Which saws to compare with Dolmar?

[JTElectric]

Hello, I'm trying to do more research, and I have a Stihl book in front of me, and I'm going to pick up a Husky brochure this afternoon. I am just wondering, what are the most direct competition for the following:

34, 420, 510, 5100, and 7900. I know that there have been various references to different ones here and there, but I am only interested in currently available saws. If I don't get any answers, I'll continue looking on my own, but I'd like to hear your opinions. Thank you!

 

[blsnelling]

5100 would be a MS260 and 7900 would be a MS460. The Dolmar is stronger in both cases. But neither one will respond to mods anything like the Stihls.

 

[JTElectric]

Thanks! I haven't modded any saws yet, but I would certainly like to! When I finish my Fairmont, Chevelle, 55 Chevy, motorcycle, and Home theater!

 

[timberwolf]

5100 would be about a 346 husky, 7900 between a 372 or 375 and 385.

Solo 681 is very close to 7900, Solo 651 is very close to 5100

Dolmars won't respond to mods like stihls because they are already ported more agressivly in comparison and will in general outcut the stihls in stock form.

But both saws ported Stihl, dolmar or husky for that matter will be close, all depends on how they are each done and how far the mods are taken.

 

[blsnelling]

You're new here so I'll just tell you. If Timberwolf tells you something, believe it. He knows his stuff. It takes a while to learn a forum and who knows their stuff. This man does. And no, I wasn't paid to say this.

 

[JTElectric]

Thanks a bunch guys, I really appreciate it! I would like to find a big old Mac someday, but my area is just a firewood area, not big timber, so a "big" bar around here is 24"! I'll keep up with the research.

 

[Taxmantoo]

I'd say a Dolmar 34 is comparable to a Husky 137 or Stihl 180, but I'd much rather have a Dolmar 341 or 350. For that matter, the the 401 is more power on the same chassis as the 341, the 420 is a big bore 350, and the Husky 142 is preferable to a 137.
The 34 is about the only low grade Dolmar/Makita made.

 

[maccall]

You're new here so I'll just tell you. If Timberwolf tells you something, believe it. He knows his stuff. It takes a while to learn a forum and who knows their stuff. This man does. And no, I wasn't paid to say this.

Yeah, well, that's why we have this Rep-system; to help newcomers see who to trust for advices and so. Nice idea, seems to work real well too...

:monkey:

 

[timberwolf]

The "beg for rep thread(s)" kind of deflated the value of rep points.

 

[Peacock]

The "beg for rep thread(s)" kind of deflated the value of rep points.

Yep!

 

[maccall]

The "beg for rep thread(s)" kind of deflated the value of rep points.

It did..?

 

[epicklein22]

Yup, rep is overrated these days and similar to a popularity race, like the beg for rep threads. I think I have given maybe 10 reps since I have been on here. There are plenty of people on here that have tons of rep, but don't know much about saws.

 

[B_Turner]

5100 would be about a 346 husky, 7900 between a 372 or 375 and 385.

Solo 681 is very close to 7900, Solo 651 is very close to 5100

Dolmars won't respond to mods like stihls because they are already ported more agressivly in comparison and will in general outcut the stihls in stock form.

.

I have a couple 7900s and agree they outcut comparable huskies and stihls in stock form. So that still has me dreaming about finding someone to spend a little time doing some mild porting on one of my 3120s without touching the muffler.

I wouldn't mind a little more power but don't want the extra volume of having the muffler opened up even though I know that improves performance.

So far I haven't come across any builder that was very excited about working on a 3120 without also opening up the muffler.

On a different note, I was sad to hear that the dolmar 9900 rumor was gone. I would have loved a big brother to the 7900.

 

[chad3]

Hmm Turner,
You hit a nerve when you started talking about modding the 3120. However back to the subject at hand. I have the Solo 681 and it runs very good and has a great weight to it. 24" bar and run it like a champ. 28" a bit bar heavy, but still will spin buried in red oak.

 

[timberwolf]

Yep, I really like the way the solos are built, German engineering, built like a volvo or VW, tough and well thought out. Though they have kept the weight in check. Won some stock saw races by a good margin with solo even giving up a lot of CCs.

The only thing with the engine being well thought out is there is very little extra metal or space to work with for porting them. Just makes things a bit chalenging.

 

[Zodiac45]

5100 would be about a 346 husky, 7900 between a 372 or 375 and 385.

Solo 681 is very close to 7900, Solo 651 is very close to 5100

Dolmars won't respond to mods like stihls because they are already ported more agressivly in comparison and will in general outcut the stihls in stock form.

But both saws ported Stihl, dolmar or husky for that matter will be close, all depends on how they are each done and how far the mods are taken.

yep that's the huskies. As for stihl the 7900 cuts with a 460 class. The 5100 is slightly more powerful than a 260.