bave30
ArboristSite Lurker
I'm new to this forum so let me start by saying thanks for all the information I've gotten thus far. I've read a lot (most) of the chainsaw threads and feel like I've got a pretty feel for what's available. I'm in the market for my first saw and I tend to research A LOT, regardless of what it is. I've got it narrowed to a few saws in the 50-60cc range, which I'll be using for maybe 5-6 cords of firewood/year (you've heard this before), general use, and eventually to help clean up the parcel of land I hope to buy in the future. I've visited a few dealers with mixed results. The one I liked deals in Stihl, Jonsered and was at one time a Dolmar dealer (more on that later). After reading these threads and various brochures, I think I like the Dolmar 5100s, the Husky/Jonsered 353/2152, the Husky/Jonsered 346XP/21??, and the Stihl 290 or 310 for what I think I need. Now before you say it, I realize the Stihls I listed are consumer saws, but that's basically what I am and I've got to limit what I spend. I'm all for spending more for quality, but Stihl seems to jump up in price a lot more than the other brands. My understanding is that even consumer saws will last a lifetime with good care and the type of use I have planned. True? (The MS280 has a metal crankcase but without the vertical split, pro or consumer?)
Okay, this leads me to my first real question: Husky and Stihl offer the two lines (consumer and professional), what about Dolmar? I can't find any reference to a consumer Dolmar line. The reason I ask is that the specs and price on the 5100s (not to mention the rave reviews here) make it sound too good to be true. Even within Dolmar's line-up it seems too good to be true (why do they even make the 510?) I'm sure someone would have mentioned if the 5100s was a consumer saw, but I just wanted to confirm that it wasn't. Also, what are the long-term reports on the 5100s? Everyone was really impressed with it when it first came out. Still true? The other issue is the dealer problems. I've tried but have not yet been able to talk to anyone at Dolmar or Atlantic Power, Inc. about a local dealer. My local guy who was a Dolmar dealer hasn't been able to talk to anyone either so he doesn't even know if he's still a dealer. Crazy huh. I'm hoping that it turns out he is, but if he's not, does anyone know if there is a dealer in the Elmira/Binghamton NY area? I haven't ruled out the other saws, I just want to explore all my options. I haven't even ruled out forgetting Dolmar altogether if they continue to ignore my calls.(hasn't been long enough yet to warrant that).
Next question: in talking to the dealer and from what I've read, I get the impression that one of the differences between the 353 and the 346 is that the 346 seems to make most of it's power high in the rpm range, whereas the 353 has a smoother, more gradual power band. Don't know if I said that right, and I've never used either saw, but is that a fair assessment? If so, which is more suitable for what I want to do with it? Or is it just personal preference and someting you get used to either way? My first thought was that the 353 power delivery would be more forgiving for a relative novice like me (I've run my share of chainsaws but it's been a while). Then I saw and heard the video that people posted on the 5100s when it first came out and I KNEW I had to have that saw, or one like it. DAMN that was impressive. That was also the first time I ever thought that maybe getting a saw modded wasn't crazy afterall. That video will probably end up costing me lots of money.
Okay, 'nother question: is this size/class of saw a good one to leave room for future saw purchases? you see, I have a bit of a collecting instinct (nothing new with this group) but I also HATE too much overlap and I tend to keep everything. I can see myself with three saws in the future: the one I buy now, a smaller, top-handled saw and a monster of some kind. And probably whatever else you guys tell me I should have.
anyway, thanks in advance for the help. sorry for the long post and sorry If I've missed any answers to these questions in previous threads. it seems EVERY thread has mention of EVERY saw made in it. makes it hard to narrow down the searches.
Okay, this leads me to my first real question: Husky and Stihl offer the two lines (consumer and professional), what about Dolmar? I can't find any reference to a consumer Dolmar line. The reason I ask is that the specs and price on the 5100s (not to mention the rave reviews here) make it sound too good to be true. Even within Dolmar's line-up it seems too good to be true (why do they even make the 510?) I'm sure someone would have mentioned if the 5100s was a consumer saw, but I just wanted to confirm that it wasn't. Also, what are the long-term reports on the 5100s? Everyone was really impressed with it when it first came out. Still true? The other issue is the dealer problems. I've tried but have not yet been able to talk to anyone at Dolmar or Atlantic Power, Inc. about a local dealer. My local guy who was a Dolmar dealer hasn't been able to talk to anyone either so he doesn't even know if he's still a dealer. Crazy huh. I'm hoping that it turns out he is, but if he's not, does anyone know if there is a dealer in the Elmira/Binghamton NY area? I haven't ruled out the other saws, I just want to explore all my options. I haven't even ruled out forgetting Dolmar altogether if they continue to ignore my calls.(hasn't been long enough yet to warrant that).
Next question: in talking to the dealer and from what I've read, I get the impression that one of the differences between the 353 and the 346 is that the 346 seems to make most of it's power high in the rpm range, whereas the 353 has a smoother, more gradual power band. Don't know if I said that right, and I've never used either saw, but is that a fair assessment? If so, which is more suitable for what I want to do with it? Or is it just personal preference and someting you get used to either way? My first thought was that the 353 power delivery would be more forgiving for a relative novice like me (I've run my share of chainsaws but it's been a while). Then I saw and heard the video that people posted on the 5100s when it first came out and I KNEW I had to have that saw, or one like it. DAMN that was impressive. That was also the first time I ever thought that maybe getting a saw modded wasn't crazy afterall. That video will probably end up costing me lots of money.
Okay, 'nother question: is this size/class of saw a good one to leave room for future saw purchases? you see, I have a bit of a collecting instinct (nothing new with this group) but I also HATE too much overlap and I tend to keep everything. I can see myself with three saws in the future: the one I buy now, a smaller, top-handled saw and a monster of some kind. And probably whatever else you guys tell me I should have.
anyway, thanks in advance for the help. sorry for the long post and sorry If I've missed any answers to these questions in previous threads. it seems EVERY thread has mention of EVERY saw made in it. makes it hard to narrow down the searches.
