044 vs. 440

[fishhuntcutwood]

As my first, and only other post here mentions, I'm looking at an 044 or 046 as my next saw. I was wondering what others thought about the comparison between the older Stihls-044/046 and the newer ones, 440/460. I might just buy a new one and call it good, compared to buying one used, and fixing it up.

Take care all,
Jeff

 

[Lakeside53]

Old/new - little difference when working right.... I never buy a new saw (lately). The only problem with the "fixing up" is to get a good unit to start with. Many of the 044s I see in Washington are really beat up and have been rebuilt many times. After a couple of bottom end rebuilds, the bearing can get loose in the casings, the crank rod is real loose, and its pretty much time to find another crank case. Try to find a saw that's recently dead, and never rebuilt. A homeowner saw that's been run on straight gas is a good way to start This time of year, pawn shops are a great place to find the "better" saws - at least you get to look at it.

This all assumes you have the tools, like doing it, and have more time than money...