Alright mate, so this STIHL MS 440 Magnum chainsaw, it was made from 2001 to 2012, you know, a good solid 11 years. They stuck the Magnum label on all 440 models, so there ain’t no 440 without the Magnum, and they’re all the same saw, though Magnum might mean different things for other saws.
Got this buddy, Tim, who’s been using this 440 for a good 15 years now. Says it’s like it’s just been taken out of the box, you know? He’s pretty chuffed with it, rates it highly.
Now, speaking from my perspective as a carpenter, this saw’s a beauty. I mean, I’m impressed by its durability. To still be going strong after years of use, that’s something. And the performance? Can’t ignore that. It’s got a powerful 70.7 cc engine and it gets the job done quick. Having both power and durability makes our work easier and boosts efficiency.
Stihl MS 440 Magnum
Alright folks, you know that MS440 chainsaw? It’s quite the favorite among the Stihl community.
It rolled off the production line in 2001, taking over from the 044, and they wrapped up production in 2012 as they introduced the MS 441.
People tend to describe it as a “hog,” “beast,” “beauty,” and “the best saw ever” — all terms of endearment reserved for top-notch saws.
Now, adding my two cents as a carpenter, this saw is truly a workhorse. I mean, speaking as a carpenter, its performance is truly staggering. And its durability? Can’t overlook that. It’s impressive for a saw to last that long and still receive so much praise.
just wanted to share our experience with the 440 – we’ve been using it to cut up some gum logs.
These trees were chopped down over a decade back and let me tell you, they’re tough as nails. But surprisingly, the saw handled them like a champ.
Now, officially speaking, the MS 440 is tagged as a “thinning saw” for forestry work. So, it’s not exactly meant for slicing through thick gum rounds. But here’s the kicker – it does a darn good job when it comes to cutting firewood for homeowners.
From my perspective as a carpenter, I gotta say, versatility is key. It’s great to have a saw that can tackle different tasks, even if it’s not specifically designed for them. And seeing how well it handled those tough gum logs, I’m pretty impressed.
Stihl MS440 Reviews
So, let me tell you about Tim’s experience with his MS 440. He got his hands on this bad boy over 15 years ago, and since then, he’s been singing its praises.
Every year, Tim relies on his MS 440 as his go-to saw for chopping firewood, and let me tell you, he puts some serious hours on that thing.
Now, from a carpenter’s perspective, let me chime in. The MS 440 is like the perfect middle-ground chainsaw for pros in forestry or folks who just need a solid firewood saw.
And you know what’s really cool? I stumbled upon some reviews and comments from STIHL FB groups:
marah mentioned, “This saw is a real gem, a significant upgrade from the old 044.”
John chimed in, “The 044/440 is legendary for a reason, it’s an absolute beast.”
David shared, “I’m a big fan of my 440. It’s lighter than the 660 and just as effective for cutting firewood.”
Karakob had this to say, “I was gifted a Stihl MS 440 Magnum back in 2002 when I retired. It’s still going strong without any modifications.”
And Mike summed it up nicely, “Hands down the best saw STIHL has ever produced.
Specs and Features
Ah, as you remember, the MS440 was a top-selling professional chainsaw back in its day.
Most folks agree that it outshines its successor, the MS 441, which is often rated as one of the worst STIHL chainsaws.
The 440 is a powerhouse model suitable for felling, bucking, and limbing. And like mentioned earlier, it was (or is) great for thinning trees in forestry blocks.
Here are the standard specs:
4.3 cu in / 70.7 cc
5.4 hp / 4.0 kW
13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg
1.97″/50 mm bore
1.42″/36 mm stroke
It’s recommended to use with 16″ to 32″ bars, although folks with ported 440s push it up to 36 inches.
Now, from my perspective as a carpenter, I believe the MS440 was truly a fantastic option back then. Its power and performance were truly impressive. And the specs mentioned above indicate its versatility for various tasks.
So, let me break down some of the standard features you can expect from the MS440 and similar saws around that time:
You’ve got the IntelliCarb compensating carburetor, which helps keep things running smoothly. And hey, no need for tools to access the fuel and oil caps – they’ve got handy retainers for easy access.
The casing is made of magnesium, which keeps the saw lightweight yet sturdy. Plus, there’s a decompression valve to make starting a breeze, and an ElastoStart starter handle for added comfort.
Now, onto the automatic oiler – it’s adjustable to suit your needs. And don’t forget about the side access chain tensioner, making adjustments a cinch.
When it comes to filtration, you’ve got a heavy-duty air filter to keep things running smoothly. And let’s not overlook other standard features like the anti-vibration system, chain catcher, bumper spikes, handguard, and easy-access air filter.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting – the Stihl MS440 Artic version. This one’s a bit heavier, designed for colder climates. They’ve even got a fancy VW designation (STIHL MS 440 Magnum VW).
Artic saws come equipped with an automatic, electrically heated carburetor to prevent icing in extreme weather conditions. Plus, they’ve got heated handles that you can toggle on or off for added comfort.
And last but not least, there’s also a wrap-handle version of the 440 with an extended chip deflector on the sprocket cover (STIHL MS 440 Magnum R).
MS 440 Price
So, let’s talk about the current value of the STIHL MS 440, shall we?
You can often find them up for grabs on platforms like eBay, FB Marketplace, or other online spots.
Now, like with anything used, the price is gonna depend on a few factors – the condition, where you’re at, and how much folks want it… and let me tell you, there’s always a demand for these saws.
As of now, I spotted a whole 440 up for parts on eBay, going for $147.50, and a fully operational 440 powerhead is listed at $580.
If you’ve got one in really good shape, you’re looking at upwards of US$800+.
I came across one on FB once that had only seen a single tank of gas, and folks were tossing around figures like over US$1000. Basically brand spankin’ new.
And hey, if you’re comparing prices, check out places like eBay for saws, parts, and parts saws, HL Supply for Stihl OEM and aftermarket parts, and Amazon for aftermarket bits and bobs.
So, that’s the lowdown on the MS 440 Chainsaw.
The MS 440 Chainsaw
You know, the 440 might not be Stihl’s heavyweight champion, but it’s definitely in the top tier.
It’s the kind of saw you can rely on, especially when you’re tackling those tough hardwoods. And trust me, it keeps delivering year after year.
Now, here’s the kicker – you can’t snag a brand spankin’ new one anymore. But if you’re in the market for a solid mid-range option available today, check out the Stihl MS 261. It’s a 50 cc beast. Or if you want even more power, go for the 70 cc 500i. That’ll really get the job done.
Hey, drop us a line below and share your thoughts, experiences, or any other comments you’ve got on the 440. Let’s hear what you’ve got to say!
