ms 361 with 24" bar

[scattergun13]

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that an ms361 with an 18" bar would be tip heavy then suggested a 24" bar to balance it out. This didn't make sense to me. I am considering buying a 361 with a 24" bar to get some bigger stuff locally and so I won't have to bend over as much to limb. My 290 has both a 20" and 18" bar and I have my 170 to complete the trio. I cut firewood only for personal use, does this sound like a good strategy? Any input is appreciated...

 

[blsnelling]

If you need a 24" bar, you'd be better served with a 70cc saw. The 361 will do it but will be stretching it.

 

[bump_r]

Don't get the 361 unless you intend to retire the 290. I don't think I've started the 290 since I got the 036 up to snuff. The 036 is about one HP more and one lb less, than the 290 - tough to go get the 290. I'd want more of a spread between saws - your 290 and 361 would be too close to really be of benefit. Of you really want to run that big of a bar, move up to the 441.

 

[jack-the-ripper]

Here is a previous thread about your question.

http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=57773&highlight=ms+361+24"+ba

 

[scattergun13]

If you need a 24" bar, you'd be better served with a 70cc saw. The 361 will do it but will be stretching it.

Ok. Can you suggest the best bar length for the 361 that would suit my all around needs. Also did you get the pm I sent you about a muffler mod?

 

[Pablo26]

Ok. Can you suggest the best bar length for the 361 that would suit my all around needs. Also did you get the pm I sent you about a muffler mod?

I would suggest a 20" for a 361. You can cut a lot of wood with a 20" bar.

 

[blsnelling]

Ok. Can you suggest the best bar length for the 361 that would suit my all around needs. Also did you get the pm I sent you about a muffler mod?

I like the 361 best with a 20" bar. I did not get a PM from you. There's a sticky at the top about muffler mods. Lots of threads about them here.

 

[SawTroll]

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that an ms361 with an 18" bar would be tip heavy then suggested a 24" bar to balance it out. This didn't make sense to me. ....

Not to me either - but I agree the 18" one make it slightly tip heavy...

The 361 is a pretty light saw for a 60cc class one - probably the lightest one when fake specs are removed from the picture.

 

[SawTroll]

If you need a 24" bar, you'd be better served with a 70cc saw. The 361 will do it but will be stretching it.

:agree2:

 

[GASoline71]

25" Stihl ES on mine (when I had it). No issues whatsoever.

"Balance"... p-shaw...

Gary

 

[scattergun13]

Ok thank you all. It sounds like 20" is the happy medium. I'll let you know...

 

[char]

Get the 24 in bar. If you don't like it, sell it on ebay for more than you bought it for.

I bet you like it unless you are trying to cut for time.

 

[LazyJ]

I've never really understood the importance of "balance" either. You say you need a bigger bar, then get the 25".

 

[buzz sawyer]

I usually run a 20" but use the 24" with skip now and then. I split a 10' x 24" dia, elm log lengthwise with it a few weeks ago, no problem. As for balance, once the bar is in the log, does it matter?

Of course, with a 16" it screams.

 

[Gologit]

If you need a 24" bar, you'd be better served with a 70cc saw. The 361 will do it but will be stretching it.

Says it all.

 

[2dogs]

25" Stihl ES on mine (when I had it). No issues whatsoever.

"Balance"... p-shaw...

Gary

I agree. "Balance" is worth nothing.

 

[056kid]

I would suggest a 20" for a 361. You can cut a lot of wood with a 20" bar.

true TRUE TRUE.

 

[Lakeside53]

The 25 works fine in western softwoods. I sell lots of them.

20 is the sweet spot though, and is what I use.

 

[SCOOTER]

I have a 24" on mine, and it sure makes limbing a lot easier. It is streatching it to cut 24"+ hardwood, you just have to take your time. I have muffler modded mine, and it works great. I probably would not go back to a 20. This is just my thought, and other's may not agree.

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

We sell almost all of our 361's with 20 bars. I run the carry 16" and 20" bars if I only take one saw.
But I bring one of the 026's 026 I put a 16" on that and keep the 20" on the 361.