My "new" 6421 saw from Home Depot...

[branchburner]

... is great! Like a hot knife through butter.

Thanks to everyone who has posted over the past few years regarding Home Depot selling their used rental Makita 6421 chainsaws. I actually got this one a few months back, but just started using it a lot in the past few weeks. What a pleasure.

I had called about five stores before I found one that had a saw, and paid $300 (probably could have gotten one for even less if I had tried). Definitely feels and cuts like the $600 saw it is. Had problems with the idle at first, but once that was fixed it has run fine. Starts easy, cuts great. Hard to believe how different the extra power feels, compared to my beaten and battle-scarred Husqvarna 350 (52 cc vs. 64 cc).

I really like having both my little, light 30 cc Echo (for trimming, limbing, etc.) and the bigger Dolmar/Makita, rather than just having in-between saws in the 40-50 cc range (my backup to the 350 used to be a 42cc Poulan). For anyone considering two saws, big and little, I wish I had gone that way years ago.

Thanks again, hearth.com forum members, for the heads up on how to get a great deal on a solid saw.

 

[D8Chumley]

I tried my local HD about 2 months ago, they said they just sold a few and wouldn't again for a bit. Maybe time to drop by again and check up on that

 

[Jon1270]

For anyone considering two saws, big and little, I wish I had gone that way years ago.

That's exactly where I'm headed, but coming from the other direction; I have a whole bunch, but the novelty is wearing off and two is seeming like the right number in terms of practical utility.

My 6401 was locked up when I got it, so I immediately installed a 79cc top end and never got to try it at 64cc.

 

[jeff_t]

I bought my 6401 three years ago for $194+tax. It had been straight gassed, rebuilt, and rented twice after that when I got it. I haven't touched it except for a real bar and chain.

I already have a 7900, so I've been thinking about dumping it for something smaller and lighter. But definitely one of my best buys.

 

[bassJAM]

Just don't run over it with your truck! I ran over mine after only putting 3 tanks of gas through it, cracking the handle and tank. I tried JB weld, which held for 3 more tanks of gas, but I noticed yesterday that it was leaking just a little bit around the crack. I'm glad I picked up a new handle from a parted out Dolmar a while back, looks like I'll be swapping that in now.

 

[zzr7ky]

I love these in Dolmar or Makita trim. The 2004 6401 got a Dolmat 7900 OEM cyl & piston as soon as I got my 2012 6421. I'll admit the 7900 has the biggest "Grin Factor" throwing showers of chips that quickly cover one's boots but the 6421 with a 20" bar of sharp Oregon LGX gets most of the work, especially for bucking.

To those looking. I found several by calling the local Home Depots the first Wednesday of each month. The list of what equipment to sell for what price comes to the stores about then. Offer $30-40 less thatn they're marked price

All the best,
Mike

 

[bassJAM]

I love these in Dolmar or Makita trim. The 2004 6401 got a Dolmat 7900 OEM cyl & piston as soon as I got my 2012 6421. I'll admit the 7900 has the biggest "Grin Factor" throwing showers of chips that quickly cover one's boots but the 6421 with a 20" bar of sharp Oregon LGX gets most of the work, especially for bucking.

To those looking. I found several by calling the local Home Depots the first Wednesday of each month. The list of what equipment to sell for what price comes to the stores about then. Offer $30-40 less thatn they're marked price

All the best,
Mike

I'm curious why you choose the 64cc one to buck vs 79cc? I'm planning on doing the 79cc p&c conversion this winter, because I find that the stock 6421 isn't that much more powerful than my Husqvarna 550xp, so it's not always worth dropping the Husky and going and getting the Makita out of the truck. Looks like you've got a new 50cc'er too, so I'd like to hear how they all compare.

 

[Jutt77]

I'm curious why you choose the 64cc one to buck vs 79cc? I'm planning on doing the 79cc p&c conversion this winter, because I find that the stock 6421 isn't that much more powerful than my Husqvarna 550xp, so it's not always worth dropping the Husky and going and getting the Makita out of the truck. Looks like you've got a new 50cc'er too, so I'd like to hear how they all compare.

IMO, if it was between the 6421 and 550, the 6421 would gather dust and I really liked my 6400 before conversion but the 550 is just that good.

Obviously, there's a noticeable difference with the 7900 vs 550xp for any hardwoods over 12-14" diameter. It's hard to slow that 7900 down (I run a 22" bar). That being said, I REALLY like the weight and limbing capability of the 550xp not to mention not having to adjust the carb when cutting between 5,200-10,000ft. I can run that thing all day where the 7900 starts to feel a bit heavy after a while.

Regardless, the 7900/550xp makes for one heckuva combo!

 

[jeff_t]

I spend more time with the 6401 vs the 7900 simply because I have a 20" on it, and a 28" on the 79.

That's my two saw plan, which is why I'm considering trading it for a smaller saw. For me, I don't notice enough difference from my BIL's MS261, so I'm looking smaller. For the $, I'm really liking the PS-421.

 

[smmjam12]

I got the same saw at my local Home depot about a year ago. Forget what I paid but iot was right around $300.00. I Love it.

 

[Jutt77]

I spend more time with the 6401 vs the 7900 simply because I have a 20" on it, and a 28" on the 79.

That's my two saw plan, which is why I'm considering trading it for a smaller saw. For me, I don't notice enough difference from my BIL's MS261, so I'm looking smaller. For the $, I'm really liking the PS-421.

Yeah, I had an older 026 a while back and found it to be very similar to the 6400. BTW - Off topic but THE best overall beer I've ever had was a Bell's Expedition stout I had a few years ago. Was 3-4 years old. And I'm not even a stout guy really. Two hearted ale is gtg too.

 

[branchburner]

IMO, if it was between the 6421 and 550, the 6421 would gather dust

Since I got the 6421, it's my 350 that's gathering dust... but maybe a 550 is a different story. I don't seem to mind the few extra pounds of the Makita, but really notice the few extra cc's. If I want something lighter I walk right past the 350 and grab my litttle Echo, which really is light... not a lot of power but still very handy.

 

[branchburner]

the 6421 with a 20" bar of sharp Oregon LGX

Maybe I'm loving that chain as much as the saw.
Grabbed a 6-pk on Amazon for $95.

 

[Jutt77]

Since I got the 6421, it's my 350 that's gathering dust... but maybe a 550 is a different story. I don't seem to mind the few extra pounds of the Makita, but really notice the few extra cc's. If I want something lighter I walk right past the 350 and grab my litttle Echo, which really is light... not a lot of power but still very handy.

Yeah not sure. Perhaps I should pickup a used 6421 for research purposes or a 3 saw plan.

 

[BEConklin]

My son-in-law gave me his DCS6401 back in the spring. I haven't used it yet but I hope to be back on my woodlot this October.

 

[zzr7ky]

The 7900 is my favorite but often has 32" bar so I grab the 6421. I love the 5100 for limbs and climbing or walk in work as it is light, fast, and easy on fuel. When doing a lot of bucking the 7900 gets a 20" bar and chips FLY!

 

[Lumberjack]

Great find! look up the 84cc big bore kit if you ever want more power for the same weight. I had two at one point and they were both runners. Fun with a 28" bar.