Makita 6401?

[BCSquatchy]

I've been actively looking for a new(to me) saw for a little while. I stumbled across a makita 6401 on CL. It seems like it fits what I'm looking for which is 60+ cc pro saw. I've never used anything but stihls in the past, this one is listed for $400 with mix, bar oil has a new chain, filter, and spark plug. Anyone have real world experience with these? How's it compare to a ms-362? Will service parts be available long term? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[BrotherBart]

Same saw as the Dolmer and here is the movie.

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[BCSquatchy]

Pretty convincing. How easy are parts to come by? Especially long term.

 

[Dairyman]

Its a good saw. Has more power than a 362. But weighs more as well since its a 64cc cylinder on a 70cc chassis. You can easily put the 79cc top end on it and make the 70cc Stihl and huskys scurry away in fear.

 

[BrotherBart]

Pretty convincing. How easy are parts to come by? Especially long term.

Don't know. But I have bought a couple of parts for my 1991 65cc Poulan, with over a hundred cords under it's belt, on eBay in the last four years.

Big parts. One air filter and and a fuel cap because the not thought of back then etythnol fuel swelled the gas cap.

 

[TreePointer]

Actually, although the saws differ in displacement, the 362 and 6401 saws have essentially the same horsepower (4.69hp vs 4.7hp, respectively). The 6401 is a bit bulky and on the heavy side for its displacement, so I'd choose the 362--setting cost aside, of course. As mentioned, putting the 79cc P&C on a 6401 makes it a fantastic ~80cc saw if that's what you want (I did it).

Makita 6401 = Dolmar 6400. Makita 6421 is the current version and has a CAT muffler. Both models have been used extensively as a rental saw at Home Depot rental centers.

The Dolmar 6400/7300/7900 family of saws are essentially the same saw but differ in piston & cylinder. Their parts are available lots of places online.

 

[BCSquatchy]

Sounds like it's a good saw just a bit heavy, and serviceable for years to come.

I've checked around, 400 seems like the going rate used on ebay, etc. you all agree?

Thanks for the insight.

 

[TreePointer]

Every now ant then, Home Depot gets rid of their older rental saws. Some have been able to get their hands on a used 6401/6421 for $200-300. To get one you need to have a Home Depot with a rentals department in your area, and your timing needs to be right when you ask. Me? I had trouble getting a used Home Depot saw, so I bought a new 6401 for ~$470 to my door, but that was about four years ago.

Since you can buy online a brand new 6421 (same saw as 6401 but with catalytic muffler) for $559 and free shipping, I'd say $400 is little steep for a used 6401. If I were able to confirm that it's in very good condition, I'd consider the 6401 at that price if I needed that class of saw. Note that eBay prices for used saws are usually high.

 

[Babaganoosh]

It's a great saw. I've got an stihl 036 and a dolmar 6421. The dolmar is heavier but outcuts the 036. I got it as a home depot rental for 250. When I get around to it I'm putting the 79cc top end on it. That's my 2 saw plan.

 

[computeruser]

It's a great saw, whether it is in stock 64cc form or if you drop a 7910 piston/cylinder onto it later. It is definitely heavier and bulkier than the 362, but depending on your use, the bulk may or may not matter to you. I own a few of them, including heated handle versions, and think they're great saws.

Parts are easy to get online, in addition to through the Dolmar and Makita parts distribution channels.