20 inch is just about perfect in average firewood conditions here for an 361. IMO any thing shorter doesn't need a good 60 cc powerhead. Its some what like having a 1 ton truck to pull a small trailer that could be pulled with my Toyota 4 cylinder with no problem.Hopefully this topic hasn't been:deadhorse:. But anyway,..I'm running a 20" bar on my new 361. Today a local forester and I were clear cutting a small patch of woods that was shading my garden, and he mentioned that my "big bar was robbing power from the saw".
So,.should I go with a 18" bar?? and what kind of power gain should I expect. I typically don't fall anything bigger than 22" or so.
Thanks in advance. :greenchainsaw:
Carl
I would say that if a 16 inch bar was long enough to use on the majority of the wood you cut, then get the 16" and save the 20" bar for the occasional bigger wood.
To clarify, I'm cutting hardwood almost exclusively. Perhaps I'm pushing the saw a bit too much (impatience), as it does bog sometimes when it's buried.
But, I will say that when I handed/offered the forester the saw to try out, he was pleasantly surprised with the smoothness/anti-vibe as he (bucked) bore-cut a fallen maple and cut a cookie.
To clarify, I'm cutting hardwood almost exclusively. Perhaps I'm pushing the saw a bit too much (impatience), as it does bog sometimes when it's buried.
But, I will say that when I handed/offered the forester the saw to try out, he was pleasantly surprised with the smoothness/anti-vibe as he (bucked) bore-cut a fallen maple and cut a cookie.
remember he's probably running a 24" bar on a MS660.
Out West we also run longer bars so as to not have to bend over as much when walkin' a big spar and limbing... havin' a 28" on an 044 is a perfect PNW "limbin'" saw... However most guys "limb" with whatever saw they fall a tree with. Be it an 044 or an 066...
Plus I'm 6' 5"... helps my already messed up back from not havin' to stoop...
Gary
Depends on what you actually use it for......:greenchainsaw:
I would have to believe you would lose some power just because of the extra resistance & weight of the longer b&c, even though you were cutting the same size log. In addition, the shorter b&c would get oiled better as well, giving you better lubrication & less heat & friction (resulting in a faster cut). I would say that if a 16 inch bar was long enough to use on the majority of the wood you cut, then get the 16" and save the 20" bar for the occasional bigger wood.
Thank you fellers who recommended going with the 16" bar and chain. I bucked up a 22" dbh black cherry this morning with the 16" RSC. What a big difference in chain speed and power compared to the 20" bar+chain!!
I'll be working it through some smaller dia maple this afternoon in preparation for a firewood sale this coming fall.
Thanks again!! :greenchainsaw:
A 16" bar on a 361???:jawdrop: :jawdrop:
Get a 16" for your 350 and use that as a quick limber, 16" on a 361 is crazy, get a smaller powerhead for the smaller bar! The 361 deserves a 20", no shorter.
Nope, try a 361 with a short bar and 8-pin!
For felling, the balance is right with an 18" - 20" is definitly tip heavy.
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