Used saw selection

[esfeld]

Hello Everyone! I've been reading as much as possible in this forum over the last couple of weeks. First off, you sure have a bunch of characters here!
I grew up running my father's Jonsered, model unknown, with a 16" bar. It would be about 15-18 yrs old now. It was undersized for the half dozen elms I got to down when Dutch Elm took them, but my labor was free as a kid so I hammered away. It is the only saw I've ever used, but I loved its quality, power, and durability. I want to get a quality saw that last as long or longer. I have a 50 ft red oak (3.5 ft diameter) and 30 ft maple coming up in two weeks and I'm used saw shopping. Ebay is my only good source for variety since I'm in central TX. Understandably most of you prefer the professional series saws and large displacement. I'm a big fan of more power and a bigger fan of quality, but am on a budget. After these two trees it will see use 2-3 times per year. I can only spend in the mid $200s. I'm sticking to Stihl because of dealer support. I would include Husky, but there is a limited selection on ebay.

Current options include:
260, 270C, lots of 290s, 310, and 361
18" bar preferred
My brother just picked up an 039 with a 16" bar that is available to me, but in KS

Your thoughts? Wait, wrong question with this group. Ok, which of these would you recommend? The 361 will probably exceed my budget so please give a runner up.

 

[epicklein22]

Welcome to AS. Now to your questions. For the 200 dollar saw range on ebay, I would look to get a stihl 034 (54cc i think) or 034 super (60cc) ideally. It is a solid saw that should last with proper maintenance and can handle a 18" fine. You mentioned a 270, I personally own one I think it is a solid choice. It will put the 18" pretty good and and really good with a sharp chain. It is a saw with a mix of professional and homeowner features. Some will complain about weight but it is lighter than your j-red. I have cut over 20 cords with it and I can't say one thing bad about it.

 

[GASoline71]

There is no runner up to a 361...:hmm3grin2orange:

Seriously... for what you are going to do, and usin' an 18" bar and chain... any of the saws you listed with the exception of the 270 will prolly do the job.

I can't comment on the 270 because i have never used one. But I think it is a decent saw. The 290's, 310's out here in the Northwest run 18" and 20" bars on them no problem.

Or look for a Husqvarna 359 or 357xp... both of those are good saws and can handle an 18" bar as well.

Good luck in your choice, and welcome to AS!

Gary

 

[Urbicide]

I just wanted to welcome you to AS. Great 1st post. Hope you can nab that MS-361, a 357XP. or a 359.

 

[davefr]

If Stihl isn't an absolute "must have" then go to Home Depot and look for a used Makita DCS6401 in the tool rental dept. They go for about $200 and there are reports that some of them really don't have much use. HD also throws in a new chain and sometimes a new bar.

You can also clone then into 7900's for about $200 (jug and piston kit)

Ebay saws are very risky. I'd much rather buy something I could inspect in person.

 

[bcorradi]

I have a 50 ft red oak (3.5 ft diameter) and 30 ft maple coming up in two weeks and I'm used saw shopping.

Yeah I believe your budget is a little light for what your wanting to do. There are a few members here from Texas (West Texas, RiverRat, and Just Mow) who have experience with all of the above mentioned saws. They would probably know what size saw would suit your needs the best and may know of used saws in the area.

 

[PES+]

Take your pick

I have a very nice clean 034 with 18" .325 for $250 plus shipping


<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/RnsWScissors/DSCF0019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>


And I have a very nice and clean 257XP with a 16" 3/8 for $200 plus shipping.


<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/RnsWScissors/DSCF0017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

I can swap out the 16" on the husky and cut a deal for an 18 if interested PM me with any details.

I have run both saws today and will have the ready to pack and ship by early next week as there are a few small things I need to repair on them.

(the 034 needs an oiler tube replaced and the Husky needs a new fuel line and chain catcher)

 

[bcorradi]

Cool...those are two very good candidates for him.

 

[hanniedog]

I would use Ebay as the last resort to get a saw. You might be able to get a decent used saw from a local dealer. Secondly try this sites trading post there are some good saws usually for sale. Another option might be to find a saw at a local auction. I have picked up some nice saws at auctions. I am sure the auction scene in Texas is different than in Ohio, given the size of the state. I hope you find one what suits your needs.

 

[davefr]

I would use Ebay as the last resort to get a saw. You might be able to get a decent used saw from a local dealer. Secondly try this sites trading post there are some good saws usually for sale. Another option might be to find a saw at a local auction. I have picked up some nice saws at auctions. I am sure the auction scene in Texas is different than in Ohio, given the size of the state. I hope you find one what suits your needs.

The OP should also try Craig's List. You can usually inspect them, run them and save money since you're not incurring shipping costs.

 

[Cut4fun]

After running computeruser 075 and 076 stihls, them saws will handle the deed plus some to spare and there is a 075 in the trader section here for $250 or offer.

 

[esfeld]

Some followup observations:

I've searched craigslist and there's nothing there.
My need to have this in hand by Dec 1 limits my buying opportunities
There's a 359 with ported muffler and several chains that I think used to be for sale on this board.
The 361 I'm looking at might go for a little less because they said it will sometimes die with the chain brake applied.
There's another Husky 359 that will go for cheap because they said the clutch that drives the chain is broken. Is that a very difficult fix?
There's an 034 Super that has been completely rebuilt.
And a practically new Dolmar 6400 too.
I do have a single husky dealer near me and a few Dolmar dealers.

Thanks for listing the 034. I will keep it in mind.

 

[Brushwacker]

034 with a 20 inch 3/8 pitch bar worked more then very well for me 10 + years as my main or only saw during that period. Cut some 30+ inch white oak, tried 25 and 18 inch bars, 20 worked best for me.
I was sorry I sold it and tried to replace it with a new POJ name brand saw.
I have had many good used saws I reconditoned since then that have done me very well.

 

[Bowtie]

034/036 Old design, dang good saws!!!!!

 

[Bowtie]

Plus, parts are plentiful for 034/036 series!

 

[DarylB]

Have you thought about an 038? My pops bought one on ebay here a month or two ago, looks brand spankin new. $250 on his door with a new Carlton 16" bar & chain.

 

[belgian]

Welcome to AS !

First off, you sure have a bunch of characters here!

Naaaaah, you're kidding

Current options include:
260, 270C, lots of 290s, 310, and 361
18" bar preferred

260 or if you have a choice of many 290's, choose the one in best condition and you're set !

 

[stevethekiwi]

go for one of the saws from PES. at least he knows more than those ebay farkers... good pricing too.

 

[belgian]

go for one of the saws from PES. at least he knows more than those ebay farkers... good pricing too.

+1 !

 

[SawTroll]

Cool...those are two very good candidates for him.

Yes, both are around 57cc. I'd take the Stihl this time, as the 257 isn't an xp, and has less power.

Stihls tend to bring more money than they are worth on E-bay - so beware!!!