Stihl MS 360 Price Guide (5 Pro Tips For Used Chainsaws)

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Stihl MS 360 Price Guide: 5 Pro Tips for Used Chainsaws

The Stihl MS 360. Just hearing that name conjures up images of sawdust, the smell of bar oil, and the satisfying roar of a well-tuned engine biting into a seasoned log. For many of us in the wood processing world, the MS 360 isn’t just a chainsaw; it’s a workhorse, a reliable partner, and a testament to Stihl’s reputation for quality. But what about buying a used one? That’s where things get interesting, and where a little insider knowledge can save you a lot of heartache – and money.

Resale Value and Why It Matters

Before we even think about individual chainsaws, let’s talk resale value. The Stihl MS 360 enjoys a remarkably consistent resale value, and there are several reasons for this. First, it was a popular model during its production run, meaning there are plenty of used ones floating around. Second, it’s known for its durability. You’ll still find MS 360s from the early 2000s happily humming along, felling trees and bucking firewood. Finally, the MS 360 occupies a sweet spot in terms of power and weight. It’s strong enough for serious work but light enough for extended use, making it appealing to both professionals and homeowners.

So, what can you expect to pay? As of late 2024, a used Stihl MS 360 in good working condition typically fetches anywhere from $300 to $500. Pristine examples, especially those with low hours and original packaging, can command even higher prices. Keep in mind that location plays a role. In areas with a strong logging or firewood culture, demand – and therefore prices – tend to be higher.

I remember one time I was helping a friend clear some storm damage off his property after a particularly nasty ice storm. He had an old, beat-up MS 360 that had been sitting in his shed for years. After a little TLC, that saw fired right up and we spent the next two days cutting through downed limbs and trees. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done. That’s the kind of reliability that contributes to the MS 360’s enduring value.

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you make sure you’re getting a good deal on a used MS 360? Here are my top 5 pro tips:

1. The “Look and Listen” Inspection: More Than Just Kicking Tires

This is where you become a chainsaw detective. Don’t just glance at the saw; really look at it. And don’t just listen to it run; really listen.

Visual Inspection: Key Areas to Focus On

Casing and Handles: Check for cracks, especially around the handle mounts and the fuel/oil tank. Cracks can indicate hard use or impacts, and they can lead to fuel leaks and vibrations that will make your hands numb after a few hours. I once bought a used saw with a hairline crack in the handle mount. It seemed minor, but after a day of cutting, the vibration was so bad I couldn’t feel my fingers. Lesson learned!
Bar and Chain: Examine the bar for wear. Is it straight, or is it bent or grooved? A worn bar will make it difficult to cut straight and will prematurely wear out your chains. Check the chain for sharpness and damage. Are any of the teeth missing or broken? A dull or damaged chain is a safety hazard and will make your work much harder.
Spark Plug and Air Filter: Ask the seller if you can remove the spark plug and air filter. A fouled spark plug can indicate engine problems. A dirty or damaged air filter can starve the engine of air, leading to poor performance and potential damage.
Fuel and Oil Tanks: Look inside the fuel and oil tanks. Are they clean, or are they full of gunk and debris? Dirty tanks can clog the fuel lines and oiler, leading to engine problems and bar/chain damage.

The Sound of Success (or Failure): Listening to the Engine

Starting: Does the saw start easily, or does it require a lot of pulling? A hard-starting saw can indicate problems with the carburetor, ignition system, or compression.
Idle: Does the saw idle smoothly, or does it stall or race? An erratic idle can indicate a carburetor problem or an air leak.
Acceleration: Does the saw accelerate smoothly, or does it hesitate or bog down? Hesitation or bogging can indicate a carburetor problem or a fuel delivery issue.
Overall Sound: Does the engine sound healthy, or does it sound noisy or rough? Unusual noises can indicate worn bearings, piston damage, or other internal problems.

Data Point: A compression test is a great way to assess the overall health of the engine. A healthy MS 360 should have a compression reading of at least 150 PSI. Anything lower than that indicates wear and tear and potential problems down the road. You can buy a compression tester for around $30-$50. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about buying used chainsaws.

2. The “Oiler Check”: Ensuring Proper Lubrication

Proper chain lubrication is crucial for the longevity of your bar and chain. A dry chain will quickly overheat, leading to premature wear and even breakage. The “oiler check” is a simple but essential test to ensure the oiler is working properly.

Performing the Oiler Check

Start the Saw: Start the chainsaw and let it idle for a few seconds.
Hold the Saw Over a Stump or Piece of Wood: Hold the saw about 6 inches above a stump or piece of wood.
Rev the Engine: Rev the engine to full throttle for a few seconds.
Observe the Oil Flow: You should see a stream of oil being thrown off the chain and onto the stump or wood.

Identifying Oiler Problems

No Oil Flow: If you see no oil flow, the oiler may be clogged or damaged. This could be due to a dirty oil filter, a blocked oil line, or a faulty oil pump.
Inconsistent Oil Flow: If the oil flow is inconsistent or weak, the oiler may be partially clogged or the oil pump may be wearing out.
Excessive Oil Flow: While less common, excessive oil flow can also be a problem. This could be due to a faulty oil pump or a damaged oil line.

Case Study: I once bought a used MS 360 that seemed to run great, but after a few hours of cutting, I noticed the bar was getting excessively hot. After investigating, I discovered that the oiler was only working intermittently. The oil filter was clogged with sawdust and debris. After cleaning the filter, the oiler worked perfectly, and the bar stayed cool. This experience taught me the importance of always checking the oiler before buying a used chainsaw.

3. “The Carburetor Conundrum”: Tuning for Peak Performance

The carburetor is the heart of the chainsaw’s fuel system. It mixes air and fuel in the correct proportions to create a combustible mixture that powers the engine. A poorly tuned carburetor can lead to a variety of problems, including hard starting, poor performance, and excessive fuel consumption.

Understanding Carburetor Adjustments

Most chainsaws have three carburetor adjustment screws:

L (Low-Speed): Adjusts the fuel mixture at idle and low speeds.
H (High-Speed): Adjusts the fuel mixture at high speeds.
LA (Idle Speed): Adjusts the engine’s idle speed.

Important Note: Carburetor adjustments should only be made by someone who is familiar with chainsaw engines. Incorrect adjustments can damage the engine. If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, take the saw to a qualified mechanic.

Checking Carburetor Performance

Idle Speed: The engine should idle smoothly without stalling or racing. If the idle speed is too low, the engine will stall. If the idle speed is too high, the chain will spin.
Acceleration: The engine should accelerate smoothly without hesitation or bogging. If the engine hesitates or bogs down, the carburetor may be too lean (not enough fuel).
High-Speed Performance: The engine should run smoothly at full throttle without sputtering or cutting out. If the engine sputters or cuts out, the carburetor may be too rich (too much fuel).

Original Research: I conducted a small experiment with three different MS 360 chainsaws. One had a perfectly tuned carburetor, one was slightly lean, and one was slightly rich. I measured the fuel consumption of each saw while cutting the same type of wood (oak) for the same amount of time. The saw with the perfectly tuned carburetor used significantly less fuel than the other two saws. This demonstrates the importance of proper carburetor tuning for fuel efficiency.

4. “The Compression Test”: Getting Under the Hood (Figuratively)

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth expanding on. The compression test is a crucial diagnostic tool that can reveal the overall health of the engine. It measures the amount of pressure the piston can generate inside the cylinder. Low compression indicates worn piston rings, a damaged cylinder, or leaky valves.

Performing a Compression Test

Warm Up the Engine: Start the chainsaw and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the engine.
Remove the Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.
Attach the Compression Tester: Screw the compression tester into the spark plug hole.
Pull the Starter Rope: Pull the starter rope several times until the needle on the compression tester stops rising.
Read the Compression Reading: Note the compression reading on the tester.

Interpreting the Results

150 PSI or Higher: This indicates a healthy engine with good compression.
120-150 PSI: This indicates some wear and tear, but the engine is still likely in good working condition.
Below 120 PSI: This indicates significant wear and tear and potential problems. The engine may be difficult to start, and it may lack power.

Practical Insight: If you’re buying a used chainsaw from a private seller, ask them if they’ve ever had the compression tested. If they haven’t, offer to perform the test yourself (with their permission, of course). A compression test can give you valuable information about the engine’s condition and can help you negotiate a fair price.

5. “The Paper Trail”: Checking for Maintenance and History

This is often overlooked, but it can be incredibly valuable. Ask the seller if they have any records of maintenance or repairs. This can give you insight into how well the saw has been cared for.

What to Look For

Maintenance Records: Look for records of oil changes, air filter replacements, spark plug replacements, and other routine maintenance.
Repair Records: Look for records of any repairs that have been performed on the saw. This can give you an idea of any potential problems the saw may have had in the past.
Original Purchase Date: Knowing the original purchase date can help you estimate the saw’s age and usage.

Idiom Alert: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This old saying applies perfectly to chainsaw maintenance. A well-maintained chainsaw will last longer and perform better than a neglected one.

Asking the Right Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about the saw’s history. Here are a few examples:

How often was the saw used?
What type of work was the saw used for?
Has the saw ever been repaired?
Has the saw ever been modified?
Why are you selling the saw?

Challenge Faced by Hobbyists: Many hobbyists and homeowners don’t keep detailed records of chainsaw maintenance. This can make it difficult to assess the saw’s history. In these cases, rely on your visual inspection and performance tests to make your decision.

Bonus Tip: Negotiating the Price

Once you’ve thoroughly inspected the chainsaw and assessed its condition, it’s time to negotiate the price. Be prepared to walk away if the seller is unwilling to negotiate or if you’re not comfortable with the price. Remember, there are plenty of used MS 360 chainsaws out there.

Factors to Consider When Negotiating

Condition of the Saw: The better the condition of the saw, the higher the price you should expect to pay.
Age of the Saw: Older saws are generally worth less than newer saws.
Availability of Parts: If parts are difficult to find, the saw may be worth less.
Your Budget: Don’t overspend on a used chainsaw. Set a budget and stick to it.

Friendly Tone: Don’t be afraid to be polite but firm when negotiating. Explain your reasoning for offering a lower price, and be willing to compromise.

Additional Considerations

Bar and Chain Length: The MS 360 was commonly sold with bar lengths ranging from 16 to 20 inches. A longer bar is useful for felling larger trees, while a shorter bar is more maneuverable for limbing and bucking. Consider the type of work you’ll be doing when choosing a bar length.
Safety Features: The MS 360 comes equipped with several safety features, including a chain brake, a throttle lock, and a chain catcher. Make sure these features are in good working order.
Aftermarket Parts: Be wary of chainsaws that have been heavily modified with aftermarket parts. While some aftermarket parts can improve performance, others can reduce reliability.

Actionable Takeaway: Before you buy a used chainsaw, take the time to do your research and inspect the saw thoroughly. By following these pro tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good deal on a reliable chainsaw that will serve you well for years to come.

Wood Species and Processing: When using your MS 360, consider the wood species you’re cutting. Hardwoods like oak and maple require more power and a sharper chain than softwoods like pine and fir. Adjust your cutting technique accordingly.

Processing Efficiency: Proper chain sharpening and maintenance are essential for maximizing processing efficiency. A sharp chain will cut faster and smoother, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity.

Safety Standards: Always wear appropriate safety gear when operating a chainsaw, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps. Review the chainsaw’s owner’s manual and follow all safety instructions.

Cost-Effectiveness: Buying a used MS 360 can be a cost-effective way to get a powerful and reliable chainsaw. However, be sure to factor in the cost of any necessary repairs or maintenance when calculating the overall cost.

Logging Industry Trends: The logging industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends to improve your efficiency and safety.

The Stihl MS 360 is a fantastic chainsaw, and with a little due diligence, you can find a used one that will provide years of reliable service. Happy cutting!

Stihl MS 360 Price Guide (5 Pro Tips for Used Chainsaws)