Chainsaws

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Gofer

Gofer

Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2009
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597
Location
Morinville, Alberta, Canada
Looking for a little insight to a couple of saws. I have the opportunity to purchase a used chainsaw from an old guy that is downsizing and wants to sell his two big saws. Both are well used and very well maintained, the first is a Stihl model 026 with a 21" bar and the other is a Stihl MS440 with a 24" bar. He wants $100 and $200 respectively so the cost factor is not the driving force.

I want a longer bar than the 16" on my Husqvarna saw so either one will work for me. The main differences are the power of the saws and the weight as well, which may come into play as my back has its own problems.

Thoughts or comments?

Bruce
 
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We sell and service both of those,and unless you really need the bigger bar, & larger 3/8 in.chain,& power of the 440,the 026 iwould be my choice.It's so nice,being so light.It's a really great all-arounder.

The 440 is more of a beast to pull start,even with the decompressor valve,but really powerful.

If it were me,before I would buy either I would ask the owner to allow me to remove the spark plug and shine a flashlight into the plug hole to see if there are any score marks on the cylinder wall by the exhaust port.A new top end can total it out...( around the $250-300 area)

If that's ok,and it runs good that's a great deal.

Take care,
Steve
 
Stihl makes a good saw. Personally, I've used and enjoyed Husqvarna, but I know a lot of people who like Stihl. I wasn't finding anything on Stihl's website about those particular models, but I'm guessing that the MS440 has more power and is probably in the mid or high range models, and the 026 is in the occasional or mid range models. The 026 is lighter, but you might not have quite as much power, though it would still be great for limbing and cutting firewood. If you want the extra power for felling trees or cutting larger logs, probably go with the MS440.

I'm sure both are very good saws, so the choice of finding the balance between power and weight is yours.
 
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Being a Husky person, one thing that I know from experience, if you need a longer bar, you need power...! The biggest killer of any chainsaw, even with tops machines such as the Stihl, is put a big bar in a small motor machine, the stress of the motor, particularly the crankshaft is more than what they are capable to out-stand.

There is also the fact the anything over 20" up to 24" should have at least a 70cc behind it, as a minimum requirement, chain size in inches, is also crucial for a good combination and well balanced long bar chainsaw.

For the price you mention he wants for both saws, I would be grabbing both in a flash. I will be surprised if there won't be a fair few chains spare for each one, and even a spare bar, never knows.

If the bars on each one are in good condition the prices his asking are the prices for the bars so, if they are both chainsaws are working fine, you have a bargain, there...!

Cheers
George
 
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+1 to what Ossaguy said. I have several chainsaws of varying sizes (3 huskys, 4 sthils, 1 Echo) that we use at work. If your back is an issue (as is mine) go with the lighter and easier to start saw. I think most people get Tim Taylor "more power" syndrome when buying chainsaws. Bigger is not always better. one of my most used saws is the 13" Echo limb saw. Yeah it's fun to run that 36" bar on a huge motor, but it's not really practical when you look at the work most people are doing. Do you have a local Sthil repair center? Ask if you can take it in and have it checked out. Either way, If you want a new saw, those are great prices. Even if you have to rebuild the top end, that is cheaper than a new 440.

As a side note, Wear your safety gear! (sorry, force of habit). I have seen way to many stupid accidents. I forced my neighbor to wear chaps when working with me on his property. He wasn't happy about it until the saw slipped and dropped across his thigh. He is a believer now!
 
I always wear the safty gear: chaps, hard hat with ear defenders and facial screen, and steel toed boots, heck I even have a back brace to keep the aches and pains to a minimum.

It is even more important now that I have a new saw, a nice Stihl 026 that started up and ran like a top on the second pull (not bad after a month on the shelf). The old guy chuckled at me and said I was acting like a kid in the candy store. He had so much fun with the sale that he threw in a couple wedges a couple bar gaurds and three new bottles of gas oil. Best part is he told me he would not list the 440 Magnum for a couple more weeks ... just in case I decided I needed both "toys". Ya just gotta love having old guys that consider you a valuable friend.

Bruce
 
Bruce, if either saw is in decent shape you can still double your money on ebay if you decide you wasted your money.

I have the 440 and it is a beast. Very fast and powerful. It is truly a logging saw, but not too heavy. Keep fresh gas/oil mixture in it if you want it to start.
 
BUY BOTH OF THEM!!!!!!! STIHL IS THE BEST MONEY CAN BUY!!!!! I've had to use o lot of different 2 cycle brands over the years 8hours a day, and Stihl is my personal favorite no contest. Those saws should just about be a steal at that price.
 
Well I went for another visit the other day and now own a second Stihl chainsaw. I bought the MS440 Magnum and got a pleasant surprise when we went to his shop to get it. He had gone thru a bunch of stuff and found a tool box worth of parts and tools for both saws that he sent home with me. He also sent another 026 saw for parts (burned out cylinder) along with a bunch of other odds and ends.

So I doubt that I will need a new saw again any time soon ... the wife thinks I have lost my mind and wants to know why I needed 4 chain saws.

Bruce
 
Gofer said:
Well I went for another visit the other day and now own a second Stihl chainsaw. I bought the MS440 Magnum and got a pleasant surprise when we went to his shop to get it. He had gone thru a bunch of stuff and found a tool box worth of parts and tools for both saws that he sent home with me. He also sent another 026 saw for parts (burned out cylinder) along with a bunch of other odds and ends.

So I doubt that I will need a new saw again any time soon ... the wife thinks I have lost my mind and wants to know why I needed 4 chain saws.

Bruce
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