Need saw buying advise

[Nil]

Sorry guys if this sounds like a broken record.

I'm a homeowner that is in need of a saw. I've done a bunch of reading on this site over the past week(while I should've been working tisk tisk). I believe for my needs, and wants, a 5100s should fit the bill nicely. I'll be cutting 4-5 cords a year, more or less... depends on too many variables for exacts.

Like everyone has suggested through the threads it'd be better to buy a good saw once then multiple shady ones. I'm not sure if the 5100 falls under that rule though since it is new. I hear that it's based on the 510 but after all it's new enough that problems down the road haven't been exposed.

Normally I'm not afraid of being a mechanic when needed, I've saved a lot of money going that route, plus learning along the way is nice. I've worked on my own lawn mowers, weed eaters, and tillers. On up to rebuilding an auto trany and a v8 for my truck(and it's still working, wheew). But I dont have much experience with saws, and 2 strokes. For example, I'd think twice before taking a friends saw to fix it myself, since I may not be able to, I'm willing to learn though.

This leads me to my delima, I live near Albuquerque, and it seams I only have one dealer within about 75 miles. I've visited him once for a tiller part and got a rough feeling with him, I'm normaly soft spoken and feel that he used that to his advantage and sold me some over priced stuff then rushed me out the door. Anyway I gave him a call for the price of a 5100, he let me know he'd part with one that has a 20" bar and a extra chain for $440, oddly enough I called back and got the same price for a 18" bar version(still scratching my head)... I'm not too against the price if he'd throw in a case too but I feel that he'll push me over again...

I'm not sure what his spare chain is, what his labor cost for warentee issues would be(shouldnt be any right?) what kind of bar he's selling etc(didn't think fast enough to ask)

So my question: If you were in my shoes would you worry about buying locally?

Should I save money and just order online, or go the route where I'd have an easier way to fix the saw?(hope it wont break in the first place)



If you got through my long winded explanation please help. Thank you!!

 

[Ed*L]

Hi Nil, Welcome to the forum!
If you don't like the dealer, don't buy from him. I can understand you wanting a 5100, but the dealer/service issue spoils the purchase. If you don't trust him now, you probably never will.
I would start looking for Stihl or Husky dealer in your area that treats you right and you are comfortable dealing with. Both have saws that are very comparable to the 5100.

Good luck!
Ed

 

[zemmo]

Sorry guys if this sounds like a broken record.

I'm a homeowner that is in need of a saw. I've done a bunch of reading on this site over the past week(while I should've been working tisk tisk). I believe for my needs, and wants, a 5100s should fit the bill nicely. I'll be cutting 4-5 cords a year, more or less... depends on too many variables for exacts.

Like everyone has suggested through the threads it'd be better to buy a good saw once then multiple shady ones. I'm not sure if the 5100 falls under that rule though since it is new. I hear that it's based on the 510 but after all it's new enough that problems down the road haven't been exposed.

Normally I'm not afraid of being a mechanic when needed, I've saved a lot of money going that route, plus learning along the way is nice. I've worked on my own lawn mowers, weed eaters, and tillers. On up to rebuilding an auto trany and a v8 for my truck(and it's still working, wheew). But I dont have much experience with saws, and 2 strokes. For example, I'd think twice before taking a friends saw to fix it myself, since I may not be able to, I'm willing to learn though.

This leads me to my delima, I live near Albuquerque, and it seams I only have one dealer within about 75 miles. I've visited him once for a tiller part and got a rough feeling with him, I'm normaly soft spoken and feel that he used that to his advantage and sold me some over priced stuff then rushed me out the door. Anyway I gave him a call for the price of a 5100, he let me know he'd part with one that has a 20" bar and a extra chain for $440, oddly enough I called back and got the same price for a 18" bar version(still scratching my head)... I'm not too against the price if he'd throw in a case too but I feel that he'll push me over again...

I'm not sure what his spare chain is, what his labor cost for warentee issues would be(shouldnt be any right?) what kind of bar he's selling etc(didn't think fast enough to ask)

So my question: If you were in my shoes would you worry about buying locally?

Should I save money and just order online, or go the route where I'd have an easier way to fix the saw?(hope it wont break in the first place)



If you got through my long winded explanation please help. Thank you!!

There's a Dolmar dealer in Ft. Huachuca, if you get down that way. He seems ok, not terrific. $409 for the 5100 S. Your dealer apparently wants to markup over MSRP. The little Huskies are good, too.

 

[deezulsmoke]

Just get the Stihl MS361 !!!! :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[TooTall999]

Go with what you feel most comfortable with...the Dolmar is a great saw,but a sound relationship with the dealer is more important

 

[mini kahuna]

I would check out any stihl or husky/jonsered dealers you have nearby,stop in and feel them out.
that dolmar is a great saw but I wouldn't drive 75 miles and buy one from a guy that is giving you odd feelings.

 

[Nil]

I sorta had my heart set on a dohlmar . I'll give myself time to think it through, about a different brand, but still want to be moving in the meantime.

I called a different saw shop to ask what they had to offer, one thing they suggested was a husky 455, at $400. I've dealt with that shop before and liked them, but it looks like Alb may be bad for the prices of saws. Guess that can happen when your about the only game in town.


Everyone says to get a good dealer. How many of you have needed to take a saw to the shop for something you couldn't do?


I'm sorta heartless as far as buying technical items locally.

 

[ValleyO'Giants]

Normally I'm not afraid of being a mechanic when needed, I've saved a lot of money going that route, plus learning along the way is nice. I've worked on my own lawn mowers, weed eaters, and tillers. On up to rebuilding an auto trany and a v8 for my truck(and it's still working, wheew). But I dont have much experience with saws, and 2 strokes. For example, I'd think twice before taking a friends saw to fix it myself, since I may not be able to, I'm willing to learn though.

HeyNil, I too am new here and to the hobby.

Just thought I would let you know that I have found a lot of info on my new stihl ms 310 on here and other places on the net.
I did not find as much for the Dolmar and there is not a reputable dealer anywhere near me for them.

My stihl dealer is 9 miles from my door and i live on the edge of civilization.
He serves all the pro's out here (loggers)

Also, as far as maintenance, the dealers mechanics offer me free advice often!
And I just picked up a shop manual and parts list from a guy here for free.
He e-mailed it to me in pdf format.
The shop manual is high quality and exact with great pics and exploded views that put most of my auto shop manuals to shame.
I too work on my autos instead of taking them to the shop and now that I have a shop manual for my saw I see no reason I wont be able to do the same with it.
Plus if you have any issues the folks here are very cool and knowledgeable!
No matter what saw you have.
I like my ms310 but I was locked in at 400 bucks and with my great dealer the ms 310 was the saw for me right now.
Later I will look at a ms361 or maybe even a bigger pro saw from stihl.
Just my 2 cents.
Good Luck,
Doug

 

[mini kahuna]

if you are willing and able to maintain the saw yourself get the dolmar,sounds like you want one real bad.
for a 50cc saw they sure do cut, and smoothest anti-vibe I have ever used.

 

[Marvinlee]

I'm in about the same position: no nearby Dolmar dealer and the one far away isn't very involved with chainsaws. Chainsaws are not a very complicated piece of machinery, just troublesome. Most troubles can be fixed at home.

I do want to buy/download the 5000S service manual and the parts list. Does anyone here know of a source that works?

 

[oldsaw]

I'm in about the same position: no nearby Dolmar dealer and the one far away isn't very involved with chainsaws. Chainsaws are not a very complicated piece of machinery, just troublesome. Most troubles can be fixed at home.

I do want to buy/download the 5000S service manual and the parts list. Does anyone here know of a source that works?

That's the cool part, the IPL is on Dolmar's website, free download. Gotta like that.

Mark

 

[vtfirewood]

I recently bought my first real saw. I was going for a Husky because of the price. After researching for a few months I decided on the Stihl MS361. I decided on the Stihl mainly because of several good dealers in my area (both NJ and VT) and the ease of getting service or parts for a Stihl. I also liked the fact that they make their own chains and sharpening tools. Another factor for my choice was weight and feel of the saw. For me the 361 with a 20" bar felt light comfortable and easy to handle. So far I have been extremely happy with the 361. And I know that parts will be available for years

 

[oldsaw]

I sorta had my heart set on a dohlmar . I'll give myself time to think it through, about a different brand, but still want to be moving in the meantime.

I called a different saw shop to ask what they had to offer, one thing they suggested was a husky 455, at $400. I've dealt with that shop before and liked them, but it looks like Alb may be bad for the prices of saws. Guess that can happen when your about the only game in town.


Everyone says to get a good dealer. How many of you have needed to take a saw to the shop for something you couldn't do?


I'm sorta heartless as far as buying technical items locally.

I've never had a saw repaired at a shop, done it all myself. As was mentioned, it isn't hard to do most things yourself, they tend to be very simple machines. I don't have a lot of problems, but you will need parts every now and then for something. Usually the parts are generic, but on occasion you will need a real saw part. The nice thing about having a dealer close by is that there is a chance (how good depends on the quality of the dealer) that the part will be in stock and you can be running the same day. Also, it's often nice to have a bit of advice close when it comes to taking care of things...kind of like having Lake or Thall here, but there when you need them. Especially when it comes to tips on fixing the saw or other things you should look for when you are in there.

Mark

 

[SawTroll]

Just get the Stihl MS361 !!!! :hmm3grin2orange:

I recently bought my first real saw. I was going for a Husky because of the price. After researching for a few months I decided on the Stihl MS361. I decided on the Stihl mainly because of several good dealers in my area (both NJ and VT) and the ease of getting service or parts for a Stihl. I also liked the fact that they make their own chains and sharpening tools. Another factor for my choice was weight and feel of the saw. For me the 361 with a 20" bar felt light comfortable and easy to handle. So far I have been extremely happy with the 361. And I know that parts will be available for years

Yep - probably the best "allround" firewood saw out there.......