A Stihl Farm Boss 290 typically costs about $150-$350 used in the U.S.; clean examples with accessories can reach $400, while new old stock may be priced around $400-$600 or more. Condition, local supply, included bar and chain, and whether a dealer has inspected the saw are the main price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used MS 290 | $150 | $275 | $400 | Running saw, price depends on wear and included equipment |
| Dealer-inspected used saw | $250 | $350 | $450 | May include service or a limited dealer warranty |
| New old stock | $400 | $500 | $600+ | Uncommon; confirm condition and parts support |
| Basic repair or tune-up | $50 | $125 | $250 | Cost varies with diagnosis and parts |
What a Stihl Farm Boss 290 costs by condition
The MS 290 is a discontinued 56.5 cc gasoline chainsaw, so most price comparisons are for used equipment rather than current dealer inventory. A working saw with ordinary cosmetic wear commonly falls around $200-$350. A rough-running or incomplete unit may sell for $100-$200, while a clean, serviced example with a bar and chain can command $300-$400.
Budget about $275 for a typical running used saw before tax, repairs, or replacement accessories. New old stock is a separate, less predictable market: a sealed or lightly used saw can be listed around $400-$600, but the asking price does not guarantee a factory warranty or a recent production date.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party or small dealer sale, standard 18-20 inch bar, running condition, and no major engine work.
How bar, service, and dealer charges shape the quote
On a used saw, the purchase price is only part of the cost. A worn chain, damaged bar, fuel-system problem, or neglected air filter can turn a low asking price into a more expensive purchase. Dealer listings may include inspection or tune-up work; private listings usually do not.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used saw | $150-$400 | Powerhead; sometimes bar and chain | Verify exact included parts |
| Bar and chain | $45-$110 | Replacement cutting equipment | Length and chain type affect price |
| Shop diagnosis or tune-up | $50-$150 | Inspection, adjustment, basic service | Parts or deeper repairs extra |
| Fuel and basic supplies | $15-$45 | Two-cycle mix, bar oil, or small supplies | Initial operating setup |
| Sales tax | Varies by location | Local and state tax | Usually added to dealer purchases |
Ask whether the quote includes a tested saw, usable bar and chain, and any service fee. If a shop charges hourly for additional work, a rough labor estimate is ; many repair shops charge about $75-$125 per hour, with minimum diagnostic fees possible.
Engine condition and bar length change used prices
Engine health matters more than a polished exterior. A saw that starts cold, idles steadily, accelerates without hesitation, and oils the chain is worth more than one with uncertain compression or fuel delivery. A repair estimate of $150-$250 can erase the savings on a low-priced saw, particularly if the cylinder or crankcase needs major work.
Bar length also influences value and suitability. The MS 290 is commonly found with 18-20 inch bars; a longer bar may add value only if it is in good condition and appropriate for the work. A 16-inch replacement setup may cost about $45-$90, while a 20-inch bar-and-chain combination can run roughly $60-$110.
Pay a premium only for verifiable function and useful included equipment. Ask for a cold-start demonstration and check for fuel leaks, damaged handles, loose chain tensioners, and excessive smoke. A seller’s statement that it “ran last year” is not the same as a current test.
Repair costs can outweigh a cheap purchase
Routine service is usually much less expensive than engine repair. A basic cleaning and adjustment may cost $50-$125, while carburetor work often totals $80-$180 depending on parts and shop minimums. Replacing a starter assembly or clutch can bring a repair into the $100-$250 range. Major internal engine work may exceed $250, and parts availability can vary for this discontinued model.
Set a repair ceiling before buying a non-running MS 290. For example, a $125 saw needing $200 in work costs $325 before tax or accessories. Compare that total with a tested, serviced used saw and with a newer replacement before authorizing extensive repairs.
Regional listings differ by about 10%-25%
Used prices often run higher in areas where firewood cutting, rural property maintenance, and chainsaw demand are common. Rural or high-demand markets may list clean saws about 10%-25% above a comparable urban-area price; sparse local supply can also limit bargaining. In markets with more competing listings, buyers may find prices roughly 5%-15% lower, although condition and seller type matter more than geography alone.
Compare local completed sales or several current listings, not just one asking price. Shipping a heavy saw can add about $30-$80, and the buyer should account for packing, fuel-system preparation, and the risk of purchasing without an in-person test.
MS 290 versus newer Farm Boss replacement prices
A used MS 290 can be less expensive than buying a newer saw, but model names and specifications are not interchangeable. The MS 291 is a later Farm Boss model, and new Stihl saw prices vary by dealer, configuration, and location. A new comparable saw may cost roughly $500-$700 before tax and accessories; verify current dealer pricing rather than treating that range as a fixed MSRP.
Compare total ownership cost, not only the purchase tag. A $300 MS 290 that needs a $150 repair may approach the price of a newer machine, while a tested $275 saw with a sound bar can remain a lower-cost choice for occasional cutting. Warranty coverage and current parts support can favor a new purchase.
Three realistic Farm Boss 290 purchase totals
| Buying scenario | Saw and work | Estimated total before tax |
|---|---|---|
| Private-sale bargain | $175 running saw, $65 chain and bar | $240 |
| Typical ready-to-work purchase | $275 saw, $50 service, $25 supplies | $350 |
| Dealer-inspected example | $375 saw with inspection and usable bar | $375 |
These examples assume no major engine repair and exclude sales tax. A bargain listing is not necessarily the least expensive option if it needs a carburetor, bar, chain, or safety repairs. Request an itemized quote when a dealer separates inspection, parts, and labor charges.
Lower the price by checking the saw before paying
Compare at least three similar local listings and distinguish running saws from parts-only units. Check whether the sale includes a bar, chain, scabbard, and tools, then price missing items before negotiating. A worn chain is a modest expense; a cracked housing or uncertain engine condition can be a reason to walk away rather than bargain.
Use a cold-start test and a repair estimate to control the final cost. Avoid paying extra for unneeded accessories, but do not skip basic safety equipment or a sound chain. For a non-running saw, agree on a parts-only price unless a qualified shop can diagnose it before purchase.