What size bar on 346XP?

[Cerran]

I'm purchasing a 346XP tomorrow or early next week and wondering what size bar I should buy with it?

16 Inch Bar or 18 Inch bar?

This is going to be a backup and limbing saw companion to my 372XPW which is my primary woodcutting saw.

372XPW has a 24 inch bar on it currently.

Any recommendations with some reasoning is appreciated.

 

[Wood Cutter]

I personaly would go for the 16" on that saw. I believe it would balance out better. By the way hi neighbor, I live in CDA. Where will you be purchasing the saw, local dealer or internet?
Ryan

 

[Cerran]

Looking at purchasing the saw online. I just can't see paying $150 more for the same saw + accessories just to buy local especially when I'm planning on buying a new muffler with the saw as well.

Our local shop (Kootenai Lawn and Garden) is pretty good but their prices are pretty high and he doesn't have the 346XP in stock last I checked.

 

[SawTroll]

16" if you want to keep it nimble!!

 

[blsnelling]

Nimble shimlbe. What will it readily pull? No offense meant SawTroll.

 

[Urbicide]

Cerran, check to be sure you can still order the saw online next week. Today is the last day at Bailey's to order. Bailey's is out of stock on the 346XP but as long as your order is entered into their system today you will be ok.

 

[SawTroll]

Nimble shimlbe. What will it readily pull? No offense meant SawTroll.

I think it will do just fine with an 18" as well, regarding power - specially if it is mostly for reach......

 

[blsnelling]

Obviously there's more than one thing to look at when choosing bar length. If you want it for more than small limbing you may want the 18" to better reach through the bigger stuff. If it's dedicated to limbing, the 16" would likely be a better choice. It would be more nimble for sure Really I was just curious what it would pull in your opinion:jester:

 

[Cerran]

Cerran, check to be sure you can still order the saw online next week. Today is the last day at Bailey's to order. Bailey's is out of stock on the 346XP but as long as your order is entered into their system today you will be ok.

Good to know. I'll make sure I get my order in at least for the powerhead by the end of today.

I think I'll go with the 18" bar. I can just see on occasion using the 346XP for fell smaller standing dead trees uphill because it's lighter to lug up the hill. It's not going to be only a limbing saw but that will be its primary purpose.

 

[SawTroll]

Obviously there's more than one thing to look at when choosing bar length. If you want it for more than small limbing you may want the 18" to better reach through the bigger stuff. If it's dedicated to limbing, the 16" would likely be a better choice. It would be more nimble for sure Really I was just curious what it would pull in your opinion:jester:

I am sure it will do pretty well with a 20" as well, at least with .325x7 - but it all really depends on the users expectations......

For me, 16" is max, as I have other saws for the cuts that are much larger, and I don't need "reach" - I rather bend my back a bit, or step closer.

My back is really bad, so I support the left elbo on the left knee or thigh, when needed - no problems.

 

[blsnelling]

I agree with you SawTroll. My 260 will never see a bar longer tha 16", even though it's ported. I have other saws for the longer bars.

 

[Urbicide]

Bailey's sells the 346XP with an 18" bar & .325 chain.

 

[SawTroll]

Bailey's sells the 346XP with an 18" bar & .325 chain.

I know, but they are on the West Coast, here 13" .325 NK is standard, and that is a much worse option - you virtually have to stand on the saw to use the power it has........ :censored:

 

[bnew]

Im running a 20" with .325 chain.It pulls well but I think it would like an 18" better.

 

[SawTroll]

Im running a 20" with .325 chain.It pulls well but I think it would like an 18" better.

16" and 3/8" with Oregon 7xLP or Stihl 3xRSC probably will beat anything else - but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[bowtechmadman]

I have a 16 and 18" bar for my 346. Personnaly, I prefer the 18" as far as balance and reach.