Dolmar Saw questions

[ELITER]

I am wanting to get a new Dolmar 6400 or 7900 saw.

I want to know is the bar for this saw an uncommon bar? or is it just not swappable with stihl bars?

I have been looking for a good deal on a saw to get soon and am thinking I could be well off with the 6400 or 6401 to start and then buy a 7900 jug and piston kit when I am ready to be milling because that is where I really think I will need the power.

How does a stock 6400 compare with an old 041Av?

Also are there issues with the air cleaners clogging or is that just forum chatter?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Edge & Engine]

Those larger DOLMAR saws use the same bar mount as lots of Husqvarna saws, Oregon D009...

 

[Andyshine77]

The big Dolmars use the same bars as the large Husky saws, there very common.

If the price on the 6400 is right buy it, if you need more power you can always up grade at some point. If you cant get the 6400 cheep $200 or under, skip it and start looking for a 7900.

The air filter should not be a problem as long as you keep your chains sharp.

If the 041av is in good shape it will be more powerful than the 6400.

Andy.

 

[SawTroll]

"Large Husky"/Oregon D009/GB HU probably is the most common bar mount around.

Even the "medium" Stihl bars (D025) will fit, if you use the bar adapters sold by Baileys, and modify them slightly.

 

[ericjeeper]

"

Even Stihl bars will fit, if you use the bar adaptors sold by Baileys, and modify them slightly.

Yes you have to take a die grinder and remove some steel from the center to allow for screw head clearace. took like 45 seconds.

 

[ELITER]

The big Dolmars use the same bars as the large Husky saws, there very common.

If the price on the 6400 is right buy it, if you need more power you can always up grade at some point. If you cant get the 6400 cheep $200 or under, skip it and start looking for a 7900.

The air filter should not be a problem as long as you keep your chains sharp.

If the 041av is in good shape it will be more powerful than the 6400.

Andy.

I am planning on buying the saw new and using the 6400 and if I find that I want more I can buy a 7900 jug and piston and put that on. However I think I want to buy a new saw since this saw that is mostly composed of plastic and could be cracked without much visible sign.

Another thing I am wondering is should I buy the 6401 from makita and sawe $20 is there any difference in the saw? This also would be kinda cool as I have always been happy with Makitas and like their colors also, but think the dolmar looks better.

Then when I look at either of them new the difference in price, of the 6400 saw w/ bar and chain compared to the dolmar 7900 saw / bar / chain, is less than the cost of a jug and piston. I know I would be better off buying just the 7900 but I am wondering if maybe I wouldn't utilize the extra power to the value it has.

ANyway I am torn, what recommendations can you make? I would love to buy a NICE clean 6401 converted to 7900 or a used 7900 in nice shape but I would really want a CLEAN new looking saw.

I appreciate all the input it sounds like it's a pretty compatable saw bar wise.

 

[SawTroll]

.... I am planning on buying the saw new and using the 6400 and if I find that I want more I can buy a 7900 jug and piston and put that on. However I think I want to buy a new saw since this saw that is mostly composed of plastic and could be cracked without much visible sign.
...

The plastic is not where structural stength is important, don't worry!!

 

[Uwharrie]

Buy the PS-7900. You will be happier. MORE Power same weight and as stated earlier the 7900 cylinder kit is just under $200 and you can get a new 7900 for less than the price of the cylinder + 6400.

 

[ciscoguy01]

I am planning on buying the saw new and using the 6400 and if I find that I want more I can buy a 7900 jug and piston and put that on. However I think I want to buy a new saw since this saw that is mostly composed of plastic and could be cracked without much visible sign.
.

Actually it's mostly Magnesium bro. Tell you what, wait till tomorrow. I will make a video of the 7900 and the 041 running through a decent sized log so you can see the difference. You'll be might surprised... Both EXCELLENT saws. I still swear by the old 041 bro. I love those old saws. I've got 3 of'em...

eh?

 

[Cut4fun]

I am planning on buying the saw new and using the 6400 and if I find that I want more I can buy a 7900 jug and piston and put that on. However I think I want to buy a new saw since this saw that is mostly composed of plastic and could be cracked without much visible sign.

Another thing I am wondering is should I buy the 6401 from makita and sawe $20 is there any difference in the saw? This also would be kinda cool as I have always been happy with Makitas and like their colors also, but think the dolmar looks better.

Then when I look at either of them new the difference in price, of the 6400 saw w/ bar and chain compared to the dolmar 7900 saw / bar / chain, is less than the cost of a jug and piston. I know I would be better off buying just the 7900 but I am wondering if maybe I wouldn't utilize the extra power to the value it has.

ANyway I am torn, what recommendations can you make? I would love to buy a NICE clean 6401 converted to 7900 or a used 7900 in nice shape but I would really want a CLEAN new looking saw.

I appreciate all the input it sounds like it's a pretty compatable saw bar wise.

ELITER, I dont know if you could handle the power this one has ( I remember the first time I ran it with a 28" I about **** myself how it was like cutting butter). But you might check out the link below if interested.

I have both stock grey hoods also (carb cover grey one is opened up and has been cracked before) also have stock pull start handle and a flocked air filter and a mesh filter.

With the new updated 07 carb cover on it with pre-filter, it stays cleaner in the filter area then my huskys 357-375 and stihls 066-084.

http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=807094&postcount=73

 

[SawTroll]

Actually it's mostly Magnesium bro. Tell you what, wait till tomorrow. I will make a video of the 7900 and the 041 running through a decent sized log so you can see the difference. You'll be might surprised... Both EXCELLENT saws. I still swear by the old 041 bro. I love those old saws. I've got 3 of'em...

eh?

Well, less mag and more plastic on the Dolmars than on the Husky/Jreds - but nothing to really worry about....:greenchainsaw:

 

[ciscoguy01]

7900

ELITER, I dont know if you could handle the power this one has ( I remember the first time I ran it with a 28" I about **** myself how it was like cutting butter). But you might check out the link below if interested.

I have both stock grey hoods also (carb cover grey one is opened up and has been cracked before) also have stock pull start handle and a flocked air filter and a mesh filter.

With the new updated 07 carb cover on it with pre-filter, it stays cleaner in the filter area them my huskys 357-375 and stihls 066-084.

http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=807094&postcount=73

You still got that saw bro??? opcorn:

 

[Cut4fun]

You still got that saw bro???

Lot of nibbles and talkers in pm's, phone calls, emails, etc. , but cash talks you know. The 6401/7901 is still in my hands and the pipe saw is still where I can see it .

 

[Cut4fun]

Tell you what, wait till tomorrow. I will make a video of the 7900

This isn't a decent log and its just 11" poplar for practice last year running a woodsman RC 20" chain that needed sharpened. The video is one of my SM specials (if you know what I mean there) hehehe. blip blip
But you can ask guys at the gtg's that this saw goes through shag bark hickory just the same.
I have used the 32" on hard maple in rip cuts and cut oak and ash of bar buried sizes without any problems.

Just loaded video, so might take awhile for link to work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0yh1eZgXo8

 

[cuttinscott]

Well, less mag and more plastic on the Dolmars than on the Husky/Jreds - but nothing to really worry about....:greenchainsaw:

REALLY show me where........... lets say PS7900 vs 37271 jonvarna




Scott

 

[Cut4fun]

Originally Posted by SawTroll
Well, less mag and more plastic on the Dolmars than on the Husky/Jreds - but nothing to really worry about....

REALLY show me where........... lets say PS7900 vs 37271 jonvarna
Scott

I know which one is better built IMO. I do own both too, but only as a homeowner, not a pros use. But if you look close to how they are built, 7900 hands down wins my vote as the sturdier built saw.

I think if people ask Thall, he has been through the 7900, 460, 441, 372 to compare builds.

 

[04ultra]

Originally Posted by SawTroll
Well, less mag and more plastic on the Dolmars than on the Husky/Jreds - but nothing to really worry about....



I know which one is better built IMO. I do own both too, but only as a homeowner, not a pros use. But if you look close to how they are built, 7900 hands down wins my vote as the sturdier built saw.

I think if people ask Thall, he has been through the 7900, 460, 441, 372 to compare builds.

+ 1 I would agree too..




.

 

[Pablo26]

New owner of a HDex_rental 6401, and that thing is built like a tank, nice mag, fit and finish top notch. Does not look like it minded the rental job whatsoever.
Going to make a fine 79 some day.

 

[cuttinscott]

Come now some members say the PS7900 has too much plastic, maybe Dolmar should ADD SOME MORE WEIGHT..........NOT




Scott

 

[04ultra]

Come now some members say the PS7900 has too much plastic, maybe Dolmar should ADD SOME MORE WEIGHT..........NOT




Scott

I still think they look like Kitchenaid mixers.........




.