Any MS440 Magnums left out there?

pharmvet · Feb 3, 2014

I feel like I missed the boat on the Stihl MS440 Magnum saws. Are there still any of these floating around out there?

XSKIER · Feb 4, 2014

The last ones I saw on the shelf were priced higher than the MS 441 R C-M, which is a better saw anyhow.

motownbrowne · Feb 4, 2014

I've seen a couple on the shelf in the last year. Haven't looked lately though. I think you can still get a 460.

Xskier, what makes you say the 441 is "better"? I know it's lower emission, more modern, etc. Captive bar nuts would be nice too if it has them, but the 440 magnum is a legendary saw. Been working hard for a long time. Do you think a 441 could be thought to last a 20 years in the hands of a non commercial, but heavy user?

s219 · Feb 4, 2014

For many hardcore fallers, the 440 was and is a better saw. Less weight, less complexity, more rugged anti-vibe system, and proven design. It's part of the same reason I bought my 461.

From a performance/fuel usage standpoint, the 441CM is a better saw than the 440, especially in the way it will adjust to different environmental conditions. But the downside for many is field serviceability. There have been a few issues with Mtronic, and I have personally witnessed three 441CMs at the local shop that crapped out (two wouldn't start, one got defeated by bad gas). All three required a new carb for $135. In once case, that prevented my friend from buying one -- the shop couldn't get it started new off the shelf! What would be fixable on a 440 requires a trip to the shop on a 441CM.

Interestingly, they had a regular non-Mtronic 441 in the lineup for a few years, and it was a dog that was universally reviled. Had no advantages over the 440 at all. At least with Mtronic the 441CM has some potential compelling features.