Which Stihl Chainsaw to Buy?

[Chris]

I am purchasing a new Stihl chainsaw. It will be for personal use. I cut approximately 10 -12 cords of fir and alder a year. I can buy a new 440 for $850 or a new 660 for $800. The 660 is 1.5 HP bigger and $50 cheaper, but it is also about 3 lbs heavier. The added power and $50 cheaper is great, but it may get heavy quickly. In the past I have cut with smaller Stihl's. Of those two, which would you buy, and why? Thanks

[flinger]

After a few cords ya won't even notice the difference

[hunter-4-life]

My father in law  bought a new stihl 440 magnum and it cuts great. I would recommend that only because I have cut for several hours with it. I wouldn't worry about the difference in Hp because when you are already running that much power you can't really tell. I believe his has a 70.5cc motor.

[luckyman]

Do they still make a 440?
I went looking to buy one a few years back and they had a 441. I was told it was the new model in that size. Any how I bought it and have been real happy with it.

[Birdguy]

I love my 044mag, had it for years great saw with lots of power. I cut fir and hemlock (crap) with it and it is awesome. I cannot speak for the 660 but it might be cool to have one, that's a lot of power  . Either one will certainly rip through most alder like nothing, I wonder why the bigger saw would be cheaper...less demand being so heavy .

[BigGoonTuna]

stihl never quit making the 440, but had to take it off the market to be able to keep the 660 on the shelves, due to some EPA carbon credit baloney.  they brought it back last june, my theory is they earned enough credits by bringing their battery powered stuff out that they could start selling them again.

are the prices quoted with a bar and chain?  if they're just powerheads you should be under $800 for the 440(if you're buying from the right saw shop), but the 660 is a steal either way(if it's brand new).

the 440 is a sweet all-around saw if you have the money for it and actually need something with that much power.  they weigh a hair more than the 290 and will pull a 32" bar in our softwoods without any trouble.  the 660 is great if you need the power but the extra weight is a dealbreaker, i wouldn't buy one unless i had a lot of big wood to cut, or got it for cheap.

that said, my 026 gets tossed in the truck for the majority of my firewood cutting.  it's got great power for its size, and handles everything with the big stuff just fine.  if i need the reach or the extra power, i grab the 440 with a 28" bar.

[The Weazle]

I would go for the 660.  There is no replacement for displacement!!!  That pound and a half diff wont be noticable once you are used to it.  I have a Stihl 028 super, and a Husqvarna 359, but I want a 440 or a 660 bad.  I dont "need" one though, I just cut firewood.  If you're getting that deal though, get the 660 and sell it for more than you bought it for brand new, and then buy the 440 and keep the difference!!!

[whacker1]

What size bar do you intend to run?

[Smokepole]

Well I been running a 290 & an old 032 with 20" bars.  Both great saws for cutting alders and smaller maples.  At my age, weight is a big issue if I run it more than 2 or 3 hours.  I keep my saws sharpened every tank of fuel, and they eat up the wood.  These saws aren't hot rods, but they sure have been dependable.

[rasbo]

huskie fan here,the anti vibration for your hands is top knotch..that being said,A longer bar and power would be my concern for cutting firewood..being Broken and and aging, not being bent over as much with a longer bar will do wonders for your back later...I have a 20inch on my saw,an extra 6 or 8 inch bar is way more comfortable..

[whacker1]

I run a 32 inch bar on my 044.  I would suggest you be looking at 28 or 32 inch bar on these bigger saws.  If you run a 20 or 24, you will feel all that extra weight in the power head.

[boneaddict]

Not sure what the new numbers are....kinda like cameras.   In the day, I fell a crap load of trees with an 038 Super.   Must have the super on it.   But th 44 was one hell of a chainsaw.  Its what I graduated too.   I fell some gigantic stuff with it.   I only used the 66 with a 72 inch bar I think it was for old growth.   That was a tank.   The 44 would be easier to get around with and will cut just about anything you'll ever cut.

[BigD]

I have an 044-32", 310-"24 and a smaller (not sure of the model) that's "16. The 044 is a very nice saw and should do everything you want for firewood.

[bullcanyon]

You won't find much wood that you'd need that 66 for. I use my 44 more often than the 66. Your shoulders will thank you for buying the 440.

[grundy53]

440