Which Stihl Saw is better?

[monwilj]

Out of the Stihl 032 AV and the Stihl 031 AV, which one would you all prefer, and why? whats a good used but working price for them?

 

[jus2fat]

Out of the Stihl 032 AV and the Stihl 031 AV, which one would you all prefer, and why? whats a good used but working price for them?

I am not familiar with either model...
But Acre's site shows the 031AV (48cc) being made early 70's...
and the 032 (51cc) being made in late 70's..
Even-steven probably I'd go with the 032AV...actually I personally wouldn't buy either one..!!
Just tooo old and probably hard to get parts for and nothing "special" about them.

If in good shape and running...I wouldn't give more than $100...just MY 2¢ worth..!!

J2F

 

[The Burning Rom]

Between $100 and $150 in good to great used condition. If they're missing a lot of paint or well used, I wouldn't go more than $100. They're tough saws, and you can still get quite a few of the important parts, but there are indeed newer/better/lighter/more powerful saws out there in the same price range.

 

[Fish]

Both, pretty much the same saw. Good saws, but old.

 

[blsnelling]

In my mind they're both the same saw. Mine is only for the collection.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

I got to ask why limit yourself to just those two saws?

Edit: this thread don't have any pics.


saws 001 by supercabs78, on Flickr
Here is a nice running 031 I have but I don't use it its a shelf queen.

 

[SawTroll]

In my mind they're both the same saw. Mine is only for the collection.

In my mind they also are collectors items too, not even close to work saws by now!

 

[tallguys]

I've got to agree with everyone else. I have one only because I inherited it, so if that model saw has some special significance for you go ahead and get it. If you plan on using it, parts are getting scarce though still exist, just not overly easy to find.

For $100-$150 you can get newer just as good, if not better models out there. Check the AS classifieds from time to time.

 

[zogger]

In my mind they also are collectors items too, not even close to work saws by now!

--if they work, why not? Some people don't have the luxury of being able to afford more modern newer saws, and if they can get an old runner for a 100 clams and need to cut wood, where's the problem, besides too many shelf queens out there as it is?

To ME, and this is just me, anyone else's mileage may and probably does vary on this site, saws need to be worked until they can't be run, lack of parts, etc, THEN shine them up, repaint, find your reproduction decals and stickers, whatever and make a shelf queen to look at. Especially some old used to be common model. I'm not talking about a 1937 coal burning Acme tree buster, anything really really rare, you know what I am saying, just old common saws. Those aren't collector saws, they are just old saws! Work 'em! If you don't want to work 'em, because you got five dozen other saws kicking around, sell them cheap to someone who needs a saw to work with, and can't afford a newer more expensive saw, or they just need a saw to buck up their cord a year or clean up around the house,k and would rather have an old better quality one than a new plastic fantastic non wonder el cheapo from the box stores.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

--if they work, why not? Some people don't have the luxury of being able to afford more modern newer saws, and if they can get an old runner for a 100 clams and need to cut wood, where's the problem, besides too many shelf queens out there as it is?

To ME, and this is just me, anyone else's mileage may and probably does vary on this site, saws need to be worked until they can't be run, lack of parts, etc, THEN shine them up, repaint, find your reproduction decals and stickers, whatever and make a shelf queen to look at. Especially some old used to be common model. I'm not talking about a 1937 coal burning Acme tree buster, anything really really rare, you know what I am saying, just old common saws. Those aren't collector saws, they are just old saws! Work 'em! If you don't want to work 'em, because you got five dozen other saws kicking around, sell them cheap to someone who needs a saw to work with, and can't afford a newer more expensive saw, or they just need a saw to buck up their cord a year or clean up around the house,k and would rather have an old better quality one than a new plastic fantastic non wonder el cheapo from the box stores.

:hmm3grin2orange: so your saying if you have to many saws or cars or money you wold sell cheap or give it away? To someone that needs it.

 

[procarbine2k1]

I am partial to 031's myself. I started cutting with one, and still enjoy them. I think they are a great saws, and have probably put as much wood in the stove as any. Nice ones still fetch some bucks, but typically can be had for a bargain.

 

[MnSam]

Pretty much the same thing, I think there are more 031's out there than 032's. Not the saws to be used for professional everyday cutting for the mills. However, my dad has two 031's he uses to reliably cut his firewood for the winter year after year. He is 69 years old, lives in northern Wisconsin, and could easily purchase a newer/lighter/faster saw. But he hasn't. Why? Because his saws have not let him down since he bought them many years ago. These old saws are still treating people right. I'd be comfortable in the $100-$150 range, a little more for a really nice one.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

Pretty much the same thing, I think there are more 031's out there than 032's. Not the saws to be used for professional everyday cutting for the mills. However, my dad has two 031's he uses to reliably cut his firewood for the winter year after year. He is 69 years old, lives in northern Wisconsin, and could easily purchase a newer/lighter/faster saw. But he hasn't. Why? Because his saws have not let him down since he bought them many years ago. These old saws are still treating people right. I'd be comfortable in the $100-$150 range, a little more for a really nice one.

I am out of rep so I couldn't answer that way. Let me give it some thought tonight I'll holler back tomorrow.

 

[dave k]

I have 030,031 and 032 and they are saws that were at the front of the pack in their day, but, have a look back at old posts and by the amount of posts about 031/032 it shows just how good they are. Still going often in the hands of novice cutters but they just keep going. Yes you can get newer ligher saws but if you are just cutting a smallish amount of firewood then why not work away with one ?

 

[discounthunter]

o32. i use it on a weekly basis with my 120si out of action for a while.

 

[SawTroll]

--if they work, why not? ..........

Parts are getting hard to find, and the power to weight ratio wasn't good, even when they were new. They just are a part of Stihl History.

 

[russhd1997]

Out of the Stihl 032 AV and the Stihl 031 AV, which one would you all prefer, and why? whats a good used but working price for them?

I like the 031AV personally. Mine was the first new saw that I bought with my own money. I bought it new over 30 years ago.

I got to ask why limit yourself to just those two saws?

Edit: this thread don't have any pics.


saws 001 by supercabs78, on Flickr
Here is a nice running 031 I have but I don't use it its a shelf queen.

I like the pull handle on that 031. I really like that black and silver Dolmar in the back too. Is it a 112 or 120?

 

[rickyrooster]

You can have a saw making over 5 hp without gaining hardly any weight. my self I wouldnt consider one to use for cutting wood. That said I have an uncle who has a 030 and a 031 and I just ordered some new parts for his last nite. he thinks they are the best thing since buttered bread. I guess it just depends on what turns your crank. Rick!!!!!

 

[gmax]

Hey SawTroll, How do you like my mid size firewood saws?.. (I can picture you shaking your head in disgust) :hmm3grin2orange:

Not everyone needs the latest & greatest cutting edge technology

 

[MnSam]

Form and function, a perfect combination.