I’ve been running saws all my life, my advice is this, if you don’t know what to look for in a used saw, go buy new, save yourself a lot of grief and cash in the long run, I used to buy used stuff but in the last few years, it seems I’d rather have new, trade and keep up on a more modern saw with a warranty, and basically its new again and we start over. The very first thing I’d do before even looking for a used saw is find out who’s going to fix it for you in your area, then find a brand they work on, I don’t care how great any saw is, they all need repairs, and parts to keep them going and if there is nobody in your area that works on or can get the parts needed, you don’t have something that will do you any good in the long run. I’d do far more research on the repair people in your area and find one people will recommend verses looking for a used saw, then go there and buy a used saw from them, since they are the one who’s going to be doing the fixing of it anyhow, is what I’d do, let them do the research and figure out what’s wrong with a saw, and then over time, save up and trade it back off for a new saw from the same person and start a relationship that will save you thousands over the course of your life, you know support local business in your area.
That’s not to say a seller of a used saw won’t be as thorough due to it being a used saw, the safety features may not work as well as they should or may be compromised altogether. A used chainsaw is not worth the cheaper price tag, unless you know and trust the seller, or are permitted to run and cut timber with the saw until hot, I’d pass on the deal. A used saw from a saw dealer is fine, presumably, it will be serviced, safety checked, and come with a warranty.
Buying a used chainsaw is not a good idea if you are a new or inexperienced chainsaw operator, even professionals may have trouble when it comes to buying a used saw. These chainsaws are a better choice because there is a better chance of a second-hand chainsaw being in a better condition than a used chainsaw. Ask the seller how many previous owners the chainsaw has, and if the chainsaw has a service history with a reputable agent.
Stihl makes a great chainsaw, but are overrated mainly because they have a great a dealer network. That said, if you buy used I would make sure you have a dealer in your town. A great deal on an old Jonsered is not so great if you have to wait a week for a part ordered online.
new vs used chainsaw Related Question:
What should I know before buying a chainsaw?
Four of most important attributes to consider when buying a chainsaw are: guide bar length, power type (gas or electric), engine power (cc, Volts, or Amps), safety features, and your fitness/strength level.
How much should I spend on a chainsaw?
You can find mid-range saws as well from $200 to $400 for activities like cutting lots of firewood. The majority of shoppers should be able to find a high quality chainsaw to satisfy their needs in the $100 to $200 range.
How long should a chain last on a chainsaw?
The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.
What chainsaw do professional loggers use?
Stihl is the most popular chainsaw for professional loggers. It has a long-lasting chain, and you can also enjoy the exceptional cutting speeds available with this brand of chainsaw. Additionally, the chains are high-performance, low vibration, and quiet in their performance.
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
How powerful should my chainsaw be?
50cc would probably be the top end for domestic purposes. A large, powerful professional chainsaw like this would be needed for regular, rigorous tasks, in large premises, like woodland or big estates. These would be suitable for felling trees, cutting thick logs or carrying out a lot of heavy work.
Is Poulan Pro a good chainsaw?
The Poulan Pro is a good budget chainsaw for the newbie who wants a good introduction to gas-powered saws. It might also be useful to note that Poulan is owned by Husqvarna. It offers a simple, reliable starting set up and good power for most small to medium suburban jobs. It’s easy to clean too.
How much does a STIHL MS 362 cost?
Starting a $809.99 with a 18″ bar and chain. Brains and brawn come together in this well-rounded professional chainsaw. The MS 362 C-M features the same great power, weight and fuel efficiency as the MS 362, but also features our exclusive STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management technology.
How much does a STIHL MS 881 cost?
$2,029.99. The largest and most powerful chainsaw in the STIHL lineup. For the largest, toughest and most demanding jobs, professionals can find the performance they need in the MS 881 chainsaw.
How much does a STIHL MS 462 cost?
The Stihl MS462 C-M has a MSRP of $1,100 and the wrap handle version is another $40 on top of that. That price is without a bar and chain. This saw can run a variety of bar lengths and chain types that are available at your local independent servicing Stihl dealer. The saw should be available starting in 2019.
Why does my chainsaw go blunt so quickly?
What is this? Many chainsaw enthusiasts have noted that their blades dull faster when they’re cutting muddy wood. If the logs that you’re cutting up are muddy, then perhaps that is the sole reason why your blade is dulling too fast. It won’t be hard to notice whether the wood that you’re cutting is dirty or not.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
Dirt Causes A Chainsaw To Dull If you’re cutting through logs and your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut through could nick dirt or even worse, rocks on the floor causing your chainsaw to jerk, thus dulling.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.
Can a chainsaw cut through bone?
Bones may be slightly tougher, but they are rigid and a chainsaw will likely be able to cut through them without much problem – though it will probably dull the blade more than wood.