Advantages of a 395 over a 7900 for a 32" bar

[Engineeringnerd]

If you were going to use a saw for a 32" bar an hour or so a week on 30" hardwoods, what would you expect to see as the differences in performance and maintenance in a smaller saw like the 7900 versus a much larger and heavier 395XP?

I note on several threads that the 7900 can pull 36" bars well, so what's the "payback" when you use a smaller saw on a regular basis versus a more traditional, honking saw like the 395xp or a 088? Spec wise the 395 has only 0.8 more hp, but weighs about 4 pounds more.

 

[sawinredneck]

Well my nerdy friend, I have seen a 32" run on a stock 046, it will do it, but it's not pretty and not anything I would want to do all day!! I run a 32" on my 046BB ocasionaly, in hardwoods. The saw was built for this, it will outrun a stock 660. Yes, the 7900 is stronger than a 460, but if I were to run a 32" regularly, I would get a (stock here) 660 or 385 is a place to start.

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Saw'n,

I hear you. I currently use my 372 with the 32" and it does O.K., but it's a little slow and I'm sure If I do it often it will take its toll on the clutch and who knows what else.

I'd love to see someone do some trials in some big hardwood using the same chain and bar size, but with different powerheads. I wonder how much time a properly sized saw would reduce the cut time on a 30" piece of oak, for instance, over my 372 or an 044/046.

 

[04ultra]

MS 660 or 395 XP


.

 

[computeruser]

For just an hour of use per week, and assuming I'd want to use the saw for other tasks, I'd get the 7900 over the 395. Lighter, more nimble, and capable of pulling a 28" or 32" bar with skip chain. The 395 is just a big old saw and not the sort of thing you'll want to tote around if you don't have to.

I have run my 7900 and my 066 side-by-side in large dry maple, both saws wearing a 28" bar. The 066 was running an 8pin sprocket, the 7900 a 7pin sprocket. The 066 clearly had the edge, but the 7900 was not overtaxed with full-comp and was not so much as breaking a sweat with skip.

In the end it will depend on what you're aiming to do with the saw. The point about being able to quickly get in and cut a tree you're felling is a good one. But if this is not an issue in your intended use, then I'd err on the side of the lighter and more nimble machine.

 

[drmiller100]

not fair ot run a 7900 with a 7 pin driver.

throw an 8 at it, or grind the rakers down to nothing, which si really dangerous.

Try the 7900. If you don't feel it is "enough", bolt a 5 pound weight to the bottom of the saw.

 

[B_Turner]

An hour of actual cutting?

I love my 7900, but with a 32 inch and bigger bar the 395 stomps it very bad and is so smooth doing it. Now with a 28 inch and less and soft wood, the 7900 is the tool I reach for.

My 066 for me runs about the same as the 395 in terms of power and so it stomps the 7900 pretty badly as well in 30inch wood. Just isn't so smooth doing it.

And in response to the original post, the 395 and 066 pull 36 inch bar fine with very sharp chain. 7900 doesn't. And I am not sure how the 088 even came up here.

Watching the vid made me want a bigger saw and a sharper chain, I can tell you what. If that is what you are going to be doing for an hour, do it in 10 minutes with a 660 or 395.

 

[bwalker]

not fair ot run a 7900 with a 7 pin driver.

throw an 8 at it, or grind the rakers down to nothing, which si really dangerous.

Try the 7900. If you don't feel it is "enough", bolt a 5 pound weight to the bottom of the saw.

After having owned and operated a 7900 I would not think it would be happy with a 32'' bar. It will do it, but you would be better off with a 066 IMO.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

not fair ot run a 7900 with a 7 pin driver.

throw an 8 at it, or grind the rakers down to nothing, which si really dangerous.

Try the 7900. If you don't feel it is "enough", bolt a 5 pound weight to the bottom of the saw.

All depends on the bar size!

 

[Engineeringnerd]

I've read that many recommend using skip chain on bars over 24", regardless of the powerhead pulling it to allow room for the chips to collect inside the wood.

Is this good advice, or does a larger saw run full comp o.k. in bars over 24"?

 

[musch]

Look, I LOVE the 7900, but you'll pull that chain a lot easier with a MS660.

Can't vouch for the 395, but Im sure you'd be happy with that as well.

Darn it, now I gotta get a 32" bar for my 7900, and see how it goes!! :deadhorse:

Bottom line, any of the saws would be nice, but the extra power will pay off in the long run, esp. if you are cutting every week for a full hour in wood that big.

 

[parrisw]

Is this good advice, or does a larger saw run full comp o.k. in bars over 24"?

I run a 394 with 33" bar with full comp chain, in 30in hardwood no problem. My saw doesn't break a sweat but I do!!

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Thanks for all the info guys. A 346, 372, 395 wouldn't be a bad line-up!

Could someone send a little cash my way? A cool thousand would help things greatly!

 

[drmiller100]

must be different wood out there.

i sink my 28 inch bar into 4 foot diameter ponderosa or red fir, and she pulls just fine.

i had to move up to an 8 pin driver to work the engine.

i'd be interested in running my muffler mod 7900 against more 660's.

 

[oldsaw]

must be different wood out there.

i sink my 28 inch bar into 4 foot diameter ponderosa or red fir, and she pulls just fine.

i had to move up to an 8 pin driver to work the engine.

i'd be interested in running my muffler mod 7900 against more 660's.

An 066/660/395 with a 36" bar buried in hardwood (say oak) will have it's hands full. With a sharp chain, you will blow through the log in little time, but the saw will be working to do so.

Computeruser is right. A guy needs a 50cc/60cc/80cc/100cc class saw collection. All bases covered. I have a hole to fill.

Mark

 

[sawinredneck]

must be different wood out there.

i sink my 28 inch bar into 4 foot diameter ponderosa or red fir, and she pulls just fine.

i had to move up to an 8 pin driver to work the engine.

i'd be interested in running my muffler mod 7900 against more 660's.

Bring that setup to KS and I will let you play with some hedge rows, you will burn that bar up in about 20 minutes!

 

[SmokinDodge]

Bring that setup to KS and I will let you play with some hedge rows, you will burn that bar up in about 20 minutes!

And that aint no joke either. That hedge is some wicked stuff. I don't see how you cut it all the time Andy, it wears me slick with all the damn bramble branches and thorns.

 

[sawinredneck]

And that aint no joke either. That hedge is some wicked stuff. I don't see how you cut it all the time Andy, it wears me slick with all the damn bramble branches and thorns.

I dont cut it all the time, thats how!!! I have two more pastures to fenceline, but they can be done with the pole saw GOD I love that polesaw!!!! Drop the branches and come in with the skid steer push into a pile!! Oddly enough, about the only time I cut the big ones is for me or my family for firewood for ourselves anymore.
We don't make jack on it, but its easier to just order it in for the woodlot sales!!

 

[musch]

must be different wood out there.

i sink my 28 inch bar into 4 foot diameter ponderosa or red fir, and she pulls just fine.

i had to move up to an 8 pin driver to work the engine.

i'd be interested in running my muffler mod 7900 against more 660's.

Now I get it.....
Oh, yeah, a fir tree would be like play doh compared to red oak or hickory.
If you put the same bar 28" in a a real hardwood, you'd notice.
The diameters here in the midwest are different, but a 24" oak tree will give you a run for your money!


Hey oldsaw! I got all my bases covered, according to your system!!