The STIHL MS 440 Magnum is a pro-level 70.7 cc chainsaw produced from 2001 – 2012.
The Magnum label is applied to all 440s—there’s no non-Magnum 440—and they’re all the same saw, though Magnum can mean different things for other saws.
My mate Tim has owned and used this 440 for over 15 years. In his words, “It’s only just been broken in.” He likes the saw a lot and rates it highly.
Stihl MS 440 Magnum
The MS440 is a popular chainsaw in the Stihl community.
It entered production in 2001, replacing the 044, and was discontinued in 2012 after being phased out with the introduction of the MS 441.
It’s described as a “hog,” “beast,” “beauty,” and “the best saw ever”—all terms of endearment reserved for good saws.
We’ve been bucking gum logs with the 440.
These trees were felled over ten years ago and are extra hard, but it wasn’t a problem for the saw.
The MS 440 is considered a “thinning saw” for forestry, so it’s not necessarily designed for cutting thick gum rounds, but it performs well when used for homeowner firewood.
Stihl MS440 Reviews
As we already said, Tim bought his MS 440 15+ years ago and has been very happy with it.
He uses it as his primary firewood saw each year and puts some hours in with it.
It is a great mid-range professional chainsaw for those in forestry or those needing a firewood saw.
Here are other reviews and comments from STIHL FB groups:
- Darren said, “Real gem, much improved over the old 044.”
- John said, “The 044/440 is a great saw, well loved for good reason.”
- David said, “Love my 440. Easier to lug around than the 660 and just as good for firewood.”
- Duff said, “I received a Stihl MS 440 Magnum as a retirement gift in 2002. It’s running strong yet to this day. No modifications.”
- Mike said, “Best saw STIHL ever made.”
Grantham said:
I have one and I love it.
It has all the mid range pull you could want, great saw. I have over 28 running Stihl hand saws and the 440 is a beast!
I have an 046 with a 066 jug in it, and a couple of built 461s that are faster, but the 440 pulls chain!
And Scuffy Native said:
Took the 500i out against the 440.
My honest opinion: the 500i has tons of chain speed. The 440 has more torque. That’s based off how they cut and felt while using.
I’m sure opinions vary but that just my hands on observation.
Not everyone agreed…
Callum replied:
I have used the 500i and 440 extensively over the past year and the 440 doesn’t even come close when it comes to power or torque.
The 500i is a much more capable saw, but I did find myself preferring the 440 for smaller trees and for brushing as it felt nicer to use ergonomically.
And Gino said:
Piston stroke has everything to do with torque.
The 440 is 36mm stroke, can’t find data on 500i. I did find the 500i is listed as 6.8hp vs. like 5.5 hp for a 440.
So not a fair comparison from the starting gun. MS460 prob closer in performance.
So, while not everyone agrees that the 440 is better than the 500i, everyone does think the 440 is a great saw in its own right. For many, it’s been a solid performer for decades.
Specs and Features
The MS440 was a best-selling pro saw in its day.
Most agree it’s far better than the MS 441 that replaced it, which is rated as one of the worst STIHL Chainsaws.
The 440 is a powerful model for felling, bucking, and limbing. And, as mentioned above, it is (or was) great for thinning trees in forestry blocks.
Standard specifications:
- 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 for use with 16″ to 32″ bars, though guys with ported 440s go up to 36-inches.
Standard features:
- IntelliCarb compensating carburetor
- Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
- Magnesium casing
- Decompression valve
- ElastoStart starter handle
- Automatic oiler (adjustable)
- Side access chain tensioner
- Heavy-duty air filter
Other standard features of a saw produced at this time include an anti-vibration system, chain catcher, bumper spikes, handguard, easy-access air filter, and so on.
The Stihl MS440 Artic version weighs a bit more (14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg) and is designed for use in colder climates. This feature was designated with a VW (STIHL MS 440 Magnum VW).
Artic saws are built with an automatic, electrically heated carburetor to help prevent icing in severe weather. They also feature heated handles that can be turned on or off for comfort.
There was 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
What is the STIHL MS 440 worth today?
They often come up for sale on eBay, FB Marketplace, or other online marketplaces.
As with all used goods, the price will largely depend on condition, location, and demand… the these saws seem to always be in demand.
At the time of writing, an entire 440 for parts is listed on eBay for $147.50, and a 440 powerhead in good working condition is going for $580.
440s that are in very good condition are usually listed for US$800+.
We saw one on FB that had only had one tank of gas through it, and people suggested it was worth over US$1000. It was basically new.
Compare saws and parts prices:
- On eBay – for saws, parts, and parts saws
- HL Supply – for Stihl OEM and aftermarket parts
- On Amazon – aftermarket parts
The MS 440 Chainsaw
The 440 might not be Stihl’s biggest chainsaw, but it’s right up there.
It’s a saw that can be regularly used on hardwoods and will continue to perform well year after year.
The only problem is that you can’t buy them new anymore. If you’re looking for a mid-range chainsaw that you can buy today, the Stihl MS 261 is a good option. That’s a 50 cc saw. The 70 cc 500i would be even better.
Let us know your thoughts, experiences, and other comments on the 440 below.
The 440 is a great man toy I love mine
Originally I went to buy a 44 at the saw shop. All sold out and quit makin them. So I walked away with a 460. Then due to popular demand they reintroduced the 44 a few years later as the 440 magnum. Same saw, but a little more horsepower in stock form. When I walked in shop and discovered this I traded in the 460 and bought it.And never looked back. The 460 is a great saw but heavier and sucked down the gas. A fallers saw! The 440 is lighter, more nimble, has a lot better gas mileage and a firewood cutters dream as well as falling a tree when need arises. I run my 440 with a 28″ bar. I ran the 460 with a 32″. Cant tell any difference in power between the 2 but I can use that 440 all day and body feels great. And the saw is a fuel sipper!! Cut some big wood with it and never felt underpowered. If u ever have a chance to buy a good used 1 grab it , it will put a big smile on your face every time u use it. Dependable, efficient saw. It’s a cult favorite for a reason,ask anyone who owns one.
Stihl blew it when they quit makin that saw as well as 461
I love mine!! Just picked it up a few weeks ago. Feels like a new saw it was so well maintained….
The 44 is a great little saw , in fact the best I had ever used until picking up a 46.
a 46 , 66 and a 200t is my perfect quiver of saws.
Marginal difference in weight , with the 46 having whole heap more torque .
44 is probably a good saw for travelling , throw it in the ute , strong light firewood saw.
Mine got run over by a truck a month ago. I put it on a vice and twisted it back into shape. Mostly. It works better than it did before it got run over lol.
Haha, nice one!
Found a 044 in a brick outhouse for 9 years ,fired up 6 th pull. After that ,couldnt get a cough out itafter 30 pulls found that u have to give the choke lever a firm push which then closes choke flap in carb. It had been open about 2 mm. Probably from sitting that long things were a bit sticky. After sitting for 2 months fires up after 6 pulls every time. Am using super 97 octane (E5) from Gulf. And have no fueling issues with strimmers, blowers, saws. Incredibly well balanced saw ,no hesitating chain ,torque pulls it through everything. You dont need to high rev it, power is developed throughout the rev range . Therefore unbeleivably economical. Also extreemly durable.stihl parts r very reasonable from local dealer even cheaper than aftermarket and here in 36 hours. Took the barrel off to check piston ,the skirt was totally unmarked, WOW. Crown had a layer of soot ,ring grooves a layer of carbon ,all cleaned, piston rings hoizontalled in the bore using the piston ring gap was 22 thou so new rings ,checked their gap ,6 thou ,perfect for 2 inch bore ( ie 3-4thou per inch ) ,pulse pipe was quite hard so replaced along with carb diaghrams. Still fires 6th pull but well worth while maintenance. Everyone likes whatever saw (or car) they r using .I now have an MS440 also .these r large saws for light work ,if u r felling and logging hardwoods these saws install confidence ,make light work of the heaviest jobs. After the initial start they fire up with only half a pull .ie over only one compression all day. The older saw is a 1997. And it goes to work as if it was made last week.
I have a 011, 025, 028, 290, 036 pro, 038 super, 460 mag, and a 660 mag
I would have to say the 460 mag is just a beast the 038sup I have a bow on and is a league of it’s own in torque and the 036pro is possibly my favorite all around saw
I’ve had three 44’s including one of the first ones- made in Germany. The last two I had “hopped up” for even more power. Cannot say enough good about these saws. Never had engine problems, balanced so great and power up the yin Yang.
The MS440 is one of the best saws that Stihl ever made. There’s a reason that they’re still loved and in high demand even today, they’re very good saws.
I agree!