I bought my Echo CS440 brand new in 2007 at a Ace Hardware and I've had good luck with it. It has good power for a 45cc, easy to start and a great oiler. Reliability wise no issues with it and it's a metal case unlike the Stihls or Husky saws that were in it's 45cc price range. If I remember right it was $150.00 cheaper than my Stihl MS 250 new and a better built saw in my opinion of owning them both.
If I compare the 440 to my Stihl MS 250, the only advantage is the Stihl has is that the motor feels snappier, but aside from that the 440 has a much, much better oiler, is easier to start and has a metal/ magnesium case . I also like the CS440 round automotive style air filter. The MS 250 is a good saw, but I like the CS 440 a lot more.
We burn wood for heat and I used for for 3 seasons as the main firewood saw and it cut maybe 80 percent of the wood for 2 houses. It usually ran an 18" bar, but I did put a 20 " bar on to cut up a couple large blow down oaks. It ran the larger 20" bar buried ok, you just had to keep the chain sharp and be patient,.
The saw is sort of an odd duck now, Echo moved on to different models but that being said it's my favorite under 50cc saw that own and I have at least 8 saws in that range that are Husky, Stihl, Poulan and even other Echo's .
