Thread: Newbie, just saying harrow with a few Q's

I've been searching like crazy on here, looking at pics and stuff... wanted to say that this is a great looking site so far! Lots of information, I was guided over here by members of Pirate4x4

I don't have a saw yet... I'm looking to pick one up for my off-road misadventures hahhaha... and cleaning up the bush at the farm. I was raised on Stihl machines... but I'm not 100% brand loyal yet, I just want something that will pack nicely into my Jeep Cherokee and work well for my first saw, i.e. reliable.

I've been educating myself on mods, chain types and stuff... I know I definitely want a short bar, in the 16" range which will allow me to use a slightly underpowered saw since I don't foresee myself taking down some of the gigantic trees I've seen in the picture threads (there are some sick looking saws in there too, made it to page 51)

I definitely don't want to buy a cheaply made saw and would like something that I can source parts for... which will likely mean I'll end up with a Stihl since I don't know of any local Husky dealers here in Canuckastan

Since I'm a poor student... and you've heard that sap story before, I am definitely in the market for a USED chainsaw. I've been hunting on Kijiji for a couple of weeks but I don't really know what I should be chasing after to fit my needs,

There is a Stihl 032 AV I've been eying up... buddy wants $270 for it though and I have no idea how well chainsaws retain their value. Is there a Buyers guide for used Chainsaws 101 on here for newbs like myself?

Edit: Since this is my first saw, and I've only played with chainsaws a few times in my life, I'd like to buy a saw based on the safety features it has since I don't want to kill myself yet... I realize the vintage stuff doesn't have any kind of safety features at all, so I'll be stay away from those... Unless I find a bullet proof pair of chaps :P

If you want to run a 16" bar and want something LIGHT, a used 260 would be nice. It has all the modern safety features such as a chain brake initiated by the guard as well as inertia. The biggest safety thing is (besides your brain) to use the "green" chain with the anti-kickback depth-limiting links on a shorter bar such as the 16" you desire.

The 026 / 260 is nice and narrow and will fit into a Jeep or whatever nicely. Some say this is an underpowered saw but that's only true if you try to go above 16".

Originally Posted by Plasmech

If you want to run a 16" bar and want something LIGHT, a used 260 would be nice. It has all the modern safety features such as a chain brake initiated by the guard as well as inertia. The biggest safety thing is (besides your brain) to use the "green" chain with the anti-kickback depth-limiting links on a shorter bar such as the 16" you desire.

I saw that on stihl's website, thanks for the heads up on the model#, seeing how this will be my first chainsaw, I want to live to tell about it haahha

I do want something light if I have to do some over head liming/trimming. Used prices around here don't seem that great unless the saw is ancient, I may end up going brand new to save myself a headache

$270 for an 032 is flat out robbery. I would not pay more than $100 for any 032. For $270, you could get a brand new MS-250.

Originally Posted by J-Roc

I saw that on stihl's website, thanks for the heads up on the model#, seeing how this will be my first chainsaw, I want to live to tell about it haahha

I do want something light if I have to do some over head liming/trimming. Used prices around here don't seem that great unless the saw is ancient, I may end up going brand new to save myself a headache

The saw with the best power-to-mass ratio, which is what it's all about IMO, is the 361. That's a $550 saw new though, not sure about used.

Originally Posted by B200Driver

$270 for an 032 is flat out robbery. I would not pay more than $100 for and 032. For $270, you could get a brand new MS-250.

I live in Canada so everyone is smoking drugs... and drinking contaminated well water up here so prices are a bit different

Here are some of my options at the moment:

For sale Husqvarna 353 e-tech chainsaw, 5 years old, can be seen working looking to get bigger saw. sorry no pic but you can find pics on Husqvarna website. $215

Husqvarna chainsaw model 359. 59cc engine (about 3.9 hp) almost new 18" bar and chain. Brand new carburetor. Tuned up ready to go. Comes with carry case. Weight about 12 lbs. $225

Used Stihl 025 with case, 45cc, 15" bar and chain, above average condition, serviced and ready for work $250

-This one looks super clean but again, not even sure if pricing is remotely accurate

As long as its in good condition and fairly new - I think thats a good deal for the Husky 359!!

Originally Posted by catman963

As long as its in good condition and fairly new - I think thats a good deal for the Husky 359!!

I don't know how much you can tell from the pic in the ad, but I fired off an e-mail to him...

Originally Posted by Plasmech

If you want to run a 16" bar and want something LIGHT, a used 260 would be nice. It has all the modern safety features such as a chain brake initiated by the guard as well as inertia. The biggest safety thing is (besides your brain) to use the "green" chain with the anti-kickback depth-limiting links on a shorter bar such as the 16" you desire.

The 026 / 260 is nice and narrow and will fit into a Jeep or whatever nicely. Some say this is an underpowered saw but that's only true if you try to go above 16".

The 026/260 is a modern saw with parts still available. The 032 is a good saw but parts are getting scarce. Dont you have Craigslist up there? With some homework you should be able to find a used saw cheaper from a private owner. Welcome to AS also.

Originally Posted by Rookie1

The 026/260 is a modern saw with parts still available. The 032 is a good saw but parts are getting scarce. Dont you have Craigslist up there? With some homework you should be able to find a used saw cheaper from a private owner. Welcome to AS also.

Believe it or not... Craigslist really isn't that popular up here,
Kijiji definitely has it beat...

Seller got back to me about that Husky and he says its an 05... but not 100% sure,