Makita Chainsaws?

[paul]

Once upon a time Makita had a good reputation for power tools, but I never heard of them making chainsaws until the last ad from Bailey's came.

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdet...CS%206401%2020

is the link to the one I might be interested in. It is a 64cc 20" bar saw for $500.00. That's cheaper than any saw that size from any of the brands I trust.

So, does anybody know if they are any good?

Thanks

homesteadpaul

[Up North Louie]

I had a Makita ELECTRIC saw that I used for ice carving when I was still a working chef. It was a well-built little monster. That was about 10 years ago. Since I cut ice with it, I didn't have bar oil in it. My at-that-time deranged girlfriend attacked the hedge with it and burned it up.

I have never used a gas fired saw from them. In fact, this is the first I've heard of gas-powered Makita anything.

I do know that what stuff of theirs I have looked at recently is made in the PRC, so for that reason, I won't buy it.

Don

[paul]

I did a little more looking since my first post. I normally don't bother reading customer reviews, but on Bailey's site they do say that this a relables Dolmar from Germany. They do have a good reputation, so unless I hear otherwise, I'll start trying to figure out how to pay for it.

homesteadpaul

[Up North Louie]

Then that's a different critter. Makita used to be US made; but I can abide a German import. At least they play on a level playing field. Can't say that about Red China.

d

[Hoop]

Makita chainsaws are actually Dolmar chainsaws. Dolmar used to be known as Sachs-Dolmar. A German company that has been around since forever.

Like anything mechanical, before you buy, make sure there is somewhere that you can find parts/get service for the chainsaw. They have FAR FAR fewer retail outlets/service centers than Husqvarna/Stihl/Jonsered.

[ericjeeper]

makita owns Dolmar. Sachs Dolmar actually made the very first motorized chainsaw. These are excellent units. I own several. The 6401 is a great saw. But the 7901 in blue or 7900 in Orange. is the best saw on the Market in the 70-80cc range., It is far smoother and far less dollars than a stihl 460.
Jump over to the www.arboristsite.com and do some searching.
Best to buy local. But if you can not buy locally.. Maybe Tony at Amickssuperstore in North Carolina will ship you one. If you tell him that Ericjeeper told you to call. He is a fine man and has a good reputaion in the outdoor equipment field.
http://www.amickssuperstore.com/

[VA Backwoodsman]

My neighbor has a older one but, the coil went bad on it and couldn't find a new one. It was a good, strong saw until then. Wound up buying a Stihl to replace it. Parts may be your biggest problem -maybe Bailey's sources these?? Anybody got any part suppliers for these, let me know so I can pass it on. thanks VAB

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Is that less expensive than a 64cc Stihl or husky?

[deaconjim]

I have a Sachs-Dolmar, and it is a very good machine. I wasn't aware that they were putting the Makita name on them now, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

[ericjeeper]

power to weight to dollar is the best ratio out there. Parts are not a problem.

[RACCOON]

I have 2 of them great saws.Home Depot uses them as rental saws and sells them after a couple years .I brought 2 almost new 6400's for $200 a piece.
Parts are easy to get,as they are same saw as Dolmar's 6400.
Also u can change the piston ,rings and jug and convert it into the 7900 (considered by many to be the best saw arround nowdays)