keith c raymond
ArboristSite Operative
No ,nothing gets past the filter,just a small buildup around the carb,very small stuff,as long as the chain is sharp.
7900 or 385xp
- Thread starter tonka
- Start date
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SawTroll
Information Collector
I suspect that it indicates that the torque curve drops off more rapidly after having reached its peak than it does for some other saws of newer construction.TonyM said:
Low torque at high rpms may also be the reason many people find the 460 barely (if at all) more powerful than the 372xp/2171......
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
After owning a 385 in the red version (2186) and now a couple 7900's, I gotta say that the 7900 is my choice for a normal 24" bar in hardwoods. It has the azz to run a larger bar if needed. I have only ran a 28" on mine, but the Dolmar demos I have seen have a 32" on them and they ran great.
The weight and price make the 7900 a steal compared to the 385. The extra power (if any) and 2 lb lighter weight and great AV are just extra bonuses.
The weight and price make the 7900 a steal compared to the 385. The extra power (if any) and 2 lb lighter weight and great AV are just extra bonuses.
DOLMARatOs
ArboristSite Operative
Dolmar 7900 air-filters.
Ask your local dealer for a "winter" or snow filter. It is the silk-screen style filter and requires much less cleaning and promotes greater air-flow. If you cannot get these from your local dealer or they have no idea what you are talking about, I will supply the part number later.
Ask your local dealer for a "winter" or snow filter. It is the silk-screen style filter and requires much less cleaning and promotes greater air-flow. If you cannot get these from your local dealer or they have no idea what you are talking about, I will supply the part number later.
B_Turner
Addicted to ArboristSite
I love my 7900, but burying a 32 inch bar is a little more than it really likes. It will do it, but for a 32inch and up bar I really prefer my 066 or 395. Depends on how much cutting that size you will be doing. If a lot, then I agree with those that advise to skip a size and get a 395 or 066 as it makes life a lot easier.
If you are talking only once in a while, then either the 385 or 7900 or 460 or 372 can make the cut with a sharp full skip chain if you take your time.
I know it is a bit of a dead horse, but I am constantly amazed with how many users (even professional) run chains that I don't consider sharp. The difference is more than one saw size.
If leaning toward the better air filtration of the 385, I would wait a bit and consider a 390 once the word is out on their reliability (which I am guessing will be fine).
Having said all that, for more general use the 7900 is a joy to run. Since I got it I almost never even take my 371, which previously had been a mainstay for small stuff.
If you are talking only once in a while, then either the 385 or 7900 or 460 or 372 can make the cut with a sharp full skip chain if you take your time.
I know it is a bit of a dead horse, but I am constantly amazed with how many users (even professional) run chains that I don't consider sharp. The difference is more than one saw size.
If leaning toward the better air filtration of the 385, I would wait a bit and consider a 390 once the word is out on their reliability (which I am guessing will be fine).
Having said all that, for more general use the 7900 is a joy to run. Since I got it I almost never even take my 371, which previously had been a mainstay for small stuff.
Just to let you know. I cut down a Maple 40"-44" at last cut with a modded 7900 with 32" bar and Full comp chain (No skipping) semi-chisel on this chain, buried without a problem. Cut up a 28" black oak into 3"-4" cookies this spring with Skip- Full Chisel without problems. I have a 066, but dont have a 32" bar yet and the 7900 is lighter. The only time I can tell the difference of the two in the cut with 18" and 20" b+c, is the 7900 cant handle the more aggressive rakers that the 066 will take on when I am pushing them into the cut..
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
DOLMARatOs said:
Stihl has these filters also - for use in dry snow ares... but they don't work well for their primary use - a crap filter. Lot's of guys use them on the 200T because they can pour gas though them and they are clean. Every one I get in for service with these filters has fine junk inside the carb, and it's getting into the engine. It is also available for the non-HD 064 and 044... and every one I get of those has piston slap from intake-side skirt wear.
Personally, I wouldn't use them unless you are having trouble in snow. If they were any good, they would be fitted to all saws all year...
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
blis said:
Stihl's run in 6 feet deep snow (that's more than one meter) and underwater!
blis
Addicted to ArboristSite
Lakeside53 said:Stihl's run in 6 feet deep snow (that's more than one meter) and underwater!
.... i doubt that underwater part.... and snow too... heck, i even doubt if stihls will run well in any given condition :jester: :jester:
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
blis said:
You're right, they don't work at all. Total garbage. Nobody except Stihl dealer employees buy them and we're all brainwashed.
litefoot
Addicted to ArboristSite
I haven't run a 385, but after running a new 460 (which I was underwhelmed with) and then trying my new 7900 out for the first time today, I can tell you there is a VERY noticeable difference between the saws. I REALLY liked the 7900. It chewed through some big wood with the bar buried. It just RIPPED! Man, what will it be like when it's run in! :rockn: So yeah, the Dolmar has my vote.
DOLMARatOs
ArboristSite Operative
Lakeside53 said:
I've had real good luck with the fine-screen filters. A few of our loggers requested them for use on the 7900 and 5100S saws. So far haven't had an engine die on me or any signs of debris ingestion in the intake or on the cylinder. A few of the 7900 saws have 2 solid years of logging on the screen filters and still going strong.
Then again, with a different application or maybe a different filter ie Stihl, Husky, etc. There could be different results. So I'll keep watching for problems.
sedanman
Just cut the piano!!
Lakeside53 said:
Lake check out stihl part number 0000-120-1605, it's the HD filter in fine screen.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
sedanman said:
Yes, I know about that one but not sure about the number as it vanished from the system and hasn't been available for a long time at SNW. Had a racing guy in few weeks ago looking for one. He ended up making one out of a gutted filter and a nylon stocking.
Four Paws
Addicted to ArboristSite
I missed seeing a "this saw vs. that saw" thread, so I am bringing one back to the top!
All the 7900 needs is a full-wrap handle, and to lose those oversized US double spikes for the smaller, more useful European issue spikes and I would own one.
All the 7900 needs is a full-wrap handle, and to lose those oversized US double spikes for the smaller, more useful European issue spikes and I would own one.
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Timberhauler
Addicted to ArboristSite
I vote 385...I'm not a Dolmar fan.
zemmo
ArboristSite Operative
Who let the European dawgs out? I wish someone would, the big dawgs on my 7900 are just to big for what I'm doing, and, like, garish...
Four Paws
Addicted to ArboristSite
Well, it has been a few months - anyone have more to add?
Seems as if the 385 and 7900 are a good match in power, each having a few pros and cons.
385: Mods well, better air filtration, available with full wrap handle.
7900: Lighter, cheaper.
I guess it comes down to what you like and what you need in the bush. I would like to see some cut times or head-to-head video of the 7900 and 385, just to see how close they are to each other. Would be some great info to gather at Cuttinscott's GTG at the cutting edge - how about it guys?
Looks like each big brand has their heavy hitting woods saws. Truly, I doubt you could go wrong with any of them - I basically think it all comes down to preference, feel and your dealer support.
Dolmar: 5100, 7900, 9010
Husky/Jred: 357/2156, 372/2171, 385/2186, 395
Stihl: 361, 460, 660
I have said it before, I wish saw makers would go back to the 3, 4, 5, 6 cube saw classes to level the playing field and make the comparison a little easier.
Seems as if the 385 and 7900 are a good match in power, each having a few pros and cons.
385: Mods well, better air filtration, available with full wrap handle.
7900: Lighter, cheaper.
I guess it comes down to what you like and what you need in the bush. I would like to see some cut times or head-to-head video of the 7900 and 385, just to see how close they are to each other. Would be some great info to gather at Cuttinscott's GTG at the cutting edge - how about it guys?
Looks like each big brand has their heavy hitting woods saws. Truly, I doubt you could go wrong with any of them - I basically think it all comes down to preference, feel and your dealer support.
Dolmar: 5100, 7900, 9010
Husky/Jred: 357/2156, 372/2171, 385/2186, 395
Stihl: 361, 460, 660
I have said it before, I wish saw makers would go back to the 3, 4, 5, 6 cube saw classes to level the playing field and make the comparison a little easier.
