Makita EA5600F review

[Simondo]

Dolmar PS-550 , cold start , my starting technique is less than perfect , I am still getting used to the easy start.

Bit of a longer pull to get more than 1 bump when cold and you should find a cough on the 2nd or 3rd pull from dead cold ...you found yourself it takes just 1 bump over compression after a short run. So painless to re start them I never bother leaving the saws ticking over if im not going to pic them up to use again more or less straight away.

 

[Homelite410]

How much are You selling those sprockets for?
What do You have, 7 tooth, 8 tooth?
I'd be interested in acquiring at least one.

Yeah, quality sprockets are hard.
Even solid carbide will give up chewing on them.

I have 2 left 15.00 shipped.

 

[Wilhelm]

I have 2 left 15.00 shipped.

PM inbound.

Thank You

 

[Wilhelm]

I finally got some serious run time on my Dolmar PS-550.
I admit it, I am officially impressed by this saws performance, which was impeccable!
I totally got the hang of the assisted starter system, it is nice and causes no fatigue at all - it likes to be pulled "fast" and full cord length.
I still think the PS-550 feels a little wobbly with that two steel AV spring system though (at least I think there are only two steel springs ), I guess I'll get used to it in time.

Yesterday I prepped thoroughly for a work detail at hand, I packed a total of 5 saws fully equipped, fueled and ready to make a trailer load of wood chips.
Dolmar PS-550, Dolmar PS-6400, Dolmar PS-7300, Dolmar PS-7310 & Dolmar PS-7900

My big girls newer left my cars trunk.

The job at hand was this beech firewood log pile, 10 cubic meters of very clean, generally nicely sized, fresh/green beech logs.


Even though my PS-550 carries a fairly worn chain and is the lowest powered saw I had with me, I was unable to put her down and switch to one of my larger Dolmar's after I ran out of fuel the first time around.
I must have hit a sweet spot filing that worn loop because it chewed through those beech logs unlike anything I have ever encountered before (considering the saws power output and my own "mediocre at best" chain filing expertize).
On top of everything the PS-550 just kept pulling that 18"/68DL loop even FULLY buried in knotty beech.
This saw sure placed a day long grin on my face!
She turned the logs into beautiful snow like wood chips, and some really heavy rounds.

I never even felt the need to sharpen the chain for a total of 7 tanks of fuel and 10 cubic meters of logs bucked to ~12" rounds.

For those who wonder, I ran a total of 7 tanks of fuel through my PS-550 and I clocked an average run time of 35 minutes of continuous bucking per tank of fuel.
She also never ran out of oil prior to running out of fuel with the oiler maxed out, which is good - the drive links were always nicely moist with oil.
Chain stretch was negligible on the worn Oregon LGX 73 loop.

My PS-550 showed absolutely no signs of issues or faults.
She always started up nicely on both a cold and hot engine after refueling, no vapor lock or other signs of restarting issues.
On a hot engine she'd start on a single pull every time.
She always came down to a steady idle after each WOT passage and jumped back to WOT upon pressing the throttle trigger.

My Dolmar PS-550 is currently tuned to 13k WOT no load and I really like her there (reminder: coil is limited to 13.8k)!

I am running 40:1 mix in all my saws, E-free pump gas.
Since yesterday I am on Makita oil (red colored), prior to it I ran Dolmar oil.

Thank You very much for enabling me to purchase this saw @ajschainsaws !

 

[RI Chevy]

Nice Wilhelm!

 

[Simondo]

I finally got some serious run time on my Dolmar PS-550.
I admit it, I am officially impressed by this saws performance, which was impeccable!
I totally got the hang of the assisted starter system, it is nice and causes no fatigue at all - it likes to be pulled "fast" and full cord length.
I still think the PS-550 feels a little wobbly with that two steel AV spring system though (at least I think there are only two steel springs ), I guess I'll get used to it in time.

Yesterday I prepped thoroughly for a work detail at hand, I packed a total of 5 saws fully equipped, fueled and ready to make a trailer load of wood chips.
Dolmar PS-550, Dolmar PS-6400, Dolmar PS-7300, Dolmar PS-7310 & Dolmar PS-7900
View attachment 149847
My big girls newer left my cars trunk.

The job at hand was this beech firewood log pile, 10 cubic meters of very clean, generally nicely sized, fresh/green beech logs.
View attachment 149848 View attachment 149849 View attachment 149850

Even though my PS-550 carries a fairly worn chain and is the lowest powered saw I had with me, I was unable to put her down and switch to one of my larger Dolmar's after I ran out of fuel the first time around.
I must have hit a sweet spot filing that worn loop because it chewed through those beech logs unlike anything I have ever encountered before (considering the saws power output and my own "mediocre at best" chain filing expertize).
On top of everything the PS-550 just kept pulling that 18"/68DL loop even FULLY buried in knotty beech.
This saw sure placed a day long grin on my face!
She turned the logs into beautiful snow like wood chips, and some really heavy rounds.
View attachment 149851
I never even felt the need to sharpen the chain for a total of 7 tanks of fuel and 10 cubic meters of logs bucked to ~12" rounds.

For those who wonder, I ran a total of 7 tanks of fuel through my PS-550 and I clocked an average run time of 35 minutes of continuous bucking per tank of fuel.
She also never ran out of oil prior to running out of fuel with the oiler maxed out, which is good - the drive links were always nicely moist with oil.
Chain stretch was negligible on the worn Oregon LGX 73 loop.

My PS-550 showed absolutely no signs of issues or faults.
She always started up nicely on both a cold and hot engine after refueling, no vapor lock or other signs of restarting issues.
On a hot engine she'd start on a single pull every time.
She always came down to a steady idle after each WOT passage and jumped back to WOT upon pressing the throttle trigger.

My Dolmar PS-550 is currently tuned to 13k WOT no load and I really like her there (reminder: coil is limited to 13.8k)!

I am running 40:1 mix in all my saws, E-free pump gas.
Since yesterday I am on Makita oil (red colored), prior to it I ran Dolmar oil.

Thank You very much for enabling me to purchase this saw @ajschainsaws !

3 springs I believe Wilhelm, rather than the more common 4 on some Dolmars.

 

[Wilhelm]

3 springs I believe Wilhelm, rather than the more common 4 on some Dolmars.

The IPL shows three springs, so You are correct and it makes sense - three point mounted PH.

It is still very wobbly compared to the 64xx/73xx/79xx AV, they (Dolmar/Makita) should have gone with 4 springs or make the three springs much harder.

 

[Simondo]

The IPL shows three springs, so You are correct and it makes sense - three point mounted PH.

It is still very wobbly compared to the 64xx/73xx/79xx AV, they (Dolmar/Makita) should have gone with 4 springs or make the three springs much harder.

That is the reason I like the .325 chain option for the 550 rather than full size 3/8.....match .325 to a narrow kerf 1.3mm 15" bar you lose some of the extended weight out front.

 

[Ronaldo]

I'm seeing a trend here Wilhelm. New favorite saw perhaps? I do enjoy my 50cc saws weight compared to the bigger ones. If the wood is smaller and there is much trimming to be done the 50's get the job and they do it well.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[RI Chevy]

For the most part, I use a MOFO 026 for 75 to 80% of the trees I cut. 18" .325 Chain.
They giterdone.

 

[Wilhelm]

That is the reason I like the .325 chain option for the 550 rather than full size 3/8.....match .325 to a narrow kerf 1.3mm 15" bar you lose some of the extended weight out front.

For the most part, I use a MOFO 026 for 75 to 80% of the trees I cut. 18" .325 Chain.
They giterdone.

I already have more chain than I care to count, I am not going to add another pitch to my chain supply.
The PS-550 can handle 3/8" perfectly fine and still look good doing so.

I wish I had taken my tripod along and set up the camera to video some of yesterdays action, but I am always reluctant to do so when playing with logs other than my own.

I'm seeing a trend here Wilhelm. New favorite saw perhaps? I do enjoy my 50cc saws weight compared to the bigger ones. If the wood is smaller and there is much trimming to be done the 50's get the job and they do it well.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

My PS-550 sure hit the sweet spot yesterday and she performed admirably.
New favorite?
We'll have to see, maybe it's just a fling her being the new girl.

I am sure that I will utilize all my girls equally at home, and I surely won't mount my 36" B&C on the PS-550.

Yesterdays action made me realize and actually remember how much softer green beech is compared to green oak.
The PS-550 would have had a hard time perform equally well had it been an oak log pile!

For some things there is no replacement for displacement.

 

[RI Chevy]

Take the video camera along. Tell them it is in the name of science. They will feel special! Lol
Whatever works for you Wilhelm.
I only use 3/8 and .325. It is very easy to get locally.
But you will never know if it works any better than what you already have unless you try it.
Just sayin. Lol

 

[ajschainsaws]

I finally got some serious run time on my Dolmar PS-550.
I admit it, I am officially impressed by this saws performance, which was impeccable!
I totally got the hang of the assisted starter system, it is nice and causes no fatigue at all - it likes to be pulled "fast" and full cord length.
I still think the PS-550 feels a little wobbly with that two steel AV spring system though (at least I think there are only two steel springs ), I guess I'll get used to it in time.

Yesterday I prepped thoroughly for a work detail at hand, I packed a total of 5 saws fully equipped, fueled and ready to make a trailer load of wood chips.
Dolmar PS-550, Dolmar PS-6400, Dolmar PS-7300, Dolmar PS-7310 & Dolmar PS-7900
View attachment 149847
My big girls newer left my cars trunk.

The job at hand was this beech firewood log pile, 10 cubic meters of very clean, generally nicely sized, fresh/green beech logs.
View attachment 149848 View attachment 149849 View attachment 149850

Even though my PS-550 carries a fairly worn chain and is the lowest powered saw I had with me, I was unable to put her down and switch to one of my larger Dolmar's after I ran out of fuel the first time around.
I must have hit a sweet spot filing that worn loop because it chewed through those beech logs unlike anything I have ever encountered before (considering the saws power output and my own "mediocre at best" chain filing expertize).
On top of everything the PS-550 just kept pulling that 18"/68DL loop even FULLY buried in knotty beech.
This saw sure placed a day long grin on my face!
She turned the logs into beautiful snow like wood chips, and some really heavy rounds.
View attachment 149851
I never even felt the need to sharpen the chain for a total of 7 tanks of fuel and 10 cubic meters of logs bucked to ~12" rounds.

For those who wonder, I ran a total of 7 tanks of fuel through my PS-550 and I clocked an average run time of 35 minutes of continuous bucking per tank of fuel.
She also never ran out of oil prior to running out of fuel with the oiler maxed out, which is good - the drive links were always nicely moist with oil.
Chain stretch was negligible on the worn Oregon LGX 73 loop.

My PS-550 showed absolutely no signs of issues or faults.
She always started up nicely on both a cold and hot engine after refueling, no vapor lock or other signs of restarting issues.
On a hot engine she'd start on a single pull every time.
She always came down to a steady idle after each WOT passage and jumped back to WOT upon pressing the throttle trigger.

My Dolmar PS-550 is currently tuned to 13k WOT no load and I really like her there (reminder: coil is limited to 13.8k)!

I am running 40:1 mix in all my saws, E-free pump gas.
Since yesterday I am on Makita oil (red colored), prior to it I ran Dolmar oil.

Thank You very much for enabling me to purchase this saw @ajschainsaws !

Thanks Wilhelm i remember you saying before you like worn chains and that
Reel of chain which you had part of was a good roll of good cutters

 

[ajschainsaws]

The IPL shows three springs, so You are correct and it makes sense - three point mounted PH.

It is still very wobbly compared to the 64xx/73xx/79xx AV, they (Dolmar/Makita) should have gone with 4 springs or make the three springs much harder.

It does feel a bit wobbly , but that’s progress , it is aimed at reducing user fatigue
Over periods of prolonged use and this saw is a dream to use

Imagine this chassis with a 79cc lump in there @Wilhelm did you notice
There’s room for a 80cc - 90cc muffler box

 

[ajschainsaws]

@paragonbuilder any news on your project

 

[Wilhelm]

Take the video camera along. Tell them it is in the name of science. They will feel special! Lol
Whatever works for you Wilhelm.
I only use 3/8 and .325. It is very easy to get locally.
But you will never know if it works any better than what you already have unless you try it.
Just sayin. Lol

I am regretting not having taken some videos, digital camera and spare battery were in my car, just not my tripod.

I want to try 3/8" LowProfile, makes a much narrower kerf than full sized 3/8", should make for some fast cutting.
I have chains and bars, just need a sprocket.

Other than Stihl files I don't buy anything locally, that been said I don't even worry about local availability.

Are they real or would-be YouTubers? Links please

No links, I didn't actually make any videos.
I am just saying it would have made great video material.

Thanks Wilhelm i remember you saying before you like worn chains and that
Reel of chain which you had part of was a good roll of good cutters

Chain cuts well, but it is so hard I cut myself twice filing it the first time, and by now I ruined a 5.5mm and a 4.8mm Stihl round file.
I never encountered a chain this hard.
I have to touch it up and get a video made of it and the PS-550 bucking beech - huge fun!

It does feel a bit wobbly , but that’s progress , it is aimed at reducing user fatigue
Over periods of prolonged use and this saw is a dream to use

Imagine this chassis with a 79cc lump in there @Wilhelm did you notice
There’s room for a 80cc - 90cc muffler box

I noticed that the PS-550 muffler is rather small compared to the size of the muffler bay.

 

[paragonbuilder]

@paragonbuilder any news on your project

No
Still bone stock. But I had a couple tree guys work here today and use the 5600 & the 3601. They were impressed.

 

[Wood Chopper]

No
Still bone stock. But I had a couple tree guys work here today and use the 5600 & the 3601. They were impressed.

Well yeah they were!! What’s not to like. I’d like to try that 5600 again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[166]

Well yeah they were!! What’s not to like. I’d like to try that 5600 again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You know where there is one to run.

 

[Solo Rex]

Hello.
Very intresting rewiev!
When reading the specs, it strikes me the values for vibrations is quite high for a new saw. How do you feel about it?

Best Regards