I feel like I have read every single dolmar/makita post on this forum. I have seen a lot written about these two saws, but I haven't been able to find a direct comparison. Also, I would appreciate if a vendor could contact me with prices of these two saws shipped to Texas. Thanks for your help guys, this forum kicks ass.
Which sub 50cc chainsaw?
- Thread starter Jedslack
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thetoolnut
ArboristSite Operative
Forget Dolkita, Stihl ms 241c-m.
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Sent from my SM-G389F using Tapatalk
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
What will you be using it for?
Welcome to AS @Jedslack. other than price the 241 is a great saw unless your cutting big stuff. then again my 241 likes big stuff.
thetoolnut
ArboristSite Operative
Finest small saw ever made in my humble opinion.
Sent from my SM-G389F using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G389F using Tapatalk
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
I think the price and power of the stihl would be overkill for what you're doing, but that's why I ask what you're looking to do before answering
. The smaller Dolmar would be fine for what you're looking to do.
. The smaller Dolmar would be fine for what you're looking to do.
Agreed. He also might want to find a slightly used shelf queen, such as the Stihl MS 251C. I have one of those and there's not a scratch on it because the owner died suddenly before he had a chance to put an hour on it. Bargains like this are out there. If interested, send me a PM.I think the price and power of the Stihl would be overkill for what you're doing, but that's why I ask what you're looking to do before answering
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
Agreed, like the MS180 I have for sale, or the 023 i picked up at a shop for a song yesterday that just needs some carb work. Lots of cheap options out there.
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
There's a small pocket of Stihl fanboys around that remind me of some mouth breathing UofM fans. You can't even finish a sentence without out getting "the effing Wolverines" shouted at you.
The MS180 might be a tad small for him. I've got one of those also, and it's another shelf queen. I like that little saw, but the 251 has a lot more grunt. As you said, he needs to tell us what this saw will be used for.
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
There are always good options in the Trading Post. Although you don't see 350 Dolmars very often.
I was cutting some Norfolk Pine, that died from Hurricane Harvey, into turning blanks. I burned up my electric Makita. This was completely my fault as the trunk I was cutting was probably close to 15" diameter, and I completely overworked my little saw. So, first and foremost, I want a saw that can finish that job and possibly a few more similar jobs as there are several of these trees affected by the hurricane in my neighborhood.
Secondly, I will be carving several 3'-4' long dough bowls out of one of these trunks, mostly with a chainsaw. I would prefer to use a single saw for both actions (bucking and carving).
Third, I go to my ranch once a year and cut a cord of mesquite for the fire pit and for smoking meats. This could be done by basically any saw, as the mesquite trees are fairly small (probably 8" diameter trunk would be the largest.) I do apologize if my terminology is not accurate with you guys. I am certainly no arborist, just a part time woodworker who likes to cook meats!
I have also considered one of the battery powered variants, but I must admit that I am not sold on the longevity of the batteries just yet.
Thank you for all of your help, and feel free to PM with pictures and prices of any saws you think I might be interested in.
I would love a 241, but the low low price of $550+ tax doesn't seem reasonable for my limited usage. However, I do have a good local stihl dealer, and this may be worth the price of admission alone.
Secondly, I will be carving several 3'-4' long dough bowls out of one of these trunks, mostly with a chainsaw. I would prefer to use a single saw for both actions (bucking and carving).
Third, I go to my ranch once a year and cut a cord of mesquite for the fire pit and for smoking meats. This could be done by basically any saw, as the mesquite trees are fairly small (probably 8" diameter trunk would be the largest.) I do apologize if my terminology is not accurate with you guys. I am certainly no arborist, just a part time woodworker who likes to cook meats!
I have also considered one of the battery powered variants, but I must admit that I am not sold on the longevity of the batteries just yet.
Thank you for all of your help, and feel free to PM with pictures and prices of any saws you think I might be interested in.
I would love a 241, but the low low price of $550+ tax doesn't seem reasonable for my limited usage. However, I do have a good local stihl dealer, and this may be worth the price of admission alone.
Keep your eyes peeled also for a used Dolmar 520i. I have one and my wife said she would divorce me if I ever sold it, so I have no choice but to keep it. In MHO, it's the only under 60cc saw I own that runs dead even with my Husky 353. It will even hold its own against a Stihl 028 that weighs a pound or so more.
You can save hundreds of bucks by buying a used saw that still runs well.
Welcome to AS @Jedslack. other than price the 241 is a great saw unless your cutting big stuff. then again my 241 likes big stuff.
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I didn't realize there were any other saws in this class!
Brad, the problem is that he has more options available than you can shake a bar at. For example, a good running Stihl 026 PRO would be a fine match for what he is trying to do and he can buy one of those for less than half the price of today's MS 241. I doubt I will ever sell either one of mine.I didn't realize there were any other saws in this class!
cuinrearview
Red saw lover
He's right.
That is a phenomenal price for that 6421 though. I would be surprised if your inbox isn't lighting up with strangers begging you to buy that and ship it to them on their dime.
