This.
Also:
- Yes the Makita EA7300 & EA7900 feature an SLR or CAT muffler, both restrictions can fairly easily be removed if You are handy tinkering on things. Also, the old style muffler containing just a bird cage can still be had and I believe it is a direct bolt on - though the mufflers flange area should be matched to the size of the exhaust port. Yes, gutt the SLR/CAT muffler and enlarge the muffler outlet, it really wakes these saws up!
- I have never broken a chain brake on any of mine, but I also only have four so I may not have a good measure. Who manages to break the chain brake flag or chain brake band on these must be quite ham fisted. Don't worry about the chain brake, it is sturdy just as the rest of the saw.
- Take a really good look at the Makita EA7300! She is unjustly overshadowed by her big sister the EA7900. I have two of the 73's, they will make chips pulling even a 36" B&C setup. You can choose the 73cc variety to save some cash, or invest the savings on a heated handle version.
- Lastly and most importantly, You do not need a local Dolmar/Makita dealer in order to purchase a Dolmar/Makita saw. First off, these saws a built very sturdy and if You know how to use a saw You will not encounter unexpected failures. Any wear and tear parts You can secure preemptively with a little attention and basic maintenance.
Most of the above is valid if:
- You know how to use a chain saw
- You know when a chain is dull and when it needs to be sharpened or replaced
- You don't brute force Your saws through the wood by over utilizing the saws bucking spikes
I have no Dolmar dealers in my town, I don't even utilize the Croatian main Makita distributor for Dolmar/Makita parts and items - I get my Dolmar stuff from Germany and it works perfectly fine for me.
Happy Friday all! I have a few 50cc saws and I’m looking for something in the 70cc range to complement my current lineup. I’ve been doing a lot of research, but still have a few questions and want to see what your thoughts are.
Appears new saws today in the US are of strato design due to our friends at the EPA and many are going to electronically controlled carburetors.
How are the strato saws holding up, I’ve seen some complain they run to lean?
How are the electronic carburetors holding up?
I’ve found Dolmar now branded Makita EA7900 appears to still be a non-strato design with non-electronic carburetor, and fairly priced at Bailey’s. Looks like they did put a cat carb on it to comply with EPA. Only negatives I’ve seen is the chain break appears to be weak and can easily break, also they can run hot.
Any opinion on the chain break?
Is a different muffler available to remove the cat and restrictions? Assume this would significantly reduce heat and provide more power.
I’m fairly handy, but I don’t have any Makita dealers in the area, should that be a concern?
Any other saws I should consider?
Thank you all in advance for any feedback, greatly appreciated!
Now for the even more intersting part: The cylinder. It has the same dimensions than the 116 si: 36mm stroke / 46 mm bore.
Exhaust side. At the top of the cylinder there is the bore to hold the muffler's 3rd fixation bolt but it is unused.
Right side. There is no DOLMAR part number on the mug. The only designation is the manufacturers logo and two groups of imprints "12" at the bottom and "109/-1B" on the transfer's outside.
Manufacturer is "Kolbenschmidt" and since they had a plant in Hamburg where small engine parts were produced, its very likely that mug and piston were made in Hamburg as well.
Also notice: The bottom side of the cylinder is straight flat! This is very different from the (otherwise identical) cylinder of the 116si:
That one has a (I don't know how its called in english, the online dict suggests) collar bushing as can bee seen here at the bottom of
a 120si mug
Make another family photo, that one is very low quality, very grainy.
That is half the fun!!!You spent half a day just dragging saws out then another half day putting them away! Very nice collection.
Hi Nathan,
do you have such monster trees in Iowa requiring the extreme long bar on the 166?
How long ist btw? Makes the saw next to impossible to handle IMHO.
You spent half a day just dragging saws out then another half day putting them away! Very nice collection.
New dolmar/makita family photo. Please keep in mind all but 2 of these are runners with b&c’s and I get them out at least once a year to “blow the dust off and shake the cob webs loose!”
Who’s ready to play “eye spy?”
Takes an hour to pull them all out... I try to exercise them all one or two times a year to keep them fresh.
The new girl in my stable, Makita XS5000.
View attachment 201029 View attachment 201030
First time she is set up with spikes, bar & chain since she left the US and arrived in Europe/Croatia.
Chain is Oregon EXL, square filed.