So, I have recently been searching for a used Stihl 044/MS440 or a Husky 372. During my time off I cut and sell some fire wood (Nothing crazy, just enough to earn me some funny money), and do some clearing, landscaping, and tree care work on the side. I have a Stihl 036 which I am very happy with, and a 015L which is really old, but still runs like a champ. I'm looking for a slightly larger saw in the ~70cc range just so I can dig into some bigger trees, or save myself some bending over when I'm bucking. I work for the Forest Service and have been running Stihl 044/440 and Husky 372 saws in wildland firefighting use for some time, and so naturally those were my first two choices when looking for a saw. However, I did find that the Dolmar 7300 is comparable in power, and actually a little bit lighter, and less expensive. Most of the used 044/440 and 372 saws that I have found are going for almost as much a it would cost to pick up a new 7300 (without a bar/chain). I don't have the funds to buy myself a new Stihl or Husky, which is why I've been looking on the used market. How does the Dolmar compare to the Stihl and Husky saws? I've dug around on the forums here a little bit, but most of the threads are pretty old. So I was just looking for some more current insight.
Stihl 440/044 vs Husky 372 vs Dolmar 7300
- Thread starter Jetdeck
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Anthony_Va.
XPW Fan Club
Check out the chainsaw FAQ's sticky. Theres tons of arguments about this in there.
Anthony_Va.
XPW Fan Club
I do know that Stihl builds long lasting saws. And husky builds some pretty good ones too. Dolmar is a saw I'm not all that familiar with, but I have seen them used and only ran one. 7900 is the only one I have ran and it will flat out boogey. Though I can't attest to the reliability part as I don't own one, I can tell you that they will cut wood and cut it fast and are also light for the power, which may be good or bad depending how yuo look at it.
I would go with a 7900 if I chose a Dolmar though. Skip the 7300.
I would go with a 7900 if I chose a Dolmar though. Skip the 7300.
Just search on here for dolmar 7900 and read about it. I think if you took the stickers off of a 7300 and 7900 and with a 24" bar you couldn't tell the difference. The dealer I bought a 7900 from had both. I ran both and ended up buying the 7900 as he give me a killer deal on it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 7300 if it fits your budget and you have a dealer nearby.
Just get a 7900, best power to wieght in that size. Power of a 85cc saw, wieght of a 70cc. Steve
2000ssm6
Stihl User
I prefer the 044/440 but would get the 7900 if it were a Dolmar. Any three would fit your needs.
smilin possum
Addicted to ArboristSite
044 or 046 hands down, the best choice.
JMO, but I always go one size up from what I need. That's why I would be compelled to buy a 385 or 390XP if I needed a 70cc saw.
Anthony_Va.
XPW Fan Club
I love 044's, and 440's also. Theyre hard to beat.
MuleyJ
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have the 372, 046 and 7900. I do like them all but If they were all stolen tonight, I would buy another 7900 before lunch tomorrow. The 7900 is still relatively new to me so I cannot speak to the durability of Dolmar but they are well built and quite a few here seem to get a lot of hours from them with few problems. Tons of saw for the money.
fishercat
Addicted to ArboristSite
if you promise to leave the garage open tonight...............
I promise to leave the 7900.:greenchainsaw:
I promise to leave the 7900.:greenchainsaw:
MCW
Somebody's talking crap here & it ain't the tree!
Although some people question the reliability of Dolmar there is absolutely no reason to do so. They are using quality parts (probably more so than Stihl). There "may" be an argument that if run over, hit with a sledge hammer, or have a rogue comit land on your saw at 20,000mph that the Stihl "may" pull through better than a 7900 as far as "toughness" is concerned. However the Dolmar's reliability should not be in question at all.
tdi-rick
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nmurph
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burglars usually aren't too bright........
to the OP, if the the dolmar has to be the 7300, i think it is a toss up among the saws you listed. if you are willing to consider the 7900, then hands down it is the best choice. i have an 044 and it just sits in the shop wishing i would let it ride to the woods with the big boys.
wigglesworth
Booned
send it to me and ill take real good care of it. 3 meals a day and plenty of exercize.
SawTroll
Information Collector
They all are fine saws that will suit your needs.
Unlike what you stated, the Dolmar actually is the heaviest one - with a bit more power as well, but the differences are small!
MuleyJ
Addicted to ArboristSite
They all are fine saws that will suit your needs.
Unlike what you stated, the Dolmar actually is the heaviest one - with a bit more power as well, but the differences are small!
IDK what the actual test numbers are for weight, but I would swear that the 7900 feels a smidge lighter than the 372 fully loaded? I might be nuts though.
If you can find a 7300 I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I love mine. I will admit, however, that it is staying in the truck more these days and getting quite jealous of the 7901 (to the OP, same saw as the 7900, just in Makita colors).
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