Poll for the Pros!

[Moze]

A continuation of my earlier thread(s)...

Figured I would just start a poll and get everyone's thoughts. My earlier poll was between the Stihl 260 Pro and the 280 CQS. The 260 was the hands-down winner.

Now, as posted in my last thread, I have a good chance to get a Makita 6401 at about $100 less.

Looking for input. Feel free to just take the poll. Plenty of you have already given me your input. It's all appreciated - thanks!

 

[Justin Garrison]

Did you mean to put a poll on the thread because there is none. My vote is your vote all good saws, if the 280 did not have quick chain tension. I think side chain tension is a marvelous thing but despise quick, It is not a pro saw like the others,but your not living off your saw anyway. What ever suits YOU best not what we would buy. However we can steer people in the right direction. I just bought an 046 cant wait to get it!!!

 

[Justin Garrison]

Sorry, there was no poll first time I looked at the thread it just magicly apeared.

 

[Moze]

Thanks Justin. You did see this was for the 260, not the 280 right? Just checkin...

MasterBlaster...I've been checking out your website. You've got quite the collection! Would your vote change if you had a Makita service center near you? Just curious what your decision is based on. Thanks dude...

 

[MasterBlaster]

Maybe, but probably not.

But then again, maybe.

 

[Moze]

Hooked on those Stihls huh? Ever used the Makita's or Dolmar's? I've never used either, so this would be my first venture outsode of a Stihl.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Hooked on those Stihls huh? Ever used the Makita's or Dolmar's? I've never used either, so this would be my first venture outsode of a Stihl.

Venture...........for sure!!!


Stihl isn't the only good saw out there!!!

 

[bwalker]

The 6401 is a little proky for its displacement. Although for $100 cheaper why not?
If you do decide on the Makita, make sure you keep a eye on the oiler. Some saws are trouble free in this regard, others are not.

 

[Luke]

Handled a 6401 tonight at HD rental department. I don't think I would consider them even close to being positioned against each other. The 260 is a small, light, compact saw for limbing and light felling/bucking. The 6400 was much larger and heavier than I expected. I'm sure it can do anything that a 260 could, but is a much physically larger saw. Same argument could be made for a 3120. I walked away thinking "whole bunch of saw for 64 cc's. 79 cc's seems much more appropriate for that frame, but yes you pay alot more for it. If most of the work is larger timber, I think the Makita's power edge and added heft might be appreciated.

 

[glens]

Moze,

The 6401 weighs better than a pound more than the 044 you had, which was about 3 pounds more than the 026.

 

[SawTroll]

MS 260 power output

Moze; If you are going to buy a MS 260, make sure that you get a 2004 model (or earlier), as the power rating in the US catalog is down .2 kw for 2005 -and I do not think it is a misprint. The cc's are up about .5 cc if memory serves me. It may be EPA- related...... .....wonder when its successor arrives!
The 260 has sure passed its summit, but still is a very good saw, though.

Also make sure you get one with adjustable "H" jet.....

I have not voted in your poll. As others have stated, the 260 and 6401 is not comparable saws and shouldn't be staked against each other.
Add to that - I am by no means a PRO!

 

[SawTroll]

Dolmar 6400

Even though I haven't touched one, I am sure that this is a very good saw.

In reality though, getting this saw would be like going back to the 1980's regarding power to weight ratio (ref: Jonsered 670 Super, Husky 268xp).

According to DLG-test it weights the same as the 7900, 7300 and Husky 372xp/Jonsered 2171 (6.4kg w/o bar & chain). It weights .2 kg more than the Stihl MS 440 and .8 kg more than the MS 361, which has only .1 hp less (non-US version).

 

[P_woozel]

How about neither one? kind of small "pro" saws. Always thought the 026/260 was weak. runs weak for a long time though I dont know if thats good or just frustrating.

 

[DirtTroll]

If you want the want to WAY underpowered poorly designed / made saw buy the makita. Otherwise buy the STIHL. It's not even in the same leage.

 

[Lobo]

How about neither one? kind of small "pro" saws. Always thought the 026/260 was weak. runs weak for a long time though I dont know if thats good or just frustrating.

Not everyone need 70cc or 90 cc + saws.

Different strokes fo different folks.

Nothing wromng with either saw.

 

[TonyM]

Originally posted by DirtTroll
If you want the want to WAY underpowered poorly designed / made saw buy the makita. Otherwise buy the STIHL. It's not even in the same leage.

DirtTroll, have you run a PS6400, PS7300, or PS7900?

Poorly designed? Underpowered? A little heavy, yes. The others, far from it.

 

[Max]

It was'nt to long ago DirtTroll felt the 361 was a homeowner saw and just a larger version of the 029/039 series saw..."gpanseri 7-27-2004" thread.

 

[Moze]

I'm with you Tony. Dolmar's have long been regarded as one of, if not the best saws on the market. Popular here in the U.S.? No. But that doesn't change the fact that they are regarded as a great saw. The Makita IS essentially a Dolmar, from what I've researched. And I know it's definitely heavier...I was just looking for some input from people that have run both and could give first-hand knowledge of their performance. Both Stihl and Makita (Dolmar) make great saws or they would be obsolete by now. To say one is simply no good (especially one like the Stihl 260 that has a proven track record) is a little asinine. In my opinion of course...

 

[ray benson]

Moze
You would be the best judge of your needs. You have 10 years cutting firewood with at least an 024 and 044. What do
YOU think you need? Is this for only 1 tree or do you plan on cutting firewood again? Only 1 tree, you could rent or borrow a saw.
If I had no saws and wanted 1 saw for firewood it would be the 6400 over the 260.But I have 2 saws at least 100 cc , 1 saw 82 cc, 3 saws around 60 cc. , 1 saw about 30 cc. So I would get the 260 to fill in the 30 to 60 cc gap.

 

[Molecule]

260 later ... better things may come

I'd consider getting the rebuilt 6401 ... then I'd ask the rebuilder if he pulls the piston to clean the piston top and clyinder head during the rebuild (probably at Makita's cost) ... then as long as he's pulling the piston ask him if he would skipping the cleaning process and just replace a new piston and cylinder, which you'll pay for ... then ask him if he would mind putting on a new piston and cylinder for a 7900 (list price from 800-4Makita is about $175, so if you look around on the internet you will find a tool barn dot something which will sell it for about $130 ) ... whoops ! there you go, you have a new 7900 for $430... a very strong saw in a very strong frame ... blows away all the competition

the 6400 might weigh an ounce or two more than comparable 60cc saws, but I can't find a single ounce on that design that I would want reduced in strength ... sometimes stronger things weigh more ...