New MS 440 Bar

[agreb12]

So I just picked up an MS 440 magnum used on craigslist in pretty good condition. The pull start handle needs replaced, so I’ll get that done. It came with a 20” bar but I have an ms 261 cm. So I’m looking to put a 32” bar on it. It won’t be cutting a ton but I’m looking at trying to get better oiling for running that length bar. I know I’m going to hear it about should have bought a bigger saw but it was a good deal and it’s not going to be used a whole lot so I didn’t want to spend a significant amount more for lighter use. I’m going to use a skip chain I do know that.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I'm not exactly sure what your question is, but if your saw isn't a West Coast model (wrap handle, taller clutch cover, bigger oiler) I believe you can swap oilers to get better oiling for long bars.

A 440 is a great saw. If you want to use the thing though, leave the 20" on it, or maybe find a 24". Don't put the 32" on it unless you need it. A 440 with a 20" bar is a great combo for medium sized wood. A 440 with a 32" is gonna be a dog. Better than nothing certainly, and it'll do in a pinch, but you won't want to pick it up very often.

 

[Wicked500R]

Shoulda bought a bigger saw...

What size wood are you actually cutting? You probably don't need a 32 but you think you do.

 

[agreb12]

Well it’s not going to be all the time but we have trees up to 6 foot diameter.....how do I go about adding the other oiler?

 

[2dogs]

I'm a happy MS440 owner but that saw is not a really powerful saw. I run a 28" Stihl lightweight bar and while that is a good combination for me I would not even try to run a 32". The main reason I run a 28" bar is that is a good length for me and saves my back limbing and cutting undergrowth.

As far as increasing oil flow you should not need to change the oil pump, just the control bolt and piston, (I think).

The MS440 is a light and nimble saw but no powerhouse.

 

[Wicked500R]

I don't think I would want to attack a 6 foot trunk with a 440... If you were bucking it, I'd say run the 32 but just let the saw eat and don't lean on it. But dropping a 6 footer, you need power to be quick in the cut or it could turn ugly fast IMO. I'll let the pros chime in on that one.

I'll run a 28 on 70cc saws just for extra reach when limbing and cutting small stuff. A 24 is about it to have the full bar buried without overworking the saw or yourself.

 

[cus_deluxe]

Search for 044/440 oiler mod and you should find info, pretty simple to mod them to increase output.

 

[agreb12]

Ya I don’t cut anything down, just bucking when they come down.

 

[longbowch]

If you are asking what bar to get, get a STIHL ES Light. They are expensive but well worth it. Otherwise that saw will be way nose heavy. Personally I would get a 28 ES Light.

 

[agreb12]

Here are the pics from the new toy!

 

[blsnelling]

You will have to mod your existing oil pump. There are no H.O. parts for the 044/440.

 

[agreb12]

You will have to mod your existing oil pump. There are no H.O. parts for the 044/440.

Could you give me a thread to follow. I am an engineer and work at a machine shop.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

You will have to mod your existing oil pump. There are no H.O. parts for the 044/440.

Thanks Brad, I didn't know if it was like the 460 or not. I appreciate the correction.

 

[2dogs]

You will have to mod your existing oil pump. There are no H.O. parts for the 044/440.

Thanks for correcting my mistake Brad. I've done several control bolt and piston swaps, but I have obviously forgotten which saws.

 

[Little Al]

I'm not exactly sure what your question is, but if your saw isn't a West Coast model (wrap handle, taller clutch cover, bigger oiler) I believe you can swap oilers to get better oiling for long bars.

A 440 is a great saw. If you want to use the thing though, leave the 20" on it, or maybe find a 24". Don't put the 32" on it unless you need it. A 440 with a 20" bar is a great combo for medium sized wood. A 440 with a 32" is gonna be a dog. Better than nothing certainly, and it'll do in a pinch, but you won't want to pick it up very often.

Agree, unless it's an absolute keep the max bar length at 24" it will not be a go to saw with a 32" bar I have modded oilers but i think less hassle option is to swap for a high capacity pump

 

[agreb12]

Agree, unless it's an absolute keep the max bar length at 24" it will not be a go to saw with a 32" bar I have modded oilers but i think less hassle option is to swap for a high capacity pump

I don’t know that there are any high output oilers that fit the ms 440. But if you know of one, send me a link. As blsnelling said, I don’t believe the 460 one fits the 440.

 

[mdavlee]

You have to mod the oilers yourself or send them to someone to do it. 460 oiler doesn't swap over