MS 462, 24" or 28"?

[jeremy1910]

I'm looking to get a ms462 to join the line up. I've got a 170 w/14" and a ms 261 c-m w/18". What size bar to get, I was going to get a light bar. What chain? Skip or Normal? Looking for some input. Most trees are around the 20-24" and some are a bit bigger.

 

[Abbeville TSI]

My 462 came with a 24/25" regular weight bar. I have a lightweight bar the same length and a 20" and 18" that it shares with my 036 Pro. No problems in oak with the 24/25" bar and full comp RS chain buried.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

I keep the 20” sugi on mine with the rs chain. Also have the es light 28 for it when needed.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

462 balances nice with a 24, 28 is a little tip heavy.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

I'm looking to get a ms462 to join the line up. I've got a 170 w/14" and a ms 261 c-m w/18". What size bar to get, I was going to get a light bar. What chain? Skip or Normal? Looking for some input. Most trees are around the 20-24" and some are a bit bigger.

The 24 or 28” question should depend on your height. I’m 5-10 so a 24” is just right for cutting while standing up straight. Taller guys go with a 28 to keep from having to stoop over. It make a huge difference if cutting all day.

 

[jeremy1910]

I'm 5'-7" and it looks like I'll go with the 24", I prefer a balanced saw. Thank for the input

 

[ColinNS]

24 is almost a little tip heavy on mine with the Stihl light. 24 works great on the 462, I want it to pull a 28 so I sent mine out to be ported.
Along like my saws a little tip heavy, I find they cut a little better, or less work for me however you want to look at it.

 

[KTM 350]

At 6"1 462 gets a 28" lite. The 500i now has a 32" lite. 562 24" for cutting wood that is smaller and "off the ground". All three have been changed to 3/4 wrap. 660 with a 36" for stump cutting is the only size I run semi skip chain on.
Just back a 5 gallon + if you plan on running the 462 all day. 20-30min from a tank. Faster if WOT in big rounds cutting to fire wood size.

 

[jeremy1910]

Sounds good, I ordered it with the wrap handle as well, I'm left handed. But can manage the 261 with normal handle.

 

[fields_mj]

Based on what you've said, I'd get both bars. 24" for the majority of the work, 28" for when you need something a little longer. On my saws, I jump from an 036 to an 064. The 036 and smaller saws wear an 18" bar. The 064 and up wear 28" or longer. I commonly use my bigger saws to noodle larger rounds down into something I can lift onto a splitter. My firewood normally gets cut 18" to 22" long. I really need a 28" bar for noodling.

Just my 2 bits,
Mark

 

[aledub]

My 462 gets a 24" usually and the odd time a 20" light. That saw with a 20" light bar is a joy to use for bucking smaller logs and is really fast and balanced. Picked up a 500i yesterday with a 28" light and it seems to balances really well, just slightly front heavy. Can't wait to see how they compare in some fresh maple and ash.

 

[Howard Justice]

At 5-6 the 25 lite works well on my 500i
The 461 has 20 rn. 661 wears a 32 or occ a 25. Looking to add a 36 lite but a bit pricey rn.