A used Stihl TS 400 cutoff saw typically costs $150-$600, with a serviceable, ready-to-work example averaging about $350. Price depends most on whether it starts and cuts reliably, the condition of its engine and starter, included accessories, and local demand; repair needs can quickly outweigh a low asking price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used TS 400, running | $150 | $350 | $600 | Working saw; condition and included items vary |
| Nonrunning or project saw | $50 | $125 | $250 | May need diagnosis, parts, or engine work |
| Basic service after purchase | $75 | $175 | $350 | Cleaning, tune-up, or minor repairs |
| 12-inch diamond blade | $50 | $100 | $200 | Blade type and condition affect value |
Used TS 400 prices by working condition
For a TS 400 that starts easily, idles smoothly, accelerates without hesitation, and cuts under load, a realistic private-sale range is $250-$500. A clean example with a good starter, intact guards, and useful accessories can reach $500-$600, particularly where contractors or rental businesses seek a compact gas saw.
Expect $100-$250 for a saw that starts inconsistently, has a weak starter, or needs routine service. Nonrunning examples commonly sell for $50-$200, but their value depends on whether the fault is a carburetor or ignition issue rather than low compression or a damaged cylinder. A parts-only saw may be worth less than $100.
For most buyers, $250-$450 is a sensible budget for a running saw that can be inspected and demonstrated. The TS 400 is an older, discontinued model, so price should reflect age and parts condition rather than the original purchase price. A seller’s high asking price is not proof that the saw has been recently serviced.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party pricing, a complete 12-inch saw, ordinary cosmetic wear, and no major engine repair.
What a TS 400 asking price includes
A used saw’s price may include a blade, wrench, water attachment, or carrying case, but listings often show the powerhead alone. Confirm exactly what is included before comparing quotes. A worn blade should not add much value, while a good diamond blade can represent a meaningful separate purchase.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the amount |
|---|---|---|
| Used saw powerhead | $150-$600 total | Starting, cutting, and mechanical condition |
| 12-inch abrasive wheel | $10-$30 each | Wheel type, age, and remaining life |
| 12-inch diamond blade | $50-$200 each | General-purpose or material-specific design |
| Water kit or hose fittings | $15-$60 | Completeness and compatibility |
| Case or transport accessories | $20-$100 | Condition and whether the accessory is included |
| Shop inspection or tune-up | $75-$175 | Shop rate and repair scope |
Accessories should be valued by their usable condition, not by the seller’s replacement-cost estimate. Ask whether the blade is included in the sale price and whether it is suitable for the material to be cut. A damaged guard, missing hardware, or absent water fittings can add expense or prevent safe use.
Separate the powerhead price from blades, service, and missing parts when assessing the total purchase. For labor estimates, a shop may bill roughly $75-$125 per hour, with diagnostic minimums that can make a short repair relatively expensive.
How engine condition and saw specifications change value
Engine health is the strongest value driver. The TS 400 uses a roughly 66.7 cc two-stroke engine and a 12-inch cutting wheel. A saw that starts cold, holds an idle, responds cleanly to throttle, and runs through a short cut is worth substantially more than one tested only while warm or demonstrated without a load.
Compression readings are useful, but they are not a complete diagnosis. As a practical screening point, readings around 120-150 psi can be reassuring when measured consistently, while readings under roughly 100 psi warrant caution and a mechanic’s assessment. Gauge type, altitude, engine temperature, and testing technique affect the result; do not treat one number as a guarantee.
Check the starter rope and recoil assembly, air filter, fuel lines, carburetor response, spark, and cylinder condition. A rope or filter issue may be inexpensive, while scoring, low compression, or a crankcase problem can make the saw uneconomical. A clean-looking housing does not establish that the engine is healthy.
Budget $75-$175 for minor service, but consider walking away if the seller cannot demonstrate the saw or the engine has poor compression. Major engine work can exceed $250-$500 after parts and labor, potentially approaching or surpassing the price of another running used saw.
Assumptions: Repair figures are broad U.S. shop estimates; parts availability, diagnosis, and local labor rates vary.
Repair bills that can turn a cheap TS 400 costly
Minor jobs such as replacing a filter, fuel line, or spark plug may cost $20-$80 in parts if handled by an owner, or roughly $75-$175 at a repair shop after labor and inspection. Carburetor cleaning or replacement can run about $60-$200, depending on parts and whether other fuel-system problems are found.
Starter repairs may fall around $40-$150, while ignition or clutch-related work can range from $100-$300. Cylinder, piston, or crankshaft repairs may reach $250-$500 or more. These are planning ranges, not fixed quotes: an older model may need extra diagnosis, and compatible parts can be harder to source than parts for current saws.
Before buying a nonrunner, get a written estimate and confirm that the shop can obtain the needed parts. For example, a $100 project saw needing a $300 repair plus a $100 blade is already a $500 purchase. A tested running saw at $350 may be the lower-cost choice even if its exterior looks rougher.
Compare the purchase price plus likely repairs against the price of a tested saw, not against the seller’s asking price alone. If a repair quote approaches $300-$400, compare it with a replacement saw and the availability of service support before authorizing work.
How TS 400 prices shift across U.S. markets
Used equipment prices vary by region and buyer demand. In smaller rural markets, a running TS 400 may sell for 10%-20% less than a comparable saw in a large metro area, where contractors, demolition crews, and equipment resellers compete for used tools. The reverse can happen in remote areas when few listings are available and buyers must travel for a suitable saw.
Warm-weather construction markets may have steadier demand through more of the year. In colder regions, winter listings can be 5%-15% below peak-season asking prices, though discounts depend on local construction activity and inventory. These percentages are useful comparison estimates, not guaranteed seasonal reductions.
Transportation can erase a local price difference. A 100-mile pickup trip may add $30-$80 in fuel and time, while shipping a heavy gas saw may cost more and complicate returns. For an online purchase, ask for a cold-start video, a clear view of the serial plate, and confirmation that the saw runs under load before paying.
Compare completed local listings and total pickup costs, rather than assuming one national used price applies everywhere. If two saws differ by only $50-$75, the one that can be inspected locally may offer better value than a distant listing with uncertain condition.
How much time a shop inspection and repair can take
A basic inspection or tune-up often takes about 1-2 labor hours, but appointment availability and parts sourcing may extend the calendar time. A simple filter, plug, or fuel-line repair may be finished the same day when parts are on hand. Carburetor or starter work can require 1-3 business days at a busy shop.
More complex engine repairs may take several days or longer, especially if the technician needs to confirm the fault or locate model-compatible parts. Ask whether the shop charges a diagnostic fee, whether it is credited toward the repair, and whether approval is required before labor exceeds a set amount.
At $75-$125 per hour, a 1.5-hour repair labor bill could be about $113-$188 before parts, shop fees, or tax. A shop’s minimum charge may make a brief adjustment cost more than its actual hands-on time suggests.
Get the diagnostic fee, hourly rate, estimated completion date, and authorization limit in writing. For a used saw bought to meet an immediate job deadline, downtime can matter as much as the repair invoice; a higher-priced tested unit may avoid a week of waiting.
Three realistic used TS 400 purchase examples
A budget project saw listed for $125 does not start cold and has a stiff recoil. If a shop charges $90 to diagnose it and quotes $180 for a carburetor and fuel-line repair, the total reaches $395 before a blade. If compression is also poor, the repair could grow beyond the saw’s practical value.
A tested contractor-owned saw costs $375 and includes a usable abrasive wheel, wrench, and water fittings. A buyer adds a $75 diamond blade and spends $50 on a filter and tune-up supplies, making the working budget about $500. This can be a reasonable middle option if the engine starts and cuts properly during inspection.
A clean, serviced saw priced at $550 includes a good diamond blade and a documented recent repair. If the buyer would otherwise spend $100 on a blade and $125 on service, the effective powerhead cost is about $325, provided the documentation and blade condition check out. The higher ticket price may therefore compare favorably with a bare saw requiring immediate work.
Compare each example by total ready-to-use expense, not by the price tag alone. Ask for receipts where available, but verify the saw’s present condition; past service does not guarantee current reliability.
Ways to lower the TS 400 price without buying a problem
Set a ceiling for the complete purchase before negotiating. For example, if the budget is $450 and the saw needs a $75 blade plus $100 in expected service, the powerhead should cost no more than about $275. Keep a separate reserve for an unknown repair rather than spending the entire budget on the listing.
Compare at least three local offers with similar condition and accessories. Use specific differences—cold-start performance, blade wear, missing water fittings, or a recent service receipt—to support a fair offer. A low offer is less persuasive when it ignores a demonstrated repair or useful included equipment.
Bring basic protective equipment and ask to see a cold start and a brief cut in an appropriate material. Inspect the guard, handle, starter, controls, air filter, and visible cylinder area. Do not operate a saw with missing safety parts or a damaged wheel, and do not accept a seller’s claim of “easy repair” without a clear diagnosis.
Choose an abrasive wheel for occasional cutting when it suits the material and task; reserve a more expensive diamond blade for repeated work where its service life justifies the added cost. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic restoration or accessories that will not be used. A 12-inch wheel’s cutting capacity also depends on the saw setup and material, so confirm it fits the intended job.
The safest savings usually come from controlling add-ons and verifying condition, not buying an untested saw simply because its price is low. If the seller will not allow a basic inspection or provide a credible demonstration, treat the purchase as a project and price it accordingly.