Lightweight, fast-starting 18-inch saw that cuts hardwood cleanly and saves your energy.
Storm cleanup. Weekend firewood. That one big limb over the driveway. You want a saw that starts fast, runs smooth, and does not beat you up. The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start hits that sweet spot. It is light yet strong. It has power for oak, maple, and pine. It also sips fuel and keeps vibration low. In my hands, it felt like a pro tool that still suits a homeowner. If you want a reliable saw that fires up, cuts straight, and keeps going, this one belongs on your short list.
Is Husqvarna 440 Good?
Yes. It is a great fit for homeowners and land owners. It suits users who want real power without the weight and fuss of big pro saws. The 40cc engine bites well. The 18-inch bar gives reach and balance. It feels safe and easy to guide.
In my first week, I cleared a fallen maple after a storm. The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start started on the second pull. It tracked straight and did not bog. On another day, I bucked a half cord of oak. Chain tension held, and fuel use was low. If you cut firewood, trim trees, or manage a yard with mature growth, this saw will likely make your work faster and easier.
My First Impression for Husqvarna 440
It arrived well-packed with a bar scabbard and clear manuals. The fit and finish looked clean. The body felt solid but not heavy. The controls were labeled and easy to reach. I liked the clear fuel window and the side-mounted chain tensioner.
Setup was simple. I mixed fresh 50:1 fuel, added bar oil, mounted the bar and chain, and set tension. Smart Start did its job. It lit fast with smooth idle. The first cuts were on seasoned oak. The cut line stayed straight. The vibration was low, and the exhaust note was civilized. I felt a little surprise at how nimble it was. The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start met my early hopes.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- X-Torq engine on the Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start cuts fuel use and emissions.
- Smart Start system and air purge help it fire up with fewer pulls.
- LowVib anti-vibration keeps hands and arms fresher on long cuts.
- 18-inch bar gives reach for medium logs and storm work.
- Side-mounted chain tensioner for quick, precise chain tweaks.
- Inertia-activated chain brake adds safety in kickback events.
- Tool-less air filter access for fast cleaning in dusty jobs.
What I Like
- The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start starts fast and stays smooth.
- Great power-to-weight. Easy to control in brush and tight spots.
- LowVib design reduces fatigue on long cutting days.
- Fuel use is modest. I can cut longer on one tank.
- Chain brake and clear controls add confidence for newer users.
- Side tensioner makes chain touch-ups quick and clean.
What Could Be Better
- It is not a pro felling saw. Very large hardwood trunks need a bigger class.
- Like all gas saws, it needs regular fuel mix and filter care.
- The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start may be loud for small urban lots.
My Recommendation
If you want a light, capable saw for yard work, firewood, and storm duty, this is a strong pick. The Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start gives you easy starts, clean cuts, and low fatigue. It is best for users who need solid performance and value, not max size. If you care for it, it will run clean and long. Availability is good, and parts and chains are easy to find.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Homeowners with mature trees | 18-inch bar and 40cc power handle limbs and medium trunks well. |
| Firewood cutters | Strong torque, low vibration, and fair fuel use for steady bucking. |
| Storm cleanup crews | Smart Start and light build help you move fast and cut safely. |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Stihl MS 170 (16″) — A compact entry-level gas saw that is light and simple. Best for light pruning and small firewood. It is easier to handle for first-time users, but it has less power and reach than the Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start. Fewer features, shorter bar, and lower torque.
Echo CS-400 (18″) — A proven 40.2cc saw with good reliability. It matches the bar length and is close in weight. It is a solid pick for regular yard work. It may start a bit slower in cold than the Husqvarna. Support and parts are easy to find.
Makita XCU04PT (16″ battery) — A cordless option for users who want no gas. It is quiet, low-vibe, and great for in-town work. Power is good for a battery, but sustained hardwood bucking favors gas. If you want clean and quick starts every time, it shines. It cannot match the long-run torque of the Husqvarna 440.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start | Homeowners, firewood, storm cleanup | Lightweight gas power with Smart Start and LowVib |
| Stihl MS 170 | Light pruning and small cuts | Smaller bar, less power, very easy handling |
| Echo CS-400 | All-around homeowner work | Similar size and bar; different feel and start behavior |
| Makita XCU04PT | Quiet, no-gas urban jobs | Battery power; lower noise; shorter sustained torque |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want one gas saw to do most yard and firewood jobs, pick the Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start. It is light, strong, and easy to start. The X-Torq engine runs clean and pulls well through hardwood. LowVib helps you work longer with less strain.
Choose a smaller saw like the MS 170 if your work is light and simple. Go Echo CS-400 if you want a peer with a different brand ecosystem. Pick the Makita XCU04PT if you must avoid gas and want quiet cuts. For the widest range of homeowner tasks, the Husqvarna 440 remains my top choice.
FAQs Of Husqvarna 440 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.4-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Smart Start
What bar and chain size come with it?
It comes with an 18-inch bar. The chain pitch and gauge match that setup. You can also run a 16-inch bar if you want more speed and control.
Is it hard to start in cold weather?
No. The Smart Start and air purge help a lot. Use fresh fuel and the proper choke steps. I have had quick starts even on cold mornings.
What fuel mix should I use?
Use a 50:1 mix of fresh gas and quality 2-stroke oil. Stick to fresh fuel. Old fuel causes poor starts and rough idle.
Can a beginner handle this saw?
Yes, with proper safety gear and training. The chain brake and LowVib help. Start with small cuts and work up. Read the manual first.
How often should I sharpen the chain?
Touch up often. I file after each tank on dirty wood. Sharp chains are safer and cut faster. Keep a file kit in your bag.