Duromatic Pros/Cons?

[Big Neb]

It seems that most people out there are running the Rollomatic bars but when would it be appropriate to use a Duromatic?

Any practical experience good or bad with the Duromatic Bars?

Do they really rob you of much power?

 

[Ed*L]

A hardnose (duromatic) bar is used for cutting in very dirty conditions, such as cutting stumps. Most people will never have the need for a hardnose bar. Many of the early sprocket nose bars were not reliable, even after improvments many people wouldn't use them.

The power loss depends on saw size and bar length. My 032 came with a 20" hardnose bar, I really didn't notice much power gain after changing to a sprocket tip.

On longer bars 36+ where you have to have more tension on the chain to keep it adjusted properly, it makes a big difference in power.

Also, older "torque" saws that run at lower rpm's than todays saws will handle the extra drag of the hardnose better.

Ed

 

[Big Neb]

What about long term durability compared to a sprocket bar?


Is there much of a cost difference?

I currently have a 26pro with an 18" duro bar and want to know if I would notice any power difference by switching to a rollomatic bar?

 

[computeruser]

The hardnose bars don't offer any benefits for 99.9% of all cutting tasks. They DO create noticeable drag, even at shorter lengths and particularly with saws that are at or near their max practial bar lengths.

The thing is this: in general they don't offer any benefits, yet they carry with them certain drawbacks. Even when cutting the occasional stump or occasionally cutting underwater they aren't necessary. Why anyone would intentionally seek one out for serious use with a modern saw is beyond me.

Edit: To answer your questions -

(1) durability of modern sprocket noses is just fine, even in wet and dirty conditions.

(2) they do not present any cost savings and even if they did, who cares? It isn't like we're talking Carlton TimberChamp versus Cannon, in terms of price difference. A couple bucks is about all you're going to save.

 

[stihl 440]

duromatic

It seems that most people out there are running the Rollomatic bars but when would it be appropriate to use a Duromatic?

Any practical experience good or bad with the Duromatic Bars?

Do they really rob you of much power?

The only reason to use duromatic bars is cutting sandy palm, and dirty stumps. And yes the do rob a considerable amount of power. On a 026 you should notice more power with a sproket nose.