Choosing new 50cc saw, Dolmar, Husky, Stihl, Jonsereds?

[Carl Anderson]

Hi, I am having more carb issues with my 15 year old Jonsereds 2050 and might just get a new saw and keep the Jonsereds as a backup. I like the size and weight of the Jonsereds and it's enough power for my occasional cutting duties so something similar is good. I need an all-around saw in the $350-$400 range (give or take a few bucks).

So here is my list:
Dolmar 510 - dealer can get me one for $350 tax and everything.
Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss - big, heavy for $370 plus tax = $392 total
Stihl MS 270 - a little smaller but a little too expensive $477 total (MS 291 is out of my price range)
Stihl MS 250 - $318 total (in the "occasional use" category - does that mean it's lighter duty, not as rugged?)
Husky 450 - similar to the Jonsereds 2050 I think at $392 total
Husky 455 Rancher - big, heavy, $424
Jonsereds 2250s - $424 total

I would rather stay away from the Rancher and Farm Boss unless one of them is the overwhelming choice. I am often climbing around getting into places to cut and the smaller, lighter saws are better for that.

If I went with the Dolmar should I go 20" 3/8 bar/chain, 18" 3/8, or go 18 .325 .50 gauge? (that would match the Jonsereds and make files, chains, bars, interchangeable). Isn't 20" a little big for a 50cc saw?

The main thing for me is I am an occasional cutter but when I cut I don't have time to tinker around with the saw. I want one that will be reliable with normal maintenance but can sit on the shelf for a few months but run well when I gas it up and go. I also want long term quality, which is why I'm not mentioning Poulan or Craftsman, etc.

Thanks!

 

[blsnelling]

You left out the best 50cc saws on the market. I personally vote for the 346XP. Last one I bought was still only $465 with a 16" B&C. Also check out the new Stihl MS261 and Dolmar 5105.

 

[bluesportster02]

I agree with Brad get the 346xp you will be very happy with it.

 

[Pendagator]

What about a Husky 353- it's 11 pounds the Dolmar 510 is 12.1. I think they're pro quality saws around $425.

 

[reed1911]

Ms250

I really like my MS250,better after i changed out the safety chain that came on it. Not saying its a better saw ,just my .02

 

[SawTroll]

You left out the best 50cc saws on the market. I personally vote for the 346XP. Last one I bought was still only $465 with a 16" B&C. Also check out the new Stihl MS261 and Dolmar 5105.

I agree with Brad get the 346xp you will be very happy with it.

:agree2:

Btw, the Husky 450 is the same as the 2250, not the 2050.

 

[Boskaerm]

If you decide on a Husky (jonsered) stay away from the plastic saws, 450 and 455, and stick with the pro quality: 346 xp (2153) or 353 (2152).

 

[JustinM]

You left out the best 50cc saws on the market. I personally vote for the 346XP. Last one I bought was still only $465 with a 16" B&C. Also check out the new Stihl MS261 and Dolmar 5105.

100% agree here. These 3 are your best choices for saws in this range imho. Depending upon where you are, cost may be a factor (the 261 and the 346 are both WAY more money than the ones you listed - in my neck of the woods at least - although the 5100/5105 are much closer).

IMHO you will not go wrong with any of these 3 saws. The differences between them comes down to personal preference & biases - they are all great. The ones on your list do have their own issues however.

 

[Axlerod74]

I for one am not so fast to dismiss the 450 husqvarna. I have used one quite a bit and for the occasoinal cutter who needs a good dependable, easy starting saw that is also fairly light..........these are good saws. I own a few "plastic" case husqvarna saws and while they may not last 20+ years like many mag case saws, for general use and even significant firewood cutting, mine have performed very well and have held up very well. As with anything else, take good care of what you have and it will last you a good while.

 

[blsnelling]

The 450 and 353 aren't very good choices when the 346 can be had for just a little more. The 353 is a better choice than the 450. It's the same saw as the 346 with a different P&C.

 

[Carl Anderson]

I didn't see the Husky 353 before but that looks like a real good option too, just a litte out of the price range at about $445 total but might be worth the extra pinch if I can do it. The 346xp is $500 around here plus tax makes it $530, too rich for my blood unless I find a real good used one, same with the Dolmar 5105 so I left them off the list of possibilities. MS 261 is almost $600 total, can't do that one but it looks nice.

So I think the new list looks like:
Dolmar 510 - still looking good at $350 but is it plastic crank case?
Husky 353 - if I can swing the extra $$$ at $445
Stihl MS 250 - But is a saw in Stihl's "occasional use" category going to last long while still costing $318 total, almost as much as the Dolmar?

The guy who sells Jonsereds in my town said the 2250 was basically an updated version of the 2050, maybe not.

 

[caleath]

Go Echo....I thought we all agreed we would say that?

 

[SawTroll]

Dolmar 510 - still looking good at $350 but is it plastic crank case?

Not plastic, but aluminum, compared to the magnesium used in the pro saws. Aliminum is heavier, that is where the extra weight is.

The guy who sells Jonsereds in my town said the 2250 was basically an updated version of the 2050, maybe not.

It isn't - totally different, but it is the replacement for the replacement.....

 

[Jere39]

Me too

I'm in the exact same position of choosing a 50cc 18" saw. And, I am in the same price range as you.

I narrowed it down to a near same list:

Stihl MS 270
Husky 353
Dolmar 5105

My options are narrowing to the Dolmar and the Stihl based on proximity of dealers, and service.

I too have gotten advice to step up to the Stihl or Husky pro saw, but the extra $100 is not going to make it in my budget. I hope you get the insight and inspiration you need to pick one soon. I'd like to be sawing up the last of my downed oak firewood logs as soon as Saturday. I don't like sawing in the heat, and I'm missing perfect weather this week, clear skies, mornings in the 20's afternoons in the 40's.

 

[sunfish]

If ya just go ahead and get a 346xp now, you'll be very glad later!

 

[Carl Anderson]

I know I said weight is a consideration and it is, but with the Dolmar having the aluminum crank case instead of magnesium, I can probably live with the slight extra weight if it's the best bang for the buck otherwise. Is aluminum about as good as magnesium, just heavier?

And what is the difference between the 510 and 5105? The dealer said it was RPMs but anything else?

 

[SawTroll]

...

And what is the difference between the 510 and 5105? The dealer said it was RPMs but anything else?

Basically rpm, power and Alu vs. Mag case, that translates into a weight difference. There may be more, that I am not aware of.

 

[JustinM]

I know I said weight is a consideration and it is, but with the Dolmar having the aluminum crank case instead of magnesium, I can probably live with the slight extra weight if it's the best bang for the buck otherwise. Is aluminum about as good as magnesium, just heavier?

And what is the difference between the 510 and 5105? The dealer said it was RPMs but anything else?

honestly, thats probably it. The 5105 "feels" faster - due in large part to the weight difference & probably a bit of tom-foolery on the brain to be honest. My dad has a 510 and the times Ive run it, it does feel a lot like my 5100.

I will say this: it does seem more forgiving in terms of needing adjustment or tuning. Im not sure why that is, I would assume because it runs a little slower. My 5100 is one of (if not the) my favorite saws but I am always very careful to tune it & make sure its good to go before a long day's work. My dad seems to just pull it out whenever & go. Thats probably a plus in favor of the 510 based on your original post.

 

[JustinM]

I'm in the exact same position of choosing a 50cc 18" saw. And, I am in the same price range as you.

I narrowed it down to a near same list:

Stihl MS 270
Husky 353
Dolmar 5105

My options are narrowing to the Dolmar and the Stihl based on proximity of dealers, and service.

I too have gotten advice to step up to the Stihl or Husky pro saw, but the extra $100 is not going to make it in my budget. I hope you get the insight and inspiration you need to pick one soon. I'd like to be sawing up the last of my downed oak firewood logs as soon as Saturday. I don't like sawing in the heat, and I'm missing perfect weather this week, clear skies, mornings in the 20's afternoons in the 40's.

If this is your short list, remember that 1 of those is a true professional saw, the other 2 are pro-sumer models.

 

[Anthony_Va.]

I tell ya man, I'm a broke arsed fool. Can't hardly buy a free meal.

But when I buy a saw, and Iknow it's a saw Im going to keep forever, I will save that extra chunk of change to get the best. Even if it takes months, I'll save up what I need so as not to settle for second best.

IMO, if it were me, I'd save up that extra 50 bucks for a 346xp. You wont regret that choice. It gives you so much more than the cheaper models. Longetivity being the most important thing.