New 50cc Class pro-quality saws???

[scubasawyer]

Looking for a new 50+cc saw to replace an old Dolmar 112. Looking at Jonsered 2152/Husky 353, dolmar 540, dolmar 510/5100s. I would especially be interested in hearing about a Solo 651/656. All well-reasoned opinion is much appreciated. PLEASE DON'T quote me catalog specs, Iv'e already read them all a million times. JUST plain real-world use and experience in reply please...... Thanx.

 

[BostonBull]

I would say top of the 50cc class is the MS361. Handsdown.

 

[B_Turner]

My next purchase will probably be a 361. You don't mention Stihl so I am guessing this isn't one of your choices (and it's 59 ccs as I recall).

I have a new 5100 and so far am in the great minority of maybe two people that aren't in love with it yet. Cost a lot less than a 361, though. Most folks absolutely love theirs, so I would at least consider it (I did).

I think you got to go to the trouble of trying your candidates out for yourself, as we have our own preferences. I say don't let money decide at all, as in a year what you paid doesn't matter and what you have to use does. I am usually sorry when I buy anything based on price.

 

[sugarbush]

I would say top of the 50cc class is the MS361. Handsdown.

thats one hell'uva 50cc saw.:monkey:

 

[blsnelling]

The 361 is 59cc. Wouldn't you call that a 60cc class saw? Wouldn't the 5100s be the top 50cc class saw?

 

[BostonBull]

The original post said 50+ cc saw. The + sign means "plus", meaning in this case more than 50cc. To me a 50cc saw is anything between 50cc-59cc. I amy be wrong but this is how I classify them, and more importantly he asked for a 50+cc saw.

 

[scubasawyer]

I'm really not interested in Stihls as the dealer thinks he's King S@#t, can charge whatever he wants, and is the ONLY game in town-NOT!!! -I can't deal with arrogant PITA's like that. Pricing is mostly the same on the saws i've listed ($350-$400), so that's what I'm looking at....

 

[rahtreelimbs]

In this category the only saws that I have experience with are the Husky 346 , Solo 651 and the Dolmar 5100. The Dolmar is the better saw IMO!

If you care to jump up to the next size the Husky 359 is a good choice!

 

[scubasawyer]

RTL, What do you think about 651 specifically???? Like, don't like??
Reliability????

 

[Huskydoggg]

Scuba,
If you're looking at the Husky 353 make sure it's not an E-tech. You can search here and see the problems with the e-tech technology.
I like my 353 now that I've swapped out the e-tech muffler and did some tuning. It's light, quick and nicely balanced. I often use a saw all day and find that I do better work when my arms aren't aching from packing the 365. A couple of pounds really makes a difference!
I've always been a Husky fan and can't fairly comment on the other brands. Hope this helps.

 

[troutfisher]

I have a Husky 346XP, its a hot rod. might be a little small, but it's light and FAST. Has the pro saw stuff, rim & drum, steel springs, metal cases, adjustable oiler, Might fit your needs.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

RTL, What do you think about 651 specifically???? Like, don't like??
Reliability????

For the average saw user I guess the 651 would be OK. But for me it is not enough. The rubber AV mounts are nowhere near as smooth as a spring AV system. The power isn't there when compared to a 346 or 5100. Parts are easy as they can be had thru the Solo factory.

I have 2 651's. One stock the other was modded by Ken Dunn..........this one I am keeping as Ken turned this saw out pretty nice!!!

 

[mattinky]

I can't speak for the newer Husky's but I've got an old 50 special that I bought new over 15 years ago, it's a great saw and runs just as good as the day I bought it. The only thing that's ever been replaced on it is the bar & chains and a spark plug or two, I've never had any problems out of it. If the newer 50cc Husky is as good as the old ones you can't go wrong IMO
Matt

 

[scubasawyer]

RTL, Any reliabillity issues with 651/656 you're aware of?

Info on 346 is good to consider as well... Thanx

 

[rahtreelimbs]

RTL, Any reliabillity issues with 651/656 you're aware of?

Thanx

If this is the Solo 651 that you are referring to than I can't comment. I have the older 651!!!

The saw below is new!!!

 

[grandpatractor]

5100s

I just got a 5100 a week ago and I am very pleased with it so far. If it gets alittle more zip as it breaks in I'll be extremely happy. nice light and snappy saw

 

[last chance]

i have 651 had it for 2 years its all red one its been a good saw for me .so far its been agood saw.

 

[mini kahuna]

I feel your best choices are either a stihl 361 or a dolmar 5100s.
the dolmar is fast,smooth and fairly light.
the stihl is a little bigger "59cc",powerful,smooth and able to pull a bigger bar than the dolmar.
the solo 651 can't really compete in terms of smoothness and power output.
solos seem very dependable though and maybe the price is right?
check out the new solo 656,maybe they improved their anti-vibe with the new model.

 

[SawTroll]

In this category the only saws that I have experience with are the Husky 346 , Solo 651 and the Dolmar 5100. The Dolmar is the better saw IMO!

If you care to jump up to the next size the Husky 359 is a good choice!

:biggrinbounce2: The 346xp isn't 50cc +, just 45cc, but I agree it should be considered anyway........

It is a bit lighter than the other saws mentioned here, and would be my choise over the 353 (which is a really nice saw), if I were to buy a new small saw now.

The PS-5100S is a full pound heavier, and just about 3/4 pound lighter than the MS361.

Solo have a record for being rather optimistic regarding the power output of their saws, but I don't know if this still is true.

My wife wants a PS5100S, with heated handles........

 

[Hard Knocks]

What about the 357XP? Sure it is heavier than the 346XP/353 but you also get an extra Hp and a very smooth and comfortable saw.