Thoughts on Dolmar 5100s?

[hill]

I'm going to be adding a third saw after I've saved enough money from this mowing season. I'm guessing I will have about 600 dollars once it's all said and done. My question to all of you Homelite fellas is which brand/model should I pursue? I've got a great Dolmar dealer nearby who is very pleasant to talk with and knowledgable. I'm hearing the 5100 is a sweet saw. I'm thinking I could save enough for a 361, and again, there is a likeable dealer nearby though I haven't spoken with him in person yet. I know those two aren't very comparable, but those are the two from their repsective brands I've been considering. Since I have the XL and the 113, this third saw would be my primary saw and the other two would be my limbers and backups. The 113 is a 57cc saw and has always cut well in the bigger stuff, so my question is what kind of performance differences should I see with a newer saw, will the 113 even compare? What would be your recommendations on which saws to pursue and which size would most closely fit my bill (5-8 cords/yr.)? Thanks guys for any input!!

[woodplayer]

Hi there Hill

I have the Dolmar 5100s here in Canada and I really like it.
Mine came with the 18" replaceable sprocket nose bar and 72LP68 chain (3/8).

It takes almost 10 tanks of fuel to break in good after which you will notice an increase in power.

Make sure if you get one, that it comes with the metal insert in the carb boot, I think the new ones all come with this. The only problem I had was a pinched fuel line which I eventually figured out.

I have an XL 76 Homelite which shows to be about 1cc larger than your 113. If I use the same bar/chain on each saw the Dolmar will definitely outcut the XL76 at least up to 16" diameter limbs. I haven't compared the two if the bar was buried. The Dolmar definitely makes its power with the high RPM, but the XL76 seems to have more torque (more cc, lower reving with reed valves).

The Dolmar is a smooth running saw and good power to weight, however if you are looking for something significantly bigger than what you already have you may want to consider the 361. I don't have one but as you likely know many people seem to have only good things to say about the 361.


Hope that helps.

[OBR]

Yup I too have read they are a pretty good saw, though I haven't logged any time on one. Just a thought but if you're looking for a saw larger than the 5100 why not consider Dolmar's 7900, story is they are pretty dang good too. Just a thought.