Dolmar 5100s - Stihl MS290 - Husky 455

[WOODBUTCHER]

Looking to replace my old Craftsman 42cc 18"
Need more power and I would like to speed up my cutting time on the grapple loads.

Wanted to know everyones feedback on the following saws:

Dolmar 5100s
STIHL MS 290
Husky 455


WoodButcher

 

[kevin j]

apples and oranges.
5100 is comparable to 026/260. 280 & 290 is more homeowner midrange. Great saws but not as high rpm, heavier. weight means alot when limbing.

 

[johnsopi]

I have the MS310 and the 5100S the 5100 is the hand down winner.

 

[zzr7ky]

I went with dolmar 5100 last year. I would do it again. Light, easy to get along with.

ATB,
Mike P

 

[carpniels]

Hi,

if the 5100 is comparable to the MS260, then you should compare it to the Husky 346XP. The dealer told me last week those last two saws are direct competitors.

I have the 346XP and cant say enough good things about. Make sure you check that out too.

carpniels

 

[bartlett920]

Read Husky 455 thread I have a 455 and it has enough power to do most farm stuff and pretty heavy cutting but it is no logger saw. I am happy with mine and I pobably cut 8-10 cords of Hedge a year and 100 hedge posts. I give the saw a 8/10 it is kinda heavy no limber

 

[Highbeam]

The price issue is significant. The 5100S is a 400$ saw or even a few bucks less. The pro model saws from other makers are significantly more money.

 

[pinewoodburner]

The Rancher is not in the same class as the 5100. Get the 5100 unless $ is an issue. I have the rancher but I paid $300 for it new. If it was list price at $380, get the 5100. The Rancher is a good saw, but it is heavy and it is a homeowner saw.

 

[fullbore]

The 5100 is the best of the three. I owned a Stihl 390 which is a faster saw for only a few extra bucks and weighs exactly the same as the 290.

 

[Gooserider]

Agreed, the Dolmar 5100 is a serious "Pro-grade" saw, the Rancher is at best a high end consumer grade saw... I just wished Dolmar hadn't gotten stupid a couple weeks ago and clamped down on places like Amicks that were selling online at decent prices and giving fantastic service...

It might also be worth looking at the "Makita" 6400 - this is a Dolmar 6400 in blue, apparently at a lower price... (This is the saw that Home Depot and Lowes use for rental saws, along with many other places, which IMHO says something good about their value right there)

Gooserider

 

[Stlshrk]

I love my MS361. The 20" bar it came with is nice for some jobs, but I usually use the 16" on the avg job.