MAG58
ArboristSite Guru
Who cares how is looks, a 13" bar are doing a great job in small wood in tight forest
What bar and chain to buy for 357XP?
- Thread starter Deadman
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Who cares how is looks, a 13" bar are doing a great job in small wood in tight forest
keith c raymond
ArboristSite Operative
my 357 sports a 18''Husky bar with Stihl RS 3/8 chain w/factory sprocket 7 pin .works for me.
SawTroll
Information Collector
How about a silver-top, repaired with duct-tape......
Most of them are missing the plug cover, mine also - don't worry about that one....
The pics are cell phone pics....
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then they'd look similar to those ugly orange cousins
SawTroll
Information Collector
Who cares how is looks, a 13" bar are doing a great job in small wood in tight forest
Yep, but a 15" one will do the same job, with better comfort (balance, really)......:rockn: :rockn:
WOW, I can't believe you guys use such short bars. Damn, your backs must get aweful sore from bending down so far all the time! 
I love the 18 inch bar length on or 351, but its no speed-demon.opcorn:
I love the 18 inch bar length on or 351, but its no speed-demon.
opcorn:
SawTroll
Information Collector
.....
I love the 18 inch bar length on or 351, but its no speed-demon.
Exactly.......
:yoyo: :yoyo:
SawTroll
Information Collector
Fiore Indiana
ArboristSite Lurker
Deadman - left arm tires out faster than right
I had the same problem when I was using my MS-361 with 20" bar while cutting on my property. I have 8 acres some heavily wooded. I guess we are not 18 anymore. So I decided to get something a little lighter MS260 with 18" bar. I find I can use this saw more without getting tired. I usually use this saw unless I need the bigger one similar-same class as yours. I use that one for cutting down bigger trees & sometimes just the first 3 or 4 cuts at bottom of trees (depending on size of trees). After that I like to pickup my lighter one as most are branches or smaller trunk anyway.
I had the same problem when I was using my MS-361 with 20" bar while cutting on my property. I have 8 acres some heavily wooded. I guess we are not 18 anymore. So I decided to get something a little lighter MS260 with 18" bar. I find I can use this saw more without getting tired. I usually use this saw unless I need the bigger one similar-same class as yours. I use that one for cutting down bigger trees & sometimes just the first 3 or 4 cuts at bottom of trees (depending on size of trees). After that I like to pickup my lighter one as most are branches or smaller trunk anyway.
SawTroll
Information Collector
Put that 18" bar on the 361, and everything will be right.........:rockn: :rockn:
..get rid of the 260, it is not a very good saw....(well it actually is, but there are better 3 cube saws out there.....)
outdoortype
ArboristSite Guru
Try a 16" bar
I recently purchased a 16" oregon powermatch bar for my 359 and love it. The saw ran an 18" bar well but like the other guy said, less teeth to sharpen. I use Stihl 3/8" RS on both bars and it zips through red & black oak. Your 357xp is even stronger so don't hesitate to switch use 3/8". Your usable cutting length is around 14" due to the rounded case & bucking spikes but this is usually just enough for me.
I recently purchased a 16" oregon powermatch bar for my 359 and love it. The saw ran an 18" bar well but like the other guy said, less teeth to sharpen. I use Stihl 3/8" RS on both bars and it zips through red & black oak. Your 357xp is even stronger so don't hesitate to switch use 3/8". Your usable cutting length is around 14" due to the rounded case & bucking spikes but this is usually just enough for me.
My 357xpg seems ideal w/ an 18" bar and 3/8" full chisel. I even have a loop of square ground I run on it from time to time. I started out a Stihl man and stayed that way for a long time, but the 357 is, by far, my favorite saw. It helps that when I bought it new, I got quite the deal--$496 shipped, heated handles, 18" bar. I see the prices now and I wonder how I managed that steal.
Chris B.
Chris B.
SawTroll
Information Collector
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
that one does...That one that you constantly down any chance you get....
The 365 balances perfect with a 20".....
:hmm3grin2orange:
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
A little late to the 13" party...but here is a 5100 with a 13". It makes for a fast limbing saw..
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
WOW, I can't believe you guys use such short bars. Damn, your backs must get aweful sore from bending down so far all the time!
I love the 18 inch bar length on or 351, but its no speed-demon.
I run a 16" 3/8 on mine. It pulls .325 better, but it isn't stock anymore. I feel the balance is good with the 16".
Put the 18" on your 357 and have fun!
SawTroll
Information Collector
spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
You seem to be rather firm and unwavering in your conviction here!
After some thought, I think your right. They would tend to look like Shindaiwas or Solos if they were all red.
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
Only because the powerhead is heavy, and it isn't a 60 cc saw......
well the 357 and 359 aren't 60cc saws either......:deadhorse:
It might be heavy to you, but not to everyone else. I will say that is is the most powerfull 60cc CLASS saw out there....
stihl025
ArboristSite Guru
I run an 18" bar, 3/8 pitch WoodsmanPro 30SC / RC and Stihl RS chains on my 357XP. Cuts like a dream. No power issues and I haven't even modded the muffler yet. To be honest, it runs so good that it doesn't really need to be modified, but what fun would that be, now? With the power that it has, there is no reason to drop down to a 16" bar, like some have suggested. The 18" bar balances better than the 20", but it is merely preference. If you have only one saw, 18" is the way to go... happy medium.
