Buying a second hand saw

[Boggle4137]

Hi guys, im going out later to buy a second hand ms290. It looks like its immaculate and in good condition, he gave me some history on it (he bought it off a 70 year old lady that found it too heavy to use, but thats what the guys at the shop she bought it from "advised her" that was the saw she needed for cutting firewood..... Shocking) and he seemed honest and answered any of my questions strieght away. The problem is im reletively new to the industry and saws in general. I can obviously use a saw but im somewhat inexperienced.

 

 

So i need some tips on what to look out for when im taking a look at this saw (i feel like im 19 again looking at used cars and not having a clue what im about to buy). I have an idea but i would rather hear what you guys have to say.

Cheers

[gary112]

Hi Boggle it depends what you need it for, its more of a farmers saw than a pro saw and how much you are paying for it,there are good prices on  new saws 

[Boggle4137]

Hi Gary, £300 is what hes asking. He reckons the bar on it is still the original too and its in used but good condition. This will be my primary saw as a groundie. I would love a brand new husky550 or a sthil262 but my budget wont quite stretch that far until i get steady work.

[gary112]

Its a lot of money for that saw, i would think 200 would be plenty money,secondhand after all

[billpierce]

Check underside for scratches and how rusty exhaust is as this indicates age/use.

Things that may need replacing are av mounts , clutch drium/sprocket etc. Check bolts are all present as missing ones can indicate knackered threads.

Make sure it will idle for a good while then not cut out when you rev it again. Check revs do not drastically alter when angle of saw is changed. Make sure brake is working.

No way I would buy a used 290 for 300 quid though. Plenty decent saws about for under 200 or pro ones for 300.... where abouts are you based?

Good luck!

[Stubby]

Check it restarts when its warmed up , after say 20mins use . If it wont could be low compression .

[billpierce]

Also hold it by just the starter cord. Should slowly unwind as saw falls or not at all, if this happens quickly then def low comp

[Boggle4137]

Thanks for the advice so far guys, sounds like i need to bust hos balls and vring him down a bit. Im in the north wales area (Llandudno) Bill

[Darrin Turnbull]

If it’s almost new and still has a warranty and you get a invoice.
300 is ok i think , they 600 new.
Take somebody who knows about chainsaws with you.

[devon TWiG]

Be suspicious that it is not stolen ????