Porting the dolmar 421...

[Welder56]

There is no point with a 42cc semi-pro saw that weights pretty much as the much stronger 50cc pro saws from another brand - except that they dump the price on some markets, so it is much cheaper., more at homeowner saw level.

As an alternative to 45-50c homeowner saws it is a good buy (at least in the US), as are the 500/490 Echo saws - but that doesn't make them great saws.

I agree and classify the 421 as a homeowner type saw. Why buy a plastic husqy or Stihl for more
Money with worse av and harder starting?

Almost 2x the price for a 550xp here which I'm sure is a fantastic machine. One day maybe I'll have the money for something like that

 

[CoreyB]

There is no point with a 42cc semi-pro saw that weights pretty much as the much stronger 50cc pro saws from another brand - except that they dump the price on some markets, so it is much cheaper., more at homeowner saw level.

As an alternative to 45-50c homeowner saws it is a good buy (at least in the US), as are the 500/490 Echo saws - but that doesn't make them great saws.

There are lots of points for the 421. What about the guys who hate an out board clutch?
Why pay for more saw then needed.
When no one around you will touch an auto tune saw. (Not even the husky dealers)
The 421 makes a lot more sense then a Husky 440.
I could keep going but I don't need to convince you.

 

[exSW]

There are lots of points for the 421. WHAT ABOUT THE GUYS WHO HATE AN OUT BOARD CLUTCH?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[SawTroll]

I honestly never noticed the front handle being plastic. Mine has made several thousand dollars in firewood.

A plastic front handle just don't feel right to me, and I notice it immediately. It is the only thing I really dislike with my 339xp (my MS361 had a metal one, as it was (is? it was stolen) heated).

 

[exSW]

Mines an early 420. Maybe it is aluminum.

 

[SawTroll]

There are lots of points for the 421. What about the guys who hate an out board clutch?
.... .

Well, I don't hate any functional chainsaw - but I surely prefer an outboard clutch for many reasons.
Some of it is about cooling and crankshaft preservation, but the major reason is that it makes the saw much more nimble (well handling), if the manufacturer knows what "he" is doing (Husky does), as it puts the bar closer to the center of mass.

That is the reason that the Husky saws handle so much better than the competition in the 50 and 60cc classes. It has some impact with 90cc + saws in the PNW as well.

 

[CoreyB]

Well, I don't hate any functional chainsaw - but I surely prefer an outboard clutch for many reasons.
Some of it is about cooling and crankshaft preservation, but the major reason is that it makes the saw much more nimble (well handling), if the manufacturer knows what "he" is doing (Husky does).

I actually had a saw (with husqvarna stamped all over it) with an out board clutch to play with a few weeks ago. I actually tested it out to see if there was any difference. Although the out board clutch was on a 50cc saw and I compared it to my 60cc 6100. Truth be told the 6100 felt better.

 

[exSW]

Yes they do.

 

[Red97]

View attachment 20528 View attachment 20529
Yes they do.

You run that thing yet?????

You not joining the psp wagon are ya?

 

[exSW]

You run that thing yet?????

You not joining the psp wagon are ya?

Exactly what am I going to polish on that thing? I have run it. I just haven't taken the time to REALLY run it. I got 6100/262/420 work to do first. Plus these meds are kicking my antique ass.

 

[CR888]

Sawtroll like it or not makes some valid points some of which are very true. However I like choice, options and it would be a bit boring if we could only buy high end expensive pro saws. Sometimes for me my 550xp is a bit to full on in small wood despite it being lighter and smaller than many 40cc class saws. Many of histories best pro saws have outboards whether Husky, Stihl or whatever like ms200, 090, 346, 372. While not sometimes most 'practical' they have some inherrent benefits that physics cannot deny. There is a good reason saws like 200t and 346xp handle and balance the way they do......outboard clutch plays a big part in that.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Mr. Sawtroll, I'm not trying to say that the 421 is better than or as good overall as the leading 50cc machines, not at all. I get that you don't see the point in a saw that size, that's OK by me. Yes, a 550xp, 545 and whatever Stihl's 50cc is will be a higher performing unit with very little additional weight.

What I was trying to say is that it seems to me that A: there is still a market for a well built saw in that size, B: Dolmar seems to be the only manufacturer that cares about that besides maybe Echo, and C: in that size class, I don't think based on what I have seen here that there is a better quality saw available, especially at the price point. Were I looking to bring home the best built 40cc going right now I would be adding a little red to my orange stable. No way would I opt for a Husky 440 over the 421. What you get for the price is what has alot of guys excited about with the little Dolmar, not so much that it is an inexpensive but equal alternative to say a 550xp for example. But alas it does have one drawback that burns me, that damnable plast-eek handle! LOL!

BTW, I'm not trying to convince you of anything, I just think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. Sometimes what I'm thinking and what I put into type gets lost in transit.

 

[exSW]

Let me blow this argument up a little more. I have a 420 Dolmar,two 262 XP's and a 6100 Dolmar. What possible use do I have for ANY 50cc saw? I got four 50cc saws. They are all four tore down and I don't miss them one bit.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Let me blow this argument up a little more. I have a 420 Dolmar,two 262 XP's and a 6100 Dolmar. What possible use do I have for ANY 50cc saw? I got four 50cc saws. They are all four tore down and I don't miss them one bit.

I'm out! LOL!

 

[Red97]

Exactly what am I going to polish on that thing? I have run it. I just haven't taken the time to REALLY run it. I got 6100/262/420 work to do first. Plus these meds are kicking my antique ass.

The sticker man... gotta keep it shining. .

Hopefully you'll be on the mend soon.

Sawtroll like it or not makes some valid points some of which are very true. However I like choice, options and it would be a bit boring if we could only buy high end expensive pro saws. Sometimes for me my 550xp is a bit to full on in small wood despite it being lighter and smaller than many 40cc class saws. Many of histories best pro saws have outboards whether Husky, Stihl or whatever like ms200, 090, 346, 372. While not sometimes most 'practical' they have some inherrent benefits that physics cannot deny. There is a good reason saws like 200t and 346xp handle and balance the way they do......outboard clutch plays a big part in that.

After my first firewood season cutting with a sxl 925 I still can figure out what "balence" you fellas are talking about?

Pretty much any saw balence great after handling an 80cc mag saw all winter.

The 346 is the only saw I had that needed a kickstand dam thin always laying down on the job.

Let me blow this argument up a little more. I have a 420 Dolmar,two 262 XP's and a 6100 Dolmar. What possible use do I have for ANY 50cc saw? I got four 50cc saws. They are all four tore down and I don't miss them one bit.

Same reason you need 3 60cc? Just cause you can...

Gds

 

[exSW]

The sticker man... gotta keep it shining. .

Hopefully you'll be on the mend soon.



After my first firewood season cutting with a sxl 925 I still can figure out what "balence" you fellas are talking about?

Pretty much any saw balence great after handling an 80cc mag saw all winter.

The 346 is the only saw I had that needed a kickstand dam thin always laying down on the job.



Same reason you need 3 60cc? Just cause you can...

Gds

I lucked into those 262's and you know it.
The 6100 was to good a deal on a brand new saw to pass up.

 

[Red97]

Here in the states.

Hand a guy $350 tell him to go buy a brand new mag cased saw. What options do you really have?

That was the whole point of this thread. Comparing 2 saws in the same retail price, weight and physical size.

This is the exact reason I didn't get into much more "opinionated" detail between which is the better saw.

Just try to show people real world cut performance between the 2 saws.

I don't care if the 550 xp or 261c would stomp all over either of the 2 saws this thread is intended for. Not everyone needs/wants/can spend 600$ +/- on a saw to keep the family warm.

I have a brand new 261c, and I would grab the dolmar 421 if I owned it before the stihl.

Love it or hate it, in the states these 2 saws (421,490) are about the best bang for the buck.

That being said, the dolmar is the better performing saw stock.(as in not paying to have one ported) Expecially with lo pro chain and a muffler mod.

The stock echo is a plain Jane work horse. Not fast, but plenty enough saw to keep ya warm for many years.

 

[Red97]

I lucked into those 262's and you know it.
The 6100 was to good a deal on a brand new saw to pass up.

Thank you,

That 262 would have been resold by now

The 6100 has been rather appealing lately...

 

[exSW]

One of them( the 262's) will go. Trade bait only. And its a short list of what will get one. They already owe me nothing.

 

[CoreyB]

Thank you,

That 262 would have been resold by now

The 6100 has been rather appealing lately...

The 6100 is just the 421 bigger , stronger, more refined, and sophisticated brother. I always tell everyone don't run it unless you are ready to buy it. Because everyone who runs my 6100 they want to buy it. My 6100 has sold 3 other 6100'side lol