TonyM
ArboristSite Guru
I picked up a top handle Hitachi at Menards for $99 with rebate several yeras ago. It's okay for a cheap top handle but mostly plastic and relatively underpowered and heavy for its size. Did I mention $99 new.
I've been wanting to look at a CS51EAP but no one had one in stock. Most of the online reviews I take with a grain of salt, especially with chainsaws, so I wanted to see first hand. I bought a lightly used one online and wanted to start a good review of the saw. I know, made in China.
It arrived today. First thing I noticed is its not as heavy as I was expecting based on the specs. I don't have an accurate scale but I'll take it to work and weigh the powerhead dry w/o sprocket cover and report.
Next, it uses steel spring anti-vibe. It comes with outboard 3 shoe clutch and 7 pin .325 pitch rim sprocket. Wow! Replaceable aluminum chain catcher. Lateral chain adjustment. Adjustable oiler.
Then, bolt on cylinder, not clamshell. Removable transfer covers. MAGNESIUM case and sprocket cover (both stamped with "Mg"). Dual mounted brake flag that stays with the saw when removing sprocket cover, similar to some Husqvarnas.
Primer bulb and seperate choke and on/off toggle switch with automatic high speed idle on the choke.
Tooless airfilter cover with nylon mesh filter. It pulls air in from the back of plastic housing sorrounding the carb between where the choke and switch are mounted, but has a reversible shutter to pull heated air from the engine. Will have to see how clean the filter stays but suspect this will not be as good as current Stihl/Husqvarna designs.
Fully adjustable H and L carb with D shaped adjusters. Walbro carb.
Compression release.
Plastic handle(s).
Have not started the saw yet. I will test and perform some timed cuts with my other 50cc saws and report. By horsepower should be real close to Dolmar PS540.
Did find that someone broke or cut the chain brake band and stripped out one of the screw heads needing to be removed for repair. Got the screw drilled out and ordered a new band.
These saws are rated at 3.2-3.4 Hp (depending on where I've found data), so it will be interesting to see how she runs. I think it may have good potential for mods as well.
Might prove to be a well constructed saw for its price. Also comes new with a 7 year consumer warranty.
I've been wanting to look at a CS51EAP but no one had one in stock. Most of the online reviews I take with a grain of salt, especially with chainsaws, so I wanted to see first hand. I bought a lightly used one online and wanted to start a good review of the saw. I know, made in China.
It arrived today. First thing I noticed is its not as heavy as I was expecting based on the specs. I don't have an accurate scale but I'll take it to work and weigh the powerhead dry w/o sprocket cover and report.
Next, it uses steel spring anti-vibe. It comes with outboard 3 shoe clutch and 7 pin .325 pitch rim sprocket. Wow! Replaceable aluminum chain catcher. Lateral chain adjustment. Adjustable oiler.
Then, bolt on cylinder, not clamshell. Removable transfer covers. MAGNESIUM case and sprocket cover (both stamped with "Mg"). Dual mounted brake flag that stays with the saw when removing sprocket cover, similar to some Husqvarnas.
Primer bulb and seperate choke and on/off toggle switch with automatic high speed idle on the choke.
Tooless airfilter cover with nylon mesh filter. It pulls air in from the back of plastic housing sorrounding the carb between where the choke and switch are mounted, but has a reversible shutter to pull heated air from the engine. Will have to see how clean the filter stays but suspect this will not be as good as current Stihl/Husqvarna designs.
Fully adjustable H and L carb with D shaped adjusters. Walbro carb.
Compression release.
Plastic handle(s).
Have not started the saw yet. I will test and perform some timed cuts with my other 50cc saws and report. By horsepower should be real close to Dolmar PS540.
Did find that someone broke or cut the chain brake band and stripped out one of the screw heads needing to be removed for repair. Got the screw drilled out and ordered a new band.
These saws are rated at 3.2-3.4 Hp (depending on where I've found data), so it will be interesting to see how she runs. I think it may have good potential for mods as well.
Might prove to be a well constructed saw for its price. Also comes new with a 7 year consumer warranty.