Found a brand new 460 but its too big.

[David K]

I was actually looking at New Husqvarna 372 or 562 XP because of their weight and discounts when I stumbled across a never used Stihl 460 at a great price on craigslist.
It is just more cumbersome for most of the cutting I do so wanted to get the shortest bar within reason. It came with a full chisel 25".
Will a 16" Rollomatic work or is the saw just overkill with that bar ?
Also need advice on chains. I am a landowner on a treed lot so dont need a professional chain. Mostly 12" to 20" diameter post oaks.

Thanks.

 

[z71mike]

Yes, you do need professional chain. Safety chain is garbage. Buy RS or RSC.

A 16" bar on that saw is like a Duramax 3500 on donut spares. A 20" bar should be sufficient for you.

 

[blsnelling]

If you only need a 16" bar, then you're looking at way more saw than you need. That's 50cc territory.

 

[Guido Salvage]

If you only need a 16" bar, then you're looking at way more saw than you need. That's 50cc territory.

Unless you live in Norway (in which case you would be running a Husky anyway).

 

[David K]

A 16" bar on that saw is like a Duramax 3500 on donut spares.

PS I need the 25" for some work ( like a dead 30" Cottonwood so am glad I have it) but IMO its overkill for most of what needs to be done.

 

[ckelp]

+1 i'd get a 50cc class saw and put the 460 on the shelf for when you need the power.. where i live 50cc saw is all you need for about 85% of the time the other 15% you dam well better have something north of a 34" bar

 

[Dilly]

I gotta admit if you had a 16" bar on there she would fly through the wood! If the saw is cheap get it hell a 460 is hard to beat. A 25" bar is a good all around size IMHO.

 

[bryanr2]

I have an 18 and 20'' bar for my Mastermind 395xp. currently sporting a 20.

OP- good rule of thumb.... 3cc's per 1'' of bar.

 

[bryanr2]

Id buy semi chisel chain. May not cut as fast as full chisel, but holds an edge longer.

 

[David K]

Think I'm just going to leave it at 25", get used to it, and buy a few extra chains rather than buying a new bar to save half a pound.
I do have a craptastic Echo 16" but it throws chains constantly which is another reason for buying this rig.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I vote for RM ..if your handy with a file they cut nice.

 

[towingace]

You say sometimes you need the longer bar. I've been thinking you need a smaller saw to go with the 046. Alas,the craptastic Echo. Is there something wrong with it besides throwing the chain? I would leave the bigger saw a bigger saw and fix the Echo.

 

[MustangMike]

If U find a good 460 for cheap, buy it, resell it, and get the size saw U want.

460s are very nice, and have good resale. Porting really wakes them up.

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Have a 20" bar, RS chain on my 460... almost like having a hot saw.

 

[dl5205]

There is nothing wrong with running the shortest bar that will get the job done (unless you're on the west coast). I find 16" to be a little short for that size powerhead, but happily run 18" when the situation allows. Makes a 70cc class saw feel pretty sporty.

 

[fearofpavement]

If you want a smaller saw, post the MS460 over in the trading post and sell it. Then buy your choice. I would never run a short bar on a big saw like that because if a short bar will do the job, so will a lighter saw. If weight is of no concern then keep what you have.
If it were me, I would keep that and buy a decent 50cc class saw as that would do the majority of the cutting you need to do. A good used one can be had for $200 to $275. And I'll tell you right now, if you sell that 460 you'll be kicking yourself in the butt for years.

 

[David K]

And I'll tell you right now, if you sell that 460 you'll be kicking yourself in the butt for years.

I know. But its almost "too nice" too use as a NIB. Crazy.
The trees are still there so I need to mull this over.

 

[MustangMike]

U lucky dog that U got such a good deal on such a nice saw, can't complain!

I agree with Fear 100%.

 

[GrassGuerilla]

I know. But its almost "too nice" too use as a NIB. Crazy.
The trees are still there so I need to mull this over.

I have a perfect solution. Box it up, send it to me. I'll bust that cherry. When (if) I send it back, you won't be worried about scratching up the pretty plastic.

 

[z71mike]

I know. But its almost "too nice" too use as a NIB. Crazy.
The trees are still there so I need to mull this over.

I get it. But it's only a 460. Not an 090.