A used STIHL TS 400 cut-off saw typically costs about $250-$650, with a middle-of-market price near $425 for a running saw in serviceable condition. The TS 400 is an older model, so condition, included cutting equipment, local availability, and whether the saw has been tested matter more than a current new-retail price.
New-old-stock listings may ask roughly $700-$1,000, but availability is limited and a high asking price does not guarantee a current warranty. Buyers should compare the saw’s condition and repair needs with the price of a newer replacement before paying a premium.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used STIHL TS 400 | $250 | $425 | $650 | Working saw; condition and accessories vary |
| New-old-stock TS 400 | $700 | $850 | $1,000 | Limited supply; verify warranty and storage condition |
| Basic repair or service | $75 | $200 | $450 | Depends on diagnosis, parts, and shop labor |
| Diamond blade | $50 | $120 | $250 | Size, material rating, and brand affect price |
| Comparable newer saw | $900 | $1,250 | $1,600 | Retail pricing varies by model and dealer |
Assumptions: U.S. private-party and equipment-dealer asking prices, ordinary wear, and no major engine or drive-system failure; actual sale prices vary by region.
What a working STIHL TS 400 usually sells for
For a used TS 400 that starts, idles, accelerates, and cuts without obvious faults, a practical budget is $250-$650, with about $425 as a reasonable midpoint. The low end usually means visible wear, missing accessories, uncertain maintenance, or a sale by a private owner. A clean, tested example with a guard, wrench, and service records can reach the upper end.
The TS 400 is a gasoline-powered cut-off saw intended for demanding cutting work. Its age means a buyer should treat “runs” as a starting point, not proof that the saw is ready for regular jobsite use. Ask whether it was tested under load, not just started briefly, and whether the seller can demonstrate smooth acceleration and consistent cutting.
New-old-stock examples are unusual. A price of $700-$1,000 may reflect rarity or unused inventory rather than better long-term value. Seals, fuel lines, and other rubber parts can deteriorate during storage, so a saw described as unused may still need inspection or service. Confirm exactly what is included and whether the seller offers any warranty.
Prices are generally for the powerhead and standard guard, not necessarily a new diamond blade or all safety equipment. A complete package can cost more, while a bare saw with a worn blade should be priced accordingly. Check the model plate and serial information to confirm the saw is actually a TS 400.
How engine, blade, and shop labor shape the quote
A listing price can hide expenses that appear after inspection. Compare the asking price with likely parts, shop time, and any missing cutting equipment. A low-cost saw can become expensive if it needs both engine work and a blade.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Budget note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used saw powerhead | $250-$650 | Starting, compression, wear, and service history | Higher for tested, clean examples |
| Diamond blade | $50-$250 per blade | Blade diameter, segment design, and cutting material | Confirm compatibility and intended use |
| Basic shop diagnosis | $50-$125 | Shop minimum and inspection depth | May be credited toward repair |
| Routine service | $75-$200 | Cleaning, adjustment, filters, and accessible parts | Ask for a written scope |
| Engine or drive repair | $200-$450 or more | Parts availability and labor hours | Major damage can exceed the saw’s value |
| Pickup or freight | $0-$150 or more | Distance, shipping method, and packing | Inspect shipping terms before purchase |
Outdoor power equipment shops commonly charge around $75-$125 per hour, sometimes with a diagnostic minimum. Repair estimates depend on the fault and parts availability; older equipment can be harder to service than current models.
For a buyer who needs a blade, budget separately rather than assuming it is included. A general-purpose diamond blade may cost less than a specialty blade rated for a specific material. The correct blade depends on the cutting task and saw compatibility; the product manual and blade specifications should be checked before use.
Which TS 400 condition and included parts justify more
Condition can move a TS 400 from the lower to upper end of the used range. A seller’s “good condition” label is subjective, so inspect the saw or request a clear video of cold starting, warm running, and cutting. Pay more only when operation and included equipment can be verified.
- Engine behavior: Difficult starting, surging, excessive smoke, or stalling can point to fuel, ignition, carburetion, or compression issues. A brief idle test does not establish performance under load.
- Cutting system: Inspect the blade guard, arbor area, and drive components for damage or unusual movement. A worn or unsuitable blade may add $50-$250 to the purchase.
- Wear and maintenance: Cracked housings, damaged handles, missing covers, fuel leaks, and evidence of poor storage reduce value. Service records and recent maintenance support a higher asking price.
- Included items: A guard, wrench, usable blade, and original documentation can reduce immediate out-of-pocket expenses. Confirm that each accessory fits the saw and is safe to use.
There is no single reliable “compression threshold” that establishes a sound TS 400 without the correct service specification and a proper test. If an online seller cannot demonstrate the saw, price it as an unverified repair candidate rather than a ready-to-work tool.
Parts availability is another cost driver. Before purchase, ask a local STIHL dealer or qualified repair shop whether it can inspect the specific saw and source the parts likely to be needed. A bargain price is less compelling if the saw cannot be repaired economically.
When to repair a TS 400 instead of buying another saw
Repair makes the most financial sense when the TS 400 has a clearly diagnosed, limited fault and the rest of the saw is in good condition. Set a repair ceiling before approving shop work. For a saw bought near $400, adding a $300 repair can bring the total close to the price of a newer machine.
A routine service estimate of $75-$200 may be reasonable when it addresses maintenance items and the saw passes inspection. A repair expected to cost $200-$450 or more deserves comparison with replacement prices, particularly if the diagnosis includes engine damage, multiple failed components, or uncertainty about parts supply.
Ask the repair shop to separate diagnosis, parts, and labor in its estimate. Request approval before additional work and ask whether the estimate includes testing after repair. If the shop cannot confirm the final price until teardown, compare the likely total at the low and high ends before leaving the saw for service.
Replacement pricing depends on the current model, power, dealer, and included equipment. A newer STIHL cut-off saw may retail around $900-$1,600, but buyers should verify current local pricing and compare specifications rather than treating that range as a quote for a particular model. A used TS 400 remains less expensive only if it does not require substantial work.
How local supply changes used TS 400 asking prices
Prices vary with regional demand and the number of contractors, rental fleets, and used-equipment sellers nearby. Areas with frequent concrete, masonry, road, or utility work may have more used saws available, but strong jobsite demand can also support higher prices. Expect local availability to matter more than a fixed national rate.
As a planning estimate, a buyer in a market with abundant used equipment may find asking prices roughly 5%-15% below a typical $425 midpoint. A remote area with limited listings or costly shipping can add approximately 10%-25% to the effective cost. These are budgeting estimates, not guaranteed regional price differences.
Transport can erase the apparent savings on a distant listing. A local pickup may cost nothing beyond travel, while packing and freight can add $50-$150 or more, depending on distance and shipping requirements. Since a used saw’s condition is difficult to verify remotely, include the cost of inspection or a return arrangement in the comparison.
Compare several local listings by model, working condition, included blade, and seller type. Dealer-inspected equipment may have a higher price than a private-party sale, but it may provide a clearer service history or limited warranty. Verify the warranty terms in writing; coverage on older used equipment is not automatic.
What three realistic TS 400 purchase budgets look like
The examples below show how the same model can produce very different totals. They are planning scenarios, not guaranteed quotes, and exclude sales tax unless noted. Compare the all-in amount, not only the advertised price.
| Scenario | Purchase and added work | Estimated total | Reason for range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private sale, untested | $250-$350 saw; $50-$125 diagnosis; $50-$120 blade | $350-$595 | Potential service needs remain unknown |
| Tested, ready for light use | $400-$550 saw; $0-$100 for minor service or blade wear | $400-$650 | Seller demonstrates operation and includes useful parts |
| Clean dealer or stored stock | $700-$1,000 saw; $50-$200 inspection or setup | $750-$1,200 | Higher price depends on condition, support, and warranty |
In the untested example, the purchase can still be a sensible low-cost option if diagnosis finds only routine needs. If the inspection discovers a major engine problem, the owner should pause before authorizing more work. The saw’s total cost could then approach or exceed a newer replacement.
For a dealer or stored-stock listing, ask whether the price includes setup, testing, a blade, and warranty coverage. A high asking price is easier to assess when the seller itemizes what is included and confirms that the saw starts and runs properly. Add local sales tax to the final budget where applicable.
How long inspection and repair can keep the saw off-site
A straightforward inspection or routine service may take a few hours of technician time, but shop turnaround can be several days or longer when the service queue is busy. Repairs involving special-order parts may take longer. Confirm the expected completion date before relying on the saw for scheduled work.
Private-party inspection can take 15-30 minutes if the saw is available for a proper cold start and operating test. Do not rush the check: confirm the seller permits a safe demonstration, use appropriate protective equipment, and follow the manual. A quick look at a powered-off tool cannot establish that the engine and cutting system work correctly.
Ask the shop whether its quoted labor includes testing after repair and whether parts are stocked. If a shop charges a diagnostic fee, find out whether it is separate from repair labor. A $50-$125 evaluation charge may be worth paying before committing several hundred dollars to an older saw.
Workload and parts availability affect scheduling more than the saw’s model alone. During busy construction periods, a small repair can wait in line, while an uncommon part may extend turnaround. Buyers who need immediate equipment should account for rental or replacement costs rather than assuming an older saw will be ready at once.
Questions to settle before paying a TS 400 seller
Before making an offer, establish what the seller means by working, what accessories are included, and whether the price is negotiable after inspection. A clear answer to a few specific questions can prevent an avoidable repair bill.
- Can the saw be started cold and demonstrated running, accelerating, and cutting?
- When was it last serviced, and are receipts or repair records available?
- Does the sale include the guard, wrench, blade, and any other pictured accessories?
- Has the saw had engine, fuel-system, clutch, or drive repairs?
- Is the serial information legible, and can a local shop inspect the model?
- For a shipped saw, who pays freight, how is it packed, and what happens if it arrives damaged?
- For a dealer sale, what does any warranty cover, and how long does coverage last?
Private-party sales often have no warranty, while dealer terms differ. Do not assume that unused condition means the saw is covered or ready for work. If the seller will not allow a reasonable inspection or cannot show the saw operating, treat the price as a risk-adjusted offer, not as the value of a confirmed working unit.
For a quick offer comparison, subtract likely diagnosis, parts, blade, and transport expenses from the amount available for the complete purchase. A $300 saw that needs $250 in work may be less attractive than a tested $500 example. The best price is the one that reflects the saw’s verified condition and the buyer’s expected total cost.