The Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss originally sold for roughly $330-$400 new in the United States, depending on model year, bar length, and dealer pricing. Because it has been discontinued, today’s price usually means a used-saw purchase; condition, maintenance history, and included equipment matter more than the old sticker price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original new retail price | $330 | $365 | $400 | Approximate historical range; year and configuration varied |
| Used saw, running | $100 | $200 | $300 | Condition, bar, and local demand affect asking price |
| Used saw needing repairs | $40 | $100 | $175 | Price depends on whether the engine and parts are usable |
| Common replacement bar and chain | $40 | $70 | $110 | Price varies by length and product grade |
What the MS 290 cost when sold new
The MS 290 was sold as a mid-sized, gasoline-powered Farm Boss saw, commonly with a 16-, 18-, or 20-inch guide bar. Historical U.S. retail prices are generally reported in the low-to-upper $300s, with some later or better-equipped dealer listings approaching $400. Exact original MSRP can be difficult to pin down because prices changed over the saw’s production run and dealers could set their own retail prices.
A practical historical estimate is $330-$400 for a complete new saw, rather than one universal original price. The lower end reflects a basic configuration or earlier pricing; the upper end can reflect a later price, longer bar, or dealer package. These figures describe past retail pricing, not current replacement cost.
Assumptions: U.S. retail sale, standard saw configuration, and no unusual dealer bundle or regional promotion.
How bar length and dealer packages changed the sticker
Bar length and included equipment help explain why two original MS 290 prices may differ. A saw sold with a shorter bar could cost less than one packaged with a 20-inch bar, while spare chains, protective gear, or a carrying case could raise the total. Dealer labor for setup was sometimes included in the sale price and sometimes listed separately.
Compare the saw configuration before treating two historical prices as directly equivalent. A listing that includes one bar and chain should not be compared with a package that includes extra cutting equipment. Sales tax also affects the amount paid at checkout, but it is not part of the saw’s pre-tax retail price.
What a used MS 290 quote includes
Current used prices are not tied to the original MSRP. A clean, running saw with a usable bar and chain typically brings more than a non-running unit or a saw sold for parts. The following ranges are general private-party estimates; professional dealers may charge more when they inspect or service the saw before resale.
| Condition or work | Typical price | What changes the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Running saw, private sale | $100-$300 | Starts readily, cuts properly, and includes usable equipment |
| Non-running saw or parts unit | $40-$175 | Engine condition and parts availability |
| Basic service at a repair shop | $75-$150 | Cleaning, adjustment, and inspection scope |
| Bar and chain replacement | $40-$110 | Bar length, chain type, and brand |
| More extensive engine repair | $150-$350+ | Parts, labor, and whether the cylinder or crankcase is damaged |
A used MS 290’s value depends on its working condition, not simply its former new price. A low asking price can become expensive if the saw needs a carburetor, fuel-system work, or major engine repairs.
Which engine and bar details move the price
The MS 290 has a 56.5 cc engine, and the fitted bar length affects both usability and resale appeal. A 16-inch bar may suit lighter cutting, while an 18- or 20-inch setup is more useful for larger logs when the saw is in good condition. Verify that the bar, chain pitch, and drive links match before buying replacement parts.
Engine health and a correctly matched bar matter more than cosmetic wear. A saw that starts cold, idles steadily, oils the chain, and accelerates under load is generally worth more than one with only a clean exterior. Heavy compression loss, scoring, or a damaged crankcase can make repair uneconomical at ordinary used-saw prices.
Labor can add materially to a repair estimate. At a shop rate of about $75-$125 per hour, a one-hour diagnosis and tune-up can add $75-$125 before parts.
How regional demand shapes Farm Boss resale prices
Used prices vary by local demand and the number of comparable saws for sale. In areas with substantial firewood cutting or rural property maintenance, a running Farm Boss may sell for roughly 10%-20% above a similar listing in a market with more available equipment. In higher-cost metropolitan areas, shop labor and dealer service can also raise the cost of a professionally checked saw.
Use local completed-sale prices, not just online asking prices, to judge fair value. Private-party prices may be lower in regions where buyers have many alternatives, while remote locations can add travel or shipping costs. Shipping a used saw requires proper fuel and chain handling and may not be worthwhile for a low-priced machine.
Three realistic budgets for buying one today
A basic working saw with visible wear and an older chain may cost $100-$150. A tested saw with a sound engine, usable 18-inch bar, and no immediate service needs may be priced around $175-$250. A very clean example with recent service and extra chains or a spare bar can reach $250-$300, though buyers should compare that price with newer replacement saws.
For a repair project, keep the purchase price low enough to leave room for parts and shop labor. For example, a $90 non-running saw plus $200 in repairs costs about $290 before tax, which may exceed the value of an ordinary used example. A mechanic’s estimate is especially useful when compression or cylinder condition is uncertain.
When MS 290 repairs cost more than replacement
Small maintenance work, such as a filter, spark plug, or chain, can be reasonable when the saw otherwise runs well. A bar and chain commonly add $40-$110, while a basic shop service may cost $75-$150. Major engine work can exceed $150-$350, depending on parts and labor, and can quickly approach the price of a better-condition used saw.
Get a repair estimate before authorizing engine work on a low-priced unit. Ask the shop to separate diagnostic charges, labor, and parts, and confirm whether the estimate includes a compression or cylinder inspection. A saw with severe internal damage may be better treated as a parts purchase than as a restoration candidate.
How to lower the price without buying a problem
Compare at least three local listings with similar bar lengths and operating condition. Ask the seller to demonstrate a cold start and chain-oiling function, and inspect the bar rails, chain, air filter, and fuel leaks. A worn chain is a negotiable expense; a saw that will not run or has signs of engine damage carries much greater risk.
Pay for verified operation, not an unsupported claim that the saw only needs a minor adjustment. Avoid adding accessories that are not needed, but do not skip a shop inspection if major engine condition is unclear. If the total purchase and repair budget approaches $300-$400, compare it with the cost and warranty of a new saw in the same size class.