Author Topic: what do you think of dolmar the company and there products (Read 5459 times)

567paloggger · « **on:** January 28, 2010, 10:18:04 pm »

I just want your views on dolmar durability and company i just bought my first dolmar 5100s today i took it home and cut with it for a hour or so i really liked this saw my buddy swears by them but i never owned a dolmar so i splurged for another saw you dont see the big logging companys or the pro loggers using them the guy who i bought mine from was saying alot of logging companys were switching over to dolmar from the other saw companys i wanted to know what you guys think of the saws

sawguy21 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2010, 10:22:55 pm »

Dolmar started in the 1920's, around the same time as Stihl, and built an excellent reputation. The name disappeared when Makita bought the line from Sachs and is being re introduced. Still a great product but parts supply can be an issue.

Ianab · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2010, 10:55:41 pm »

I have a 7900 that I'm really happy with. That and the 5100s are the two stand out saws they make. The others are perfectly OK, but no better or worse than the average good brand name saws.

Dolmar has been making chainsaws for a long time, and although they are now owned by Makita, Makita are in the business of making good power tools si I would suggest they didn't buy Dolmar to run it into the ground, or sell off cheap junk under the brand name. So they aren't like the new Poulans and Mcullochs

Here in NZ there seems to be a Dolmar dealer on every 2nd street corner. Even the independant Stihl dealers sell them, local power tool shop (Makita dealer), bicycle and lawnmower shop etc.

Ian

ehp · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2010, 11:18:01 pm »

I cut in the bush running 7900's for a while and can honestly say they are pretty strong and can handle a pounding , I like the saw alot .

islandlogger · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2010, 03:13:08 am »

I was in the market to buy a new mid range saw, a forrester friend of mine has been trying to get me into Dolmar for a long time so I borrowed his 5100s and put it through the paces and I gotta tell you, I was surprised! Lot's of bang for the buck in a saw that size, it's comp to the Stihl 390...

islandlogger

peppone · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2010, 04:16:24 am »

I have many Dolmar saws: ps5000, ps7900, ps9000 (my favourite one) and a lot of old dolmar (ca, cc and others). wondering machines. probably better than Husqvarna and at the same level with Sthil.
Don't forget that dolmar invented the chainsaw powered by gasoline in 1927.

joe_indi · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2010, 05:39:07 am »

Cant say much about Dolmar the company.
The oldest chainsaw company.Based in Germany.
Bought over by Makita Japan.
Makita has also taken over the small engines plants of Subaru Robin, whose engines are very dependable, in my opinion, even more dependable than Honda.
The Robin 4 stroke brushcutter engine surprisingly looks very similar to the Stihl engines, except for its oil sump.
I dont know who has been 'cheating'.

The Dolmar-Makita merger could be the beginning of good things to come.

I had a chance recently to try out three of their saws the 6400, 7300 and the 7900.
Performance was very impressive.
After more than 2 months of trials, the only replacement needed was a choke lever that went missing in the field.
I would not be able to say the same of a Stihl or Husky.

Years ago a 372XP that was on trials lost its Starter housing screws in a week, its short circuit wire a couple of days later.And the ignition module lost a screw in a fortnight.

A Stihl MS381 and 360 that were on trials lost their exhaust screws in a few days' time.One of the cylinder screws of the 381 came off in a week.The 360 blew its cylinder gasket in 2 weeks' time.

Compared to that the Dolmar/Makita machines seemed more confidence inspiring with their absence of the bad habit of shedding parts like a performer in a strip joint.

Where they are weak is that they dont have the same cutting system of a Stihl(Bar & saw chain) which give Stihl thatedge over the rest.
Other than that, very good and dependable machines.

Joe

ladylake · « **Reply #7 on:** January 29, 2010, 07:42:38 am »

Good saws, as with any new saw make sure it's not running lean on the high adjuster. Steve

ehp · « **Reply #8 on:** January 29, 2010, 07:59:27 am »

one thing I can tell you to do is make sure you push the decompressure button in on starting the saw , if you donot you will tear the hub out on the rewind after a while but if you use the button you have no trouble , this is on the 7900 as it has more compression that just about any other saw

peppone · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2010, 01:46:44 pm »

my PS9000 iss without compreessor but it's easy to start.

567paloggger · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2010, 05:32:45 pm »

i like my new 5100s i was thinking on buying a second one

567paloggger · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2010, 12:59:18 am »

bump anyone else have there opinion about these saws will they hold up like the stihls and huskys do

ladylake · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2010, 05:30:49 am »

I had a 7900 apart that was set to lean, it's build every bit a good as pro Husky and Stihl saws. Steve

BARPINCHER · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2010, 11:29:54 am »

Quote from: 567paloggger on January 28, 2010, 10:18:04 pm

I just want your views on dolmar durability and company i just bought my first dolmar 5100s today i took it home and cut with it for a hour or so i really liked this saw my buddy swears by them but i never owned a dolmar so i splurged for another saw you dont see the big logging companys or the pro loggers using them the guy who i bought mine from was saying alot of logging companys were switching over to dolmar from the other saw companys i wanted to know what you guys think of the saws

I know several pro loggers that have run them for years. All say just as good or better that Stihl or Husky. Depending on where you are they can be tough to get parts for. Supposedley if you have a dealer for Briggs and Stratton they can get any Dolmar parts as Dolmar and Briggs use the same parts distribution network. The other bonus is the Dolmars are a good bit cheaper to buy. I have ran a 5100 and a 7900 that were a season or two old of one of these loggers and both were easy starting, smooth running , powerful saws.

chipsfly09 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2010, 08:10:01 pm »

I have a 7900 and a 5100 I like them-- My 5100 was acting a bit lean (max rich with limiter on carb screw) after the third tank-- I did some trimming on the limiter cap and gave it a bit more fuel and it is doing fine-- Did have to put a switch on my 7900-- dealer had a box of em so i bought 2.

MOwoodchopper · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2010, 12:06:12 pm »

Best saws their is period

John Mc · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2010, 07:24:20 pm »

I've never had the pleasure of running a Dolmar. Based on the reputation, and what I'd heard here, I almost bought one new last fall, but the only dealer anywhere near me only sells a very limited selection (wouldn't even order me what I wanted). He also has a policy of only servicing what he actually sold (he keeps track of the serial numbers). I'm only comfortable with minor maintenance on my own, so I really appreciat good local support.

Same dealer says he's had problems with the 5100s, so won't sell them anymore. (My bet is, he was probably letting them go out of the shop too lean and they developed problems.)

567paloggger · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2010, 08:22:30 pm »

well my friend who sells husky and dolmar he is a ex logger until opeing his shop on the side of his house he swears by dolmar and likes them more than husky thats all he uses for wood cutting now but the thing is when he retires there is no one who sells or services dolmar around

Rocky_J · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2010, 08:23:25 pm »

Doesn't sound like the kind of dealer you want. $:-\$

motard · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2010, 02:14:19 pm »

Quote from: 567paloggger on February 01, 2010, 12:59:18 am

bump anyone else have there opinion about these saws will they hold up like the stihls and huskys do

Remember, Makita bought out Dolmar years ago, parts for the older ones are hard to find (Makita does not support them)

These 4 are anywhere from 25 to 40+ years old.

They will start on the 2nd or 3rd pull, even when the temp is 0 F.

All have great compression, I think it is often forgotten how nice and innovative Sachs Dolmar was.

des170stihl · « **Reply #20 on:** February 07, 2010, 09:45:02 pm »

First,, The dealer that told you Pros are switching to dolmar is full of B.S. Thats not going to happen in this decade. But I guess what else would you expect him to say. When it was Sachs Dolmar it was a excellent company with excellent products. Dolmar dealers are far and few between so parts and service might be hard to get. And you never know what Makita will do. They are a major electric power tool co. They could dump the Dolmar line to save their power tool Co. The Dolmars I,ve run seem to be pretty good saws but far from being the best there is out in the logging world.

sawguy21 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 07, 2010, 10:59:03 pm »

Dolmar is distributed in NA by the same companies that handle Briggs but the dealers are not necessarily the same. Each has to be signed up by Dolmar to receive product.
Makita killed the brand, they only wanted it to supplement their core business and give the dealers a broader product range. They have recently spun it off into it's own entity, as E-lux did with Husky, and the name is slowly being re built. With the global down turn and soft lumber markets they could not have picked a worse time.

RSteiner · « **Reply #22 on:** February 08, 2010, 06:46:40 am »

I have a couple of years on my 5100S and like the saw, it even survived a fall into a pond in about 3 feet of water (not running). I had two Sachs Dolmars back in the 1980s that performed well.

I have a couple of Husky's that are going on 12 years old and decided to give the newer Dolmar's a try I'm not dissapointed.

Randy

567paloggger · « **Reply #23 on:** February 08, 2010, 08:00:31 pm »

i personally love this little dolmar i dont think ill get another one until the company is more established i also use stihl and husky i cut for a living

logloper · « **Reply #24 on:** February 14, 2010, 11:58:52 am »

I have one 7900,about 3 yrs old; Ran it in the woods for awhile, nice balance but had trouble . When falling large timber,clutch cover can not keep up with chip output and clogs.
Also, use decompression button or pull rope pulley breaks. About a month ago,crank broke in half. Waiting to hear back from saw shop. Also have a 5100. Ran good till 2 weeks ago.Scored piston. Dealer says "What oil are you running?" I run synthetic Woodsman Pro from Baileys in all my saws (11 crew saws) no trouble except with the Dolmars.IMO Husky and Stihl are still the saw of choice for the professional logger

peppone · « **Reply #25 on:** February 14, 2010, 12:26:42 pm »

from my point of view Dolmar is much more for professionals than Husky and at the same level with Stihl.
I've never never never had the problems you describe in the many dolmar saws I use.
just a question: "how per cent oil you put in the fuel?"

logloper · « **Reply #26 on:** February 15, 2010, 09:59:16 pm »

50 to 1 ,mabe a bit heavy on the oil

Bret4207 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2010, 07:37:16 am »

I used to be a Husky/Jonsered dealer-mechanic. When my 266 bit the dust I traded into a Sachs Dolmar 116si. Today I run Husky, Stihl and Sachs Dolmar. The newer Huskys are not as good as the older Sachs and the Stihls are better than Husky today. I'd take my Sachs over both if the parts supply was better. What the new Dolmar/Makitas are like I don;t know, but the older ones were fantastic saws.

rickywashere · « **Reply #28 on:** March 04, 2010, 08:18:00 am »

my dcs520 is great but parts have to be ordered from the net lots here would buy makita/dolmar if parts where available.

nc/sc · « **Reply #29 on:** March 04, 2010, 06:36:34 pm »

Just got my Makita DCS 510 20" in from Bailey's today.
Wow, I'm impressed.
I was a little surprised there was no hole to grease the bar tip.
I was also surprised there was no compression release although the manual shows one.
It was a real bugger to start the first time...no primer bulb, but maybe thats the norm on better saws.
All I've ever had as a hobby "logger" is McCullough or Homelite.
It puts my 20" Homelite 46 cc to shame. The Chinese Homelite has actually been a pretty trouble free saw except for the blade brake mechanism screwing up. I took it all off and kept on going...
Oh yeah the Makita manual says 2 year warranty, their website says 1 year and the box says 3 year

I'm hanging on to the box for, oh, at least 3 years

567paloggger · « **Reply #30 on:** March 04, 2010, 09:42:14 pm »

yea i dont know about them besides i like my 5100s i think they need to get there stuff together and get more shops selling there product and have parts out there seems to me the saw to go with is stihl or husky

tdi-rick · « **Reply #31 on:** March 05, 2010, 04:56:10 am »

Quote from: sawguy21 on February 07, 2010, 10:59:03 pm

[snip]
They have recently spun it off into it's own entity, as E-lux did with Husky, and the name is slowly being re built. With the global down turn and soft lumber markets they could not have picked a worse time.

Where did you get that info ?

There is nothing I can find anywhere about Makita divesting Dolmar and it doesn't make sense, particularly when they are phasing the Dolmar name out in so many international markets and renaming it Makita OPE, buying Fuji-Robin in '07 to expand the OPE line to include their trimmers, etc and assembling the PS/DCS460 and PS/DCS510 saws in the Makita factory in China.

All current info on Makita's corporate website still includes Dolmar as a fully owned subsidiary

John Mc · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2010, 12:54:47 pm »

Quote from: rickywashere on March 04, 2010, 08:18:00 am

lots here would buy makita/dolmar if parts were available.

Dolmar has replaced Husqvarna as the sponsor for the "Game of Logging", at least here in the USA. It will be interesting to see how that pans out. I know a bunch of landowners ended up buying Husky saws after they took the GOL level 1 class (and the ones I saw were buying towards the pro end of the scale, rather than the entry-level models). Dolmar might pick up some sales that way, but they do need a better dealer presence, at least in my area. Not everyone is comfortable working on their own saws. For many, tightening or changing a chain is about as far as they go.

John Mc

windthrown · « **Reply #33 on:** March 05, 2010, 08:26:04 pm »

Well, Dolmar could be the best saw ever made, but becasue of their distribution system here in the PNW, we cannot get them anywhere around here. None of their better saws are on the shelves here anyway. I can rent a Makita DCS saw at Home Depot, but that's about it. No local Dolly dealers and no parts available locally means that they may as well not even exist. Meanwile there are Stihl dealers every 10-30 miles or so from here in any direction for a few hundred miles. I can buy just about any Stihl model product off the shelf in about 20 minutes, tops. I can also get parts, and if need be get the saws and blowers serviced. Cannot do that with Dolmar. I have tried to find the better Dolmar saws here. None of their so-called "dealers" have a PS350, PS420, 5100s, or 7900 in stock. Most could not even order them. I can get Husky stuff as well here, but they are more limited.

So for me its Stihl.

jumpinmp · « **Reply #34 on:** April 11, 2010, 05:07:12 am »

I'm a Husky/Jonsered and Echo dealer in the inland northwest. We used to be a Sachs and Makita dealer back in the day. We are still able to get parts for dolmars/makita using our Briggs & Stratton distributor, but since we're not setup as a dealer with them, we dont' get a discount on parts anymore. Anyhow, we have an Ace Hardware store just down the road from us and they're stocking the new Dolmars (they also have a service shop with 1 mechanic)... the other 2 Ace Hardwares in town have Stihl. Might try an Ace Hardware in your area and see if they are stocking any Dolmars if that's what you're after.

Edit: To answer the original question... Sachs are pretty good/dependable saws, but I don't have much experience working on the newer ones. The older ones tend to leak bar oil no matter what you do. You can go through and replace every single oiler part from the lines to the pump and it won't matter, there's a good chance it's just going to keep on dripping.
(note: I'm not the main mechanic, more of a salesman/minor repair guy, but I pickup a lot of stuff from my techs)

windthrown · « **Reply #35 on:** April 11, 2010, 08:15:35 pm »

Well, there is a Stihl saw and rental shop that has started selling Dolmar saws not too far from here now. Its across the river and a ways on the lower east side of town out in the burbs, but lo, they actually have the 5100s and the 7900 in stock. First pro Dolmar saws I have seen on the shelves around here.

logloper · « **Reply #36 on:** April 22, 2010, 10:40:36 pm »

I finally heard back from the saw shop on my 7900 today. I had so much trouble with it, ( lots of little stuff and then the crank broke off) the company is sending me a brand new one free of charge. I coudnt expect more. I hope this one holds together better, and mabe the broken one was just a lemon. We are going back to work logging in the next few weeks, so I will put it to the test. Wish me luck

rbtree · « **Reply #37 on:** April 23, 2010, 10:49:00 am »

Musta been a lemon...or something happened like a lean seizure....

I have 3 7900's (two are Makita blue 6401's conveted to 7901) The 7900 is probably the second or third to ever be woods ported, and is still as strong as when it was worked over. Some minor issues have been improved..such as the porrly designed starter pulley...and the mesh lined air filter cover than adequately solves the filtration issue, to the point that I haven't bothered getting the new larger filter and cover..which I'm sure are good....

And I have two 5100's, one was ported by Ed Heard, the other muffler modded. They're nice and fast, but the ported one is difficult to start when hot...haven't determined the problem.....don't like the saw as much as my ported 346's, both old and NE......

Corley5 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 25, 2010, 10:42:27 am »

My Jonsered dealer has just brought in Dolmar saws. We test drove a 7900 last winter when he was working on getting the line in and liked the saw a lot. I liked it so much there's new one in the shed right now

The 2186 will be going down the road very shortly

madhatte · « **Reply #39 on:** May 05, 2010, 10:54:37 am »

I really like my Dolmar, and happily recommend them to whoever will listen. Right now I have a 6400 with the Bailey's BB kit on it, and it seems to about pull with a MS660 at significantly less weight. It easily out-pulls my MS460.

Parts/service availability is certainly an issue, and Makita had best get that one figured out. The product is a winner, and they'd be fools to lose out on that market.

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Author Topic: what do you think of dolmar the company and there products (Read 5459 times)