MS 271 Farm Boss Bar

[StihlMan327]

Hi All -

I know Stihl says the MS 271 is capable of handling a 20" bar, but does it lose power going to that length? Does anyone run one with the 20" bar?

Thanks.

 

[svk]

It will work but not going to do things very quickly, especially in hardwood.

 

[StihlMan327]

Would you recommend the 18" bar instead?

 

[svk]

I'd go 16" but I have larger saws when I come across larger wood. If you are frequently cutting trees that exceed the 16" bar then I'd go 18"

 

[computeruser]

16" max. The bar need not be > the diameter of what you are cutting, after all.

 

[logeeland]

The MS271 will turn a 20" easily. As long as you NEVER use it to cut wood, ice etc... I would stick to 16" and maybe an 18" on occasion. Make sure the chain is very sharp and stay away from chain that is too big.

 

[StihlMan327]

Thanks guys. Now I wish I would have gotten the smaller bar.

 

[svk]

Did you run the saw yet? Perhaps dealer will trade you.

 

[StihlMan327]

I have not yet... just got it yesterday. Will the bigger bars burn out the motor?

 

[svk]

I have not yet... just got it yesterday. Will the bigger bars burn out the motor?

Not unless abused.

I'd call them back and see if they would swap down for you. I know my local husky dealer will knock a few bucks off if you opt for a shorter bar.

 

[StihlMan327]

Cool Thanks! I appreciate the help.

 

[svk]

Let us know. Otherwise you can get shorter bars for pretty cheap online. Keep you other one in the event that you pinch the everyday bar.

 

[logeeland]

They should have no issue swapping to a smaller bar. Burn up the motor? Not exactly, but you could melt the case if the clutch gets too hot. I have seen that in some Stihl non pro models. Also you will fight more cutting wood since the saw does not have the HP to turn that bigger bar.

 

[WorkinDirt]

I have the 20" bar and have had no issues with it. Just a weekend firewood saw is what its used for. Will not noodle wood.

 

[StihlMan327]

Thanks. Last question, why would they put a 20" in the specs if it shouldnt be used?

 

[StihlMan327]

Let us know. Otherwise you can get shorter bars for pretty cheap online. Keep you other one in the event that you pinch the everyday bar.

Do you have a site where I can get one?

 

[svk]

Do you have a site where I can get one?

Check the trading post here. Then go to eBay.

I've also purchased bars from Baileys and Left Coast Supplies also has excellent deals. I'm not sure if they have any GB pars for your pattern but they might have others.

 

[StihlMan327]

Cool - thanks for the info.

 

[computeruser]

Thanks. Last question, why would they put a 20" in the specs if it shouldnt be used?

It **can** be run, it just won't make for a very lively cutting experience. Folks like to over-bar their saws in the US, so much so that saws are often sold by bar length rather than engine displacement or power output, both of which are more useful measures in most instances.

Look at it this way: you can pull a big camper trailer with an f150 and be within spec, but we all know it will pull better behind a 250 or 350.

 

[svk]

Left Coast has a 16" GB bar for 10 bucks for your saw. Pretty hard to beat that.