CAD strikes - advice on Husqvarna 288xp

Long story short, my Dad asked his friend to come help buck a big maple trunk - about 3.5-4' diameter. I came as well to help. My Dad's friend (my Dad is 73 and his friend is 70) shows up to buck using his 288xp. He bought it new and tag indicates 1986. Ran like a beast. Pull cord snapped so I offered to take home and fix. All set to go back. But.....I'm in love with the saw. I'm heading to his house tomorrow to bring back the saw. I won't forgive myself if I don't ask about possibly buying it. I'll stand up on price - but here is my question. For a good condition 288xp - what is a solid offer? Not sure if he'll sell but I've got to try! We'll see!

 

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Early one .... no cracks .... no decomp .... metal brake flag .... very nice condition ....

IIWM and the compression was North of 165PSI, I'd go for the kill shot and offer $600 .... if he doesn't take it, I'd walk away.

 

You got it. Early. No cracks to anything. Pull 160psi. Low was fat and bogged at early throttle - leaned out and all good. No decomp - can give you a shot to pull over. Absolute animal in the cut - will have a hard time leaving her - I was thinking a $500 first offer. He said he paid about $850 in 86 - not sure what they sold for. He said it had sat for a lot of years before pulling it out to do this for my Dad - so he's not using it much. Fresh full and it was running. I simply MUST HAVE IT! I at least hope he'll agree to give me first dibs if he decides to sell! Cheers!

 

PS - he also had a very nice condition 2100cd with him.........argh!!

 

288 & 2100.... the guy knows how to pick them and probably knows their value.

Just ask, beg, before offering something he can't refuse.

 

Yes - he was a logger and knows his stuff - big axe collection, etc. He certainly knows what he's got - just hoping he might be willing to let it go if it's not being used much! Cheers!

 

i paid $400 happily for a decent 288 lite, not quite as nice or cool as that one. low top cover is only a small bummer, $500 is probly a fair price for both parties IMO.

 

haha that top cover is probly worth $60 to the right guy, and a working metal flag brake is pretty sweet too.

 

even better; trade him your nicest 61 and a couple hundred bucks!

 

Ha! I don't think he'd want a 61! True that the parts are always an easy bet to get cash back on these saws. I hope I'm posting tomorrow night with a good story rather than . Cheers!

 

well good luck dude, 288's arent practical for most things, but its pretty cool to have when you need it

 

did i mention they sound rad?

 

Thanks - I'll love having it for the big wood and you can't beat the feeling of running a big saw! Cheers!

 

You said it - when I heard it run in the cut I knew I had to get my grubby little hands on it if possible! Cheers!

 

P.S. why do you say not practical for most things? Weight? I held my 372 and in one hand and the 288 in the other and no major difference in feel - I'm sure the 288 is heavier, but it's not that noticeable. Just looking for your thoughts. Cheers!

 

Good luck. Let him know it will be going to a VERY good home. That will probably mean a lot to him....more than the $.

 

If he knows it won't be parted out and/or otherwise raped that will go a long way.