Author Topic: MAKITA Chainsaws (Read 1612 times)

Jerry · « **on:** November 23, 2011, 07:01:40 pm »

Was wondering if any of you members have used one or knew anything about them. Thanks; Jerry

Mooseherder · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2011, 07:34:18 pm »

Orange Depot rents them or at least they used to.
I've never seen them for sale there.
You may be able to try and see if you like them by renting one.
My neighbor had rented one from there and scared me with the way he was operating it.
I told him so and offered to finish his task and he was more than happy to oblige.
The chain was shot by his abuse and there wasn't any oil in the oil tank.
The saw ran fine though.

Cut4fun · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2011, 08:01:32 pm »

Makita is Dolmar chainsaw in blue.

nmurph · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2011, 10:39:04 pm »

Quote from: Cut4fun on November 23, 2011, 08:01:32 pm

Makita is Dolmar chainsaw in blue.

Yep, buy with the confidence that they are as good as, or better than, a Stihl or Husqvarna.

NCFarmboy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2011, 08:23:50 am »

Quote from: nmurph on November 23, 2011, 10:39:04 pm

Quote from: Cut4fun on November 23, 2011, 08:01:32 pm
Makita is Dolmar chainsaw in blue.

Yep, buy with the confidence that they are as good as, or better than, a Stihl or Husqvarna.

Got 2-6401's Makita/Dolmar saws, 4-5100S Dolmar, 1-510 Dolmar saws and 1 Solo 665 (stroked 6401). Like nmurph said!
Shep

Meadows Miller · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2011, 08:32:29 am »

Gday

I used the 64cc Dolkita the whole time I was overthere and it was a bloody great saw

I might get one of each 1 64 and another with the Big Bore Kit just to see how they go for the price of them I dont think you could go wrong Mate

Regards Chris

Al_Smith · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2011, 08:36:39 am »

Quote from: Cut4fun on November 23, 2011, 08:01:32 pm

Makita is Dolmar chainsaw in blue.

Indeed they are .My neighbor has a 60 cc model ,the number escapes me .He loaned it to a buddy whe sent it back broke .I turned him on to Scott (chainsawR) who sent some of the nicest orange parts to repair it .

Runs fine but just to show him I got out out a 60 cc Stihl and "learned " him a tad what a modified saw is all about . No big deal but saying that the "Blue Dolmar " is a nice saw .

Corley5 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 24, 2011, 11:17:02 pm »

The mounts on the large frame Dolmar/Makitas are weak. They don't hold up and at ten bucks a piece and the downtime I won't buy another one just for that reason. I also had a wrist pin come out of 7900. It shouldn't have. It trashed the jug, piston, and rod. Ruined it for the most part. The saw didn't have that many hours on it. Also had oiler issues with the same saw. We're still running a 7300 and a 7900 and keep mounts on hand but will go back to Jonsereds the moment these are done in. I liked the saws when we demoed them but have been disappointed to say the least.

Hanson · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2011, 05:40:11 pm »

I own a 6401 blue saw, I absolutely love it, good power and handling. My cousin owns the same saw (orange model) and loves his as well, the only thing I would stay away from is the new models with a cat, the new denotation for that model is the 6421, I would definitely buy another 6401. Hanson

Corley5 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 26, 2011, 08:41:35 pm »

Are you Makita/Dolmar advocates using them as production saws or weekenders

In production work in northern hardwood cutting sawtimber and pulp it's my experience that they don't measure up to Jonsereds/Huskys or yes even Stihls

The price is right on them for sure but you get what you pay for. The price advantage is quickly lost buying mounts and in downtime changing them. It's no big deal to change one either but it's something that shouldn't have to be done this often. It's not uncommon to replace a couple a week. Ten bucks each plus labor and lost production adds up fast. The saw that lost the wrist pin could have been fluke. Lemons are present in all brands. The mounts are a proven flaw to the point that the dealer I bought them from has quit pushing them for just that reason. I'm not the only logger that's not happy with them. Dolmars failed the test for my outfit. I wanted to like them too

saltydog · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2011, 07:28:17 am »

I agree with corleys .cutting big hardwood everyday will tell what kind of saw it is.It will suck the life out of a saw .for most people it would be fine.for me ill stick with my 390xps or jonsered 2186s there tough to kill.a good 372xp is tough to beat .

jimdad07 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2011, 12:27:29 am »

Quote from: Corley5 on November 26, 2011, 08:41:35 pm

Are you Makita/Dolmar advocates using them as production saws or weekenders In production work in northern hardwood cutting sawtimber and pulp it's my experience that they don't measure up to Jonsereds/Huskys or yes even Stihls The price is right on them for sure but you get what you pay for. The price advantage is quickly lost buying mounts and in downtime changing them. It's no big deal to change one either but it's something that shouldn't have to be done this often. It's not uncommon to replace a couple a week. Ten bucks each plus labor and lost production adds up fast. The saw that lost the wrist pin could have been fluke. Lemons are present in all brands. The mounts are a proven flaw to the point that the dealer I bought them from has quit pushing them for just that reason. I'm not the only logger that's not happy with them. Dolmars failed the test for my outfit. I wanted to like them too

I am a weekend production cutter if it makes much sense plus I am a miller cutting quite a bit. I am cutting firewood for five families up here in the northeast, mostly oak, maple, beech and yellow birch. As for the saw mill I am running a 9010 Dolmar that gave me some issues out of the box but they were all taken care of under warranty, I wasn't happy about it but it has been bullet proof ever since. As for firewood cutting, I am running a 6400 and an old 120si that I ported. I have a bunch of other saws including Stihls and these Dolmars are the first saws that I go for when I cut. I like how they handle and so far they have served me very well, even the close to 20 year old ported 120si (68cc). I feel that they are well built but are seriously lacking in the dealer network which is a a big con but I like the saws well enough to not let that bother me too much. I like pretty much most makes of saws but I still choose these over any of the others. It is a shame that you have had the problems with them that you have, hard to keep faith in a brand when you are having those issues.

acco1840 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2011, 01:15:54 am »

I used a demo version of the Makita 78CC one for cutting commercial Firewood. Looks like a battery drill

but goes like a beauty.
Only thing I didn't like was that running a 20 inch bar, It gave me mega bad backache. Replaced it with 25 inch and had no more problems. Would buy one tomorrow, but dont have a spare $1299 at the moment.

nmurph · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:12:30 am »

The upper rear AV mount has been redesigned and I don't think it will pull apart. Besides, I have seen AV's on every brand be yanked out by gorillas who think they are using a axe not a saw.

Corley5 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2011, 09:21:05 am »

The springs fatigue and break in too short a time. The mounts don't pull apart. It happens with every mount on the saws. A Jonsered 2171 seldom breaks mounts doing the very same work. The guys running these saws are professional experienced cutters. They like them in all aspects except the mount issues. The saws do handle and perform well. It's the downtime from the mounts that seals their fate. I'll never buy another and surely wouldn't recommend them to anyone. I've always had great service from Jonsered and Huskys and it was a mistake to stray from them.

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2011, 10:05:59 am »

I've had the same issue as Corley with AV mounts in a production felling situation on a 6401 Makita with a 7900 top end on it. Still have the saw but it is saved for a backup to my backup saws and use it occasionally for bucking up firewood.

Jerry · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:15:20 pm »

I want to thank everyone that has commented on this I have decided to get a 372XP with a 24" bar I think it will do just fine for what I want. Thanks Jerry

Corley5 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:19:13 pm »

You'll be more than happy with that saw

Adam916 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 13, 2011, 12:49:47 am »

Quote from: acco1840 on December 03, 2011, 01:15:54 am

I used a demo version of the Makita 78CC one for cutting commercial Firewood. Looks like a battery drill but goes like a beauty.
Only thing I didn't like was that running a 20 inch bar, It gave me mega bad backache. Replaced it with 25 inch and had no more problems. Would buy one tomorrow, but dont have a spare $1299 at the moment.

If that saw is $1,299 I would just buy a Dolmar 7900 80.3cc and cost right around $700 otd. Makita chainsaws are made by Dolmar so I would guess they are close to the same saw?

acco1840 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 20, 2011, 07:51:31 pm »

ADAM916: It sure is the same saw. However, her in Australia we seem to pay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much for all saws compared with the rest of the world....Not too sure whay as our $$ is at parity with the US.

Corley5 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 20, 2011, 10:30:57 pm »

I paid 580.00 ea. for my 7900s and 525.00 for the 7300. They weren't even worth it at those prices

w8ye · « **Reply #21 on:** December 20, 2011, 11:39:20 pm »

I have five Dolmar's including two 7900's.

I like them very well and have not had any trouble with them but I'm just a casual firewood guy.

Dolmar Dealer support is great in this area. There are several to choose from within 20 miles

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Author Topic: MAKITA Chainsaws (Read 1612 times)