Makita EA3601...the most intriguing saw to date

[JMoney]

So how do you guys think the 3601 would compare to something like a Husqvarna 440? On paper they have the same HP and the Makita is half a pound lighter. The 440 is getting on my nerves, always fixing the oiler and stalls out in the cut too easily. If it breaks again I want to have a replacement in mind haha. I guess it comes down to two questions:
-Do you guys like the general usability of this saw? Does it have a decent useful power band? How is the oiler, I like that it's adjustable
-Would you go with this size or a little bigger for a 2-ish saw plan? A lot more power in the 346xp, especially ported, for about 1.5lbs more.

 

[ajschainsaws]

That’s the only way to stop it cuttin wood ha ha

 

[FergusonTO35]

no it isn't a serious name its one I stuck on the thread

Whew, glad to hear it!

 

[LittleLebowski]

.050

Sorry, I was trying to find out how many links.

 

[ajschainsaws]

Sorry, I was trying to find out how many links.

Yes it’s 72 drive links

 

[CoreyB]

Sorry, I was trying to find out how many links.

Oh lol I was thinking Oregon 72 is 3/8 .050

 

[paragonbuilder]

So how do you guys think the 3601 would compare to something like a Husqvarna 440? On paper they have the same HP and the Makita is half a pound lighter. The 440 is getting on my nerves, always fixing the oiler and stalls out in the cut too easily. If it breaks again I want to have a replacement in mind haha. I guess it comes down to two questions:
-Do you guys like the general usability of this saw? Does it have a decent useful power band? How is the oiler, I like that it's adjustable
-Would you go with this size or a little bigger for a 2-ish saw plan? A lot more power in the 346xp, especially ported, for about 1.5lbs more.

So far , bone stock, here are my thoughts. It's very cold blooded, but once warm runs great. It's very light, and can cut through the occasional 10-12" log just fine. I posted some video earlier in this thread. But the oiler isn't meant for it even on full output.
As far as 2 Saw plan, I could do this Saw and a 70-80 cc Saw, but I'm not sure I can do 2 saws again[emoji33]

 

[LittleLebowski]

So far , bone stock, here are my thoughts. It's very cold blooded, but once warm runs great. It's very light, and can cut through the occasional 10-12" log just fine. I posted some video earlier in this thread. But the oiler isn't meant for it even on full output.
As far as 2 Saw plan, I could do this Saw and a 70-80 cc Saw, but I'm not sure I can do 2 saws again[emoji33]

It’s ok, we understand

 

[CoreyB]

So far , bone stock, here are my thoughts. It's very cold blooded, but once warm runs great. It's very light, and can cut through the occasional 10-12" log just fine. I posted some video earlier in this thread. But the oiler isn't meant for it even on full output.
As far as 2 Saw plan, I could do this Saw and a 70-80 cc Saw, but I'm not sure I can do 2 saws again[emoji33]

I would love to see how one responds to porting.

 

[paragonbuilder]

I would love to see how one responds to porting.

Was that a prod...?
You will, you will... life has not left me any time for hobbies lately...

 

[FergusonTO35]

As far as 2 Saw plan, I could do this Saw and a 70-80 cc Saw, but I'm not sure I can do 2 saws again[emoji33]

Sure you can do two saws again. Just make sure you have two or twelve back ups for each one!

 

[JMoney]

So far , bone stock, here are my thoughts. It's very cold blooded, but once warm runs great. It's very light, and can cut through the occasional 10-12" log just fine. I posted some video earlier in this thread. But the oiler isn't meant for it even on full output.
As far as 2 Saw plan, I could do this Saw and a 70-80 cc Saw, but I'm not sure I can do 2 saws again[emoji33]

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by cold blooded? Just that it takes a while to warm up? That seems like at least an annoyance in a saw that will be used brushing and limbing, make a couple cuts, shut it down for a couple minutes, repeat.

I'm not really on a two saw plan right now, but I'm trying to be. I have an old craftsman 36cc that I used for years (maybe I just need to take it out an remind myself what it used to be like before). It was given to me as a "start it and you can have it" project that involved cleaning the air filter and a can of carb cleaner. Then I have the 440 that I bought because it was so much better than the Craftsman, at the time it was one of the best saws I'd ever used, I'd made a couple cuts with a stock stihl 361 but it mostly scared me haha. Now I have a couple pro saws I'm starting to lose patience for the 440. I have a 359 which is rough but I'm just going to try my hand at some porting on it, just because, and I have johnm's ported 630 super with heated handles, which is truly a great saw but a little dated for year-round use (the damn tensioner between the bar and the spike). So eventually I want to have a 70cc saw and upgrade the 440.

So that would really be the 2+ saw plan. 2 saws + an old one I'm waiting for the right person to give it away to, + one to tinker with/drill on, + a heated one. Makes sense right?

 

[FergusonTO35]

The Echo CS-400 would make an excellent replacement for the 440. I love mine, you can get 'em nice and cheap on Fleabay.

 

[paragonbuilder]

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by cold blooded? Just that it takes a while to warm up? That seems like at least an annoyance in a saw that will be used brushing and limbing, make a couple cuts, shut it down for a couple minutes, repeat.

I'm not really on a two saw plan right now, but I'm trying to be. I have an old craftsman 36cc that I used for years (maybe I just need to take it out an remind myself what it used to be like before). It was given to me as a "start it and you can have it" project that involved cleaning the air filter and a can of carb cleaner. Then I have the 440 that I bought because it was so much better than the Craftsman, at the time it was one of the best saws I'd ever used, I'd made a couple cuts with a stock stihl 361 but it mostly scared me haha. Now I have a couple pro saws I'm starting to lose patience for the 440. I have a 359 which is rough but I'm just going to try my hand at some porting on it, just because, and I have johnm's ported 630 super with heated handles, which is truly a great saw but a little dated for year-round use (the damn tensioner between the bar and the spike). So eventually I want to have a 70cc saw and upgrade the 440.

So that would really be the 2+ saw plan. 2 saws + an old one I'm waiting for the right person to give it away to, + one to tinker with/drill on, + a heated one. Makes sense right?

Just on initial startup. Seems fine even after 1/2 hour or so sitting after first warmup.
Plan sounds just fine to me. [emoji41]

 

[CoreyB]

Was that a prod...?
You will, you will... life has not left me any time for hobbies lately...

Nudge. Lol I hate it when life takes away fun time. Hopefully soon it will let you play.
If a ported 3601 could run like a muffler modded 421? It would be a great little saw. Other then the outboard clutch. Lol

 

[ajschainsaws]

 

[Wilhelm]

I like the embossed "Dolmar" on the clutch cover.
The two color scheme is nice looking too.

I'll get one in say 10-20 years or so, when I'm more older and tired and unable to swing my current lineup.

 

[Finnlogger]

Little Dolly at work

 

[Locust Cutter]

That's more tree than I'd care to fell with that saw, but for limbing coniferous wood, it wold be a dream!

 

[ajschainsaws]

Just on initial startup. Seems fine even after 1/2 hour or so sitting after first warmup.
Plan sounds just fine to me. [emoji41]

yes I've found that too, but after its warm as you say its fine