A used Stihl TS 510 AV typically costs about $150-$450, with running condition, blade size, included accessories, and local parts availability driving the price. Nonrunning saws may sell for less, while clean, tested examples can cost more; buyers should budget for inspection and possible fuel-system or ignition repairs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS 510 AV, as-is or not running | $75 | $150 | $250 | Untested, incomplete, or repair-needed saw |
| Running used saw | $200 | $350 | $500 | Starts and cuts; condition and proof of testing matter |
| Clean, serviced example | $350 | $475 | $650 | Higher asking prices need to be supported by service records |
| Typical repair allowance | $50 | $175 | $400 | Parts and labor vary; extensive engine work can exceed the saw’s value |
Prices are estimates for the used U.S. market, not current dealer pricing. The TS 510 AV is an older model, and condition, completeness, and local availability can change its value substantially.
What a Running Stihl TS 510 AV Usually Sells For
For a saw that starts, idles, and reaches operating speed, a practical asking-price range is $200-$500, with many ordinary used examples near $350. The lower end usually reflects cosmetic wear, missing extras, or limited proof that the saw has been tested under load. A clean machine with a sound engine and usable guard can reach the upper end.
Prices above roughly $500 are harder to justify unless the saw has documented service, uncommon accessories, or unusually good condition. This is a vintage tool rather than a new current-production purchase, so a high seller price does not guarantee parts support or reliable performance. The buyer should compare the asking price with the cost of a newer used cutoff saw, not only with other TS 510 AV listings.
The saw is generally associated with a 12-inch cutoff wheel, but buyers should confirm the specific machine’s configuration and the maximum wheel size shown on its guard or product documentation. A wheel, arbor, or guard mismatch can turn an apparently complete purchase into an additional expense. Assumptions: used saw, standard configuration, ordinary wear, and a seller able to demonstrate starting and cutting.
How Engine, Wheel, and Labor Charges Shape the Quote
For a used machine, the purchase price is only one part of the outlay. Parts availability and labor rates can make a modest repair uneconomical, particularly if the saw has low compression or damage to major engine components. Typical repair allowances below are broad independent-shop estimates, not guaranteed parts prices.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High | What changes the bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel lines, filter, carburetor service | $25 | $100 | $225 | Parts-only work costs less than shop diagnosis and installation |
| Spark plug and ignition checks | $10 | $45 | $150 | Basic plug replacement versus deeper ignition troubleshooting |
| Starter, recoil, or clutch work | $25 | $100 | $250 | Part condition and labor access affect total |
| 12-inch abrasive wheel | $15 | $35 | $70 | Wheel type and intended cutting material |
| Shop diagnosis and labor | $50 | $125 | $300 | About 1-3 hours at $75-$125 per hour, plus any parts |
A repair quote should separate diagnostic labor, parts, and any wheel or accessory replacement. A carburetor cleaning might be a reasonable investment on a low-cost saw; a rebuild involving several major engine parts may not be.
Why Compression, Wheel Size, and Completeness Change Value
Engine condition is often the biggest price variable. A saw that starts cold, idles steadily, accelerates cleanly, and cuts without stalling is worth more than one that only fires briefly. Low compression, hard starting, excessive exhaust smoke, or a fuel leak can indicate work beyond a routine tune-up. Ask what the seller means by “runs,” and request a cold-start demonstration rather than relying on a warm engine.
Wheel configuration matters too. Confirm whether the saw accepts a 12-inch wheel and whether the guard, flange, and arbor are present and matched. A missing or damaged guard is not merely a cosmetic issue; it can make the saw unsafe or unusable until corrected. Do not assume a larger wheel can be fitted just because a listing photo shows one.
Completeness can shift the value by $25-$100 or more, depending on what is missing. A usable guard, correct hardware, serviceable starter, and any included wrench or water connection reduce the need for immediate purchases. A worn cutting wheel is consumable and should not add much value. Price the machine by its testable condition and required fixes, not by the seller’s description or age alone.
Local supply also matters. In rural areas with limited small-engine repair options, a low purchase price can be offset by transport and shop charges. In larger markets, more listings may make it easier to compare condition, but a verified, maintained example may still command a premium. Parts for older models can be difficult to source, so verify availability before paying extra for a repair project.
What a Shop Repair Can Cost Compared With Replacement
A basic service that includes inspection, fuel-system cleaning, and minor adjustments may total $75-$200, depending on shop minimums and parts. More involved carburetor or starter work can push the bill to $150-$300. If the saw needs a major engine repair, the estimate can reach $300-$600 or more, a sum that can exceed the resale value of an average TS 510 AV.
Shop labor commonly falls near $75-$125 per hour, although local rates and minimum charges vary. Some shops charge $50-$100 just to diagnose an older saw, with that fee applied to repair only if the work is approved. Before authorizing teardown, ask whether the shop can obtain the required parts and whether the diagnostic fee is refundable or credited.
Compare the total repaired cost with a later-model used cutoff saw in verified working condition. For example, paying $250 for a TS 510 AV and then approving $350 in repairs creates a $600 investment before a new wheel or transport. If the repair estimate approaches the cost of a dependable replacement, the older saw is usually a poor value unless its condition or specific configuration is important.
Three TS 510 AV Purchase Scenarios and Their Totals
These examples show how the headline price can differ from the amount spent before the saw is ready for work. Totals exclude sales tax and assume no major engine failure.
| Scenario | Purchase | Added costs | Estimated total | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project saw, untested | $125 | $100-$250 service and parts | $225-$375 | Owner handles some work; shop labor adds cost |
| Running saw, basic setup | $325 | $35-$100 wheel and minor service | $360-$425 | Tested machine with ordinary wear |
| Clean saw, shop inspected | $475 | $75-$175 inspection and consumables | $550-$650 | Higher price justified only by documented condition |
The best-value scenario is usually a running saw whose condition is demonstrated before payment. A cheap project can be economical for someone able to diagnose and repair small engines, but a buyer paying retail shop rates should keep a firm repair ceiling.
For the untested example, the $225-$375 total assumes the engine does not need a major rebuild. If compression is poor or the ignition system is faulty, the final bill may be substantially higher. The running example assumes a usable guard and correct wheel hardware; missing safety parts can raise the cost and delay use.
How Much Time and Shop Labor Does a Used Saw Need?
A simple inspection or tune-up may take about 30-90 minutes of billed labor, while diagnosis of intermittent starting or fuel-delivery trouble can take 1-3 hours. At $75-$125 per hour, labor alone may run from about $40 to $375, depending on the job and the shop’s minimum charge. Parts, taxes, and any disposal fees are additional.
Scheduling can be slower for an older model if the mechanic must identify compatible parts or wait for availability. Before dropping off the saw, ask whether the shop accepts older two-stroke equipment, what the diagnostic fee is, and whether it will contact the owner before exceeding a set spending limit. This prevents an open-ended repair bill.
A buyer doing a basic inspection personally should still allow time to check the cold start, throttle response, stop switch, guard, wheel mounting, visible fuel leaks, and overall condition. Testing should be done safely, with appropriate protective equipment and a suitable cutting setup. A few minutes of seller-side testing can prevent paying a repair-shop fee just to discover an obvious fault.
Buying a Local Listing Versus a Shipped TS 510 AV
Local pickup often keeps the total closer to the sale price because the buyer can inspect the saw and avoid shipping. A practical local purchase may add $0-$50 for transport, fuel, or small consumables. By contrast, shipping a heavy gasoline-powered tool can add roughly $40-$150 or more, depending on distance, packing, carrier rules, and whether the seller can prepare the machine for shipment.
Marketplace listings can also include a buyer premium, payment fee, or sales tax. An auction’s low hammer price may not be the checkout price: a 10%-20% buyer premium on a $300 bid adds $30-$60 before tax and shipping. Ask for the full delivered total before bidding or paying, and confirm that fuel has been drained if the carrier requires it.
Regional prices have no fixed national premium. In a market with several comparable saws, buyers may find more room to compare and negotiate; in a remote area, scarcity and travel distance can push the effective cost upward. Compare delivered, ready-to-test totals rather than advertised prices alone.
Lower the TS 510 AV Price by Setting a Repair Limit
Start with a price ceiling based on the total budget, not on how much the seller has already invested. If the goal is a working saw for $400, a $300 purchase leaves only about $100 for a wheel and minor service. A $200 project may leave more room for repairs, but only if the engine and safety components are in usable condition.
Ask the seller to demonstrate a cold start and steady operation, and check for leaks, missing hardware, and a damaged guard. If the saw cannot be tested, treat it as a repair project and offer accordingly. A missing wheel is a small expense compared with an unknown engine problem; missing safety parts or signs of severe damage are reasons to walk away rather than assume a low price will solve them.
Get two repair estimates before approving work that exceeds about $150-$200. Ask each shop to distinguish required repairs from optional maintenance, and check parts availability before paying a premium for a refurbished example. Keeping a written maximum repair allowance is the simplest way to avoid turning a bargain into an expensive vintage-tool project.
Negotiation should reflect specific defects rather than age alone. A seller asking $450 for a running saw may reasonably be near market if it starts cold and includes the correct guard; a similar price for an untested machine leaves the buyer carrying more risk. Use the cost of missing parts, travel, shipping, and a basic service to support an offer.
Buyer Questions About TS 510 AV Pricing and Fit
Is a $500 asking price reasonable? It can be reasonable for a clean, tested, complete machine, but it is high for an untested or incomplete saw. Ask for a cold-start demonstration, inspect safety components, and confirm the configuration before agreeing.
Should a nonrunning saw cost more than $150? Usually only when it is unusually complete, has a clearly diagnosed minor fault, or includes valuable compatible parts. Without a diagnosis, the purchase price should leave room for shop labor and a possible major repair.
Does a new wheel make a used saw worth more? A serviceable wheel is useful, but it is a consumable and typically adds less value than a verified engine, sound guard, and complete hardware. Check that the wheel is suitable for the material and machine configuration.
What should the final budget include? Include the sale price, sales tax, transport or shipping, a suitable wheel, inspection, and likely repairs. For a typical tested used saw, a working budget of roughly $350-$600 allows room for ordinary setup costs, while a major repair can exceed that range.