What happened with Makita 3601?

[livemusic]

Almost two years ago, fordf150 started a thread (that became long) about "the most intriguing saw to date," it was the 3601. I recall it has two reed valves? A negative was that it has toolless chain tensioning. Other than that, it seemed it could be a big winner. What ever happened with that, do users still like that saw? I continue to be interested in the light saws. It doesn't beat the specs of the Stihl ms200 but it's pretty good -- 9.3 lbs and 2.4 hp. I don't see Makita blue for USA, it's orange. (old thread: http://opeforum.com/threads/makita-ea3601-the-most-intriguing-saw-to-date.7728/)

 

[Wood Doctor]

You may want to consider a Makita DCS520i if you can find one. No longer made. but a whale of a chain saw. Mine runs about even with a Stihl 026 PRO and beats an MS250. It even stays even with my Husqvarna 353.

 

[pavel408]

OP asked about modern 35 cc saw. Unlike that Makita DCS520 (Dolmar PS-111) is old design (according to acresinternet already from 1987) 52 cc / 11.2 lbs saw. Well built, but with 3,2 hp weaker than modern 50 cc saws.

 

[Wood Doctor]

OP asked about modern 35 cc saw. Unlike that Makita DCS520 (Dolmar PS-111) is old design (according to acresinternet already from 1987) 52 cc / 11.2 lbs saw. Well built, but with 3,2 hp weaker than modern 50 cc saws.

I should point out that 3.2 Hp is a tad stronger than a Stihl MS250 and a Stihl MS241, both of which weigh in at 10 lb. Of course, I admit they have a smaller engine than the vintage Makita.520i.

 

[OldJack]

The 3601 is listed in Canada although I don't know if they are at the dealers.
https://www.makita.ca/index2.php?event=tool&id=3168&catid=7


The reed valves are parts 99 and 111.
https://www.makita.ca/data/upload/parts_breakdown/EA3601FRDB -
%20AUG2019.pdf

 

[166]

 

[Woodpecker]

@huskihl just got one. The toolless chain adjuster seemed robust and well thought out. It seemed like a decent little saw.

 

[huskihl]

@huskihl just got one. The toolless chain adjuster seemed robust and well thought out. It seemed like a decent little saw.

Put 3 tanks through it today. Awesome lightweight saw

 

[CR888]

I'd have one over a 211 Steele.

 

[Simondo]

@huskihl just got one. The toolless chain adjuster seemed robust and well thought out. It seemed like a decent little saw.

@166 Is that saw still in standard state from the box other than maybe some run time ?

 

[166]

@166 Is that saw still in standard state from the box other than maybe some run time ?

Brand new saw out of a box.

 

[huskihl]

Brand new saw out of a box.

6 tanks on the ol' girl now

 

[Dub11]

6 tanks on the ol' girl now

How long does the tank last?

You fiddle with it yet?

 

[huskihl]

How long does the tank last?

You fiddle with it yet?

Probably as long as the rest of the saw if it doesn't get smashed.






No idea, really. I've been dropping 2-12"ers with it. Drop a few softwoods, shut it off while I grapple it into the chipper pile. Then cut down a few for firewood right next to where the others were, limb them, toss the logs on the firewood pile.. Its on and off all day

 

[Wood Doctor]

Here's another little saw that I own and like:
It's an Echo 3900 and hard to find. That's because the owners hang onto them forever. That includes me. I've pulled an 18" bar with it on occasion.

 

[166]

Probably as long as the rest of the saw if it doesn't get smashed.






No idea, really. I've been dropping 2-12"ers with it. Drop a few softwoods, shut it off while I grapple it into the chipper pile. Then cut down a few for firewood right next to where the others were, limb them, toss the logs on the firewood pile.. Its on and off all day

You haven't ported it yet? [emoji1]

 

[huskihl]

You haven't ported it yet? [emoji1]

Nope. Been too busy with everything else

 

[Skisawyer]

Did we ever figure out how hard it is to replace the tool-less chain tensioner with a screwdriver type clutch cover mechanism?

 

[Woodpecker]

Not sure I'd worry about it. The system seems pretty robust. Seemed beefier than the sthil version.

 

[huskihl]

The 3601 toolless clutch cover isn't going anywhere. I love that thing