Dolmar or Makita

[Elmore]

I need a chainsaw and I have found a new Dolmar 111 ( discontinued model ) with a 16" bar for $300.00 at a dealer. I have heard that I can probably find a Dolmar 540 for about that price ( I see one listed on the internet for $339.95 w/16" bar ) and I just got off the phone with a fellow in Duluth, GA, a manager with Dolmar/Makita, who says that I can easily obtain a Makita DCS54018 (18" bar), locally, for under $300.00 ($296.00). He said either of these saws would be fine. What are any differences between these saws and does anybody recommend one of these over the other? There are no authorized Makita dealers in Alabama, or so I'm told. It is widely sold retail throughout the state and there are a few authorized service shops around. There is one Dolmar dealer locally, that I know of. His shop is not an authorized Makita service provider and he doesn't have any Dolmar 540s.

 

[tony marks]

ive heard ,,the only difference is the color.. but that mite just be the new models.

 

[Rivet Watcher]

Here are two sites to help you compare spec's and price.
www.nhlawn.com/dolmar.html w ww.mytoolstore.com/makita/chainol.html

Compare to MS290 Sthil Farm Boss at nhlawn.com

 

[rmihalek]

Don't get the old Dolmar 111 unless you have a good resource for used parts.

 

[Mange]

Makita link

 

[Stumper]

Just so you know-Elmore plays a mean Penny whistle! I hope you get exactly what you want Elmore. -They are all good.

 

[eric_271]

Elmore I bought 2 makita 520I new in box but 10 year old saws last winter. I checked with makita befor I bought them and there are plenty of parts for these saws. 540 parts will interchange but the 520- 115 i saws had a little more power and that was because of the carb and they had the chrome cylinder not the nickasil. I gave $200 for each of these saws and he still had about 10 of them left.