Makita ea 5000 husky 550

[nemcc]

Hi, I still can't decide whether to get a makita ea 5000 or another husky 550 this wOundle be my 4th in as many years (althugh

 One did have a fight with a fowarder?).

i Like the 550 but only seam to last a year in full time forestry before pot and piston give up.

Anybody know about the makita? as my husky 372 is a bit overkill for first thinning and is a little old.

 

[Stere]

Look up dolmar (makita are blue dolmars) alot of posts about them

Dolmar PS 5105

 

[Sveriges]

the problem is I’ve not come across a forestry contractor yet who uses XP oil in there 550s 560s etc. It comes down to cost the oils expensive so hence why they get a year out of them. The saws are normally coated in sap especially the cylinder cooling fins and inside the top cover. They do do the hours  but you need to give it half a chance. I’m sure the dolmars are good saws but they don’t handle like a 550. 

[billpierce]

You will find the makita/dolmar a little heavier and larger and less nimble. But should be reliable, good parts availability and expect it to last well.

[gary112]

550 great saw look after em and they last longer than a year i got one 3 yrs old now and still going well and gets used everyday

[nemcc]

Thanks guys 

[woodwizzard]

I have both. Had my 550 since 2012 and has only needed one brake band. exhaust is well drilled and runs 15" and 18" bars with 3/8th chain. Had the ea5000 just over a year. It is slightly heavier when you pick them up side by side, but that vanishes in use. The 5000 is a far smoother/ vibe free saw to use and I find it handles as well if not better than the 550. It felt slighly flat compared to the 550 at first, as it has no rev-boost, but it does rev well and I think it is slightly torquier. It runs a 3/8 chain just fine and I pick it up before the 550 now.