Bar length and saw power

[AmateurSawer]

Is there any loss in power when you change to a longer bar for more reach if you are cutting less than full bar?

 

[Frogfarmer]

Yes but it's minimal.

 

[Efisher26]

Others say there is because more friction between bar and chain, but not noticable by operator (assuming same size tree between 2 different size bars). Not my opinion, just what ive read


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Just a home owner that likes the older better made machines

Craftsman 3.7 x2
Husqvarna 36

 

[chadihman]

Longer the bar the more the drag. Not noticeable if I'm cutting 24" wood with a 25" bar vs 36" bar. Running larger than necessary bars is a bit dangerous if your not careful.

 

[Efisher26]

Yes, sorry i forgot to mention, they are talking the range of bars recommended for the saw


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Just a home owner that likes the older better made machines

Craftsman 3.7 x2
Husqvarna 36

 

[SawTroll]

A long bar has much more effect on the handling and balance of the saw than on cutting speed (if the wood is the same), but it surely has some impact on cutting speed as well.

Of course it has some impact on safety as well, and the likelihood of hitting the ground and messing up the chain - particularly when used on small wood, to not having to bend over as much.

 

[JimMorrison]

If you have a fast saw, and you put a longer bar on it, you may not be able to keep the chain oiled.

 

[Andyshine77]

What I notice with longer bars is acceleration becomes sluggish, cutting speed isn't effected much.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[Full Chisel]

What I notice with longer bars is acceleration becomes sluggish, cutting speed isn't effected much.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Makes sense. Longer chain= greater mass. Once the chain comes up to speed the effect would be minimal.

 

[SawTroll]

If you have a fast saw, and you put a longer bar on it, you may not be able to keep the chain oiled.

That can happen, but it doesn't always. It is a factor to consider though.

 

[Andyshine77]

Makes sense. Longer chain= greater mass. Once the chain comes up to speed the effect would be minimal.

One could conclude that the added rotational mass, would prevent a dip in rpm when cutting smaller diameter branches.

 

[SawTroll]

What I notice with longer bars is acceleration becomes sluggish, cutting speed isn't effected much.

Slower acceleration surely is a factor, forgot to mention that.

 

[SawTroll]

If you have a fast saw, and you put a longer bar on it, you may not be able to keep the chain oiled.

If it is a proper saw it is likely to have an adjustable oiler - but it still is something to consider.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I never really understood the pat response from the long bar crowd, "I don't want to bend over."
If the operator isn't bending over than they are using the tip too much,
The proper stance when cutting, blocking, bucking or noodling is with the left leg forward the right leg back depending upon wood height and ground conditions. Overly long bars just offer more reach.
Oh, never mind!

 

[Spring1898]

Redbull660 did a really awesome test on this here http://www.arboristsite.com/communi...ther-factors-held-equal-within-reason.301940/
There is a video and an overlay. I wrote my interpretation on the second page, but in general as stated the results are minimal, balance being the more important factor.

 

[svk]

I think if you have a big, torquey saw the difference is much less than a smaller saw. I've put several tanks through my 241 over the past two days and the performance is noticeable dropping from 16" to 14" bar.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I think the rule of thumb is to never use a bar longer than what it takes to make the cut. If the saw is in the cut and dawged in, what's the point of having 6" of bar sticking out of the cut?
Long bars in smallwood is more about the affect than the effect.

 

[RandyMac]

I think the rule of thumb is to never use a bar longer than what it takes to make the cut. If the saw is in the cut and dawged in, what's the point of having 6" of bar sticking out of the cut?
Long bars in smallwood is more about the affect than the effect.

Advice from someone that knows small wood.

 

[fwgsaw]

Advice from someone that knows small wood.

don't cut the poor guy short now.

 

[StihlNick]

Who needs a short bar anyways? This is my climbing saw..