Dolmar PS-350 and 420 conflicting weight specs

[sirbuildalot]

I have a question that hopefully can be answered. I have wondered this for awhile, but just recently joined so now i'll ask.

My 2008 Dolmar brochure lists the PS-350 powerhead at 9.0 lbs, and the PS-420 at 9.7 lbs.

My 2010 Dolmar brochure lists the PS-350 powerhead at 10.6 lbs, and the PS-420 at 10.6 lbs

How can this be? They both list identical specs other than the weight. What could have changed to add 1.6 lbs to a 35cc saw? Or was the old brochure listing false information? Every other model of saw stayed the same. I often see the 341 and 401 mentioned as better choices. Presumably because of the lighter weight. I like the looks of the 350 and 420 as they look like my 5100 and 7900. I do think there are better saws in the 9 lb weight class, and certainly in the 10.6 lb class. Just curious I guess.

Does anyone know the answer to this riddle?

 

[wde_1978]

I am on my tablet PC now so I can not check data as conveniently as I could on my desktop PC.

My guess is that the saws gained weight due to the addition of a SLR or CAT muffler - in case the newer builds feature them.

Same thing happened to the Dolmar PS-6400/7300/7900 saw family, the PS-7310/7910 received a SLR muffler update, gained weight and lost a bit of power.

As said, this is just a guess as I didn't check hard data!

EDIT:
I might be wrong regarding the SLR muffler as I think saws featuring it were renamed to PS-351 & PS-421.

 

[sirbuildalot]

Both brochures list them as having Catalytic mufflers and the 2010 doesn't list any SLR changes.

 

[wde_1978]

I am still not on my desktop PC, so the guessing continues.

Has there been any changes to the starter assembly, like in the old version had a classic starter assy while the newer version feature EasyStart?

The weight difference should easily be identifiable through a current IPL as it will have to address both saw versions and thus have a note for changed parts in a form of:
2010<=
=>2010

 

[sirbuildalot]

They are both listed as easy starting with spring assisted starter. I'll have to look more later.

Thanks

 

[bigbadbob]

You might see if you can find the Makita brothers ( if there is one) and see what theirs specs are??
BBB

 

[166]

Just scaled a brand new PS-421 PHO at 10.6 pounds.

All PS-350/351 & PS-420/421 imported to the US had a catalytic muffler. There have been fuel line, carburetor, coil, air filter, and hood updates over the years. But they were no major weight changes.

The original PS-350 & PS-420 sold in other countries may have had a open muffler which would be lighter. That's probably where the original weights came from.

 

[7sleeper]

.... I do think there are better saws in the 9 lb weight class, and certainly in the 10.6 lb class. Just curious I guess.

Does anyone know the answer to this riddle?

Sorry but I disagree!
The 420sc=421 is one oft the best models out there. Of course the Stuhl 241 & Husqvarna 543 are leighter, but at ~3x the price you can expect them to be.

And yes you are correct that the old weight specs were from the original model WITHOUT the cat. It was introduced later on. I have a first generation model with cat and weighed the removed cat at about 0.45lbs.

7

 

[sirbuildalot]

Thanks guys,

When I bought my last Dolmar (5100S) the dealer had a 350 on display. I did pick it up and it seemed like a nice little saw. A couple years later, when I went to purchase a small saw, I considered the 350 and 420, but the new weight turned me off, and I ended up getting a very good price on a Stihl 250 which is a homeowner saw, but it has served its purpose. As mentioned the very top models in the small weight classes are way too pricey imo. A prime example being the rear handle Stihl 200. (Also looked at it as a consideration) Great power for its weight, but you need to take out a mortgage to buy one.

The 350/420 and there newer counterparts seem like good saws for the value. Just a little on the heavy side. Not always a bad thing if that weight equals better build quality. Where I already had the 11.2 lb 5100, 10.6 lbs for a 350 or a 420 didn't make sense for my situation.

 

[Franny K]

The 351 and 421 by the specs have the same noise and vibration levels. Probably the prior similar are likewise. I find it hard to believe those things are exactly the same.

 

[sirbuildalot]

Franny,

Is Brad Curtis a member here? He is the dealer I bought my 2 bigger Dolmar's from.

 

[7sleeper]

Thanks guys,

When I bought my last Dolmar (5100S) the dealer had a 350 on display. I did pick it up and it seemed like a nice little saw. A couple years later, when I went to purchase a small saw, I considered the 350 and 420, but the new weight turned me off, and I ended up getting a very good price on a Stihl 250 which is a homeowner saw, but it has served its purpose. As mentioned the very top models in the small weight classes are way too pricey imo. A prime example being the rear handle Stihl 200. (Also looked at it as a consideration) Great power for its weight, but you need to take out a mortgage to buy one.

The 350/420 and there newer counterparts seem like good saws for the value. Just a little on the heavy side. Not always a bad thing if that weight equals better build quality. Where I already had the 11.2 lb 5100, 10.6 lbs for a 350 or a 420 didn't make sense for my situation.

Personaly I would not buy two saws so close powerwise. I prefer ~ 20cc apart. So for me the Stihl 211, Dolmar ps35, Husqvarna 435 would have fitted better in your requirement sceme.

7

 

[tallguys]

Personaly I would not buy two saws so close powerwise. I prefer ~ 20cc apart. So for me the Stihl 211, Dolmar ps35, Husqvarna 435 would have fitted better in your requirement sceme.

7

No, no, no, no.... everyone knows that what is required are 2 saws in each cc class, with each additional one being no more than 10cc apart....

 

[mountainlake]

How about some ready to cut weights full of fuel and oil with a 16" B@C. A Echo CS400 is 13# even on a good scale. Steve

 

[sirbuildalot]

I guess I better sell the 7900 or the 460 then!!!

lol

 

[Franny K]

My 2008 Dolmar brochure lists the PS-350 powerhead at 9.0 lbs, and the PS-420 at 9.7 lbs.

My 2010 Dolmar brochure lists the PS-350 powerhead at 10.6 lbs, and the PS-420 at 10.6 lbs

How can this be? They both list identical specs other than the weight. What could have changed to add 1.6 lbs to a 35cc saw? Or was the old brochure listing false information? Every other model of saw stayed the same. I often see the 341 and 401 mentioned as better choices. Presumably because of the lighter weight. I like the looks of the 350 and 420 as they look like my 5100 and 7900. I do think there are better saws in the 9 lb weight class, and certainly in the 10.6 lb class. Just curious I guess.

Does anyone know the answer to this riddle?

My guess is that the old brochure has an identified error. I have taken my muffler apart and looked at the catalyst just from memory it is the shape of a hocky puck but somewhere in the 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch diameter. a few ounces would be my guess.

My 351 is very easy to start and stop, no need to set any fast idle, the rope pulls out easy. It has a large gasoline tank for that class of saw and is often chosen mainly for that reason. It is an open ported catalyst saw. For those that think the strato air charge without oil in it is bad it is certainly a choice. It cuts/better/stronger than another saw I have with the same 1.7/2.2 kw/hp rating by quite a bit. Turning it upside down to sharpen the chain keeps the muffler away, it does get hot and stays hot. Can scorch a glove a couple of minutes after shut off it seems.

 

[7sleeper]

What I find funny is that measuments have shown the NON STRATO 421(42cc) to need less fuel than the strato husqvarna 445 (45cc)...

7

 

[wde_1978]

What I find funny is that measuments have shown the NON STRATO 421(42cc) to need less fuel than the strato husqvarna 445 (45cc)...

7

Weirder things happen all the time.

Dolmar claims the PS-7300 to require more fuel them her big sister the PS-7900.



And besides, didn't Husqvarna Vappenfabrics used to make rifles - they understand there is no need to be cheap on bullets - or in this case fuel!

 

[7sleeper]

You can read it here. It's in german but still not too difficult to understand.
http://www.shindaiwa.de/presse/motorsaegentest.pdf

7

 

[wde_1978]

I could like me a Dolmar PS-420/421!

Ahw, who am I kidding - I'd still want my PS-7900 for limbing just for the joy of it...