28 Inch Bar

[NoDipNoMore]

I just bought a used STIHL 038 mag, to close the deal the seller agreed to install a new bar and chain. I thought we agreed on a 24 inch bar but when I received it, he had installed a new 28" Rollermatic ES and a new Stihl RS (full chisel ) chain. The reason I bought the saw is that I just moved onto a
11 acre wooded lot and there are a few "downed" trees that are too big for my 028 WoodBoss. Any disadvantages of using the 28" bar on this saw......Safety???? Balance???? There is no wood on my lot that would require this length, so not having enough power to pull the chain should not be a issue. Any comments or recommendations .....

 

[Lawn Masters]

IF you want a shorter bar, you could probably get one from someone here for a rather low cost, or perhaps a trade even.

Mine has the 20" bar right now, but I'd rather use a 16" for my work, no need for 20" of bar when the wood doesnt really get bigger than 18" and I have a MAc with 34" of bar for those really big jobs anyways.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The extra 4 inches is no big deal, the saw can more than handle it!!!

 

[Pacific]

A 28" bar is a tad long for a 036 you will definatly want to keep the chain sharp. A saw that size should have a 24" bar ya its 4"s shorter but you have quite a few drivers less compared to a 28.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

A 28" bar is a tad long for a 036 you will definatly want to keep the chain sharp. A saw that size should have a 24" bar ya its 4"s shorter but you have quite a few drivers less compared to a 28.

We're talking 038 here, not an 036.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Sthil, it's too freaking long.

 

[P_woozel]

Keep a 7 tooth on there, and the chain always sharp it'll be fine, ran that same setup for a couple of years before we got 044's. I would prefer a 20" on a 038 mag, but I don't have either so there. :umpkin:

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Sthil, it's too freaking long.

Nah!!!

Throw a 42" bar on that 038.....let her rip!!!

 

[MasterBlaster]

I can tell you've done it a lot, from that comment.

 

[Pacific]

Oops I guess I miss read or forgot what size of saw we are talking about

Even then a 28 is still a tad too long I would personally stick with a 24 why over work the saw. If you get the whole bar buried I imagine the saw will bog. A 28" bar might be good if your cutting small diameter firewood where your too fat to bend over too far

I don't know how any of you guys get any work done with a bar shorter than a 20" ?

My 260 has a 20" bar and its too short at times especailly when falling where I want to make the notch in 2 passes or I'am bucking firewood I hate cutting both sides.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I can tell you've done it a lot, from that comment.

Yep!!!

 

[Mange]

You have trees over 40" in the woodlot?

 

[geofore]

28" bar on an 038 will keep you from bending over so much but be careful it will pick up pieces and throw them at you. Safety and balance? It's all in what you're used to and your working habits. I'd tell you to get a 20" bar and chain for the saw also. This depends on what and how you'll be cutting. There is not much out there a 20" bar and chain can't handle and an 038 can handle the longer 28" bar and chain. I don't see the 28" bar set up as a bad thing but you don't need more than a 20" set up unless you're doing big wood or lots of stumps. What is the mind set that has you wishing for the 24" setup?

 

[NoDipNoMore]

Thanks all for responding.....I was just looking for some feedback from folks who have run a similar setup. To be honest my main concern is safety, this saw has a bar that's a foot longer than my 028. I realize that anytime you fire up a saw you need to pay ATTENTION....what I gather from all the comments is that using commen sense and utmost attention the bigger bar is very usable. Thanks again.
PS did notice the bottom handle/fuel tank assembly is cracked and will need replacement in the future. Sooooo anybody out there have a 038 mag handle/fuel tank assembly 4 sale.