Help me decide - new 346XP or PS5100?

[wahoowad]

Dangit, I've decided Santa is bringing me a new chainsaw. I just need to tell him which model. I am torn between the Husky 346XP and Dolmar PS5100. Both are available within 30 miles of me by dealers who can service them. I currently have no experience with either dealer. This is going to be mostly a homeowner firewood saw - it will be my primary saw with an old WildThing as backup. I just want to get a good one so have it down to one or the other.

I know from here that each are fine saws. What are the major differences between them that I should be aware of?

 

[SawTroll]

This topic is a can of worms....

The main difference is that the Husky is much more nimble, has a much better trigger responce, and handles a lot better in the woods - for just bucking in the yard it doesn't matter much.

I have both saws.

 

[spike60]

Here we go again...............

 

[blsnelling]

Please use the search feature. This topic has been beat to death 1,000 times.

 

[SawTroll]

Please use the search feature. This topic has been beat to death 1,000 times.

Yes, it has!

 

[ale]

In my opinion you can't really go wrong either way.
Both are well proven saws with good reputations on this site.
Do a little reading using the search feature before you buy...most differences have been covered many times.

Good luck!

 

[wahoowad]

Just so ya know, I did do a search. I couldn't find a thread where the two were compared head to head. I have read a lot about each in various threads, but sometime the subtle differences aren't as apparent to a novice like me. That's why I was hoping to have it broken down head to head. I'll go serch again but saw no threads specifically about these two...

OK, found it. I was serching using "PS51`00" and see the threds using just "5100"

Thanks guys

 

[blsnelling]

The 5100 and 346 are probably the two most discussed saws on this forum. Every time there's a thread like this, it just turns into a brand bashing. Many are too blinded by love for their favorite brand to see the true merits of another saw. IMHO, I'd much rather have a 346. But the next guy will tell you the opposite. That's why you're better off just reading existing threads.

The Dolmar gangs going to tell you it's a stronger saw for bucking, where as the 346 is better as a limbing saw. Mod the muffler on the 346, and that is not the case at all. The 346 has loads of torque to pull a buried bar. It's also better handling, has better throttle response, and better air filtration. IMHO, there's not another 50cc saw on the market that equals the NE 346XP. You be the judge.

 

[7sleeper]

Get both and use them alternatly! :greenchainsaw:

I believe it is generally agreed on that the dolmar is the best buy out there. But when it comes to handling/feeling/faster cutting/modding/etc. there are hundreds of replys on both sides of the fence!

As a homeowner you will be happy with either.

BTW Dolmar has the improved model 5105 with better airfiltration, cooling etc. on the market now, but I have no idea how the prices are.

Good luck!

7

Now we could start this all over again because as far as I remember no one has asked sofar if the 5105 is better.

opcorn:

 

[wahoowad]

Looks like the only place aroundme with decent dealer support is changing ownership in teh next week and they can't commit to what they will offer going forward....so probably means I'll get a 346xp even though it costs like $75 more.

 

[wigglesworth]

id go with a Stihl MS 260

 

[gink595]

I like my 5100, runs good has great throttle response, it's light and has great anti-vibe. I don't know that the 346 does 100.00 more for you or not but they are supposed to be nice saws too, I've never ran a stock 346...not really sure I've run a modded one either, but the one I did run seemed nice. I will buy one someday just for S&G's and probably get it sent out for port work so I can have some fun with it, I hear they are the ticket for as far as modded saws go. My curiousity is starting to grow

 

[rob066]

If you are buying the 5100, check carburetor adjustment before walking out the door of your dealer. It seems there is alot of lean scoring with these saws.

 

[J.W Younger]

If you are buying the 5100, check carburetor adjustment before walking out the door of your dealer. It seems there is alot of lean scoring with these saws.

mine was pig fat out the door. not that it matters cause thats 1 day and there is 365 of em in a year

 

[RNeurath]

I agree the 346 is probably the best limbing saw ever made.But you should understand most the folks on this sight are infested with CAD and own a multitude of saws.To justify this they wouldn't consider dropping,limbing and bucking a 20" tree with anything less than three saws.
I think the 5100 with a 20" 3/8 setup is hard to beat for an all around saw.
Saves a lot of shoe leather not having to run back to your truck every few minutes grabbing a different saw.Ron

 

[TommySaw]

I agree the 346 is probably the best limbing saw ever made.But you should understand most the folks on this sight are infested with CAD and own a multitude of saws.To justify this they wouldn't consider dropping,limbing and bucking a 20" tree with anything less than three saws.
I think the 5100 with a 20" 3/8 setup is hard to beat for an all around saw.
Saves a lot of shoe leather not having to run back to your truck every few minutes grabbing a different saw.Ron

CADforce has targeted you for termination, have a nice day

 

[roncoinc]

Depends on what color you like better

 

[mdavlee]

I've been trying to decide between getting one of these two for awhile now. I just don't know if I will like a 50cc saw. The dolmar dealer is over $100 cheaper than the husky.

 

[Fastcast]

For an "all around" firewood saw right out of the box....5100 no doubt!.....If you want a nimble screamer for limbing and don't mind spending an additional $50 for a non catalytic muffler, to get the same grunt the 5100 has in the big stuff, than get the 346.

Both great saws either way.....With many pros and very few cons! :greenchainsaw:

 

[Jtheo]

Both are good saws. The 5100 is going to give you more torque in the cut and do so for less money.

The 346 is no doubt a fine saw, and is even on my want list, but you will need to spend some money on porting and muffler mods if you want it to stay with or out do the 5100.

Whatever you buy, do not leave the dealer until you know the carb is properly adjusted by the shop.

The 5105 is more an undated version of the 510 than the 5100.