dolmar saws

[ely]

how does the dolmar brand compare in quality to stihl and husky. are they typically more heavy when compared to similar sized saws. and lastly are they cheaper in price than the other two brands mentioned. thanks in advance.

[Chris J]

The new Dolmar 5100 has impressed a lot of folks, and the 7900 is highly regarded (some folks had problems with the oiler, but I think that it has been resolved on the newer ones).  There are several recent lengthy threads on another site, but I'm not sure if it's okay to mention it.  Several of the guys here are familiar with Dolmar.

[ComputerUser]

I think that most would agree that their products have a long and respectable track record of quality.  Their current crop of saws are no exception.

The two saws that have generated the most press have been the 7900 and 5100, both of which offer excellent power-to-weight ratios.  The 7900 is considered by a couple builders who post here and on the other site (oh heck, arboristsite.com, no harm in saying it since everybody who posts on one posts on the other anyway) to be the equal of Stihl and Husqvarna, with the added bonus of being a bit lighter than the equivilent saw from the other guys (Stihl 460, Husqvarna 385).  The smaller brother of the 7900, the 6400, has been the main rental saw at Home Depot rental centers for the past few years and they have had favorable experiences with the saws, durability-wise.

The 5100, the other Dolmar saw getting lots  of attention, seems poised to run with or beat the Husqvarna 346 and Stihl 260.  All who have used one, and I haven't yet, have found it to be faster than either of those two saws.  50cc and 4hp in an 11lb package is a nice setup.

As for price, the 7900 can be had for under $600 for the powerhead, a substantial savings over the 7900's Husqvarna or Stihl competitor.  Baileys is currently selling the Makita-badged version for $599.  I bought my 7900 for less than that from a local dealer.  The 5100 seems to be going for a bit under $400, though I was quoted "$350 or so" from my dealer a while back, but that was even before he had them on the shelf.  Both of these saws are really good values.

I would happily recommend Dolmar saws to anyone who was in the market for a saw.  Their entire lineup seems to be made up of some good, solid machines.

[Al_Smith]

 Recently I had the pleasure of operating a 5100,at a gathering of chainsaw enthusiests[GTG].This little saw impressed me.It's quite peppy.
In the smaller wood we were cutting,I would say it cut nearly as fast as my 038 Stihl,perhaps faster.Light as a feather,lots of power,it would make a great firewood saw.
  The 7900 is also a powerful ,mid size saw. Some would classify it as a large saw but I personaly don't consider a saw as large until over 100 cc.

[sawguy21]

I pulled wrenches at a Sachs-Dolmar dealership and was impressed with their products. Glad to hear they have maintained their standards.

[ely]

thanks for all the responses, one more ?. does the 5100 saw have 3/8 chain on it.

[ehp]

yes the 5100 does come with 3/8's chain on it, it can come with either .325 or a 18 inch bar with 3/8's chain on it . The 5100 is the most powerful 50cc saw out there and they work very well. The 7900 is also another great saw with lots of power

[ronwood]

I bought the Dolmar 109. Seems to cut well. Nice saw for smaller trees.

Ron

[GlennG]

I just bought 3 Dolmar saws this week(Tree Service). 7300,6400and 5100. From what i have researched the Dolmars are smoothe, powerfull and reliable. High HP for their weight. I am switching over from the orange and white saws. I feel the changes Stihl has made to their products in the last 3 years have been a step backward..plus I`m not happy with the pricing. I think Dolmar is the best next thing. A lot of bang for the buck in my op. My .02 ymmv

Glenn

[ehp]

I have built alot of 7900's and they are one tough saw , have done a couple 6400's and the same for them, the 5100 seems like a great saw but cannot say how long they will last cause they are just to new but zero problems with them so far.

One thing I do really like about the dolmars are this
they make alot of there saws using the same parts so this cuts down on the dealer having to carry so many different parts

[Al_Smith]

   

One thing I do really like about the dolmars are this
they make alot of there saws using the same parts so this cuts down on the dealer having to carry so many different parts

That is a novel idea.McCulloch did it years ago.Too bad Stihl doesn't subscibe to that theory.

[sawguy21]

That is a novel idea.McCulloch did it years ago.Too bad Stihl doesn't subscibe to that theory.

:D :D :D Stihl has gotten better, believe it or not. When I started working on them in the 70's, almost every model was a unique design and parts inventory was a dealer's worst headache

[Chris J]

I'm giving this a bump since there's a new post asking about Dolmar saws.

[Ianab]

Here's hoping you are right about the Dolmars  :D

I ordered a 7900 today to help me attack some big cypress trees over the summer.
Significantly cheaper than an equivalent Stihl, and hopefully just as good.

I've got a nice small (18") Silky Oak to remove for Lil's mum over Christmas, so that will give me a chance to try it out before the big mission. ;)

Ian - and feeling significantly poorer now  :-\

[Ianab]

New toy 




I've not even got any sawdust on it yet though.
It does seem very well balanced, fairly light for 80cc and runs nice and smooth.
Now I just need a fine day and some trees  ;D


Cheers

Ian

[Captain]

Congrats Ian, you'll not be disappointed.  Was that saw
"merry Christmas to Me"??


Captain

[SawTroll]

......
One thing I do really like about the dolmars are this
they make alot of there saws using the same parts so this cuts down on the dealer having to carry so many different parts

I have no problem seeing your point, but they are not alone in doing so.
The down side to it is that saws with very different engine size and power output are equally large and weight the same, like 6400 vs. 7900.
One result is that they are lacking a competetive saw in the 60 cc class. :(

[Rocky_J]

I have no problem seeing your point, but they are not alone in doing so.
The down side to it is that saws with very different engine size and power output are equally large and weight the same, like 6400 vs. 7900.
One result is that they are lacking a competetive saw in the 60 cc class.

In this area the 60cc class is not popular with the pros. Most use a 50cc saw and a 70+cc saw. The only people buying the 60cc saws are the homeowner types who do a lot of cutting but only want to buy one saw. IMO the 60cc saws are too big for limbing and too small for cutting big wood.

I think Dolmar has produced a couple saws that will change the way most people think about chainsaws and chainsaw manufacturers. For the last 20 years Stihl has been on top of the list with Husqvarna right there next to them. For most pros nothing else was even close. Today we have a couple new saws from Dolmar that blow away both of them in 2 of the most popular pro categories. In another 5 years the 5100 and 7900 just may be the new 'industry standard' for others to target.
8)

[SawTroll]

 8)
Rocky, I have understood that the 60 cc class is not very popular among pro users in North America, and I understand why.
However, there are other markets where the picture may be different.

[Chris J]

Another bump for the folks who might have missed this thread.