Stihl or Makita

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skud

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Hi, I am getting my 1st chain saw, it will be mostly used for fire wood on camping trips.
I’ve got my mind set on a Stihl 181-c but the more research I do the more confused I get, are they really just a cheap made chinese chain saw? Would I be better off with a Makita EA 3502s?
Thanks
 
If that"s the main use why not buy used There are good machines to be had for very reasonable $'s a box store Poulan or similar would deal with that job with no problem all the saws that would be in that range will be Homeowner "Jobbies"If you go for a make othe than the big 2 you will get for less money Echo,Efco, A lpina will all perform the job you require
 
Dollar for dollar you typically get more for your money with makita = dolmar.

Personally if you are getting your first chainsaw and intend to really do some firewood cutting I would NEVER get anything again under 40cc/2.5hp. My choice would be something like a makita 4300 = dolmar 421. By FAR a better deal than anything stihl has to offer in that price range.

If you don't have a dealer close by you can contact the forum dealers @166 or @fordf150 . They have a more than excelent reputation here.

7
 
Hi, I am getting my 1st chain saw, it will be mostly used for fire wood on camping trips.
I’ve got my mind set on a Stihl 181-c but the more research I do the more confused I get, are they really just a cheap made chinese chain saw? Would I be better off with a Makita EA 3502s?
Thanks

Just a friendly warning: before you know it some people here will try to push you into a Husqvarna 3120XP to cut some firewood or have you tune a saw that gets used only twice a year. :laugh:
 
If that"s the main use why not buy used There are good machines to be had for very reasonable $'s a box store Poulan or similar would deal with that job with no problem all the saws that would be in that range will be Homeowner "Jobbies"If you go for a make othe than the big 2 you will get for less money Echo,Efco, A lpina will all perform the job you require
Thanks Al,
for a couple of hundred bucks I don’t think its worth the trouble for a second hand chain saw. Here in Australia Echo chain saws are worth just as much as Stihl in small tools, I’m happy to pay a bit extra for the Stihl but if they are crap maybe the Makita is a better choice.
 
T
Dollar for dollar you typically get more for your money with makita = dolmar.

Personally if you are getting your first chainsaw and intend to really do some firewood cutting I would NEVER get anything again under 40cc/2.5hp. My choice would be something like a makita 4300 = dolmar 421. By FAR a better deal than anything stihl has to offer in that price range.

If you don't have a dealer close by you can contact the forum dealers @166 or @fordf150 . They have a more than excelent reputation here.

7
Thanks 7 sleeper,
Are the small Makita saws still made by Dolmar? The S/N starts with EA and does not have DCS in the Serial number, I’ve looked for the Makita 4300 but it’s not in the catalogue here in Australia.
 
Either one will do. IMO, they are both fine saws. Doubt you'll regret either choice. So, in a sense you can't go wrong, all other things being equal. For me personally, I have owned only Stihls and am more than pleased with them. Good luck and enjoy!
 
Thanks 7 sleeper,
Are the small Makita saws still made by Dolmar? The S/N starts with EA and does not have DCS in the Serial number, I’ve looked for the Makita 4300 but it’s not in the catalogue here in Australia.
Makita and Dolmar are the same company! Only difference is on the older makita models the color and the name, technically absolutely equal. I just looked and the 420/4300 is really not listed on the Australia site. That is really too bad! By far one of the best models for a homeowner.

... I’m happy to pay a bit extra for the Stihl but if they are crap maybe the Makita is a better choice.
I am not AL but I see the 3502 as a much better choice. Metal oil pump, etc. are just standard on makita and not on Stihl.

Personaly I would choose the 3601 from makita, if the price increase is within the budget.

Another option might be the an electric model if you are within cord distance. At home I often only use the electric 2000w saw. So much easier on the ears, wallet, etc. Powerwise right around your power requirements. If you already are equiped with rechargable 18V batteries from makita the cordless version would also be a valid option. They have around 180 other products were the batteries interchange.

7
 
I don' think any stihl you buy is crap. That being said I don't think you would be happy with a 181c. I wouldn' go any smaller than 50cc for a firewood saw unless it's an 026 or something similar.

I have seen it mentioned that since Makita bought dolmar they are manufacturing saws in China now and the quality is slipping.
 
...I have seen it mentioned that since Makita bought dolmar they are manufacturing saws in China now and the quality is slipping.
That comment is plain zero knowledge of the topic. In short Makita bought Dolmar in 1987! They have produced their saws for the last decades in Hamburg/Germany. In the last year there has obviously been a long awaited restructuring with the soon to disapear name Dolmar and the assembly of the smaller saws in china. Of course Makita is only now copying what Stihl has already done over 12 years ago in producing in china.

I might add that I never mentioned that buying a Stihl is crap, you just get much more for your money from other companies.

7
 
That comment is plain zero knowledge of the topic. In short Makita bought Dolmar in 1987! They have produced their saws for the last decades in Hamburg/Germany. In the last year there has obviously been a long awaited restructuring with the soon to disapear name Dolmar and the assembly of the smaller saws in china. Of course Makita is only now copying what Stihl has already done over 12 years ago in producing in china.

I might add that I never mentioned that buying a Stihl is crap, you just get much more for your money from other companies.

7


All I said is that I have read that on this site. Weather it was someone's opinion or fact Idk. Not sure how that would be zero knowledge about the topic. What is the topic? Someone's opinion on which is better stihl or Makita? I don't think there is an answer it's all what brand you prefer.
 
All I said is that I have read that on this site. Weather it was someone's opinion or fact Idk. Not sure how that would be zero knowledge about the topic. What is the topic? Someone's opinion on which is better stihl or Makita? I don't think there is an answer it's all what brand you prefer.
No offense meant. My understanding of your above comment was that you created the topic that "since makita bought dolmar the production went to china and quality is slipping". My comment was simply directed at your topic and trying to share the information on the facts that I am aware of.

The discussion which saw brand is better or worse is for me totally senseless.

7
 
I dont own a makita chainsaw so i have no experience with them just what i read which who knows how much is correct. Im still buying chainsaws from the 80s and 90s and using them like they are the newest thing out there. The price is right and there's a good amount of info on them.

I do own Makita power tools and use them every day for work. They are currently 7 years old and still working great. I believe they are a better quality than dewalt and cheaper. That being said I strongly believe that a company with a good long lasting reputation is not going to put their name on a pile of crap. But when it comes to big ceos making a profit for their selves who knows.
 
I dont own a makita chainsaw so i have no experience with them just what i read which who knows how much is correct. Im still buying chainsaws from the 80s and 90s and using them like they are the newest thing out there. The price is right and there's a good amount of info on them.

I do own Makita power tools and use them every day for work. They are currently 7 years old and still working great. I believe they are a better quality than dewalt and cheaper. That being said I strongly believe that a company with a good long lasting reputation is not going to put their name on a pile of crap. But when it comes to big ceos making a profit for their selves who knows.
Thank for your help, I’ve come to my senses when I came across a second hand 45cc power plus pow64110 for $60 with a case and it’s hardly been used, the air filter was spotless. I’ll be lucky to use it a few times a year over winter.
Thanks Kim.
 
What ever you choose go the next size up from what you THINK youll need. Could spend a little more money and get a modded saw like a 361,036,044 ive got a stock 361 and its an amazing ground saw.
 
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