Recommendations on a shmedium sized saw

[GreenwoodCA]

I currently own an Echo CS330-T and a Makita DCS6401. I use the echo for cuts where I need to climb and skirting conifers. The Makita is good for most everything else, but it’s a bit heavy for my 115lb wife. So I’m looking for something in between. Maybe a 421/4300???

My main considerations are weight for a saw ~40-50cc and not being made in china. I’m buying new, so please keep the suggestions to current saws.

Again, WEIGHT is my most important consideration.

Thanks!

 

[computeruser]

Husqvarna 545 with 13” or 16” bar. Great in-between saw for ya!

 

[holeycow]

Dolmar 421
Makita ea4300

Same saw.

Those who have them love them. Those who don’t , don’t know.

Oops! I guess it fails slightly in the power/weight ratio.

Which matters not at all when you actually run it and realize it is a lightweight, small bore saw that actually has torque.

 

[GreenwoodCA]

I think the 421 isn’t a current model anymore..? The husky 545 and dol 421 are both 10.8# for the power head.

Am I better off pumping up the CS330-T and saving my money? Are there good mods that produce actual torque gains for these little dudes?

 

[Ozhoo]

or a Husqvarna 543 if you don't mind Japanese.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

They still make the 421, but I think it's called a Makita EA4300. Also there's one for sale on AboristSite right now. Might not be a big deal, but they used to be made in Germany. Now it's China. I don't know where the one on OP E is made. Good price though. I have one and it's a great saw.

 

[grack]

Echo 490
Had mine for two year's now
Good saws
I like the 421s too

 

[blsnelling]

MS261C or MS241C

 

[GreenwoodCA]

Those stihls are 11.5lbs for power head alone. Definitely on the heavy side.

MS261C or MS241C

 

[TreeswingerPerth]

Husqvarna 550xp handles like a dream and fast .

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Those stihls are 11.5lbs for power head alone. Definitely on the heavy side.

The 241 power head weighs 9.9#.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

Echo CS-400. Muffler mod and retune and it will hold its own against anything close in size. Light, easy to handle and $300.

 

[HarleyT]

115lb wife

Wow!! My wife wears shoes heavier than that!!!

 

[GreenwoodCA]

Haha, to each their own!

 

[GreenwoodCA]

Wow!! My wife wears shoes heavier than that!!!

Your wife must have some monster hip flexors to lift those shoes up off the ground.

 

[HarleyT]

She has some monster other parts too!

 

[Deleted member 149229]

She has some monster other parts too!

Be nice. She’s self conscious about how everybody stares at that pair. I have to admit tho, those are a pair of impressive ears.

 

[Vibes]

I love my EA4300. I'm running a 20 inch bar on it right now to relieve that bend over factor a little. The saw rocks with this set-up. I find myself grabbing this saw before most that I have.

 

[Bobby Kirbos]

Echo 490
Had mine for two year's now
Good saws
I like the 421s too

+1 on the 490

 

[GreenwoodCA]

The ms241c would be sweet at that weight, but they aren’t by any means inexpensive!