performance. It will wind up nicely like my 346 - definitely a runner.

I'll run some tanks through mine before doing the muffler mod and carb tune. Wondering how the extra heat of the Cat will reduce the longevity of the motor?

Unlike my 346xp, this saw sits flat and steady on ground. A nice change.

So far, very happy I bought it and can see how it could easily be an ideal single saw solution for those who are mainly cutting wood under 14".

The ease of starting this saw is amazing! After years of pulling hard to start saws, you really have to remind yourself to do the opposite. It doesn't get any easier than this, yet it feels much sturdier than the flimsy Stihl easy start system I tried on a 250 C-BE.