I am about to buy another chain saw after my Stihl 250 grew legs.

I am considering a Dolmar PS-421.

Any thoughts?

I just bought a Stihl 291 the other day. Cuts well (carb is adjustable) Didn't look at Dolmars. Let me know what you get.

Having an adjustable carb is certainly useful however our (old?) Stihl 036 runs well without having to mess with it. Our old (nearly 30 years) Stihl 012 did not have the same ability to run without some "tuning" from time to time. So, good luck with your next choice.

I got the saw from the local Stihl dealer. He sells and services(!) equipment of all kinds. (Yeah, even Kubotas) Last time I checked around here the box stores didn't carry Stihl equipment. Paid about 450. 55 cc 18 inch bar about 3.8 hp 12.3 lbs. Probably find it cheaper somewhere else but he stocks parts, chains, etc.

Requires no special tool (screwdriver ) to adjust carb thru holes in side: high mixture, low mixture, idle speed.

So far I'm happy.

Revs up high, cuts real well.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
I got the saw from the local Stihl dealer. He sells and services(!) equipment of all kinds. (Yeah, even Kubotas) Last time I checked around here the box stores didn't carry Stihl equipment.

I have never seen Stihl anywhere but an independent dealer.

quote:

Paid about 450. 55 cc 18 inch bar about 3.8 hp 12.3 lbs. Probably find it cheaper somewhere else but he stocks parts, chains, etc.

Stihls are rarely sold at less than MSRP. Last time, I shopped around and could only get a few goodies thrown in to sweeten the deal.

quote:

Revs up high, cuts real well.

Sounds good, but I can no longer handle a saw that heavy or powerful. I was happy with the Stihl MS 250, but kinda took a liking to a neighbor's Dolmar. He had a Stihl chain on it. Says they are the best.

Just curious, but have new chain saws gone to 4 stroke motors? I know the twin stokes offer more power per pound.

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Originally posted by Gary Carter:
Just curious, but have new chain saws gone to 4 stroke motors? I know the twin stokes offer more power per pound.

I have seen some home made ones, but no production ones.

4 stroke chain saw

If I had only one saw I would probably get a slightly smaller lighter one.

I have the Stihl saw for felling and bucking and an old smaller Poulan with 14 inch bar for limbing and trimming.

I have a Homelite 16", but a Black & Decker 8" 18V electric gets the most use.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
If I had only one saw I would probably get a slightly smaller lighter one.

I have the Stihl saw for felling and bucking and an old smaller Poulan with 14 inch bar for limbing and trimming.

Yup. That is why I limited myself to a 10 lb saw. But, it has still has to cut heavily creosoted railroad ties.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
I have a Homelite 16", but a Black & Decker 8" 18V electric gets the most use.

We have a yard sale cheapie electric that is grabbed for small jobs within cord range. It gets a lot of use from both of us. Susan even throws it and the little generator in her garden cart for distant jobs. She will not go near a gas chain saw.

Amen on the electrics. When Liz and I married and I moved into town I thought the electric saw she has was as big a joke as the electric weed eater. After sweating and swearing and not starting either two cycle I tried the electrics. Yeah, the problem was old gas and an old geezer but it sure convinced me of how handy they can be in the urban environment. I even have used a pruning blade in my Sawsall for any jobs that don't justify putting blade oil in the electric chainsaw. Heck of a difference, push an button and it works, how do they do that?

I also have a Troy-Bilt power head with a blower, weedwhacker, pole saw, tiller, and sickle bar. And it has an electric start attachment, greatly appreciated after my shoulder surgery.

The B&D electric chain saw has a companion hedge trimmer.

A Ryobi 40V weedwhacker rounds out the electrics.

Next on the acquisition list is a B&D electric SP mower...

Hey Gary, I have a stihl 4 stroke pole saw. it works great. not as quick rpm as a 2 stroke, but it gets the job done. google a stihl 4mix motor.
kenny

My Troy-Bilt power head is also 4-stroke.