I saw it on Ebay/Craigslist

[nstueve]

Probably need to know a little more... how big the trees are you plan to cut and is this a "serious" wood cutting saw for 3-10 cord a year or just occasional use? Either way I would look for a used pro saw or a near new homeowner/ranch if a pro saw can't be found. IE: look for a 026/260 instead of 029/290. Better power to weight ratio by far. Also I would say generally stay away from saws with 3/8 LP chain b/c their chain and bars wear much much faster than a pro/homeowner saw with .325 or .375 chain.

if you are going to carry around the weight of a 029/290 you might as well just have a 039/390 top end.. JMO.

Keep in mind Stihl farmboss 290-310-390 series is a homeowner grade saw just like the husky rancher saws.

Here is a Husky 450 for $250 NIB on your local CL.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/grd/4798039712.html

Echos are pretty well reguarded so you might want to check on what models these are...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/4797987287.html

Poulan 5020AV, $125: this saw has the bigger .375 chain and is actually made by Husqvarna from what I recall. Its designed very well and has a surprisingly good power/weight ratio. I used on for several hours and was still ready to cut. You can find other AS threads on this saw a read up. they are pretty dang good saws for the $$$. And leaves you $75 for more chains and PPE. Chain brake is MIA on this saw but I'm sure you can find the parts pretty cheap in the swap meet thread on here.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/eld/4777925374.html

But overall if you have used the 290/390 series before they are good reliable saws and the parts are easy and local for you. The biggest gripes is that they are too heavy and a PITA to work on for mechanics.

 

[nstueve]

Found a good looking 026 stihl... Your local CL for $170... I would definitly call. I usualy still get $300 for my rebuilt ones around here.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/grd/4773733940.html

 

[mr.bear]

Here you go http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/grd/4763106524.html


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[nstueve]

that doesn't fit a $200 budget...

 

[dchilds]

Found a good looking 026 stihl... Your local CL for $170... I would definitly call. I usualy still get $300 for my rebuilt ones around here.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/grd/4773733940.html

I called and no one picked up. I like the looks of that 026, as well.

As far as what I'll be using it for goes it's mostly going to be felling 12"-24" dead trees and cutting firewood. I would expect it to get a good workout over 6 or so weekends a year. It's certainly not going into professional service but I want a strong, reliable saw that I can count on.

The gentleman with the Echo saws already sold them both.

 

[mr.bear]

Ok what about this http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/grd/4708442738.html


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[mr.bear]

I called and no one picked up. I like the looks of that 026, as well.

As far as what I'll be using it for goes it's mostly going to be felling 12"-24" dead trees and cutting firewood. I would expect it to get a good workout over 6 or so weekends a year. It's certainly not going into professional service but I want a strong, reliable saw that I can count on.

The gentleman with the Echo saws already sold them both.

What about the 460???


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[dchilds]

What about the 460???


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I'm afraid that's too much saw and 3x my budget.

 

[dchilds]

Probably need to know a little more... how big the trees are you plan to cut and is this a "serious" wood cutting saw for 3-10 cord a year or just occasional use? Either way I would look for a used pro saw or a near new homeowner/ranch if a pro saw can't be found. IE: look for a 026/260 instead of 029/290. Better power to weight ratio by far. Also I would say generally stay away from saws with 3/8 LP chain b/c their chain and bars wear much much faster than a pro/homeowner saw with .325 or .375 chain.

if you are going to carry around the weight of a 029/290 you might as well just have a 039/390 top end.. JMO.

Keep in mind Stihl farmboss 290-310-390 series is a homeowner grade saw just like the husky rancher saws.

Here is a Husky 450 for $250 NIB on your local CL.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/grd/4798039712.html

Echos are pretty well reguarded so you might want to check on what models these are...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/4797987287.html

Poulan 5020AV, $125: this saw has the bigger .375 chain and is actually made by Husqvarna from what I recall. Its designed very well and has a surprisingly good power/weight ratio. I used on for several hours and was still ready to cut. You can find other AS threads on this saw a read up. they are pretty dang good saws for the $$$. And leaves you $75 for more chains and PPE. Chain brake is MIA on this saw but I'm sure you can find the parts pretty cheap in the swap meet thread on here.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/eld/4777925374.html

But overall if you have used the 290/390 series before they are good reliable saws and the parts are easy and local for you. The biggest gripes is that they are too heavy and a PITA to work on for mechanics.

I appreciate the insight. I've always had terrible luck with Poulan's and would prefer to stay away from them. That Husky looks attractive. How are the 450s regarded, generally? I am leaning towards your recommendation of an 026.

 

[Johnskis]

Most certainly doesn't +1 on the 026 they are great saws, it's my go to for limbing as its light enough to use all day, also if we'll taken care of they are very reliable saws that cut well. My only complaint is the Damn air filter gets dirty so fast. You want a good 20 years out of a saw? Get the 026 and you won't regret it, and I've been told a little modding and this little saw turns into quite the beast. Much easier to find one in your price range too I bet. It will swing up to a 20" b/c but I prefer 18 as it sums to bog alot less. Hope this helps and welcome Derek, I was in your position not to long ago and ended up with a ported 70 cc saw with the help of the members here.

 

[mr.bear]

I appreciate the insight. I've always had terrible luck with Poulan's and would prefer to stay away from them. That Husky looks attractive. How are the 450s regarded, generally? I am leaning towards your recommendation of an 026.

The 450 or 455 are good homeowner saws


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[nstueve]

Would check into that 026. Advance the timing 2*-4*, make sure you have a fully adjustable carb, and open muffler. Will haul 18-20" bar with 325 chain. If you want .375 chain I would stay with 16-18" bar max.

 

[old-cat]

If you're looking for a saw that won't wear you out stay away from that STIHL 290. The best saw you can get for $200 and it'll out cut the 290, is a HUSQVARNA 350. BUT you would need to do a little upgrading to it.

 

[nstueve]

If you're looking for a saw that won't wear you out stay away from that STIHL 290. The best saw you can get for $200 and it'll out cut the 290, is a HUSQVARNA 350. BUT you would need to do a little upgrading to it.

The biggest problem i've seen is melted crankcases from muffler heat and muffler bolts coming out. Heat tape and red loctite solve this problem though.

 

[old-cat]

They NEED a COMPLETE rebuild which is not difficult nor expensive.

 

[nstueve]

They NEED a COMPLETE rebuild which is not difficult nor expensive.

New member we are advising so I was going simple and solid... not peak power. He can modify fully after he runs it a bit and learns the mechanics.

 

[MillerModSaws]

In that price range here is my recomindations. Stihl 026 or an 034 of u can find it. Husqvarna 353 or again if u can find it a 359.

 

[jughead500]

028 super would be another good one.also keep an eye out for the echo cs590 and 600.you may get lucky and find something in the $200 budget.

 

[nmurph]

034 or 61 (not the white top version). Both of those get less attention than some of the others in their family but will pull a 20" 3/8" well. I don't agree that a stock 026 will pull a 20" chain with any degree of authority. You can put a bar that long on it, but when more than 1/2 the bar is in wood it's going to slow down significantly and is going to require a pretty deft touch to keep it moving.

Member Steve Trexler picked up a few nice saws last week and I remember at least one or two 61's in that group.

 

[nstueve]

I don't agree that a stock 026 will pull a 20" chain with any degree of authority. You can put a bar that long on it, but when more than 1/2 the bar is in wood it's going to slow down significantly and is going to require a pretty deft touch to keep it moving.

Agreed. Most put a 20' .325 on for reach and not for cutting width. I would use a 16" .375 or 18" .325 bar personally.

Another option is to get yourself a complete parts saw and rebuilt it to learn the mechanics if you are willing.