MS660. What bar chain.

[SinglerM]

Hi everyone,

Don't ask if I've used the search function.....that's my problem. I'm always here, using that stinkin' search function and then getting sucked it to reading all the threads.
Anyway, if I were to get an MS660 and put a 28" bar on it. What would be the best chain? I'm thinking a Stihl "Super full skip" (RSF) My dealer here said that the saw comes with a "Super comfort 3 (RSC3) chain. But recommended the RSF as an upgrade or longer bars.
My questions on this are:
1. For chain what's better? Stihl, Oregon or other brands? I plan to sharpen by hand, if that matters at all. ( With a file in it, not just my bare hands:hmm3grin2orange: I didn't want to leave myself open, there. ;-)

2. Bars. Stihl or Oregon? I'm thinking a Stihl Rollomatic ES. But how about the Rollomatic E (any feedback on bars or chain is much appreciated)

3. I'll be cutting mostly Cottonwood trees, 3-4 ft. diameter. So I figure a 28" should be plenty. I've read here that that a good match balance wise for a 660. Cottonwood, although a hardwood, is pretty soft as far as hardwoods go. What size bars do most 660 users use? I'll probably start with a 28" and maybe add a 32" or 36" later. Opinions here?

4. Why did Stihl have to publish their ????ography? You know the one, street name "Power tools &accessories" catalog. I've checked out the Husqvarna ???? also, but the models don't look as good, why?:hmm3grin2orange:

5. What's the deal with the new space age crack proof plastic on the Husqvarna Rancher 455? Is that stuff for real? Will that advanced technology be stolen by the Chinese in some sort of industrial espionage scandal and used to make cheaper clone knockoff's?

Thanks for any opinions.

 

[computeruser]

EDIT: I either took it the wrong way or read too much into it.

28" full-comp, 8 pin. Works great! Should be a good match for large cottonwood. 36" with skip shouldn't be a problem, either.

 

[SinglerM]

You took that the wrong way.

No worries Computeruser,

I should've paid a bit more attention to how I was composing that post. I like reading through all of the old posts. I've learned a lot here. That's for sure.
I just had some questions on chains and bars or what I'm getting next.
Thanks.
Mitch

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

For both bar and chain, I far prefer Stihl over Oregon, but that said, there's nothing wrong with Oregon. I just think Stihl is of a higher quality. Also of a higher price.

The 28" will do you fine. It's the shortest I run on my 660. Usually it's a 32" or 36"

Not sure what to say about the 455 plastic and ?????ograhpy thing you're talking about.

 

[CaseyForrest]

28" on the 660 you should be using full comp. Skip is wasted on a 28" bar coupled to the 660.

RS or RM, thats up to you. I believe one of the main reasons for going to skip is just less cutters to sharpen. That does make a difference when you are dealing with 91, or 115 drivers!!!

As for bars, I would recommend the GB Titanium bar. The Stihl bars are fine, but GB to me is a better deal. If you know you are going to be in big wood, get the biggest bar you can. Its allot of work to cut one side, then cut the other. You arent talking allot of difference in price between a 36" and a 28", but allot of time in double cutting. I think Baileys even has a 42" that fits the 660.

 

[SinglerM]

Thanks for the input.

It looks like I'll be going with a 32" as opposed to a 28". 36" might be a little big for what I need. Full skip it is. Makes sense for sharpening also.
In regards to the 455 plastic and the catalog stuff. I was just clowning around. I'll probably go with a Stihl bar, I guess. The dealer here is real cool. So I don't mind giving them my business. I am going to check into the GB bar though. Thanks for the input.

Mitch

 

[Brushwacker]

I was felling cottonwood trees with a logger a couple days,mostly using an ms460 with 3/8 pitch fullcomp chisel. Most the trees were leaning heavy over an large ditch. When they went down they would crack off quick and split up the log a foot or 2 most the time no matter what I did. He told me I needed 404 full chisel was the only way I 'd have better results in cottonwood. He was using an ms440 with the 404 full comp chisel and not having much of a problem.

 

[sawinredneck]

I'd have to say go with the 32" and make life easy!!! Now this is new to me, but I am from Kansas and all, but.................. "Cottonwood is kind of a hard wood"? Come out here and play with some Oak or Hedge sometime!!! I'll cut cotton all day thank you!!!
Andy

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

He told me I needed 404 full chisel was the only way I 'd have better results in cottonwood.

Or learn to use the bore cut.

 

[SinglerM]

Full comp.

I'll go with a 32". Full comp it is then. I thought with a 32" I'd be better off with a full skip. It all really depends on what kind of trees your cutting. I know cottonwood trees are softer than most other hardwood trees. Do you normally use a full skip chain as opposed to full compliment when cutting really hard stuff?
Thanks again for all of the input.

Regards,
Mitch

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Nope. Go full skip! On bars that long, it becomes an issue of chip clearance as much as maintaining chainspeed with the longer bar. I run full skip on ALL bars longer than 28", and am about half and half on bars 24", and run full comp below that.

A saw may pull a 32" FC in hard or soft wood, but you'll clog yourself up with that many cutters in there.

Chain sharpening is only a bonus, and is never a reason to go with skip.

 

[SinglerM]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

Here it is then. Stihl MS660 with Stihl Rollomatic ES bar(The solid one w/ replaceable tip.) 32".

CHAIN: 1.) Stihl Rapid Super Full Skip(RSF) 3/8" x .050"
2.)Oregon 72JG .375 x .050 Rnd. Chisel Skiptooth
3.)Woodsman PRO 30RCS .375" x .050" Round chisel skiptooth

Probably get Oregon or WoodsmanPRO. They're quite a bit cheaper than Stihl. They're probably more similar than different. Just my guess.


If I need another length bar, I'll probably try one of the other brands recommended here. But I'll start with a Stihl bar from the dealer.

I'll check the Madsen's site for information on .050" vs. .063". But it seems, so far that .050" will do.

Probably add a Dual Port cover as well, as is typically recommended here. Unless the MS660 already comes with one.

Thanks everyone, for your time in giving recommendations, opinions and posting pictures. Aside from it all being a fun subject to read about and dig into. It's really good of everyone to take the time to share your expertise. Thanks for the humor, as well.
That really makes it all fun.

Off to Madsen's site for more digging in.

Thanks.

Mitchellstein Singlerskavich Heimlich Maneuver Von Bloomvich III :yoyo: (An Army nickname).

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Probably add a Dual Port cover as well, as is typically recommended here. Unless the MS660 already comes with one.

Cool. You'll be happy with the set up you mentioned above. The 660 shouldn't come with the DP on it's own, unless the dealer has taken it upon himself to install it and sell it like that. He's not supposed to. They're supposed to be sold with the standard cover. Either way, do it. It's the best, most effective bolt-on power in chainsaws anywhere. Consider it standard equipment.

Jeff

 

[SinglerM]

Thanks, Jeff.

Cool stuff.
Thanks again, Jeff.
I'll have the dealer order one for me, when I get my saw.
'Preciate it.

Mitch

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

If he's a good dealer, he'll have a stack of them ready to go.