excess650
Addicted to ArboristSite
If you're really thinking of buying the PS-341, spend the extra $ and get the PS-401. It has more displacement, hp, and the same weight.
Quality 35cc-class saws?
- Thread starter GrantC
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If you're really thinking of buying the PS-341, spend the extra $ and get the PS-401. It has more displacement, hp, and the same weight.
Adam in VA
ArboristSite Operative
I've got an ECHO 370 and I have been really disappointed with it. I like the feel of the saw and the AV is nice for a smaller saw, but mine has been pretty "gutless" and I've had some other issues with it (oiler problems, problems running in temps below 50, tensioner problems). I've used the STIHL MS210 and 230 in the same cc range and have found them to be much more productive than the ECHO when used in similar situations. Perhaps I just got a "bad" 370, but once I use it enough to justify the original purchase it's probably going to be traded for a STIHL 210 or 230 this Spring or maybe a 192 or 200 if I really decide to go with a top-notch incredibly lite saw.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
That is why most here stay away from Echo, there saws are built decent but low on power. If you are considering a 210, check out the 211 first, either one will be a step up from the 370.
xcr440
ArboristSite Operative
You never said how much the saw could weigh.:monkey:
If he'd buy the 401, then he's into the weight of saw that I've investigated. IMHO , there are better options than the 401 because of its 20 year old design. It has a cageless rod bearing and the rod is just a flat piece of steel. Yes, it's a pro saw, but it's a very old one. It's already been shown that the 3800 is a runner and the 377 likely will too.
excess650
Addicted to ArboristSite
In post #10 he indicated no more than 8.5#, and that is a tall order to fill. The only Pro Construction saw that seems to fit is MS200 at 8.4# and nearly $600 US. The MS192 is about 1# lighter, but a clamshell design.
I was disappointed to find Echo's replacement for the 7.5# 3450/345/346 seemed to be the CS-370 at 10+#. At that level I much prefer something with more power:deadhorse: like Stihl 026/MS260.
The now discontinued, but still available, Dolmar/Makita 341 and 401 are the next logical choice. at 8.8# :spam: Out of the box, they aren't high rev engines, but the 401 readily responds to a muffler mod. Power apparently isn't the real issue so much as weight and ergonomics as already mentioned(CS-346 vs 339xp).
The Redmax 3800, Shindaiwa 360 and 377, and everything else seems to be 9.5# or more. Brad has already enlightened us regarding the Redmax, and the Shindaiwas are still unknown. Specs that I've seen don't show them to be high rev engines either.
xcr440
ArboristSite Operative
I musta missed that post...Sorry
SawTroll
Information Collector
Way too heavy for 35cc though, close to 50cc weight.....:censored:
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Javelin
Addicted to ArboristSite
Weight wise yes I realized it after reading it again! However performance wise no contest! Ps350 rules the 35cc saws from all that I have run anyhow!
Well, I ended up with a Dolmar 341. I did consider the 401, but it is a bit heavier - felt like more than the quarter-pound their website claims.
It isn't the screamer that the 339XP is, but it has more torque and a broader powerband. It has a lot more power than the Echo CS-346, which (along with the MS200) is the only other saw in its weight class.
The great part is that there is now a Dolmar dealer just a few miles from me - he's only been in business since last November, but is a nice guy and apparently a pretty good mechanic. He gave me a decent price too - $219 out the door, where the other (somewhat local) Dolmar dealers were quoting $289 and $329!
-=[ Grant ]=-
It isn't the screamer that the 339XP is, but it has more torque and a broader powerband. It has a lot more power than the Echo CS-346, which (along with the MS200) is the only other saw in its weight class.
The great part is that there is now a Dolmar dealer just a few miles from me - he's only been in business since last November, but is a nice guy and apparently a pretty good mechanic. He gave me a decent price too - $219 out the door, where the other (somewhat local) Dolmar dealers were quoting $289 and $329!
-=[ Grant ]=-
SawTroll
Information Collector
That one makes no sense when the 420 exist - but then again they both weight way too close to some 50cc options (not Dolmar).
:biggrinbounce2::biggrinbounce2:
tallguys
Addicted to ArboristSite
Funny how the years change but scenarios stay the same. I've been in the same boat looking for a good quality limbing saw that wouldn't break the bank and had narrowed it down to the Husky 336 or Dolmar PS341/401. The 339XP would have been awesome but for its $600+ price here in Canada. As luck would have it I chanced upon a PS340 (no decomp switch) which was just too good a deal to pass up. It might not be quite the PS401 in power but it feels more than its 33cc would lead you to believe. Glad you're happy with your choice.
nmurph
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I ran a 401 and 339 side-by-side today for several hours. The trees were 4-10". I prefer the feel of the 401, it is smaller and more compact. Weights are identical at 9lbs. But the power advantage of the 339 is undeniable. I kept looking down and thinking a 346 wouldn't be much faster. The downside to the 339 is its clamshell design and the funky intake tract that pretty much precludes much porting. The exhaust would be no problem, but the intake comes up from the bottom and makes a near 90° turn at the cylinder. This saw will require a right angle handpiece to work on the intake.
