My two Stihl's.

[The Deerslayer]

Thanks deerslayer, but I was being sarcastic. I was implying that not everyone needs a pro saw. Bigger is not always better.(let me check with my wife on that).

Gotcha....:laughing:

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The only really downside to our 021 is the small chain seems to need more frequent adjusting than our last saw with a larger chain.

Since I really should not be using a chain saw period the 021 is still enough to get me both out of and into trouble. :laughing:

Around the house like the electric saw off of the tree trimming pole saw.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Stihl question?

I like my 021 that I bought new and it is a good saw but it comes up a bit short when working up big trees for a burn pile like a lot of old storm damage I am finally addressing.

A guy who I know through one of his grand dad is selling his other grand dad 361 Stilh. He has two and due to health no longer wants/needs the larger Stilh.

The saw is 3+ years old and they paid $600 for. The bar has a lot of the finish worn off but the head look (in pics) OK. I will be able to hear it run tomorrow.

They are asking $375 OBO.

I am clueless but as a rule I do not like to pay over 50% of new for any power tools due to the risk of buying as is. Since I know it has been used by a long term chainsaw user that helps and I know the store that sold it new.

On Ebay I see the same saw going for around $400 over and over.

What are your thoughts on a used MS 361 price? I gather the model is highly rated by owners.

Locally a new MS 362 is $709 plus tax. 290's are at $389.

 

[Coyote machine]

Stihl question?

I like my 021 that I bought new and it is a good saw but it comes up a bit short when working up big trees for a burn pile like a lot of old storm damage I am finally addressing.

A guy who I know through one of his grand dad is selling his other grand dad 361 Stilh. He has two and due to health no longer wants/needs the larger Stilh.

The saw is 3+ years old and they paid $600 for. The bar has a lot of the finish worn off but the head look (in pics) OK. I will be able to hear it run tomorrow.

They are asking $375 OBO.

I am clueless but as a rule I do not like to pay over 50% of new for any power tools due to the risk of buying as is. Since I know it has been used by a long term chainsaw user that helps and I know the store that sold it new.

On Ebay I see the same saw going for around $400 over and over.

What are your thoughts on a used MS 361 price? I gather the model is highly rated by owners.

Locally a new MS 362 is $709 plus tax. 290's are at $389.

I'd see if I could have the shop that sold it check it out for you. Consider a pressure test of crankcase and compression test, also inspect chain sprocket, an indicator of chain sprocket use/abuse. Check the bar for bent/twisted condition and groove/rail for pinched or too open condition. All use/abuse/condition indicators. Make sure bar/chain oiler is functioning and oil pump is NOT leaking. These test are what any pro would want to know before buying used. After that used is just that: used.
New saw more $ with 1 year warranty. Used less $ no warranty.
Pics?
Post back.
Good luck, hope this helps.
Currently own 8 Stihls!:thumbsup: And counting.... see signature (only lists 7 of 8).

BTW, Doing same thing as we speak- several burn piles to light today. Have Cat 320CL and 307D with thumb as well as my DK-40 Kioti tractor and my hired guy moving logs from blowdown and stumps to burn. Conditions are perfect, 4-8" frost, snow covered ground, tons and tons of popular and ash discard. Check satellite images for flames from sky!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Here is the two shots that I have seen. It does not looked like the bar has ever been flipped.

Thanks

 

[Coyote machine]

Here is the two shots that I have seen. It does not looked like the bar has ever been flipped.

Thanks

Bar is clearly used a lot. Check condition of chain. Ask to be able to start it yourself from cold and run it and cut some wood with it. See if the saw debris is like sawdust or chips. If like chips, they seem possibly to keep saw chain sharp. If like sawdust then they might have run it when fairly dull/ totally dull which puts more wear on the powerhead.
If seriously interested ask if you can have the tests run or try to negotiate a lower price on saw.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The finish wear pattern on the bar looks like they may have used it without the engine running.

Based on the age of the other grand dad the owner/user must be more like 80+.

 

[s219]

It does not looked like the bar has ever been flipped.

Well, it has been flipped at least once -- look at the lettering. Sold new, the dealer always puts the lettering so it's right side up.

 

[LD1]

Well, it has been flipped at least once -- look at the lettering. Sold new, the dealer always puts the lettering so it's right side up.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[ruffdog]

This 361 I bought about one year ago for $500.

 

[xyz123]

Dump the old fuel and run it for awhile making sure it is fully warmed up. If it passes, buy it in a heartbeat in the $300_$375 range. The 361 is a great saw in the 59cc class and the way over priced 362 just wishes it was a lighter 361.

New they were $589 and they can still be found new but not very often.

 

[xyz123]

We need to start a My two Poulans, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Echo, Efco, etc etc thread and no dang plastic crap like in beginning of this thread.

2 More plastic saws that made me some good money working on them. :thumbsup: :laughing:

 

[Gale Hawkins]

This 361 I bought about one year ago for $500.

Wish I would find a discontinued model like that.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Well, it has been flipped at least once -- look at the lettering. Sold new, the dealer always puts the lettering so it's right side up.

I see that now.:laughing:

 

[xyz123]

I see that now.:laughing:

Murray, KY I used to race at that lumberjack show. :thumbsup: Hasnt been run for a couple years now though. Dan Duncan RIP was the guy that ran the show with his wife.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Dump the old fuel and run it for awhile making sure it is fully warmed up. If it passes, buy it in a heartbeat in the $300_$375 range. The 361 is a great saw in the 59cc class and the way over priced 362 just wishes it was a lighter 361.

New they were $589 and they can still be found new but not very often.

If it was a good head at $300 it would fine. Perhaps the other option even better is to get a new 290 Farm Boss for $400. An Echo that specs near the 290 is $450. If I buy the oil deal I get two years coverage.

Making do with the 021 would be the financially smart move since I have no business due to physical limitations to be using any gas saw.

 

[xyz123]

If it was a good head at $300 it would fine. Perhaps the other option even better is to get a new 290 Farm Boss for $400. An Echo that specs near the 290 is $450. If I buy the oil deal I get two years coverage.

Making do with the 021 would be the financially smart move since I have no business due to physical limitations to be using any gas saw.

I would buy a used MS361 all day, everyday before even thinking about a new MS290. The weight difference and power difference of the 361 will make you smile.

 

[GeneD14]

Count me in as some one that would pick the 361 over a 290. In 2009 I sold my 290 Farm Boss, a mint condition 031AV and an almost new 180 for 2 new 361's. That was one of my best decisions ever. The 361's cut so much faster than the 290 it is hard to believe. I also ditched the yellow safety chain that came with the saw and run full chisel Stihl chains.

I would also suggest always wear hearing protection and chaps. I have worn safety chaps for about 4 years now and never even had a close call. That was until last weekend, while climbing over a down tree the moving chain contacted my left thigh. The kevlar started to shred and clogged up the chain so it quit moving. If it hadn't been for the chaps I'm sure it would have cut to the bone....yikes!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I am sure the 362 being over $300 more than at 290 new is for a reason.

The guy just called when I was typing this and I am going to meet him in one hour to look at it. Later

 

[Gale Hawkins]

As it was pictured it was not a new saw. The guy did hold it for me because I had contacted him first.

The chain was well worn and more dull than I thought possible. It started, ran and idled fine. He said his grand father had said $350 was OK without me asking if they would take less I paid him and went on into town and got a new drive sprocket and chain (Stihl). I will get a bar too but wanted to cut with it a bit before spending more money. I will get the so so chain sharpened and use the old bar/chain for recutting stumps where there is no need to grind them or into any thing trashy.

I tried it with the old dull chain but did not cut well at all. Put on the new chain the result was awesome.

Found a nice site on setting the carb and a few other simple mods that I want to read about. The 361 seems to have a cult like following.

While I never tried a 290 Farm Boss the 361 truly is superior. At first I thought it was broken because it flex so much but then figured out that was a FEATURE and not something broken.

The owner is about 75 and wants that new EZ start 250 Stihl. The shop showed it to me. That is a very nice feature for people who are not big jerks.:thumbsup:

Now I know to not even try to start the 361 without gloves on because I skinned the back of my hand the first time I tried to start it. There is no way I could start that thing without the compression release feature.

I will read the manual well this weekend.

Read some of the TCW3 vs. Stihl 2 cycle oil debate thread on TBN.

For a few years I have been mixing 16 oz of WM TCW3 oil in 4.5 gallons of gas along with about 10 oz of Sea Foam.

The 021 Stihl, Polan blower and line trimmer have never ran better in their history so that is another decision since I have a couple gallons left of fresh mix.

Thanks for encouraging me to go with a used big gun (unless it dies soon ). The 361 may not be a Farm Boss but it Farm Hoss. :thumbsup: