Reliable, light 50cc professional saw - which one?

[ADC]

I am looking to get a 50cc saw, I prize reliability and good engineering, and have been impressed with a smaller Makita / Dolmar 34, and 3501. I also have a Still 390. In practice I tend to go for the lightest saw that will do the job at hand as the Stihl gives me backache and the air filter clogs up quickly!

 

I want a professional saw that will last me a long time, and I don't necessarilly want the latest gizmos and catalytic converters if they just add to the weight and reduce reliability, although easy start does appeal!

 

FR Jones are doing good deals on the Husky 550, 10-15% off + spare bars and chains chucked in, but judging by comments it is not the most reliable saw out there ...

 

The professional Makita 5000 appeals to me, as does the the Dolmar 5105 series or the older design Dolmar 115.

 

Spare parts and servicing are a slight concern if I go for the Dolmar, are they readily available?

 

I also hear good things about the Stihl 260.

 

Which would you professionals go for, and are there any other brands I should look at in the 50cc range, or am I looking at the "best" saws available?

[swinny]

Ive considered several times getting a 550xp but i have an 026 which was near new when i got it last year. With a 15" bar on and full chisel chain they are a great saw.

[Richard Thompson]

I run a 261 for ground work, a very capable saw but a bit loud .

Useable up a tree if needed and for felling

 

I've not tried the makitas or dolmars so I can't comment on those

[njm]

I am looking to get a 50cc saw, I prize reliability and good engineering, and have been impressed with a smaller Makita / Dolmar 34, and 3501. I also have a Still 390. In practice I tend to go for the lightest saw that will do the job at hand as the Stihl gives me backache and the air filter clogs up quickly!

 

I want a professional saw that will last me a long time, and I don't necessarilly want the latest gizmos and catalytic converters if they just add to the weight and reduce reliability, although easy start does appeal!

 

FR Jones are doing good deals on the Husky 550, 10-15% off + spare bars and chains chucked in, but judging by comments it is not the most reliable saw out there ...

 

The professional Makita 5000 appeals to me, as does the the Dolmar 5105 series or the older design Dolmar 115.

 

Spare parts and servicing are a slight concern if I go for the Dolmar, are they readily available?

 

I also hear good things about the Stihl 260.

 

Which would you professionals go for, and are there any other brands I should look at in the 50cc range, or am I looking at the "best" saws available?

 

The 550xp is a very nice saw to use , Dolmar / Makita have a good following and to be honest are a well made saw , i sold on my own 550xp after a few issues if i was to buy a new 50cc now for personal use it would probably be a Stihl

[Ukulian]

Echo 501 sxEcho CS-501 Rear Handle Petrol Felling Chainsaw

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Echo 501 sxEcho CS-501 Rear Handle Petrol Felling Chainsaw

 

Ditto:

 

You say reliable so the honours go in this order (imo)

 

1st: Echo

2nd: Dolmar

3rd: Solo

4th: Stihl

5th: Jonsered

6th: Efco

7th: Husqvarna

[njm]

Ditto:

 

You say reliable so the honours go in this order (imo)

 

1st: Echo

2nd: Dolmar

3rd: Solo

4th: Stihl

5th: Jonsered

6th: Efco

7th: Husqvarna

 

I do like the Echo saws but the local dealer would struggle with a spark plug which is a shame .

My list would be , taking spares and service into consideration for this area

1 - Stihl

2 - Makita /Dolmar

3 - Tanaka

4 - Efco

5 - Johnsered

6 - Echo

7 - Husqvarna

[case mx270]

Tanaka are they any good then ?

[felixthelogchopper]

I am looking to get a 50cc saw, I prize reliability and good engineering, and have been impressed with a smaller Makita / Dolmar 34, and 3501. I also have a Still 390. In practice I tend to go for the lightest saw that will do the job at hand as the Stihl gives me backache and the air filter clogs up quickly!

 

I want a professional saw that will last me a long time, and I don't necessarilly want the latest gizmos and catalytic converters if they just add to the weight and reduce reliability, although easy start does appeal!

 

FR Jones are doing good deals on the Husky 550, 10-15% off + spare bars and chains chucked in, but judging by comments it is not the most reliable saw out there ...

 

The professional Makita 5000 appeals to me, as does the the Dolmar 5105 series or the older design Dolmar 115.

 

Spare parts and servicing are a slight concern if I go for the Dolmar, are they readily available?

 

I also hear good things about the Stihl 260.

 

Which would you professionals go for, and are there any other brands I should look at in the 50cc range, or am I looking at the "best" saws available?

 

I have an MS260 which is well over 10 years old and I turned down a swap for a 6 month old 550XP.

[njm]

Tanaka are they any good then ?

 

Some of the older Tanaka saws were good , Hitachi owns them now . still get a lot of older saws in for service / repair , owners very happy with the service from them .