Dolmar 510, Jonsered 2159 or....?

I was in a similar spot a few years ago. I went with the Dolmar 5100, now it's a 5105 IIRC. Very good, light, and pretty darn quick. Then I picked up a Makita (Dolmar) 6401 from Home Depot used, $300.... Heavy, but quick and bullet proof. I see Baily's is at ~$600 for the 6421, it is the 2011 EPA compliant version of the 6401.

I really like the 5100 for a one saw plan. I may spend on the piston and cyl to up the 6401 to 79CCs one day. It is verygood, but on very large very dead trees I still get impatient.

I cut 8-12 cord a year plus volenteering at church and the like. For as seldom as one really NEEDS a saw, I would spend on the 5105 or 6421. You will thank yourself often ; )

It is a real blessing getting the cutting done quickly and easily. Then I'm still fit to load out!

ATB,
Mike P

I'd scrap the 510 if you wanna run a 20" bar with speed.

The 2159 is the same as the husky 359, which is basically the 357XP (cutting speed wise). Should be a good one, unless you want to step up to a 70cc

If you want speed in a Stihl then get away from the 290-390 series and get into a MS361/361 or bigger. Not fair to compare a 290/390 (low rpm) to a Husky 357XP or it's evil red twin.

I have a 20" bar on my Jonsered 2152. Gets the job done but there is a huge difference when you jump to the 70cc class.

MasterMech said:

If you want speed in a Stihl then get away from the 290-390 series and get into a MS361/361 or bigger. Not fair to compare a 290/390 (low rpm) to a Husky 357XP or evil red twin.

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The 390 MUST be muffler modded..... if so, it will hang right with the 361. Also the 2159 is the 359 Husky. The 2156 is the 357XP in red. I guess what I am saying is the 390 should compete with the 2159/359, as technically "non pro" saws, but due to being super choked up, it doesn't..... but that can be easily fixed!

For comparison, my old muffler modded 039 had noticeably more strength than the 036 I owned for a while.

I would skip the Dolmar 510. Just not enough.

How big are the trees you're encountering? The Makita/Dolmar 64 CC is a very solid saw. I don't run Husky's, but my buddies that do run commercial huskys don't spend time in the shop unless thet drop something on the saw. The 2159/359 is a fine choice. Stihl 362 is a fine saw but I'm not spending the extra cash for the name when Dolmar does the same job for me

The small saws are in my opinion not worth considering. The big saws mentioned are all pretty solid performers.
Mike P

Tansao said:

Started burning last year and my 16" 30sicc HD Poulan isn't cutting it.

I'm looking to cut a 6-8 cord of log length + scrounges each year. I've been looking at the 50+cc range o saws that can pull a 20" chain, cut fast and be reliable.

Local Dolmar dealer only has a 510 remaining in stock, with other dealers saying they haven't been able to get them imported due to new EPA regs. Price was about $360 or so. Talked to another dealer and he recommended the Jonsered 2159 for $500 with a 20" bar on it.

I've used a Stihl 290 and 390, (and an old Partner that is, I am afraid, past repair) and was not impressed with their cutting speed.

Are either of the Dolmar or Jonsered what I should be looking at, or something else?

Thanks!

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If you're not "impressed" with the "cutting speed" of a 290 or a 390 then no 50cc tickler will impress you either no matter what color it is.

EDIT - take a look at the new 291. It's over a pound lighter than the 290 and I'm betting it runs a little harder too

Tansao said:

How does a Makita 6421 stack up with these if I went a little extra to $600? Far and beyond or just kinda better than a Dolmar 510?

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I have run neither saw, but the 510 is analogous to a big Poulan. The 6421 is a real life, no bullsh_t professional grade saw that will cut circles around any 50cc saw - especially a cut-rate 50cc saw like the 510.

I have not run the new 6421, but if I had to keep only one, it would be the 6401. It is a solid performer, boringly dependable.

If you want to own just one saw then 50cc is just about perfect. However I recomend 2 saws for greater flexibilty. 1 45cc and 1 70cc. The 5100 is a great saw and I've owned several of them but if you should need a P&C there is no after market and they are expensive. I would look in Baileys and see what they offer for top end kits. That 6400 deal is pretty sweet and would all you would ever need. Then top it off with a limbing saw.