Is this a good chainsaw deal?

[isipwater]

I am trying to buy my first chain saw for bucking about 5 cords (mostly softwood) per year. I think I want a used Stihl in the range of 50 cc but I am looking for help identifying what is a good deal.

What do you think of this of saw? Is it a good deal? I would have to drive 2hrs (one way to get it).

GENTLY USED~ STIHL 029 $280
Comes with 16" bar and case (not shown)

 

[Valandscaper]

In my opinion the saw is fairly priced for what I see on cl around here, I wouldn't say it's a good enough deal to drive a 4hr round trip for, but again that's in my area.

 

[windthrown]

I would pass on an 029. I had one once. They are the lowest power in the 1127 line of saws. I had one and even a muffler mod did not help much. That price is all of its money there, and add the gas money and that is too high. I would recommend a 310 over it, and they turn up here around $300 fairly often on CL. Even a 290 is better, or a 029 Super (same saw as the 290).

For 5 cords in the 60cc range I would look for an 034 or 036/360, or even a 361 pro saw. Far more bang for the buck, even if you have to pay $350 for one, which is typically what they come up for on CL here.

 

[mesupra]

First I would try to look past the idea of only one brand, don't over look husky,dolmar, echo etc. if you are stuck on a stihl look for a 026, one of my favorite firewood saws.

 

[CR888]

Or for not much more $$$ mesupra above can get the shinyest 550xp's around. l bought one and along with many others are a very happy customer. l would not buy that saw. Certainly not 4 that money. lf you can spend a little more mesupra can prolly hook you up with a near brand new latest tech (autotune) 50cc saw that will perform and hold its value much much better than that ancient 029. The 029 is homeowner/ranch grade, mesupra only deals in 'pro saws'. lf l was you l'd send him a PM and leave that 029 alone. Just remember "quality remains well after price is forgotten". He's not a dealer nor sells at dealer prices we're not really sure what he is but everyone who deals with him has a grin ear to ear and plenty of members will vouch 4 that. Good luck

 

[isipwater]

I would pass on an 029. I had one once. They are the lowest power in the 1127 line of saws. I had one and even a muffler mod did not help much. That price is all of its money there, and add the gas money and that is too high. I would recommend a 310 over it, and they turn up here around $300 fairly often on CL. Even a 290 is better, or a 029 Super (same saw as the 290).

For 5 cords in the 60cc range I would look for an 034 or 036/360, or even a 361 pro saw. Far more bang for the buck, even if you have to pay $350 for one, which is typically what they come up for on CL here.

ok, thanks for the feedback and suggestions on considering more powerful saws.

 

[isipwater]

First I would try to look past the idea of only one brand, don't over look husky,dolmar, echo etc. if you are stuck on a stihl look for a 026, one of my favorite firewood saws.

I have been looking at other brands such as the ones you mentioned. However, in my limited research Stihl seems to get consistently higher ratings than the others. Also, why do you like the 026 so much.

 

[isipwater]

Or for not much more $$$ mesupra above can get the shinyest 550xp's around. l bought one and along with many others are a very happy customer. l would not buy that saw. Certainly not 4 that money. lf you can spend a little more mesupra can prolly hook you up with a near brand new latest tech (autotune) 50cc saw that will perform and hold its value much much better than that ancient 029. The 029 is homeowner/ranch grade, mesupra only deals in 'pro saws'. lf l was you l'd send him a PM and leave that 029 alone. Just remember "quality remains well after price is forgotten". He's not a dealer nor sells at dealer prices we're not really sure what he is but everyone who deals with him has a grin ear to ear and plenty of members will vouch 4 that. Good luck

Thanks, I will PM mesupra and see what options he has. You make good points about how to make the best purchase for maximizing value.