New Makita EA5600?

[MountainHigh]

I notice a “NEW” saw listed at Makita Canada:
Model No: EA5600FREE
55.6 cc Environment-Friendly 2-Stroke Chainsaw with Easy Start and Winter Operation Mode

https://www.makita.ca/index2.php?event=tool&id=3203&catid=7

Displacement
55.6 cc
(3.4 cu.in.)

Chain Pitch / Gauge
3/8" / .058"

Max. Engine Speed
13,800 RPM

Power Rating
3.0 kW / 3.9 H.P.

Vibration Level
5.5 m/s2

Noise Level
104.4 dB(A)

Fuel Tank Capacity
570 ml

Oil Tank Capacity
320 ml

Fuel / Oil Mixture
50:1

Net Weight Dry w/o Bar/Chain
12.8 lbs (5.8kg)


I'm a little puzzled why this “NEW” 55.6cc saw has the same HP (3.9) as the Dolmar 50CC PS-5105H?

PS-5105 H
Displacement
50 cc (3.1 cu. in)

Power rating
2.8 kW (3.9 HP)

Net weight
5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)


http://www.dolmarpowerproducts.com/productcatalog/chain_saws_gasoline/ps-5105_h/index.html

Is the Dolmar website obsolete? I like the idea of a strong 55cc version but couldn't they squeeze a bit more horse power out of it to offset the added weight?

 

[Chris-PA]

Interesting design. Not quite a clamshell, it looks like small left and right case castings bolted into the case from below. Is it a plastic or alloy chassis? Reed strato like the 6100.

 

[TBS]

That's how tanaka does their 40cc saws. Small split case bolted into a plastic chassis.

 

[166]

Here is a comparison chart I made up a couple months ago. This saw feels much closer to a 6100 in power vs the 5105/5000 series.

The Dolmar brand is done in North America and everything imported for two years has been Makita labeled.

 

[MountainHigh]

View attachment 612274

Here is a comparison chart I made up a couple months ago. This saw feels much closer to a 6100 in power vs the 5105/5000 series.

The Dolmar brand is done in North America and everything imported for two years has been Makita labeled.

My EA4300 has magnesium crank case - are the 5000 and the 6000 magnesium ?
EA 5600 doesn't look like it's magnesium case

Their numbering system sucks! I have no idea which saws are their "Farm Grade" vs "Professional Grade"

 

[TBS]

The ea5600 has a plastic chassis that the engine bolts too. The 6100 is a full magnesium case.

 

[Conquistador3]

It's the EPA compliant version of the Dolmar PS550 sold on some European markets, even the color is the same.
Makita calls it a "semiprofessional" saw in German (semiprofessionellen), which is a term generally used for top of the line clamshells, meaning clamshells with some features taken from magnesium case saws.

 

[MountainHigh]

Thanks for the feedback ....

So aside from the EA5600/55cc saw, where does this leave the 4 Makita 5000/50cc series saws .... well it appears to actually be three pro 50cc saws, as the 5121 looks to be their Farm version as well.

Other than the obvious 3/8 vs .325, of these three 50cc models, which one is the sweet spot for Makita 50cc saw?
EA5000PREL(.325) or EA5001PREG(3/8) or EA5001PREL(.325)

 

[Conquistador3]

Thanks for the feedback ....

So aside from the EA5600/55cc saw, where does this leave the 4 Makita 5000/50cc series saws .... well it appears to actually be three pro 50cc saws, as the 5121 looks to be their Farm version as well.

Other than the obvious 3/8 vs .325, of these three 50cc models, which one is the sweet spot for Makita 50cc saw?
EA5000PREL(.325) or EA5001PREG(3/8) or EA5001PREL(.325)

L and G merely indicate different chain pitches: one is .325" and the other .3/8".
From what I understand the EA5000 is the EPA-compliant version of the Dolmar PS5105CX and the EA5001 of the PS5105C. These are the same base saw but the latter comes with "Easy Start" and "Touch & Stop" features while the former comes with traditional starter and on/off switch.
They are all basically the same magnesium case saw, it's really down to individual preferences and needs for both chain pitch and the additional features.

There's also a heated handle version which at least here only comes with .325" pitch chain (which however can be easily changed) and the extra features of the Makita EA5001.

 

[svk]

What's msrp? Looks like a nice saw.

 

[Conquistador3]

What's msrp? Looks like a nice saw.

The Dolmar PS550 (same as the Makita EA5600) is about €600 including VAT in Germany. Not cheap for a clamshell, especially considering the PS5105 (same as the Makita EA5000/5001) can be had for €30-50 more depending on features, and it's a magnesium case saw. About €700 will buy you the PS5105CH, the heated handle version.

 

[MountainHigh]

What's msrp? Looks like a nice saw.

Not sure price in Canada as it is special order here (no local dealers in my area stock Makita chainsaws)

If the 5600 was mag case and squeezed more hp than their 5000 series 50cc saw (3.9hp), I might have been a buyer, but the extra weight with no more hp and plastic case is a spoiler for me.

 

[holeycow]

that looks like it could be a very nice construction. Could be.

Only time (hours) will tell.

 

[svk]

I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

The usual knock on Dolmar is that many of them are the heaviest saw in their cc class. This one is right in there with the others and has somewhat more HP.

Different chassis but I'm really happy with my Makita 3601 from Carl. Well built and powerful.

 

[MountainHigh]

Model No: EA5600
Displacement
55.6 cc
(3.4 cu.in.)

Power Rating
3.0 kW / 3.9 H.P.

Net Weight Dry w/o Bar/Chain
12.8 lbs (5.8kg)

= = = = = =
Model No: EA5001
Displacement
50 cc (3.1 cu. in)

Power rating
2.9 kW (3.9 HP)

Net weight
5.6 kg (11.9 lbs)

------> Winner looks like the 50cc EA5001 saw with mag case! Guessing the 5600 will have to be quite a bit cheaper in North America to sell well.

 

[MountainHigh]

55cc EA5600 is a pound heavier (12.8 lbs) and only same horse power as the magnesium cased 50cc EA5001 (11.9 lbs)

Unless I'm missing something, price looks to be only possible advantage for the 5600.

 

[svk]

Did you read 166's first paragraph about power vs the 50 cc....

 

[MountainHigh]

Did you read 166's first paragraph about power vs the 50 cc....

hi svk, yes, I did read it, but I have not found anywhere that it is 4.1 bhp as 166 states. Stats online say same as 50cc @ 3.9hp.
Not doubting 166's hands on experience, just wondering why the specs say same hp. Something is off somewhere. If it is same hp as stated, what is causing the EA5600 to feel stronger in hands of 166? Is it the extra weight tricking the mind or perhaps there is more torque due to bigger jug? .... or?

 

[svk]

Just a thought. Sometimes the mid level and lower end models are rated lower so the flagship model owners think they have the best. Back in the muscle car era, certain Corvettes and Camaros had the exact same engine yet the Corvette had a higher HO rating.

 

[MountainHigh]

subterfuge in the specifications ... say it ain't so!