Opinons on a Big bar for a 60cc saw

[IchWarriorMkII]

Thinking about getting a long bar for my 361, and some loops of skip chain for it. I cannot however, decide on a 24" or 28" bar. Logic dictates, for an occasional use bar, I should get the maximum allowable by the saw... that would maximize the capabilities of the 361.

However, I debate in the back of my mind a 24" bar would be slightly more well balanced, a little handier but still offer significant gains over a 20" bar. Also, I imagine a 24" loop of skip would be easier handled by the 361 than 28".

Anyways, I was looking for some thoughts on the matter. My 20" bar is great for most of the cutting I do (and IMO perfect for the saw, if I had the finances for a 70cc saw, it would run a 24" bar and I'd keep a 32" for the really really big stuff) Im also considering a 16" bar for limbing purposes if I get into a heap of small wood.

 

[timberrat]

bar ?????????

26" bar full skip round ground semi chisel is the best combo.:greenchainsaw:

 

[04ultra]

26" bar full skip round ground semi chisel is the best combo.:greenchainsaw:

26" what brand would that be.?????

.

 

[timberrat]

stihl brand

stihl brand of course:yoyo:

 

[rahtreelimbs]

26" bar full skip round ground semi chisel is the best combo.:greenchainsaw:

Ahhhhhhh.............pass on the round ground (**** chain)........unless you cutting dirty wood or railroad ties.


A bar that big is already past a 361's limits, why make matters worse with an inferior chain???

 

[timberrat]

stihl ms 361

stihl usa list the 361 with a 25" bar

 

[046]

I'd go with 20in bar for 60cc saw

 

[oldsaw]

I'd go with 20in bar for 60cc saw

+1

Maximum. Mine has a 16". Maybe a 24" with a skip, but not often.

Mark

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I run a 24" on mine all the time....but that's soft wood. Quite different than what oldsaw is into.

I'd skip on the 28" unless you really really need it.

Jeff

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

Im pretty much into soft woods all the time in Co.

Since I have plans on a bigger saw someday, I don't really really need the 28" bar... when I do its going to be bolted on something with a larger motor:help:

I think I'll try and order me up a 24" bar and some loops and see how it cuts.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Im pretty much into soft woods all the time in Co.

I saw that, which is why I had no reservations about recommending the 24". Even I don't run a 28" on my 361, though it'll reportedly do it.

 

[litefoot]

24" bar on a 361 with skip works fine. That's what I used for firewood this past year. But I'm going back to the 20" next year. The extra weight of the 24" bar is quite noticeable and, to me, it makes the 361 feel more like a 20" 440...wiithout the power of the 440. Unless you REALLY need it, I'd stick with the 20".

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

Like i said, the 20" is already on, and works great. But there are situations where Im bigger wood with enough consistency that a 24" bar would be a great advantage. I agree, that the 20" bar balances a lot better and IMO, is a fine length of bar for the saw.


Until I have the money for a bigger saw, my 361 has to be the one

 

[minkota1]

Just a thought, if you are only gonna use the long bar once in a while, and you plan on getting a bigger saw in the future, (assuming it would be a Stihl) maybe a 28" with skip chain for now and that same bar would probably fit your new saw when you get it. The 28" is for sure a bit long for now, but once in a while.........? :biggrinbounce2: :biggrinbounce2:

 

[JonnyHart]

I had a 28" on my 361 for a few months. It ran it well through big silver maple, so long as the oiler was maxed out. It was not very well balanced though. I recently picked up a 20" and the saw performs better and is perfectly balanced.
The 28" is on the 440 now, and the 36" (that was on the 440) sits behind the seat in the truck, just in case.

 

[Husky137]

the real answer may be, learn how to get the most out of a 20" bar. Knowing how to use a tool properly is better than bigger is better.

 

[SawTroll]

I saw that, which is why I had no reservations about recommending the 24". Even I don't run a 28" on my 361, though it'll reportedly do it.

Ha Ha - I know your ways, but an 18" is more like it on the 361.....:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:


...have we spoken about this issue before????

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Yes of course! But he stipulated he's in soft wood, and is out "west" with me, so the saw will pull it.

Seems as though we've talked of balance and full wraps a time or two as well....

 

[SawTroll]

Yes of course! But he stipulated he's in soft wood, and is out "west" with me, so the saw will pull it.

Seems as though we've talked of balance and full wraps a time or two as well....

... I didn't notice that - you win this one then.......:rockn: :rockn:

 

[1953greg]

"some thoughts on the matter"

"maximum allowable by the saw" 42"

"a 24" bar would be slightly more well balanced" slightly but both are to much

"offer significant gains over a 20" bar". 4", significant only if u need it

24" loop of skip would be easier handled by the 361 than 28". yes

"My 20" bar is great for most of the cutting I do (and IMO perfect for the saw, if I had the finances for a 70cc saw, it would run a 24" bar and I'd keep a 32" for the really really big stuff)". 70cc is minimum for a 24"

"Im also considering a 16" bar for limbing purposes if I get into a heap of small wood." save your money. u already have the perfect length

some more thoughts on the matter

needs are one thing. wants are another

if you occasionally need a longer bar, then get whatever length is needed.

i have used a 42" w/ an 039 just to see what it was like. it will buck a 42" log. albiet sloooooly, but it will.

here is what works for me
039-20"
440-20"
460-24" :biggrinbounce2: :biggrinbounce2: :biggrinbounce2:
066-28" mounted and 36 and 42" that very seldom gets used