Need some chain saw expertise

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baseroom

Feeling the Heat
Nov 18, 2014
478
Rochester
I want to upgrade from my trusty older saws. I have an old Stihl 015 and a Husky 51 (with a 20"bar). Both still run well and get the job done. I also have a Stihl 020 that i believe the carb is shot on. It goes out of adjustment quickly and then fuel pours out of the muffler. I cut probably 4 full cord a year. Usually nothing bigger than 20". Anyway I'm looking at good used saw now. A 2009 Dolmar PS 5100s or a 2019 Stihl ms 251 c-be. Both saws have been taken care of...the Stihl has seen very little use!
Opinions please!!!
 
I would go with stihl. I have an 025 which is my go-to saw
for my firewood. Light fairly fast and good on fule. I have
faster bigger saws for big work and when I need one but 025 is the one I like
and it has never let me down
 
Forgot to say the stihl is 300. Dolmar 275
 
Dolmars are solid built saws. I think but am not 100% that the bar/chain from your Husky may work on that Dolmar.
If your Husky & Dolly will interchange I would personally go that route. You already have 2 smaller homeowner saws the Dolly would give you two saws that will pull the 20” bar. That way you have a back up saw for each size. The 251 is lighter, smaller cc & less torque than the Dolmar. That my opinion anyway. Unless of coarse you just buy them both...

I have a Dolmar 5105 that I really enjoy running, it has a bit more grunt than my Stihl 261 but it is a bit heavier also.
 
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I have Dolmar's and Stihl's, I'd go with the Stihl. 10 years newer, better balanced. Both good saws, but Stihl is a notch above.
 
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I'd take the Dolmar over the 251 Stihl. It's just a lot more saw, and it makes a superb firewood saw that is honestly capable of pulling 20" bars. I also uses the same bars/chains as your Husqvarna (both k095 bar mount).

I've owned a few 5100s over the years and have found them to be superb and trouble-free. I have no experience with the 251 series of Stihl saws.