older Stihl saws

OK so my son is looking at Craigslist and asking me "what about this saw" about every one. So here is the question what older saws are classics and what ones do you stay away from, seems like a lot of 024 and 025 saws there is an 084 that looks fun....

 

Don't know if it's a classic or not but I've had an 024AV since new. It's about 30 years old now and it's cut a lot of wood. For its size, it's been a very good saw for me.

 

As far as the older Stihl saws I have an 028,034 never had a problem with them and I've cut a lot of wood over years, I was always told to stick with the even number saws.

 

How old is your son? I don't know your price range, but I had very good service out of my MS290 Farm Boss. If you are looking at just used. If you can pick one of those up for a good price I would not hesitate on one of those. They are now discontinued but still sold new if the store still has them. So they are a recent saw that is built well and not too much money. New they are a little much, but have been sold for quite a while and should be some out there used. A lightly used one would make a great saw if you can get a good deal on one. 56.5 cc I ran an 18" bar on mine.

 

That would cause you to miss out on the 051 and 075, which are both pro saws.

 

I dont recognize these number you fellas speak of !
But Husqvarna XP saws are always great and nice LOL

 

Excellent question J Dub, but it could be refined a bit. There's a little more to it than dividing it into simply a classic and a model to be avoided. There's classics, collectibles, solid models, useful models, less than solid models, and less-than-desirable models . . . to name a few. As a Stihl guy there aren't a ton of them I'd say should be avoided. And, not to over-complicate it, but what would be your rationale for avoiding a saw? Let's take the 031 for instance. Heavy for the power, no shortage of problems, but it cuts wood and there is no shortage of parts and parts saws to be had when repairing. However, most would say avoid it. Then you have the 084 - widely regarded as a popular powerhouse chainsaw, but several important parts are a rare as hen's teeth and you often pay top dollar for a rough one.

You're not going to go wrong with an 024 or 025 to use your other examples. Nice little saws and plenty of parts to be had; both new and used. They aren't necessarily 'classics', but still perhaps timeless.

Here are a few Stihl saws I personally often avoid (as a flipper): 031, 032, 042, 045, 048, 051, 056. Depends a lot on what you're looking for, but those are frequently plagued with issues, not always easy to repair, and not worth much money after what it takes to repair them.

Opinions vary widely, but frankly there are a lot of models you could consider classics. To name just a few: 028 Super, 036, 044, 064, 066 (flat top), 084, 090. You could probably comfortably add another dozen to the 'classic' list, like perhaps an S-10, 08S, Contra, etc., etc., etc....

 

Great answers guys thanks, that's what I was looking for. What ones have problems, parts are hard to find, etc...thanks, not looking to buy one right now, but if I run into a deal or something in the spring, nice to know a little more

 

NewToStihl's list is as good a place as any to start. Even just looking at Stihl saws, there are so many models that a description of the pros and cons of each would require a lot of time and space to compose, so you'd do well to narrow the field. What do you want a saw to do for you? Is this a utilitarian or recreational purchase? How large of a saw do you need? How mechanically inclined are you?