Husqvarna 440 40-cc18 Inch Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Husqvarna 440 is a powerful mid-range chainsaw designed for use by homeowners and landowners. This chainsaw combines Husqvarna's signature Swedish engineering and performance with user-friendly features and controls.

The Husqvarna 440 is powered by a 2-stroke 40.9cc X-Torq engine, allowing it to tackle small-to-medium sized trees and limbs up to 18 inches thick. It has a maximum power output of 2.2 hp and 9000 rpm for efficient cutting. The included 18 inch bar and chain can handle yard cleanup, tree trimming, firewood cutting and storm debris removal.

At just over 12 pounds, this chainsaw provides a good balance of power versus portability. The inertia activated chain brake and grip guard maximize safety and control. An air purge bulb and choke/stop controls allow for easy starting, while the 3-piece crankshaft adds durability. The 440 also has an automatic return stop switch, tool-less chain tensioning and a visible fuel level window.

Overall, the Husqvarna 440 chainsaw combines robust power cutting capabilities with safety features and usability in a compact, reasonably priced package for homeowners.

Engine Power

The Husqvarna 440 comes equipped with a 40 cc 2-stroke engine, providing robust power for cutting through dense material. This mid-sized motor strikes a nice balance - it's strong enough to power through tough logs and branches, but still light and maneuverable for use in tight spaces.

The 2-stroke design gives it a high power-to-weight ratio, generating more cutting force from a compact motor. It needs a fuel mixture of gasoline and 2-stroke oil to run. This type of engine has become the standard for chainsaws due to its simplicity, reliability, and high revs per minute when cutting.

While not as powerful as larger 50cc+ models, the 40cc motor provides sufficient strength for most residential tasks like storm cleanup, tree trimming, and firewood cutting. It can handle logs up to 18 inches thick depending on the wood hardness. Overall, the engine gives homeowners ample power in a modestly-sized package.

Cutting Capabilities

The Husqvarna 440 comes equipped with an 18 inch bar and chain, providing ample reach for cutting small to medium sized logs and branches up to 18 inches thick. The 440's 40cc 2-stroke engine gives it enough power to cut wood cleanly and efficiently without binding. With a power output of 2.2 hp, it can sliced through hardwoods like oak without slowing down. The saw's oiled chain stays sharp and minimizes friction for smooth, fast cuts. An 18 inch bar is a versatile size - long enough to cut moderate sized logs in single pass, but still compact and lightweight enough for use on branches. The 440 can handle up to 18 inches thick when cutting softwoods like pine or cedar. For denser woods like maple or elm, maximum thickness is closer to 14-16 inches. Overall the 440's cutting capabilities match what you'd expect from a chainsaw in this class. It provides sufficient power and bar length for most non-professional needs.

Weight and Portability

The Husqvarna 440 weighs 13 pounds, making it a fairly lightweight chainsaw compared to other gas-powered models. This reduces fatigue when using the saw for extended periods of time. The weight is distributed nicely so the saw feels balanced in your hands rather than front or rear heavy. This improves control and makes precise cutting easier.

The compact size, at just over 3 feet in length, also contributes to the 440's portability. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces where larger saws would be unwieldy. The relatively small fuel tank further reduces weight so you're not carrying around excess fuel. This combination of moderate weight and compact size allow you to comfortably carry and use the Husqvarna 440 for tasks like storm cleanup where you need to access various areas.

Safety Features

The Husqvarna 440 chainsaw comes equipped with excellent safety features to protect the operator.

One key safety component is the inertia chain brake. This automatically stops the chain from moving in the event of kickback, greatly reducing the risk of injury. It activates based on the inertia of the chainsaw, so even a minor kickback will trigger it.

The chainsaw also has a front hand guard that acts as a barrier between your hand and the saw chain. This prevents accidental contact with the chain if your hand slips forward while cutting. The hand guard makes cutting feel more controlled.

Together, the inertia chain brake and front hand guard give you peace of mind that the 440 chainsaw has your safety in mind. These features let you focus on the cutting task, rather than worrying about potential accidents. Considering safety should be a top priority for any chainsaw, the Husqvarna 440 delivers well in this regard.

Ease of Use

The Husqvarna 440 is designed for easy starting and handling during operation. The chainsaw utilizes the Smart Start® feature which reduces the amount of force needed to pull-start the engine. This makes starting the saw much easier compared to saws without this feature.

Once running, the 440 has good balance and relatively low vibration levels thanks to the anti-vibration system built into the saw. The front handle has an ergonomic design with a soft grip to allow comfortable control during cutting. At just under 10 lbs, the 440 is light enough for extended use without causing excessive fatigue. The compact size paired with the well-designed rear handle makes the saw easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Throttle and choke controls are conveniently located, allowing one-handed starting and acceleration. Air injection helps deliver consistent performance by cleaning dust and debris from the air filter. This removes the need to frequently stop and manually clean the filter. Overall, the Husqvarna 440 excels in user-friendliness from startup through active cutting. Its starting ease and handling capabilities make it a good choice for those seeking an easy-to-use chainsaw.

Fuel Efficiency

The Husqvarna 440 chainsaw is designed for fuel efficiency. It has an XXL fuel tank capacity of XXoz, which allows for longer periods of operation between refueling.

The 40cc two-stroke engine is tuned to deliver optimal power while conserving fuel. Husqvarna estimates the fuel consumption rate at around XXoz per hour during typical use. This is comparable or better than similar chainsaws in this displacement range.

The automatic chain oiler contributes to fuel efficiency by only dispensing oil when needed to lubricate the chain. There is no unnecessary waste of oil or bar oil leakage, which maximizes the amount of fuel used to power the engine.

Overall, the Husqvarna 440 provides very good fuel economy for a chainsaw in its class. The large capacity fuel tank and efficient engine allow users to maximize cutting time and minimize refueling stops when working with this saw.

Durability

The Husqvarna 440 chainsaw is designed to withstand tough use in outdoor environments. Several key features contribute to its durability:

Air Filtration - It has an advanced air filtration system to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine. This extends the life of the engine by reducing wear. The filter is easy to access and clean.

Vibration Damping - Built-in springs and isolators reduce vibration for less fatigue when using the saw for extended periods. This also contributes to durability by minimizing strain on components.

Materials - The 440 uses high-grade plastics and metals in critical components. The outer housing is impact-resistant plastic that won't easily crack or dent. The bar and chain are chrome-plated steel that resists rust and retains a sharp cutting edge.

Combined, these design aspects enable the 440 to operate reliably over years of use with proper maintenance. The air filter protects internal components, vibration damping reduces wear, and quality materials withstand knocks, weather, and heavy-duty cutting tasks. Husqvarna built the 440 chainsaw to provide long-lasting performance for demanding outdoor jobs.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps the Husqvarna 440 chainsaw running smoothly for years. Here are some key areas to keep an eye on:

Air Filter - This protects the engine from dust and debris. Remove and clean the filter regularly, about every 5 hours of use. Tap it to remove debris or use compressed air. Replace it if it's very dirty.

Spark Plug - Replace the spark plug each season or after about 100 hours of use. Use the recommended NGK BPMR7A plug or equivalent. Check that the gap is 0.5 mm. Replacing the plug prevents ignition issues.

Chain Sharpening - A sharp chain cuts wood fast and smooth. Touch up chain teeth with a file every few hours of use. Remove the chain to sharpen thoroughly whenever it gets dull. Use the correct file size and file at the proper angle. A badly sharpened chain can increase kickback risk. Replace the chain when excessively worn.

Pros and Cons

The Husqvarna 440 chainsaw offers a mix of positives and negatives that are worth considering.

Pros

• Powerful 40cc 2-stroke engine provides strong cutting power
• 18-inch bar and chain allows cutting of medium to large logs
• Fairly lightweight at 10.8 lbs for easier handling
• LowVib anti-vibration system reduces fatigue from vibration
• Smart Start starting system for easier/faster start-up
• Air InjectionTM removes up to 97% of debris before reaching filter
• Tool-less chain tensioner for quick chain adjustments
• 3-piece crankshaft for improved durability

Cons

• 2-stroke engine requires mixing gas and oil
• Shorter bar reach than some comparable models
• No electric start option available
• Some reliability complaints with the starter mechanism
• Air filter may need frequent cleaning/replacement
• Chain oil cap can loosen over time and leak oil
• Moderate price point for occasional use