Best Saw for the home?

[CHeath]

ok, just got back from the local saw and mower guy. They have a MS250C on the shelf. It was purchased new 2 weeks ago and the guy was replacing a husky 455. He returned it in the 7 days complaining it didnt have enough power to get the job done. It will be sold to me as new with all warranties for $300. He also told me that if I wanted a little more power to look at the MS290? Farm/Ranch? It was $389. Im sure I could dicker with them a little on both. Im not going to be dropping 5 trees a week but I will be burning 5 cords next season. What do you all think?

 

[ironworker]

I think you should get the most saw that you can afford, it will make your life easier. I started out with a Husky 445 and found I was working harder then I should and eventually moved up. Just remember one thing, you never remember what you paid for something you enjoy, but always regret not spending more for quality and comfort.

 

[lukem]

5 Cord is a fair amount of wood. Are you willing to buy used. Deals are out there on. a 260 for about that price if not a shade less.

 

[Boog]

I own mostly used saws so I do not have a problem with that in principle, but the specifics of your situation is that they are offering you that "USED" 250C saw for only 50 bucks off regular price. I understand it will come with full warranty, but you never know how that guy might have beat that in the 2 weeks he had it. The used stuff I own was bought at 1/2 - 1/3 of cost. If the "C" is the saw you want, spend the $349 for a new one. Otherwise, I'd grab a brand spanking new "plain jane" one for $299.

The Easy2Start and primer bulb are nice extras on the C-BE, but I didn't like the easy chain adjuster. I sold mine on ebay, and used the money to buy the standard 2 stud replacement parts.

 

[MasterMech]

ok, just got back from the local saw and mower guy. They have a MS250C on the shelf. It was purchased new 2 weeks ago and the guy was replacing a husky 455. He returned it in the 7 days complaining it didnt have enough power to get the job done. It will be sold to me as new with all warranties for $300. He also told me that if I wanted a little more power to look at the MS290? Farm/Ranch? It was $389. Im sure I could dicker with them a little on both. Im not going to be dropping 5 trees a week but I will be burning 5 cords next season. What do you all think?

This depends on the trees. I'll cut 5 cords from 10" trees with a MS250 before I'd do it with the MS290. But If you can swing it, I'd do the MS290 as a one-saw plan. Is the Poulan dead or just retiring to "back-up" status?

 

[CHeath]

the Poulan just sucks. 35cc. It still runs ok tho.

 

[MasterMech]

the Poulan just sucks. 35cc. It still runs ok tho.

Then use it for the little stuff and run the MS290 when you have work to do.

Now get movin' before someone else gets that 290 before you.

 

[CHeath]

Ive yet to find a 250c for $299. any help?

 

[MasterMech]

Ive yet to find a 250c for $299. any help?

No 250C's for $299, only the plain jane MS250. There were 2 versions.

And with that MS290, don't expect him to move on price, you'd be way ahead if you could get an extra chain thrown in the deal.

 

[CHeath]

(broken link removed to http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/grd/3647621373.html)
worth it?

I think 300 would be max. For $78 more you can get a new one.

 

[MasterMech]

Wouldn't pay more than $250 for a MS290 used.

New ones come with warranties and goodies like hats or free chains.

FWIW: The MS290 is one of the best saws for holding resale value, especially if it says Farm Boss all over it.

If you're looking for used, 036's go for $300-$350 all the time in fabulous shape and it's about 3x the saw the MS290 wants to be when it grows up.

 

[BobUrban]

Will it meet your needs: yes. Could you find a better deal out there: probably. My best advice is DO NOT look on CL or dealers or swap adds or Ebay or anywhere that there may be a good buy for 6months after you buy any saw that is going to be the one horse in your stable or you will be feeling the "damnits!" and no one likes buyers remorse.

I pulled the trigger on a used saw not to long ago and I am super happy with the deal but I know, like I know the sun sets in the west, if I looked right now there is a smokin deal I should have waited for(maybe) In the mean time I have cut 3-5 cord of hardwood, mostly oak, that would have still been waiting for the new saw.

Don't get me wrong - I am a researching fool when it come to this stuff and quads and really anything with a motor that will be run hard and I want to last. But at some point you just have to pull the trigger. Really what is 50 or so bucks over an average 20yr lifespan of a saw used by a homeowner cutting firewood. Tell him to make you feel good and sell it to you for 300 and go let er' eat!

 

[rwhite]

I've been using a Stihl 026 that I bought used 10 years ago for everything I do. Light weight and great around the yard. I run a 20" bar and regulary cut up to 18" with no trouble. Sharp chain and let the saw do the work. My favorite small saw ever.

 

[ArsenalDon]

If there is a Home Depot around, keep an eye on the rental department. They rent Makita 64cc saws, and sell them off every now and then. It's a good pro-quality saw made by Dolmar. I picked one up a couple of years ago for $194+tax. It's a great all around saw, good power and not too heavy. Mine's a 6401, but the current model is the 6421, with a cat muffler (which can be fixed ). Best used saw deal going, IMO. They can be in pretty good shape, with little use. Just look it over good before you buy.

Wow...looking for a 2nd saw...I never though of this. great idea

 

[chipsoflyin]

check out the poulan 5020 for 200.00. 50cc's and will pull a full comp chisel on a 16 inch bar just wont win races.