Want to Buy Reliable saw, 18+ inch bar

[Ayurtdweller]

I'm in the market for a decent saw with at least an 18" bar.
Occasional to heavy use. Trees from 14 inch diameter to 30.
Great running is key.
Hoping to come in under $200.
I'm not tied to any particular brand.
What do you have?

 

[calebng15]

Any interest in a Husqvarna 261? It is 61cc, and can easily pull your 18in bar. I usually run it with a 20, and Husky rates it up to a 24in bar. If you're interested at all, just shoot me a pm!

 

[cedarshark]

Echo(Made in Japan) in new condition. 59 cc pro grade saw. $350 + shipping. Very strong saw.

 

[Jon1270]

I'm in the market for a decent saw with at least an 18" bar.
Occasional to heavy use. Trees from 14 inch diameter to 30.
Great running is key.
Hoping to come in under $200.
I'm not tied to any particular brand.
What do you have?

Great running is fairly easy in the short term. Reliable is largely dependent on you and your maintenance habits. Depending on what you mean by "occasional to heavy use," you should probably spend more than you're hoping to.

 

[Brushwacker]

I agree thats pinching pennys for what he wants but there are some now and then deals, usually on older model saws. Just be aware of parts and service available for such .

 

[Red Elm]

I don't have a reliable runner in the entire herd i'd let go of for less than $200!!!

 

[Ayurtdweller]

I've got a chance at 2 saws... A 55 rancher and ms290 farm boss. Both have unknown history. Both are $150.
What would you do?

 

[Big Block]

55 rancher if the piston looks good

 

[Jon1270]

The 55 rancher is generally better-built and easier to work on, but we can't tell you which of the two is the better deal, or whether either is worth $150, just on the basis of the model number. Condition is everything. If you want to take up working on saws as a hobby, then buy a cheaper saw and plan to spend more on tools and parts. If you don't want to take it up as a hobby and just need a good working machine, then spend more on the saw in the first place. Either way, expect to spend more.

 

[rburg]

If your trees were <20" in diameter, a 55 or 290 would probably work OK.

 

[cus_deluxe]

How ya comin on your search?

 

[Ayurtdweller]

Checked the 55, ran poor. Guy is going to put on a new carb. If it cuts wood, I'll pill the trigger.

How ya comin on your search?

 

[chipper1]

I've got a chance at 2 saws... A 55 rancher and ms290 farm boss. Both have unknown history. Both are $150.
What would you do?

As long as it runs great once the 55 has a new carb I would buy both and sell the for husky for 200 and the stihl for 275 on craigslist. Then you will have the proper cash to buy what you really need/want.

Checked the 55, ran poor. Guy is going to put on a new carb. If it cuts wood, I'll pill the trigger.

 

[Jon1212]

@Ayurtdweller don't just limit yourself to Stihl, and Husqvarna. There are plenty of other opportunities for other brands Echo, Shindaiwa, Solo, Dolmar, Jonsered, Makita, etc.

 

[Ayurtdweller]

Thanks for the tip. I just don't see any of those brands in my range. Husky and stihl are everywhere I turn.

@Ayurtdweller don't just limit yourself to Stihl, and Husqvarna. There are plenty of other opportunities for other brands Echo, Shindaiwa, Solo, Dolmar, Jonsered, Makita, etc.

 

[chipper1]

@Ayurtdweller don't just limit yourself to Stihl, and Husqvarna. There are plenty of other opportunities for other brands Echo, Shindaiwa, Solo, Dolmar, Jonsered, Makita, etc.

And as soon as he gets those two saws sold he should PM you promptly.
If you do you may be pleasantly surprised with what Jon comes up with.

 

[Jon1212]

Thanks for the tip. I just don't see any of those brands in my range. Husky and stihl are everywhere I turn.

Have you hit up any of the older independent O P E dealers in your area? If this is an option in your area, I strongly suggest it. Cultivate that relationship with early morning pastry items, and you will find some amazing opportunities.

 

[chipper1]

Have you hit up any of the older independent O P E dealers in your area? If this is an option in your area, I strongly suggest it. Cultivate that relationship with early morning pastry items, and you will find some amazing opportunities.

The power of donuts, the work for cops and saw guys. Better have a box in the car all the time just in case .

 

[Jon1212]

And as soon as he gets those two saws sold he should PM you promptly.
If you do you may be pleasantly surprised with what Jon comes up with.

I guess I better get my ass in gear, and go pick up some more saws, huh?........LOL!

 

[chipper1]

I guess I better get my ass in gear, and go pick up some more saws, huh?........LOL!

For sure anything good sitting around now.