Dolmar 7900 ?

[BLOCKHEAD22]

I am cutting with a Sthil 064, With a 20" bar it cuts like a monster, but it is getting old and I would like a back up saw. Baileys is advertising a Makita DCS 6401 for 540$ or 640$ with a 84cc upgrade. Research has revealed that the saw is a repainted Dolmar 6400. Is anyone familiar with the 6400 Dolmar? Is this a pro model? How would you rate it? My local dealer sells Husqvarna, How would this Dolmar compare? My local guy is recommending a Husky 372xp with an $800 price tag.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[smokinj]

that husky is a 70cc saw the dolmer a 80cc saw both great saws. The dolmar or the upgraded 6401 are pro saws and will hold there own.

 

[DMX_512]

I recently got a Makita 6401 (Dolmar 6400) from my local Home Despot Rental Department. It was less than a year old and cost me around $212 out the door. I recently got done noodling up some 25" to 30"+ oak as well as this Beech

 

[DMX_512]

oh duh.....That is a 24" bar on it now. It cut pretty well through the big stuff. I will eventually put the Dolmar 7900 piston and jug kit on it though. That can be had here

Edge and Engine

 

[wendell]

The 6401 is a fine saw and I'm sure the 84cc upgrade is Bailey's non-OEM Big Bore kit. I think you have to do it yourself?

If you have a HD somewhere nearby, see if you can snatch up one of their used 6401's. That is just a heck of a deal!

 

[kevin j]

search on arboristsite.com
ton of threads on the 7900, and on the conversion
I have an ex HD rental, makita 64 cc bodywork, upgraded with 79 cc OEM top end. well worth it. 64 is good saw for the money. 79 just has the same weight and a lot more power.
Ideal: an HD straight gassed saw with bad top end, then replace the top end anyway with a 79 cc OEM set. almost impssible to find coming off HD rental, just have to be in the right place at the right time.
Lots of 64 cc on ebay and inet.
nice saw. smooth, light (for 80 cc), powerful. I am guessing not the life span of the 460 or 372 under all day everyday use, but will certainly outlast my lifetime.

Love mine.
bulky for limbing (I have other saws much better and more pleasant at that), but for a one saw plan it does it all pretty well.

Jury is still out on the quality and lifespan of the aftermarket 84 cc kit. brad had an review of the assembly process on AS.

 

[DMX_512]

Yes, the Makita 6401 is a really great deal and I am very happy with it. I already have a 50cc saw and bought this with the intention of putting the Dolmar 7900 piston and jug on it. Edge and Engine (sponsors on the "other" site) also carry the OEM 6400 piston and jug. Everything I have read about the OEM 7900 is that it is just a straight swap. No carb adjustments or anything like that. I have not read any reviews on the Baileys big bore kit.

 

[carbon neutral]

6401 is kind of heavy and under powered for its weight. The 7900 is a much better saw for the same weight. The 7900 is about $650 and stock it will out cut a 372. Best deal is the $200 home depot rental saws, then upgrading to the 7900. You end up spending ~ $400 for a 7900, good luck trying to find one at home depot or finding out when they will be available. I gave up and just bought the 7900. It is a nice saw. Compared to the 359 it replaced it is much more powerful and about as smooth. I did like the controls on the Husqvarna better though.

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