You can date them from the serial number, but I'm not sure it would help you very much. The characteristics of most models change very little throughout the production run - your 038 would still have been heavy and thirsty whether it was built in 1982, 1992 or 2002 - it would still essentially be based on 1970s technology.

Almost impossible on a stihl. On newer huskies, there's a 2 digit date code off to the side of the serial #. On older black tag huskies, the 1st # is the year, followed by the week. Hi i'm trying to get some info on a saw i'v had about eighteen years and it wasnt new then. I spent hours trying to get the model from varrious websites but could. Oct 10, 2005 - If not, you can get a really good idea by comparing the serial number to the various stihl tech notes and IPLs. Fruity Loops 9 Xxl. The serial numbers are roughly sequential and assigned by manufacturing period, so it doesnt matter if you look up a weedeater or a saw, the serial number will correspond to a date.

There are three factors I think you're trying to assess in secondhand saws. Design era, which will tell you a bit about performance vs. Weight, and complexity as well as factors like efficiency, noise emissions and vibration levels; model spec.

Which will give theoretical performance (mainly.cc, HP and chain speed) so is it a racer or a slogger (design era plays a role here too) and also, by reputation, reliability and parts availability; and finally condition- how does it measure up to it's original spec. In my view, at first and even second pass, none of these are significantly affected by serial number. You can date them from the serial number, but I'm not sure it would help you very much. The characteristics of most models change very little throughout the production run - your 038 would still have been heavy and thirsty whether it was built in 1982, 1992 or 2002 - it would still essentially be based on 1970s technology. There are three factors I think you're trying to assess in secondhand saws. Design era, which will tell you a bit about performance vs. Weight, and complexity as well as factors like efficiency, noise emissions and vibration levels; model spec.

Which will give theoretical performance (mainly.cc, HP and chain speed) so is it a racer or a slogger (design era plays a role here too) and also, by reputation, reliability and parts availability; and finally condition- how does it measure up to it's original spec. In my view, at first and even second pass, none of these are significantly affected by serial number. Alec There are often quite big changes that have occurred through a saws production run that influence parts availability (OEM and aftermarket), reliability and performance.

A few examples; -10mm vs 12mm wristpin on 044 -aluminium vs polymer flywheel on 066 -44mm vs 44.7mm piston/cylinder on MS260 etc. The changes are outlined in service bulletins and a serial number is given up to which the 'old' parts will be used. (/from when the new parts will be installed). Hi, sorry it didn't make it clearer! Megatron's comments are correct specific examples, but don't address your main point, which is about what you're getting for your money.