Makita DCS510-18 Commercial Grade 18-Inch 50cc 2-Stroke 3.2 HP Gas-Powered Chain Saw

Comment: I filled the gas tank and chain oil tank. I moved the combination switch all the way up to choke position. I then began pulling the rope and on the fourth pull the engine `popped'. I moved the switch down to the center "ON" position and the engine roared to life.

I then spent most of the day clearing out numerous trees and bushes. I switched the engine off many times during the day and the saw never failed to start up. In fact, I never used the choke position again even though the saw sat for several hours at a time while I loaded and unloaded logs and trimmings to and from my truck. When I wanted to use the saw again I would move the switch to the choke position and then immediately down to the "ON" position. The saw always started on either the first or second pull. I used the saw again -- without problem -- for several hours the next day.

I've been using chainsaws for over 30 years. I have experience using different Stihl saws as well as models from various other manufacturers. I've used large professional saws and cheap "homeowner" saws. I never encountered a Dolmar, however, so after doing a lot of research I decided to go with this Makita -- which is a rebranded Dolmar - due to the stellar reputation of this brand.

I wanted a `general-purpose' saw that was powerful enough to tackle some larger trees yet light enough to handle trimming chores. The Makita DCS510-18 fits the bill perfectly and I am quite happy with the purchase. I expect to use the saw for many years to come.

As mentioned in the review by EHS, this saw does not contain the decompression button on the cylinder as referred to in the operator's manual. This does not in any way affect the ability to start the saw. Also, after having read numerous forum's on the Internet, it seems that the new saws (all models/manufacturers) are set very lean to comply with EPA pollution regulations. Many users recommend setting the "H" mixture needle to the full `rich' (counter-clockwise) position before the first start (which I did) to prevent overheating the cylinder. The Makita manual also recommends this procedure BTW.

In response to those having problems starting the engine -- resulting in flooding -- all I can say is that you are either not correctly following the starting procedure or you have an ignition problem (bad spark plug, ignition coil, etc.) that results in flooding. In my experience, chainsaws -- regardless of make/model -- are especially prone to flooding if the starting procedure is not followed exactly.

Comment: There are plenty of people out there that will tell you this saw starts easily and then they will quote you directions on how to start a 2 stroke.

Thanks. I have plenty of 2-stroke motors in my garage that start just fine and the 1 that came with this saw simply sucks.

Regurgitation of the user manual is all fine and good if the saw "tries to start". If it never does (mine has done it once since I've owned it for 5 months), you're stuck with a flooded and useless saw.

My guess is that there are saws sent out by Dolmar/Makita that "try to start" on the 2nd or 3rd pull every time and then there are the few that never work this way, like mine.

You might get lucky. You might not.

Comment: I was looking for a medium duty chainsaw similar in quality to the other two name brand European saws. Makita bought Dolmar in 1991, and the saw is still "Made in Germany" -- as listed right on the label. Dolmar invented the gas chainsaw in 1927. It is a quality product, well made with an elegant appearance. In all aspects an identical twin of the Dolmar PS-510 -- except in the Makita trademark color. The saw runs well, but like all chainsaws, needs to be setup correctly, and maintained that way. You also need to know how to start and operate a two-stroke engine -- one review in this section gives it a "one star" because it is supposedly hard to start. Not really, it starts like any other two stroke engine, and it's temperamental and susceptible to flooding just like any other two stroke -- and once flooded, you can spend a half hour or a day, but it won't start until you dry out the plug.

The drill is simple, but must be followed, and when done correctly, it will start on the first or second "ignition on" pull. Make sure you're on the choke position when cold, follow the directions on the pulls until you hear it trying to start. Once. Once only. Then, STOP IMMEDIATELY, and switch to "on," give it another pull, and it starts. That simple. Absolutely. But, if you keep trying to crank on choke, and it will flood. You then you either wait a few hours, or you clean the plug -- just like on your old Kawasaki 750 triple. Sachs has been making engines for 100 years -- they know how to build a two stroke and what a two stroke should run like. Also, don't mess with the carb adjustments unless you know what you're doing. This saw has enough features/adjustments for the pro, but if you follow the directions, anyone can use it.

Two nitpicks: (1) Make sure the plug wire is seated when you set the machine up -- mine wasn't, but something you should do when you check over the saw before starting the first time. (2) The Makita manual refers to a decompression button -- which the saw does not have -- the German version manual makes no mention of this button, so don't keep looking for one; you can use the rest of the cold start procedure fine without one. Just skip the button part.

Otherwise, great saw -- fantastic acceleration and RPMs to cut through oak -- crosscuts and rip cuts -- which is what I've been using it for. Five stars -- all quality!

Comment: My husband had a Homelite for many years, but it finally died. We had gotten a Poulan to replace it, thinking it was a fairly common namebrand, but found the saw was not that great. After about a year it completely died, so we started researching something different. I saw all 4-5 star ratings on this saw and thought it was an option. When I showed my husband the info, he said "I didn't know Makita made chainsaws" (a comment that has become repetative with all of his buddies that see and hear about his new Makita saw). Seeing all the excellent reviews and looking into other brands, we decided on this saw. It was a little pricier than I had intended to spend, but those reviews hooked me in! We have since had multiple trees taken down in the yard (8 on the last run) and he was excited about how well it worked and how easy it made his task of cutting up these trees. He has helped some of his friends cut trees in their yards, and they have also been impressed with the saw's performance. I waited awhile to write the review to make sure that I still felt positive about it, and I still do after almost a year. Bottom Line: I HIGHLY reccommend this saw for anyone who needs a chainsaw for more than a few cuts here and there. Definitely able to handle a decent size workload!

Comment: excellent product. slightly more expensive but you are paying for high quality german engineering and know how. worth every penny. better than my stihl and head and shoulders better than the troy bilt - not even in the same category