Which of these 2 limbing saws would you buy?

[danrclem]

I bought a new dcs401 about six months ago. I couldn't get it to run right and finally sent it back to Makita for service. It seems like it's running good now but a little rich on the top. I'm through cutting wood for the year so I won't test it out good until next year.

When it was running poorly I was thinking that I should have added more money and bought a 346xp. I do hope that it works out because it sure is a very light and nimble saw.

 

[ugl]

I have both the dolmar ps401 and ms180 .I like the dolmar a lot more,faster,stronger.

 

[SawTroll]

Ms180

Not even you really mean that - you just have to say it!

 

[SawTroll]

Looking for an all purpose smaller limbing saw and have narrowed it down to the following 2...

Makita DCS401 for $260sh at a local shop, brand new
Dolmar Ps-401 for $280ish at a local shop, brand new
Stihl Ms180 for $240ish at a local shop, brand new

I think the Makita and Dolmar are the same saw, but they seem to have a few different features (auto-decomp on the Makita).

REALLY wanted an MS-200 or 339xp, but $630 and $489 respectively are just too much for those saws for my use (casual weekend trimming my trees, etc).

Probably pick up one of these and then either a 346xp, MS260 or Ps-5100 later for a 'larger' saw.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

:arg: I'd take that 339xp, any day in the week.

 

[davefr]

I'd take that 339xp, any day in the week.

I would have never guessed!!!

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Me, I'd get the 180...my go to limb saw is a MS170.

 

[mtfallsmikey]

What a BF!...Just realized I had posted that already!!!...Duuuuh!:deadhorse:

 

[kincade]

So in looking at the specs, it seems that the 401 is a clear winner over everything in it's size barring the 339xp unless price is taking into consideration.

MS180 is 2hp, 8.8#
DCS401 is 2.3hp, 8.8# (and only $18 more)
339xp is 2.4hp and 8.8# (but nearly 2x the cost of the DCS401).

BTW, the local dealer now says he can do $238 OTD for the 401.

I really wish I could afford a PS-5100, 346xp or MS260 but I just don't have $500 right now.

 

[Fastcast]

Ms180

:help: HIM

Not even you really mean that - you just have to say it!

:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: Troll, sometimes :yourock: lol

 

[JTElectric]

hahaha just sometimes?

 

[stihl only]

Yeah, I'd just get the MS200 rear handle like you planned to in the first place.

 

[SawTroll]

So in looking at the specs, it seems that the 401 is a clear winner over everything in it's size barring the 339xp unless price is taking into consideration.

MS180 is 2hp, 8.8#
DCS401 is 2.3hp, 8.8# (and only $18 more)
339xp is 2.4hp and 8.8# (but nearly 2x the cost of the DCS401).

BTW, the local dealer now says he can do $238 OTD for the 401.

I really wish I could afford a PS-5100, 346xp or MS260 but I just don't have $500 right now.

There are other things to consider, like rpms and handling - specially on a limbing saw.

 

[Dapper Dan]

"Looking for an all purpose smaller limbing saw and have narrowed it down to the following 2...

Makita DCS401 for $260sh at a local shop, brand new
Dolmar Ps-401 for $280ish at a local shop, brand new
Stihl Ms180 for $240ish at a local shop, brand new"

Either version of the 401....hands down!

 

[Magellan]

Why do you guys want a top handle saw for limbing? I thought that top handle saws were designed more for pros who are working from the bucket of a boom truck?

For one-handing and reaching further. I do this quite a bit, but I grew up using chainsaws and I have more than enough wrist strength to control a little top handle. The closest I've ever come to an injury was accidentally touching the muffler on a saw I'd just killed.

This makes limbing very fast in densely-branched knotted messes, such as storm aftermath, but I wouldn't recommend it to the novice or someone with limp wrists.

 

[Fastcast]

hahaha just sometimes?

Yep, we wouldn't want his head to swell anymore.....Have you looked at him/his avatar?....lol....

 

[JTElectric]

I know! I look at it and just go "Oooooooooohh!"

 

[rms61moparman]

Makita DCS401

 

[Poley4]

what do you need a limbin' saw for?

limb what you fall with, you'll get stronger

You can kill cockroaches with a sledge hammer, but it makes more sense to use the proper tool for the job.

 

[Poley4]

Why do you guys want a top handle saw for limbing? I thought that top handle saws were designed more for pros who are working from the bucket of a boom truck?

Yep! Top handle saw are completely safe as long as you are in a bucket of a boom truck, but as soon as your feet hit the dirt, they are too dangerous to use! OSHA would be proud!:monkey:

 

[Poley4]

For one-handing and reaching further. I do this quite a bit, but I grew up using chainsaws and I have more than enough wrist strength to control a little top handle. The closest I've ever come to an injury was accidentally touching the muffler on a saw I'd just killed.

This makes limbing very fast in densely-branched knotted messes, such as storm aftermath, but I wouldn't recommend it to the novice or someone with limp wrists.

:agree2: :agree2: :agree2: