038 v. 044

[buckwheat]

i was surfing the canadian stihl site and was curious about the 038. How different is it from the 044 construction-wise? I notice that its slightly heavier, has higher rated output, but has a lower model number? How compatible are the parts with an 044? anybody running an 038?

 

[builder]

I run an 038 magnum. 72.2cc's,a little heavier than 044 70.4cc.I thought the 038 had a little less HP?lots more torque though,and I think the 038 runs stronger once the baffle in the muffler is removed.I don't think the 044 has a baffle.Lots of people seem to think the 038 was the most durable stihl made,I tend to agree.My west german 038 is almost 12 yrs old without a problem,in fact it's better now than when new.If you can get an 038M cheaper than 044 go for it.I don't think many parts are interchangable,and 038 used a lot less plastic and has a more rigid case.

 

[confused]

Can you still purchase brand new 038M's in O Canada? If so, what do they go for in USD?

 

[Toneman]

I don't know what the 044 is like, but I love my 038 Magnum. Have only had it for about 6 months, but so far it is working great!
Reminds me of a big brother to the 028.
Hope it keeps going strong!

 

[davefr]

I've had both and the 038 seems superior in terms of build quality. The 038 is like a big block V-8. The 044 is more like a turbocharged 6.

The 038 is as dependable as gravity, not too fussy about fuel quality, and is always easy to start.

I prefer the rounded over air filter cover of the 038 vs. the "hunky/protruding" cover on the 044. It seems like the 038 could get into some tighter areas. The downside is the 038 air filtration system which is kind of wimpy.

Can you still buy new 038's up north??? Used 038's and 028's sure go for top dollar on EBAY. I saw an average looking 028 sell for over $270 just a day or two ago.

 

[Toneman]

Davefr,
We still have 038 Magnums here in Canada, I can probably get you one if you want.
Let me know and I will get you prices.

 

[deadtrees]

I bought a new 038 magnum this Feb. from a dealer in Canada. I have 2 028 Supers and I wanted a matching "Big brother". It looks just like the 028, just a little larger. I got it with a 25 inch bar. Just one tank of gas so far but I like the way it cuts in dry oak. I paid 440USD. With the 25 inch bar, extra chain, files and shipping it was $490. By the way, it will not fit in the newer Stihl "woodsman" case. Does anyone think a little muffler mod would help this saw? It may not have the resrictive EPA muffler because it was not to be sold in the US. It was made in Brazil. I would mod the muffler if it was worth it. The muffler exhausts just forward of the right side chain brake pivot. Just above the sprocket cover. There is not much room there to add a exhaust tube. There is more room on the starter side.

 

[treeclimber165]

There were 3 different 038's. The 038 was about 3.8C.I., The 038Super was about 3.9-4.0 C.I. or so and the 038Magnum was 4.4 C.I.- same as the 044.
I believe most here are referring to the 038Magnum. I'd love to own another one, gonna have to make a phone call to Canada soon..............

 

[davefr]

Toneman,
Yea, if it's not too much trouble I'd like to see the price.

[email protected]

Originally posted by Toneman
Davefr,
We still have 038 Magnums here in Canada, I can probably get you one if you want.
Let me know and I will get you prices.

 

[Dennis]

I think that saw "lists" about 560us up here....(038M) Not positive though....as I am not a Stihl dealer...

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Having owned several 044's, I can tell you I like the saw. It comes up a little short on bottom end in bar nose buried situations. I've never owned an 038 ( wish I had one ). This seems to be one of saws that nothing can be found bad about.I was told that the 038 has torque like an 046 but only revs to 12,500 RPM. That would suit me just fine. the trend seems to be higher revs and slightly lower torque. Maybe it is just a personal thing but on saws of this size and up I value torque more than revs

 

[stihltech]

038

The problem started when the 064 repalced the 056. No low end torque. Took awhile to get guys to learn to keep the rpms up and keep it sharp. Once they learned that, the 056's started getting traded. The 038 is of the same caliber. Low end torque galore. But when you can shave the pounds, the loggers are all for it. Hence, the 046. 044 is a great firewood saw, just let it rev.

 

[treeclimber165]

That's just to let ya know that it ain't dry yet!

Kinda like an old Ford truck, if it don't leak, it's empty!

 

[buckwheat]

'just stick a Harley Davidson sticker on the side cover.

 

[stihltech]

038

Just a quirk of the saw. As they age , the pump wears and the oil bypasses pushed by tank pressure. Pump seems to keep working just fine. Run it out of oil BEFORE you put it on the kitchen table.
I like the V8 and turbo 6 analogy. Fits very well.

 

[Lawrence Martin]

38 vs 44

Have run both saws working with a municpality,
With both saws in the saw box. The 44 gets taken out more often it,s great with a 25" bar good for felling, and bucking up wood.
Most of the guys under the age of 35 will grab it , it's alot lighter than the 38 and if your a small guy it makes a diffrence.
The older guys allways grabs the 38 use to it i gess.
But everyboby will grab the 38 to flush off stumps because of the bottom end torque it has.
The 44 does have more hp.

Lawrence Martineau

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi There, the 038 is a real work horse, and lasts forever. It is currently made in Brazil. Im not sure but it may become unavailable in Canada due to emmisions regulations. A friend of mine in B.C. has one with a full wrap handle, and our buddy Rick from P.A. has two that he had Walkerized.
John

 

[Kevin]

John,
Is that BC Tel`s main Trunk Line or are you now in Afganastan?

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Kevin, that picture is of the White Pass Yukon Route Railway which was built in 1898 to aid the Alaskan gold rush. The 110 mile route connects Skagway Alaska to Whitehorse Yukon. It closed in 1982 due to economic decline but recently reopened offering tourist rides. The railway is a narrow gauge track and is also used as a snowmobile, atv route. The scenery is spectacular along the whole route.
John

 

[dozerdan]

Hi John
Did you take any pictures of that old,awesome snow blower in Skagway?
Later
Dan