Budget is one consideration. If you are working on a limited budget then looking for a used chainsaw may be a wise option. However, if you have the money to spend then buying new is probably a better option.

There is an old saying which goes something like this..."buy used and you inherit somebody else's problems." I guess that statement can be applied right across the shopping board including buying used chainsaws but if you follow some sensible shopping practices then you can avoid the pitfalls.

Let's take a look at how to approach shopping for a used chainsaw:

1. Look in your local newspaper classifieds. There are garage or yard sales happening most weekends and these can often unearth some real gems.

2. Be careful though, finding a chainsaw at these sales is one thing thing but you need to make sure the machine is in good working order. Always try before you buy so ask the owner to give you a quick demo. You at least want to know the thing will start.

3. Farm sales and auctions are another avenue worth exploring. In fact, these can be a better option on most occasions than backyard garage sales.

4. Go to your local chainsaw or farm machinery outlet and let them know you are in the market for a chainsaw. Quite often, a client may be on the verge of trading in their chainsaw for an upgraded model and the service dealer can point you in the right direction.

5. Shopping for a used chainsaw online is as easy as typing in your request in your favorite search engine. Ideally, shopping online for a used chainsaw may not be as good as finding one locally but it's a good back-up if you run out of options. The downside is you will virtually be buying a machine sight unseen and will need to pay shipping charges.

6. Online auctions such as eBay are good alternatives.

7. Online forums can be a gold mine of information. Forums specific to chainsaw or machine tool members provide the opportunity to present your request and if you don't find a used chainsaw for sale among the members, it's more than likely you'll get plenty of referrals and great suggestions of where to look.