New Dolmar PS-401

[ut_volunteer]

After reading lots of posts concerning Stihl, Dolmar, Echo, and RedMax, I went out this afternoon and purchased my first saw - a Dolmar PS-401 w/ 16" bar. Reading many posts, I located a nearby local dealer who showed me the chainsaw, added fuel and oil, took me outside and let me take a few cuts. He cracked open the case to show how to remove/open/clean the air filter, took off the guide bar and chain and showed me how to put back on and adjust with the set screw. Asked about sharpening chains and he said he charges $5.00 per chain. Bought a case, extra chain, fuel oil, and bar oil. Threw in a hat to boot. As soon as it cools down I'm off to cut a few limbs.

Thanks for all your advice and help!

<a href="http://s315.photobucket.com/albums/ll466/ut_volunteer/dolmar%20ps-401/?action=view&current=2008_0705_chainsaw0008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll466/ut_volunteer/dolmar%20ps-401/2008_0705_chainsaw0008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[SawTroll]

Imho, 16" is a bit much on that saw......

 

[danrclem]

I bought the Makita DCS401 (twin brother in a different color) a little over a week ago. I haven't used it very much but I think I'll like it very much for limbing. I ordered through the internet so I had to set it up. The saw came with the carb adjusted way off. It had a serious bog in it. I got it running good but I want to get a tach before I use it very hard just to be on the safe side. Does your saw have an adjustable oiler? Mine doesn't and it really oils the chain too much.

Saw Troll, does it hurt that much to have the 16" bar if you're not using the whole bar for cutting? I know I'm pulling some extra chain but will that little bit of extra chain pull the saw down much? Mine will be used for probably 8" and under wood because I have a bigger saw for felling and bucking. I guess what I'm asking is would it be much of a benefit for me to invest in a smaller bar and chain considering my use of the saw?

Danny

 

[ut_volunteer]

It's listed as an approved guide bar size in owners manual and when cuting wood it seems balanced. I'll see the dealer Monday, thanks for the info.

 

[Nitroman]

Looks like a neat little saw, and the dealer taking care of you like that is nice to hear too.

 

[rms61moparman]

Don't worry about the 16" bar and chain. It is a great little saw and I think you will be very happy with it.
I have the Makita DCS-401 with a 16 and it does fine. I have had it buried in wood and it gets a little slow but chugs right along. As Danny said you will rarely be using that saw for the really big stuff and it is great up to 12".
You will probably be looking for a "Big Saw" soon enough especially if you spend much time here with this bunch of CAD derelicts.
Congratulations on a great saw purchase.
Mike

 

[ut_volunteer]

Thanks guys. Really looking forward to cleaning up mostly small scrub trees and overhanging branches around the property. I really looked for a good local servicing dealer. Was determined to find a small shop that I felt comfortable to service me after the purchase. While definitely not the closest dealer, the service at the point of sale was excellent. Listened to every question, answered them, additional info provided, and demo'd the saw to boot. Reading the postings here, based on local servicing dealers, I would have bought either Stihl or Dolmar. The PS-401 had 38 or 39cc, was under 10lbs and didn't break the bank. All in all, I'm happy with it and that's all I can ask.

 

[wanab]

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:rockn:

 

[hornett224]

you found a Dolamr dealer in TN?

it's hard enough to find a husky or stihl dealer there.

 

[SawTroll]

....
Saw Troll, does it hurt that much to have the 16" bar if you're not using the whole bar for cutting? I know I'm pulling some extra chain but will that little bit of extra chain pull the saw down much? Mine will be used for probably 8" and under wood because I have a bigger saw for felling and bucking. I guess what I'm asking is would it be much of a benefit for me to invest in a smaller bar and chain considering my use of the saw?

Danny

The reports on that vary a bit.....

...try for yourself.....

 

[day52]

Do a search on this site for muffler mod for your saw. I seem to remember it is pretty simple (but it's been awhile). I think you just take off a little tab that sticks out in the exhaust outlet and take the baffle out. Then you may have to adjust the carb. You may not want to do that until it is out of warranty--or save the baffle to put back in should you need it.---Anyway, after you do that, I don't believe you'll have any question about the 16" setup unless you are going to lean on it pretty hard...and modern saws usually don't respond well to being forced through the wood anyhow. I think you will love the saw for limbing, trimming, brush, etc. Good luck!

 

[7sleeper]

As far as I have read many people are happy with it.

I wouldn't worry to much about the bar length. I am one of those strange people who cut much larger wood with a small bar and are very happy with it. :chainsawguy:

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=vVRLdrQcrsU

7sleeper

 

[ut_volunteer]

The number of local independent servicing dealers for the major brands were actually pretty good. Stihl and Echo were the most plentiful, followed by Husky and Dolmar. Found only one RedMax.<br><br> Seemed like most servicing dealers were either low on Huskys or phasing out. Echo seemed to be brand replacing the Huskys. Never visited the Depot or Lowes.<br><br>

Wanab: thanks for video.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Good little saw & priced right.

I've had the chance to run a few tanks thru one and they're pretty decent. If your's came with the safety chain run it and replace it with a good chain when the time comes. It will drastically help the saw's performance.
I wouldn't worry too much about the bar length. It's far more critical to run a sharp chain. Get a couple of files and learn to touch up the chain when needed. Small saws don't have power to spare and keeping the chain sharp is critical.

Good Luck and Take Care

 

[tek9tim]

Imho, 16" is a bit much on that saw......

For #$%?! sake, you think a 16" is too much for a 440.

 

[ut_volunteer]

New PS-401 - Chain Oiler

rms61moparman: Seems to only have an automatic chain oiler, non-user adjustable.

Worked out the saw for about an hour yesterday. Performed great. Easy to start, cut down small scrub trees located near base of larger trees, limbs. Even sawed quickly through portion of tree on ground which had apparently been struck by lightening.

While its not a large saw, its a good saw for my purpose. Already looking forward to todays cutting chores.

 

[Termite]

Acceleration Stumble

I too have a new DCS-401. This is my smallest saw. I use it when I go into the woods with my 4-wheeler. Mine had a stumble on acceleration that could not be cured until I ground the stops on the adjustment screws and richened it up a little. After that adjustment it runs good.
I have been trying to learn about the different types of chains. It would be a lot more simple if the compatability was in a chart some where. I was considering a 14inch bar .043 3/8 narrow kerf setup for this saw. Has anyone tried this? I have been using the original 91vg chain. I have but have not yet used vx chain.
I read where oregon91 chain and stihl pmc3 are compatible. I have seen no chisel chain in the low profile small cutters. I am guessing this is because the small cutters would not hold up like the larger cutters in chisel form.

 

[excess650]

I have been trying to learn about the different types of chains. It would be a lot more simple if the compatability was in a chart some where. I was considering a 14inch bar .043 3/8 narrow kerf setup for this saw. Has anyone tried this? I have been using the original 91vg chain. I have but have not yet used vx chain.
I read where oregon91 chain and stihl pmc3 are compatible. I have seen no chisel chain in the low profile small cutters. I am guessing this is because the small cutters would not hold up like the larger cutters in chisel form.

The 3/8 .043 is for really small displacement saws, like 30cc. My Echo 33.4cc saws run 3/8 .050 (14" and 16")as do Ugly Betty(16") , and Makita DCS401(16"). I've not yet run non-safety chain on any of these, but have a Stihl 3/8 .050x57 link for 16" bar to try. As cutter size decreases, its ability to hold an edge will likewise decrease, in my experience. I wouldn't spend the $$ for the 3/8 .043 bar and chain for the Makita unless you're really interested in how fast that saw can cut for a few cuts prior to having to sharpen again.

Is there a 3/8 .043 non-safety chain?