Just got a wood stove and have a few acres of trees in back. I need to drop, limb & cut about 8 cord a year... Most of the trees average between 10 - 14 inches. I want a decent saw but can't afford much. am looking for a good used saw for $175 - $200. What would you recommend?
Need a saw... ??? what should I get?
- Thread starter rubantin
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PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
Have you owned or ran a saw before? If so, details? What dealers do you have within reasonable driving distance?
alderman
Addicted to ArboristSite
Shindaiwa 488
The 488's are showing up on e-Bay regularly. The last one I got was for $69.00 and runs like new. These put out about 3.5 h.p. and work well with an 18" bar. Certainly not the most popular saw around, so they don't bring top dollar used. If you want a good quality saw for little money, this may be something you'd like to look into.
On the other hand there are plenty of fella's on this site who are happy with Stihl, Husqvarna, or Dolmar. Can't argue against them as well.
The 488's are showing up on e-Bay regularly. The last one I got was for $69.00 and runs like new. These put out about 3.5 h.p. and work well with an 18" bar. Certainly not the most popular saw around, so they don't bring top dollar used. If you want a good quality saw for little money, this may be something you'd like to look into.
On the other hand there are plenty of fella's on this site who are happy with Stihl, Husqvarna, or Dolmar. Can't argue against them as well.
I was a logger in N Wisconsin for a year (20 years ago)... Ran a pro stihl.. Can stihl handle a saw.. have a poulan wild thing.. not enough saw.. Stihl is the closest "dealer" but have a pro all around repair shop in the neighborhood..
Uwharrie
ArboristSite Operative
rubantin, I would look for a Husqvarna 350 because of reliability and you can find them in that price range. I may even have a few. The next choice is you are looking for a Stihl is an 025. Both these saws are in the 3 hp range yet light enough for limbing. Powerhead weights in at 10.5 lbs. Operating weights closer to 13 lbs. I'll list some used saws on our site tomorrow under preowned. Thanks Tony
Sounds good... will be looking for them... let me know when you list them..
Looked on ebay for 350... most go for around $200... found some stihl 026 for about $20 more... would that be worth it?
I am a teacher and have very little cabbage with a 3rd kid on the way... I would feel comfortable repairing my own saw if needed..
Looked on ebay for 350... most go for around $200... found some stihl 026 for about $20 more... would that be worth it?
I am a teacher and have very little cabbage with a 3rd kid on the way... I would feel comfortable repairing my own saw if needed..
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have an 11 year old 026 I bought new. Knowing what I know about my saw, I wouldn't let mine go for $220.00. It has been a great, dependable saw for me. I don't know much about Antivibe, and the 026 isn't supposed to be the greatest in that department. I can assure you my 026 would handle what you want to do with ease. It has been my only saw until this past year. I have nothing but good things to say about the 026.
Erick
Addicted to ArboristSite
Drive_1305
ArboristSite Operative
If you can swing another $100.00 go here
http://www.alamia.com/index.asp?PG=80&ID=348&VSP=1 You get some extras too and free shipping.
Then at ebay there's http://cgi.ebay.com/Husqvarna-350-c...5QQihZ011QQcategoryZ79666QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem If you offer them $250, maybe they would take it. If you deduct the extras and shipping from Alamia, $250 would beat their price by about $15.00. Why buy at Robert's if they can't beat Alamias price?
Offer them less than $250, maybe they will take it. They have 20 in stock.
http://www.alamia.com/index.asp?PG=80&ID=348&VSP=1 You get some extras too and free shipping.
Then at ebay there's http://cgi.ebay.com/Husqvarna-350-c...5QQihZ011QQcategoryZ79666QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem If you offer them $250, maybe they would take it. If you deduct the extras and shipping from Alamia, $250 would beat their price by about $15.00. Why buy at Robert's if they can't beat Alamias price?
Offer them less than $250, maybe they will take it. They have 20 in stock.
RiverRat2
Serio Tree Freak
Look on the tradin post here There is an 044 that needs some fixin up needs a recoil if you get it I have an extra one I'll send it to ya if you pay the shippin,,, Make him an offer,,,, its butt ugly maybe he will let you have it cheap:monkey: tell him to pull the mufler and take a pic and email it to ya There's also a 360 pro looks pretty nice been there a while, make him an offer too!!!!!!!! Good luck
2000ssm6
Stihl User
If it is in good shape, that 360 pro would be a great saw!
Timberhauler
Addicted to ArboristSite
I really like my 357 husky...Not sure if you'll be able to find one in your price range though
Griffbm3
ArboristSite Guru
026 Gets my vote too
I can't say enough about the 026, light and nimble, but I have an 036 too like the one in the Trading Post. Great saw, all metal if PRO, and there are plenty of sites to get good prices on rebuild kits, and those 2 saws are incredibly easy to rebuild. Look around, I got the 036 PRO off Craigs list for $100. And my 026 PRO for the same price from my saw shop.
As a side note, my 036 is a little heavy for limbing all day, I run it with a 16 or 20 inch bar, same for the 026, and it's much lighter (at least it feels it).
Good Luck,
Jason
I can't say enough about the 026, light and nimble, but I have an 036 too like the one in the Trading Post. Great saw, all metal if PRO, and there are plenty of sites to get good prices on rebuild kits, and those 2 saws are incredibly easy to rebuild. Look around, I got the 036 PRO off Craigs list for $100. And my 026 PRO for the same price from my saw shop.
As a side note, my 036 is a little heavy for limbing all day, I run it with a 16 or 20 inch bar, same for the 026, and it's much lighter (at least it feels it).
Good Luck,
Jason
This is quite the hoot!!! Out of curiosity I looked for a dolmar dealer/service and found that the only one in a 60 mile radius is about 4 miles from me... So I guess I should metion that both Stihl and Dolmar are close...
RiverRat2
Serio Tree Freak
Uwharrie
ArboristSite Operative
rubantin, Here's a link to the 350 we have for sale:http://www.amickssuperstore.com/product_p/husqvarna%20350%20preowned.htm
SawTroll
Information Collector
Looks almost new, but the bar seem a bit long??????
Huh? It says original bar and chain, 18". Seems typical if anything.
Like the husky 350... however...
I had today off and spent a good protion of the day familiarizing myself with modern saws... I think one that has really impressed me is from a company I never heard of until i got on the forum here... The dolmar 5100s...
Since I found a dealer/service closer than any other brand I think I am going to start lookig for what is available...
I had today off and spent a good protion of the day familiarizing myself with modern saws... I think one that has really impressed me is from a company I never heard of until i got on the forum here... The dolmar 5100s...
Since I found a dealer/service closer than any other brand I think I am going to start lookig for what is available...
