precaud
ArboristSite Operative
Myself and another AS member have recently been stung by this problem, so I thought it would be good to spell it out for others who are considering a PS420, whether new or used. (The PS350 is also affected.) Thanks to Steve at the Cutting Edge for helping sort this out.
Early 350/420's were supplied with a nylon mesh air filter. No fleece filter was available. Here's a link to a photo of the original filter:
http://schreiber-zweiradshop.de.css-web12.de/images/366391_aa.jpg
At some point (late 2009?) Dolmar redesigned the filtration system. This was not just a simple filter change. The hood, cover, and intake boot were also changed. Both nylon and fleece filters were offered. Early 350/420's can be upgraded by installing a conversion kit, part # 195173220. Cost of the kit is around $55.
If the nylon screen is good for your needs, then this change probably isn't a big deal for you.
But if you want or need the fleece filter, you absolutely must have the new filtration system.
Buying a new 350/420 is no guarantee that you're getting the new filtration system. Apparently there are still early version saws in dealer/distributor inventories. So ask your dealer and make sure your saw will have the new filtration system in it.
If you're buying a used 350/420 and you want the fleece filter, make sure it has one in it now or else you're looking at 55 bucks extra to get it.
Hope this helps. It's a great saw, but this little "gotcha" can cost you if you're not careful.
Early 350/420's were supplied with a nylon mesh air filter. No fleece filter was available. Here's a link to a photo of the original filter:
http://schreiber-zweiradshop.de.css-web12.de/images/366391_aa.jpg
At some point (late 2009?) Dolmar redesigned the filtration system. This was not just a simple filter change. The hood, cover, and intake boot were also changed. Both nylon and fleece filters were offered. Early 350/420's can be upgraded by installing a conversion kit, part # 195173220. Cost of the kit is around $55.
If the nylon screen is good for your needs, then this change probably isn't a big deal for you.
But if you want or need the fleece filter, you absolutely must have the new filtration system.
Buying a new 350/420 is no guarantee that you're getting the new filtration system. Apparently there are still early version saws in dealer/distributor inventories. So ask your dealer and make sure your saw will have the new filtration system in it.
If you're buying a used 350/420 and you want the fleece filter, make sure it has one in it now or else you're looking at 55 bucks extra to get it.
Hope this helps. It's a great saw, but this little "gotcha" can cost you if you're not careful.