Getting a new saw.

[jaed.43725]

My 80's John Deere (really Echo 550EVL) finally decided it just is not worth fixing anymore. Parts are hard to find, and it just does not want to start anymore. So I scoured the Facebook Marketplace for a few min and going to be getting a Husqvarna 445 for $200. Lots of good reviews for that model that I found. It has an 18" bar which is appreciated on larger trees. Might do some mods to it if needed. Gonna sell the old saw for a few bucks.

 

[Steve]

I had a 445 for a bit and thought it was a nice saw. Started well and ran very well. Used an 18" bar on it too. The 450 is the same physical size and weight but 5cc bigger.

 

[huskyboy]

Save your money and get a pro saw. You can get a nice used 026/ms260 or 346xp for not much more $ than that homeowners saw.

 

[drf256]

You sound like a guy that buys the right tool and uses it till it’s exhausted. I second buying a pro saw. Parts will stay available and it should last you a very very long time.

Personally, a used good condition 034 or 036 should fit your bill, be around $300, and last you.

 

[whitesnake]

I agree...stick with a "pro" saw. I'd much rather have a good quality used saw than a new throw away saw. What's your budget?

 

[TreeLife]

Pro saw for the win, one of classic design. 036, 357/359, 6100.

 

[jaed.43725]

I agree...stick with a "pro" saw. I'd much rather have a good quality used saw than a new throw away saw. What's your budget?

Budget was $200. There were a few I seen in the $300 range. Since I do not live up north I do not cut nearly as much, as I do not heat with wood, and I rarely ever take down live trees. So I might get 40 hours a year of use out of it. I certainly understand those that say to get a Pro saw. But I just cant spend that little extra, especially not for such little use.

 

[sawmikaze]

Budget was $200. There were a few I seen in the $300 range. Since I do not live up north I do not cut nearly as much, as I do not heat with wood, and I rarely ever take down live trees. So I might get 40 hours a year of use out of it. I certainly understand those that say to get a Pro saw. But I just cant spend that little extra, especially not for such little use.

Sounds like a 445 is right up your alley for your intended use.

 

[stihl_head1982]

Budget was $200. There were a few I seen in the $300 range. Since I do not live up north I do not cut nearly as much, as I do not heat with wood, and I rarely ever take down live trees. So I might get 40 hours a year of use out of it. I certainly understand those that say to get a Pro saw. But I just cant spend that little extra, especially not for such little use.

Chiming in on the pro saw advice. Not that your choice is bad. I'm in NC, and the 036 saws sell high here on Craigslist (not sure why, but they are crazy high).
The 026 is not a bad choice at all, or the MS260. These guys are on target though. You can pm me if you have further questions.

 

[stretch5881]

The 445 will cut wood, but won't last nearly as long as a farm grade or pro grade saw. I have worked on a few and would never own one. The plastic frame also acts as the bottom of the engine. If the muffler screws loosen, the frame melts. I've seen this more than once. A better saw will last longer and be easier to find parts.

 

[Backtroller]

Maybe look for an echo 490 or 590. They are cheap used on CL and not too much more than your budget new. Sometimes on eBay they sell new for a good price. Or wait for the echo days when they are on sale. They seem to take abuse pretty well.

 

[Orangeinthebarn]

You sound like a guy that buys the right tool and uses it till it’s exhausted. I second buying a pro saw. Parts will stay available and it should last you a very very long time.

Personally, a used good condition 034 or 036 should fit your bill, be around $300, and last you.

This is good advice if you want a good do all saw

 

[huskihl]

Could also hunt for husky 51 or 55. Or 61

 

[davidwyby]

Isn’t the echo 490 low priced and magnesium crankcase? Seems like that makes it the winner

that being said my plastic case Jred 2050 has been the most reliable and done the most work...long as you don’t melt the case. Sometimes they make good homeowner models.

 

[ucm931]

@JohnnyBlade has a 55 for sale in another thread. Assembly required, but for the price.........

 

[whitesnake]

If your budget is that low I'd suggest looking at maybe an echo 490 or 590. Can score some pretty good deals on them if you keep your eyes open. Light weight, "pro saw" construction, super reliable.

 

[davidwyby]

Yes, Echos are all over OfferUp for $200.

 

[Lightning Performance]

The Echos are here waiting for mods.

510 parts saw, Busted oil tank front wall. Runner

530 18" 325 near new Echo bar and loop of Oregon
Good runner

530 18" 325 near new Echo bar, bent handlebar, fixable. Few missing smalls like a choke lever and such.
Good runner.

530's are from the original owner. Used semi commercial for one year. They have plenty of scratches.

Oregon 325 chisel reel is almost spent. Has a few loops left in it.

I use a 435 for toothpicks in the brush and not much else. 41cc saw bone stock. Not a saw for felling or much else... no spike mount. Good for very light work imo. 445 is about the same saw. 440 is the same motor. MS241 will crush them all or a 346xp but they cost twice as much.

Buy me a new roll of chain or a jug or ...
Is it Christmas yet? Need some new chaps here

 

[FergusonTO35]

My 80's John Deere (really Echo 550EVL) finally decided it just is not worth fixing anymore. Parts are hard to find, and it just does not want to start anymore. So I scoured the Facebook Marketplace for a few min and going to be getting a Husqvarna 445 for $200. Lots of good reviews for that model that I found. It has an 18" bar which is appreciated on larger trees. Might do some mods to it if needed. Gonna sell the old saw for a few bucks.

I don't know anything about the 445, but I have a pawnshop sourced 440 and it has really impressed me for a homeowner saw. You can get alot of hours out of a clamshell saw. I've done it with my Poulan 2150 and there are bunches of 025's and MS-250's out there earning their keep. They can't take the abuse a pro saw can handle though, so be good to it. You got 30+ years out of your last saw so I would say you know what you are doing.

That said, the Echo CS-490 is a fantastic bargain for $300.00 or so, which what Stihl and Husky charge for a 45cc clamshell. Don't forget discontinued late model Echoes like the CS-450 and CS-530, you can get really nice ones for well under $300.00.