Seen a stihl 056 "red" Magnum II for sale. Currently running a 28" bar. What are known issues with these? A fair price? Been looking online for info. Thought I'll go to reliable sources.
I have had a couple 056 stihls over the years. I can't remember if the super or the magnum is the biggest cc"s. I think the magnum is 94cc. These saws are from the 80s and have ignition system problems which I guess are not always easy to fix. The plus side is they are powerhouses that will pull a 36 inch bar all day long. Lots of big timber was cut with these saws. Of course they are kind of heavy, but it ain't no candy azz limbing saw!
I had one, and it was a good one! yes, they are a beast, weight wise, but, they are pretty dependable, mine was a former company fallers saw, was shown no mercy, but, was in very good shape. I kept it for a couple of years, and as i stated here before, climbed a silver maple in our back yard, and used the 056 to limb it out, and eventually fell it. I'm not a big guy, but, i was determined, lol. Got it done, it was some thing i'll never forget let me tell you, lol. Yes, they are pretty good old saws. Look it over really well, see if you can cut some wood with it, feel it while its running, listen to it, and that will tell you a lot about it. Remember its a older used saw, and go from there.
Check the condition of the anti-,vibe. I'm pretty sure they are rubber not spring. My first 056 vibrated so bad that the starter would literally fall off in about 15 minutes run time.
Older design, no springs. As mentioned above, the ignition systems can be problematic. They’re heavy, but powerful. Some guys around here still run them when bucking big wood. If you can get it down in price and be willing to spend a bit in parts, it could be a good deal for ya.
Ignition is/was one of the biggest problems on these saws. Lots of parts are NLA. A good runner in decent condition $350 and up.
