Buying a used saw Stihl MS290 or Husky 61

[colbyhorsman]

Hi, new to the forum but have a quick question. I agreed to cut out a woodlot for a friend this fall and am quickly realizing I need a bigger saw. The tree's aren't that large, those that are big are Poplar so are pretty easy to cut but my Husky 340 just isn't reliable enough for me.

I found two used saws for sale. Both are $250CDN. One is a Stihl MS 290, which from what I can see is a 56cc 3.8 HP saw and the other is a Husky 61, 61 cc's and 4.1 HP.

Both are quite close in specs, Sithl is newer but Husky is bigger.

Any advice?

[Magicman]

First, welcome to the Forestry Forum.

I assume that you have looked to see if either have scored cylinder walls, etc.  Next, which cranks the easiest especially in cold weather, and which one is the lightest weight.  Personally, I lean toward the Stihl, but my Husky experience is limited.

[colbyhorsman]

The Husky is lighter, almost two pounds lighter, even as a bigger older saw.

As for cylinder walls, I have no idea. I am buying them from private sellers so I can't imagine showing up at their house and asking to tear them apart.

[ctklrdon]

Depending on appearance, If they look clean and run OK then you might be OK.
If the saws are dirty and air filter is too, I would either do a compression check or pull the muffler off. You can see the piston / rings and get a small look at the bore as the Magicman suggested.

If it was my choice , I would lean toward the Husky.

We have a 254XP and my only complaint is the chain brake it too close to the handle and I can't wear gloves because I trip the brake all the time.

I hope you get a good one which ever you decide.

Don

[sawguy21]

Too much money unless you get both at that price. A new 290 is around $450 Cdn with the accessory kit. The 61 was a very popular saw but is long out of production. Some parts for the older version are no longer available. IMHO, no more than $150 for either.

[colbyhorsman]

Too much money unless you get both at that price. A new 290 is around $450 Cdn with the accessory kit. The 61 was a very popular saw but is long out of production. Some parts for the older version are no longer available. IMHO, no more than $150 for either.

Everything around here seems to be about that price, as well as on ebay.

Any good places to buy a used saw that I don't know about?

[SawTroll]

The 61 is basically a better quality saw, with a pro-saw type magnesium case - there should be little doubt if they both are in about the same condition!   ;)

[colbyhorsman]

Well to update you all. I looked at both Saws, the 61 was from approx. the early 80's. Was still in good shape, but was def 20 years old. The Stihl was in like new condition, only about a year old and belonged to a guy who lived in an inner city apartment building. So it didn't get used much.

Needless to say, I bought the Stihl.  Reamed out the muffler a little bit and am very happy with it.

[clww]

That sounds like a no-brainer to me!
I got a brand new 290 Farm Boss last year and it's run fine so far.