I bought two 044 Stihls in the early 1990s while logging at the family ranch in Montana. I ran 28 inch bars, used them hard, and they ran perfectly, year after year, without one trip to a saw shop for repairs. They still run great. I've used them lately to cut firewood, and I'm amazed that they still start and run as they shouild. Best saw every? For me? Yes!!!
You do not need the black rubber seal around the air cleaner housing. I bought my Stihl 044 brand new in 1995, and am still using it as of yesterday (10-23-2023). Great saw! I paid $749.00 brand new & still have all the original receipts, manuals, etc. your orange carb housing cover appears the way it came originally! No rubber seal
Your comment is exactly the same as one that applies, even the price, for me with the exception I purchased mine in 1990 from local Stihl dealer, ran serial number and it was made in 1988. Great saw!
My favourite saw. In its day the 044 was Stihl's best power to weight ratio felling saw before the introduction of fuel injection and electronic ignition. Should be preserved in a glass case for posterity!
I prefer the 440, hate the flip caps but the tanks are much more rigid and won’t break at the end of the pistol grip like the 044. I have 2 440’s, one is 44/46 hybrid and the other is 50mm slantfin both very aggressively ported. These are most definitely my favorite saws. I had a 372 ported by the same same guy, same bar and chain and it couldn’t come close to cutting to the 440, this story makes a lot of husky people mad but this was my honest experience.
Great find! Youll really dig that saw. Its a beast! Looks just like mine just alot mintier. Mine is an early 12mm with no Decomp, and same filter set up. Im getting it ported in the spring. Cheers!
If you’re still trying to date the saw look at the kill switch. Black levers makes it a early model if it’s Red that would make it a much later model The red lever is also more desirable saw with its better power to weight ratio it’s got a different better design muffler a better crank shaft and it’s made exclusively in Germany. A true Red lever slant is argumentatively the best power saw ever made.Or as buckin billy ray would say “A gentleman’s saw” lol
In te 70s the forest service in Washington state used the 041 av and super 45.. no plastic parts, and it never took more than 3 pulls to start it even running in 90 degree weather doing production falling and bucking. Like them better than my newer 391.
I just obtained a 044 sthil and I was told that porting and decking Does wonders forThis saw Is that true and how much does a porting job usually cost For anyone's familiar with the RipsawI wonder what their rebuilds usually cost
I don't see a compression release button on your saw. Mine is a 044 magnum and pulling that cord without a compression release isn't something I want to do!
