288xp.... leave as part of our past, or make it part of the present?

[BirdDawg3205]

Hi all. I have a chance to pick up a 288xp from a family friend; it is a 1999. Now I know that these saws were mostly well received by people back in that day, but would it still hold its own today (against newer 90ish cc saws) considering the many variables that come into play? Here is what I know of the saw..... 1) cosmetically it is real nice and it runs, 2) was told it has compression of around 155ish psi, 3) it is one owner, 4) it was not a production saw (it was used to feed an indoor, then later an outdoor wood burner), and 5) he had other saws that he used more frequently.

I don't want to beat him up too bad, but was thinking (based on casual conversations with the owner) that I can pick it up for around $400. Does that seem reasonable for a 23 year old saw? I don't want to take advantage of an old family friend, just as much as I do not want to be taken advantage of by anyone.

There was not a bar on it when he was showing it to me, so I'm not sure whether a bar could be part of the deal or not. I didn't go that far with him when we I first showed interest and when we first talked.

Opinions are appreciated! Thanks.

 

[ammoaddict]

I have never owned one but ran a friend's many years ago. Those saws still have a loyal following. You see them pop up for sale once in a while on here. If it looks good and runs good, it's worth 400 all day long. I would snap it up in a minute.

 

[HumBurner]

288's are so good they're still in production and used around the world, just not produced in the USA because of emissions and high-fashion


390xp has better anti-vibes, less torque, higher rpm range.


400 is a good deal if it's in good shape and doesn't need new fuel lines, carb work, or anything major.

 

[BirdDawg3205]

Oh! So they are still made, just not in North America. Now that you say that, I think I recall Robin Wood offering them for sale. Forgot about that. I'll have to, out of curiosity, see what he was getting for a new, over seas model.

Thanks for the input.

 

[HumBurner]

Yes

Robin did have them, but I'm not sure if he still does. Haven't heard a peep out of him lately.

I'm planning for a new mill-saw in the future, if LIFE quits getting in the way, and am intrigued by his offering of the Echo 1201 vs a 3120 vs an 880/1

 

[BirdDawg3205]

I noticed as well that Robin has been silent for some time. Hope all is well with him.

So, $400 seems to be far for both parties? I kinda thought it was fair, but my opinions are biased of course.

 

[HumBurner]

I noticed as well that Robin has been silent for some time. Hope all is well with him.

So, $400 seems to be far for both parties? I kinda thought it was fair, but my opinions are biased of course.

$400 buys more saw on the East Coast than on the West Coast, just fyi

 

[Squareground3691]

Have a couple, they are legendary Husky and have proven they’re worth over and over again and easy to work on .

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

I’d take a 288 over pretty much any new 90cc saw.

 

[BirdDawg3205]

Nice saws, Squareground!

 

[BirdDawg3205]

I’d take a 288 over pretty much any new 90cc saw.

Wow! That says a lot. Sounds like I will be chatting with this fellow to see what we can settle on.

 

[ammoaddict]

Wow! That says a lot. Sounds like I will be chatting with this fellow to see what we can settle on.

If you get it, you are required to post pictures.

 

[bwalker]

I’d take a 288 over pretty much any new 90cc saw.

The 288 was a bad ass saw back in the day. However, nostalgia aside a modern saw like a 390xp is better.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

In their day they were the best dang thing out there- the 281 was the best weight to power for something like four years until Stihl woke up and delivered the 064 on the market- the 288 was just another step up for Husqvarna.
The 2## saws were/are legendary and probably what set Husqvarna up Worldwide- they are a good power saw even by todays standards and in my opinion better than the MS660 that came along much later.
Not as refined as a 3## series, but close in power for a general user. Is it worth the asking price? I have no idea- I have not paid more than $100 of our dollars for one as a stand alone powerhead over here and have 3 288's and 1 281.
Pull the clutch cover of the saw and check for cracks in the side face of that crankcase half- about the only deal breaker they are prone to.

 

[Squareground3691]

The 288 was a bad ass saw back in the day. However, nostalgia aside a modern saw like a 390xp is better.

Or one of these.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

The 288 was a bad ass saw back in the day. However, nostalgia aside a modern saw like a 390xp is better.

Can’t argue with you there. I’d definitely rock a 390.

 

[firekindler]

I bought mine in 1991 - it's still running strong, has great balance, and pulls a 42" bar through practically anything like a hot knife in butter (although these days I baby it with a 32"). They only thing I miss is a compression release valve for my tweaky shoulder. But that says something just in itself. It's name is Thor.

 

[The Shooters Apprentice]

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

Farmertec thought the 288 was good enough to copy.

 

[BirdDawg3205]

So..... I spoke with the gentleman on the phone last night, and I will be paying him a visit this weekend. He sounded excited that I wanted to visit and talk chainsaws with him (again). I made mention of the 288 and our previous conversation. I couldn't get a good read on him as to whether or not he is still interested in parting with the saw, like he indicated to me during my last visit. We shall see.....

 

[bwalker]

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

Farmertec thought the 288 was good enough to copy.

Those chi com bastards have copied many saws.