A STIHL FS 560 clearing saw typically costs about $1,200-$1,500 new in the United States, with dealer pricing, included cutting equipment, and local availability affecting the final bill. Used units can cost less, but condition, maintenance history, and whether the saw is a U.S.-market model matter.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New FS 560 powerhead or standard package | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,500 | Dealer quote and included equipment vary |
| Used saw | $500 | $850 | $1,200 | Depends on age, wear, and service records |
| Cutting accessories and setup | $30 | $100 | $250 | Blade, harness, head, or protective gear |
| Typical new purchase total | $1,250 | $1,450 | $1,750 | Before sales tax; package contents differ |
What a new STIHL FS 560 clearing saw costs
Budget roughly $1,200-$1,500 for a new saw before tax. This range reflects dealer-level U.S. pricing estimates, not a guaranteed national manufacturer price; some dealers may not stock the model, and listings can refer to different FS 560 versions or package contents. Confirm the exact model designation, warranty eligibility, and included cutting attachment before comparing quotes.
The FS 560 is a high-powered, professional clearing saw intended for demanding brush and vegetation work. Its 57.1 cc engine class and heavy-duty configuration put it above typical homeowner trimmers. A standard purchase may include the powerhead, harness, and a basic cutting attachment, but the exact bundle should be verified in writing.
Assumptions: U.S. dealer sale, standard configuration, normal availability, and no sales tax.
How the powerhead, blade, and labor shape the quote
A dealer quote can combine the saw, cutting equipment, assembly, and service preparation. The table separates common charges; accessory amounts are estimates because retailers bundle items differently.
| Quote component | Typical price | What can change it | Per-unit estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 560 saw | $1,200-$1,500 | Dealer stock and model version | $1,200-$1,500 per saw |
| Metal blade or brush knife | $25-$90 | Blade type and diameter | $25-$90 per blade |
| Harness or replacement head | $35-$130 | Comfort features and compatibility | $35-$130 per accessory |
| Dealer setup or inspection | $0-$100 | Included preparation or requested service | $75-$125 per labor hour |
| Sales tax | Varies | Local and state tax rate | Applied to taxable purchase |
Ask whether assembly, initial adjustment, and the first inspection are included rather than assuming they are free.
Which FS 560 specifications and site conditions raise price?
Package and workload requirements have the clearest effect on the amount paid. A basic blade may suit grass and lighter brush, while thicker woody growth can call for a different approved attachment and added protective equipment. Larger accessory bundles can add $50-$200 or more to the checkout total.
Availability also matters: a dealer that must special-order a model may quote differently from one with inventory. Verify whether a listing is for the FS 560 or a related model, and check whether its serial number and warranty qualify for service through local U.S. dealers. Do not compare a bare powerhead price with a complete ready-to-work package.
For a new saw purchase around $1,350, adding $75-$200 for accessories and applying local sales tax can put the out-the-door cost near $1,500-$1,700. Optional protective equipment is a separate budget item if it is not already owned.
Dealer labor and setup charges for a gas clearing saw
Most new equipment is sold with basic preparation, but policies differ. If a dealer bills separately for setup or troubleshooting, a shop rate of about $75-$125 per hour is a reasonable budgeting range; a basic inspection may take less than an hour, while diagnosing a used saw can take longer. Get labor scope and authorization limits on the estimate before work begins.
Ask whether fuel-system checks, cutting attachment installation, and a demonstration are included. For used equipment, a pre-purchase inspection may cost about $50-$150 depending on shop policy and testing time. That fee can help identify worn clutches, damaged guards, or starting problems before a sale.
New versus used FS 560 pricing and repair risk
Used FS 560 saws commonly fall around $500-$1,200, with lower asking prices often reflecting age, missing accessories, or repair needs. A clean unit with service records and a working harness may sit near the upper end. These are broad private-sale estimates, not certified valuations.
Before buying, test cold starting and warm operation, inspect the shaft, guards, throttle, and cutting head, and ask about recent carburetor or clutch work. A repair costing $200-$400 can erase much of the discount on a $700 saw. Compare the used price plus immediate repairs against a dealer-backed new package.
How U.S. location changes the FS 560 quote
Dealer rates and inventory can make regional offers differ. Urban areas with higher operating costs may quote roughly 5%-15% above a lower-cost rural market, while remote areas may add freight or special-order charges. These are planning allowances, not fixed regional price rules.
Sales tax can create a more predictable difference: a $1,400 purchase taxed at 6%-10% adds about $84-$140. Request an out-the-door figure that includes tax, freight, setup, and any documentation fee. If ordering from another state, confirm applicable tax collection and warranty service arrangements before paying.
Ways to lower the total without buying the wrong setup
Compare at least two authorized dealers using the same model, attachment, harness, and setup requirements. Ask about an in-stock package or a seasonal promotion, but check that any discount does not remove useful equipment or affect warranty coverage. Bundling a compatible blade with the saw may be cheaper than buying accessories later.
Skip duplicate accessories and premium add-ons that do not match the vegetation being cleared. For occasional light trimming, compare the FS 560 with a lower-powered trimmer rather than paying for capacity that will go unused; for professional brush clearing, avoid choosing a cheaper used saw without checking repair costs. The most reliable savings come from matching the attachment and machine to the actual workload.
What a realistic FS 560 checkout total looks like
A basic dealer purchase might include a $1,300 saw, a $45 blade, and no separate setup charge, for about $1,345 before tax. A midrange package with a $1,350 saw, $85 in added equipment, and 8% tax totals about $1,550. A higher-cost offer with a $1,500 saw, $200 in accessories, and 9% tax reaches about $1,853.
These examples assume the equipment is in stock and exclude optional protective clothing or delivery. Compare each quote by model, included parts, tax, and warranty rather than headline price alone.