stihl025
ArboristSite Guru
Looking for some thoughts, input between the Stihl 441/460 and the Dolmar 7900. Not trying to start a war, or any product bashing, but I am in the market for a new (bigger) saw. Having all of the saws below (listed in the signature line), I am looking for something to slap a 24" bar onto, with an occasional larger 28" for some larger wood.
Now with that said...
I have never owned or operated a Dolmar. So I can only take observations (good and bad) from members who have. I do know OF someone who owns one, but is dissatisfied with his. Now, this has no credibility what so ever. I have not spoken with him directly. I have no idea what model or why he dislikes his saw. I have yet to speak with him myself... but none the less, makes me curious.
I like the raw power of the MS460. I have run one with a 28" bar in some locust and some oak. Really nice saw, seems reasonably balanced with that length bar.
I have never had the opportunity to run the 441, but if the anti-vibe is much better than that of other Stihls, I might be interested. I like the anti-vibe of my 357XP, I can say it is very comfortable. Wonder how the 441 compares to the Husky set up. I do like newer technology as well. So the newer air filtration, fuel consumption is a plus.
The Dolmar peaks my curiosity... I am one who looks for the best bang for the buck. The 7900 is very enticing with the power to weight ratio. What is not desirable, is the lack of local support. Nearest dealer is an hour away, not that I don't like road trips, but if I need dealer support, it could get costly in fuel mileage.
Power to weight ratios seems to carry a lot of weight with members on this site, but does anybody have any thoughts on what goes into making those numbers better? If you have a saw that cranks out 6.3 bHP and only weighs 13.5 lbs and the comparable saw weighs 14.6 lbs, what was compromised (or engineered better) to make it lighter. Was more plastic added, critical engine block mass reduced, etc? I really like the "numbers" on the 7900, but are there any longevity issues that result of the lighter set up?
Now with that said...
I have never owned or operated a Dolmar. So I can only take observations (good and bad) from members who have. I do know OF someone who owns one, but is dissatisfied with his. Now, this has no credibility what so ever. I have not spoken with him directly. I have no idea what model or why he dislikes his saw. I have yet to speak with him myself... but none the less, makes me curious.
I like the raw power of the MS460. I have run one with a 28" bar in some locust and some oak. Really nice saw, seems reasonably balanced with that length bar.
I have never had the opportunity to run the 441, but if the anti-vibe is much better than that of other Stihls, I might be interested. I like the anti-vibe of my 357XP, I can say it is very comfortable. Wonder how the 441 compares to the Husky set up. I do like newer technology as well. So the newer air filtration, fuel consumption is a plus.
The Dolmar peaks my curiosity... I am one who looks for the best bang for the buck. The 7900 is very enticing with the power to weight ratio. What is not desirable, is the lack of local support. Nearest dealer is an hour away, not that I don't like road trips, but if I need dealer support, it could get costly in fuel mileage.
Power to weight ratios seems to carry a lot of weight with members on this site, but does anybody have any thoughts on what goes into making those numbers better? If you have a saw that cranks out 6.3 bHP and only weighs 13.5 lbs and the comparable saw weighs 14.6 lbs, what was compromised (or engineered better) to make it lighter. Was more plastic added, critical engine block mass reduced, etc? I really like the "numbers" on the 7900, but are there any longevity issues that result of the lighter set up?
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