just in case 24" bar and chain ms361

[ggoodman]

So I love my 361 and it exclusively wears and 18 bar but we bought a house and it is in a old pine plantation so lots of old growth long leaf pines and I do mean big boys. We are due for good hurricane and when it comes my neighborhood and more than likely my house will be wearing a few. I am looking to get a 24" bar and a couple loops to exspedite the cleanup should the need arise. this set will likely hang on wall untill a storm hits so I dont need top pro quality but would like something readily dependable.

Any ideas for combos realizing this is a big bar for the saw

 

[gritz]

I wouldn't say that's really a big bar for that saw. I run a 20" on mine and feel like it could easily pull a 25" bar. My Dad likes his forester bars that he's got. They're a good bit cheaper than the Stihl bars and come in a wide variety of sizes.

 

[Grey]

First off, let me commend you on your purchase of a MS361. That is a FANTATIC all-around saw. My 361 loves a 20" bar, full comp RS chain. 25" may be pushing it. (?) Do you really need a 25" bar or can you get by with a 20"? If you really need a 25", definitely consider a full skip, i.e. RSF chain. FWIW, my 461 loves 25" full comp RS chain but prefers a RSF at 32" max. recommended bar. Oddly enough, I haven't yet tried my 25" bar on my 361. I think I shall try this next time I have some big wood to cut... Thanks for inspiring me.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Considering my old MM'ed 039 pulled the Stihl 25" bar (24" in reality) with full-comp LGX fine when it had to, (not as well as my old 660 mind you), your 361 should do alright. Let it feed itself, don't dog it in and you'll be fine.

 

[DanTheCanadian]

Here we go, before this thread is done you'll need a masterminded or snellerized 660 to pull a 25" semi skip chain. As per your question, I don't believe there are actually "bad" bars out there just non professional. I don't care for the husky bars, and since your gonna just hang and use it occasionally I suggest an Oregon pro-lite. Its cheaper than a power match but for occasional use its perfect. I have one that lives on my 372, never have had any problems. (Cross fingers).

 

[axe2fall]

A decent running and tuned MS361 will pull a 25" bar through green pine logs all day with a good sharp chain.

 

[2dogs]

25" will be fine. I run a 22" bar on my 361 and it has plenty of power.

 

[Brushwacker]

I would just get a good Stihl 25" bar, and some Stihl Full skip chain. I prefer RM for most what I do here but in clean soft wood chisel may cut faster.Semi chisel beats full for easier maintaining and keeping it sharp.
If you ever sell your saw it will almost always bring more money with a good looking Stihl bar.

 

[treesmith]

Turn the oiler right up

 

[cobey]

they might have a woodland pro at bailys. I got a 20" chain and bar for $35
they might have a 24 for your stihl

 

[fearofpavement]

Have you considered maybe taking down any threatening trees before they cut your house and possibly you in half?

 

[wyk]

The saw will pull it, just not very strongly:

http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...84-Drive-Links.axd?PartFinderType=BarSelector

 

[Mike from Maine]

I don't get the love for the 361. Had 2 sold 2. 24" is way too much for it. Unless, I guess, you're comparing it to a boat anchor.

 

[DanTheCanadian]

You boys forget that he is cutting green pine, not dry iron wood. Green pine cuts like butter.

 

[Chris-PA]

If my cheap Chinese copy of a G621 can pull a 25" with full comp semi chisel through a 36" white oak, surely it cannot be any challenge for a mighty Stihl in pine?

 

[wyk]

Wow, you need to get a mill.

 

[wyk]

You boys forget that he is cutting green pine, not dry iron wood. Green pine cuts like butter.

Most non pros aren't too savvy on the right tool for the job. Most folks on here are only used to cutting their local backyard wood.

 

[wyk]

I don't get the love for the 361. Had 2 sold 2. 24" is way too much for it. Unless, I guess, you're comparing it to a boat anchor.

Modified and ported, they are great saws, especially for their usual second-hand prices.

 

[SawTroll]

Considering my old MM'ed 039 pulled the Stihl 25" bar (24" in reality) with full-comp LGX fine when it had to, (not as well as my old 660 mind you), your 361 should do alright. Let it feed itself, don't dog it in and you'll be fine.

People define "will pull" widely different, and different wood etc make a lot of differense!



To the original question; A 24" bar will be very tip heavy on a 361, so preferably get a light one. The 25" Rollomatic E (not ES) is a reasonably light 24" bar that isn't too expensive.
Other light options are the Tsumura light & tough, and the Sugihara light.

 

[lambs]

I think it will work fine for occasional use, especially in pine. I wouldn't subject it to that for everyday use though.