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

by Makita

Product Features

• Double air filtration
• High power-to-weight ratio
• Easy maintenance
• Low noise operation
• Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Product Details

• Item Weight: 18 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 19 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000TML120
• Item model number: DCS510-18
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,245 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Double air filtration. High power-to-weight ratio. Easy maintenance. Low noise operation. Efficient cold weather operation

Product Description

Easy maintenance; Low noise operation; Efficient cold weather operation; Double air filtration; High power-to-weight ratio; Includes 18" Chain, 8" guide bar, chain cover, universal wrench, allen key, and torx wrench

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars outstanding saw for a great price, May 28, 2008

By 

'86 Kitty-XJ6 (Northern Va) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita DCS510-18 Commercial Grade 18-Inch 50cc 2-Stroke 3.2 HP Gas-Powered Chain Saw (Lawn & Patio)

This saw is made by Dolmar Sachs in Germany.It is a detuned version of Dolmars 5100 Saw that has become a favorite of pros. the saw has a chrome cylinder great anti vibration system.it also meets 300 hr emission standards.this saw has a great power to weight ratio and will cut cut as fast as any other premium saw on the market.the chain that comes with it cuts Ok.I replaced the chain with a full chisel woodland pro chain (9.95 At Baileys forestry supply)and the saw cut much better.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A quality chainsaw, November 4, 2008

By 

R. Moore "books n tools" (Houston TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita DCS510-18 Commercial Grade 18-Inch 50cc 2-Stroke 3.2 HP Gas-Powered Chain Saw (Lawn & Patio)

I was looking for a saw that approached the quality of a professional-level machine, since it became evident as I attempted to clean up after Hurricane Ike that my small gas and electric homeowner saws were not up to the task. I selected the DCS510-18 because it was avaiable through Prime, touted its low vibration and high power-to-weight ratio, and it was branded by Makita. I knew the quality of their products, but wasn't aware of Makita making non-electric power tools. I gambled to an extent that they would not tarnish their brand by selling subpar products, even if manufactured by others.

The saw lives up to the power and vibration promises, and is almost elegant in its appearance, like one would picture a chainsaw made by BMW. I found that German elegance was not a false impression in the very useful first review written for this saw. I'm writing my own review as much to praise that first reviewer for the very useful information he provided as to address the quality of the Makita chainsaw. He identified the actual manufacturer and model number, and provided some very useful suggestions - which I have followed - to optimize the saw's operation.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unreliable starting, August 4, 2010

By 

Dan (WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita DCS510-18 Commercial Grade 18-Inch 50cc 2-Stroke 3.2 HP Gas-Powered Chain Saw (Lawn & Patio)

I've had two Makita DCS 510s, the second replacing the first when it was returned under warranty, for about a year now. I really, really regret the purchase. When it runs it is a good saw, but neither starts/started without a lot of frustration. I have acreage to maintain, and I need reliable tools. This doesn't fit the bill. I've had Stihls, Echos, and Husvarnas, and had good luck with them all. I'd recommend you look to one of those first for a new saw. I only went with this saw because of Makita's good reputation and the competitive pricing. I guess the value isn't there this time.

There are a couple of positive reviews of this saw that chalk the starting problems mentioned in this and other reviews up to operator error. I have two responses to that. (1) The instructions are simple enough that even I can follow them to the letter. And occasionally I do get the sputter on the second or third pull, and then the saw works as advertised. But if I have to pull a fourth time, the saw is flooded and will not start. At least not until the plug and cylinder are totally dried out. It's that touchy, and that's unacceptable. (2) I have many 2-cycle tools, and have owned many more over the years. I have never had trouble with one of them like this. Even if it is operator error, the heck with it. Makita/Dolmar's competitors produce tools that start reliably every time, even for a knuckle-dragger like me. It's 1920's technology - the steps to start it should be engage choke, pull cord a few times, dis-engage choke, possibly restart it again if it died before you could get the choke off, and then go get some work done. And that's basically all it is with this saw, except that more than half the time, it won't start. And this is my second Makita DCS510 to have this problem.

I recommend you look to another saw manufacturer, even if you have to pay more.

Kudos to Amazon, though. If you're going to get a bad saw, Amazon's a good retailer to do it with.

Dan