Need a saw... ??? what should I get?

[bytehoven]

That's a great deal.

Very nice of amicks and perfect timing for rubantin!

 

[Treeman587]

STIHL! The only one that matters.

And why exactly would you buy a saw you never heard of?

Stihl= Smooth Power, Easy Starting(Not like that Old Mac 10-10 I have in the garage haha).

Another to consider. If you buy a Stihl, Use only Stihl chains. They are made differently and last longer than Oregon.

A 260 or 290 farm boss with a 20" bar will be perfect for you. Plenty of power for what you wanna do.

 

[stihl 440]

chains

STIHL! The only one that matters.

And why exactly would you buy a saw you never heard of?

Stihl= Smooth Power, Easy Starting(Not like that Old Mac 10-10 I have in the garage haha).

Another to consider. If you buy a Stihl, Use only Stihl chains. They are made differently and last longer than Oregon.

A 260 or 290 farm boss with a 20" bar will be perfect for you. Plenty of power for what you wanna do.

You don't HAVE to use stihl chains, but you can if you want. Oregon,woodsmanpro, are 2 other good brands of chains. Yes stihl chains are harder, but the other brands are good also. I run both oregon and stihl chains, stihl IS harder, but is also harder to file, and more expensive. Oregon's new LGX chain is made with harder metal in the cutter also.

 

[rubantin]

I really like the deal for the 350 and it believe it to be in like new condition... really hard to pass up... however, the nearest husky dealer is about 60 miles away...

Here is a saw and the ebayer has perfect feedback...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110093524911

I wrote him about the saw and this is what he said...

everything works, saw has great compression, oiler, brake and controls work, this saw has scratches and dirt from use but no cracks or injuries to affect performance, I will install a new chain if you use buy it now, thanks. ships same day of payment, confirmed address only if paypal payment.

What do you all think?

 

[bytehoven]

What do you all think?

If he actually posted the compression, and it was 150 or better, it might be a good deal. Just the fact he says it has good compression without actually knowing, makes him just a little dishonest. Also, whatever his reason, his AS IS condition is telling you alot about the saw. I'd pass. Unless he was willing to take it a dealer and have the compression checked. Ideally, he would let you take it to a dealer to confirm there wasn't anything major wrong with the saw. AS IS? No Thank You.

I'd still give the Husky 350 top spot on my short list.

How soon do you need to make a purchase? If you can take your time buying, you might visit one of your local chain saw dealers, and ask them to let you know if any good saws come in on trade. You could also post a WANTED ad in the arboristsite classifieds and see what develops.

 

[Four Paws]

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.

+1

Shindaiwa 488 all the way. Great saw, darn near indestructable, and very affordable used. All Magnesium case, nylon handle. I'd take it over a PLASTIC Husky or Stihl any day of the week.

 

[Four Paws]

That Dolmar you like is going to come at about twice your $200 limit. But, a darn nice saw. You will be very pleased if you can save up for it and afford it!

 

[Four Paws]

Oregon's new LGX chain is made with harder metal in the cutter also.

Yeah, and everyone has been breaking cutters of the LGX chains...I'd stick with Woodsman Pro - a good compromise in quality and price.

 

[THALL10326]

+1

Shindaiwa 488 all the way. Great saw, darn near indestructable, and very affordable used. All Magnesium case, nylon handle. I'd take it over a PLASTIC Husky or Stihl any day of the week.

Now Four don't get carried away. We got a 488 yard saw up at the store and the bottom of the handle is cracked, nothing major though. The chain break is plastic and cracked as well. It also has a dead coil. That said ole buddy whatcha give me for that saw, does $100.00 sound fair to ya. The manager told me to sell it to the highest bidder. I know you like your Shiny's and this saw aint bad but needs a coil to get it running. Internally its perfecto. The cracks are minor. Let me know if ya want it.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

+1

Shindaiwa 488 all the way. Great saw, darn near indestructable, and very affordable used. All Magnesium case, nylon handle. I'd take it over a PLASTIC Husky or Stihl any day of the week.

I've put a lot of time on a 488. While not my first choice for a saw they are solid and reliable!


May be what you are looking for.

 

[THALL10326]

I've put a lot of time on a 488. While not my first choice for a saw they are solid and reliable!


May be what you are looking for.

Good post Rich, the 488 is a nice saw. This one we got the guys used out in the yard till the coil went out. They are ruff on stuff and cracked it in a few spots but other than that the saw held up great. I'd buy this saw myself and toss a coil on it but just aint got no more room for more saws at the moment.

 

[Four Paws]

Now Four don't get carried away. We got a 488 yard saw up at the store and the bottom of the handle is cracked, nothing major though. The chain break is plastic and cracked as well. It also has a dead coil. That said ole buddy whatcha give me for that saw, does $100.00 sound fair to ya. The manager told me to sell it to the highest bidder. I know you like your Shiny's and this saw aint bad but needs a coil to get it running. Internally its perfecto. The cracks are minor. Let me know if ya want it.

You guys must be hard on stuff! LOL That coil is lifetime warranted - get a new one for FREE! I'll admit the chain brake is pretty hokey pokey, but who needs a chain brake anyways - I take all mine off, doesn't everybody

 

[rahtreelimbs]

You guys must be hard on stuff! LOL That coil is lifetime warranted - get a new one for FREE! I'll admit the chain brake is pretty hokey pokey, but who needs a chain brake anyways - I take all mine off, doesn't everybody

I have a 360 that has the coil blown out of it.............may have to see if it can be replaced for free.

Four Paws.............you have any documentation on this?

 

[rubantin]

lol... sounds like the breakfast table at the local diner.... anyways... anyone care to comment on my last post?

 

[THALL10326]

You guys must be hard on stuff! LOL That coil is lifetime warranted - get a new one for FREE! I'll admit the chain brake is pretty hokey pokey, but who needs a chain brake anyways - I take all mine off, doesn't everybody

Hard isn't the word, more like terribly hard on stuff. Them guys are ruff on stuff but the saw itself ran fine till the coil let go. Its not a bad saw at all. If ya interested in it send me a pm bid, I was told to merely get rid of it so make a offer. I'm like you, a little crack in the chain break is nothing and the crack on the handle is minor as well.

Those guys have two Stihls down in the yard now, you should see those saws,LOLOL. Look like they been in WW2 but they're hanging in there for the time being.