I have, it feels no different to me than a 462 in the hands with a 25" bar and obviously doesn't have the power either. But I run a 28" on my ported 462 and 25" on my stock one..but not too often. At 67cc it's got the balls for 84 drivers but doesn't oil it well. It should pump more oil for it's power and capability to run a bigger bar. Other than price I don't see it's appeal compared to a 462.
There are three versions of the 038 (62cc, super is 67cc, magnum is 72 cc. I think the magnum II is 72 cc's as well). Ive heard the MS441 isnt as good as the prior versions. I have considered both saws and if one were to come up for sale, who knows?
044 is a must have for any Stihl fan. It’s a great all around workhorse saw. The 441 cuts good but it was a lot different than 044. Feels bloated and finicky starting. I think it was the first saw they started reducing bar oiling on. That sucked. The 044 was just easier to use and rock solid.
I have an early non-decomp MS440 and the oiler is stingy, maxed out it was oiling a 20" bar 1:1. Sausage fingers ported it and it uses more gas so with a 20" bar it is now .75:1 ish. but it is quick with an 8 pin. Not saying the bar makes a difference in oil out put, but anything longer I don't think it oils enough. Oiler mod is in the near future.
The 441 had some neat features and I've run a bunch of gas thru a couple of them . But they Ain't an 044. The 441 weighs the same as a 460 but no where near the power. Or the speed of the 044. 044 Stihl. Madsen Modified , Pro Tek air filter. 34" Sugi Hara bar 3/8 063 , Oregon 75 CJ chisel ground chisel chain Resting on a little yellow cedar that was around 50" on the stump . which I fell on a yellow cedar stump that was 96" across the stump. That was a snag Stob about 55' tall. I made 28 bucks falling that stob and it had been standing verticle for over 1,500 years. I know because before I fell the little one . I took about an hour and counted the rings on the big one. I had to use my binoculars turned upside down to use as a magnifying glass.
Great report ! I've run a 462 and its a really nice saw . Quick torque good chain speed. Not too heavy. Good handle bars. I would prolly prefer the 461 for falling timber. But maybe not if I ran each for a day.
I'm not taking away from the 400c, it has it's attributes..basically a 362 with more balls. I think it would be a killer firewood saw with a 20" bar, but next to a 462 it just ain't got it for me personally.
