MS 362- would an 18 inch bar be an improvement?

[skipster]

I really enjoy using my new Stihl 362 with its stock 20 inch bar, but i cant help but wonder if using an 18 would give it even more go.
Most of the wood( aussie eucalypt hardwood) I'm limbing is below 16 inches, and I'm planning on getting a 70cc saw soon,something along the lines of a 461,and using a 20 inch on it,so would an 18 improve the 362,or is the difference minimal?
thanks,Skip

 

[treesmith]

We have two 362s, both were running 20" but are much happier with an 18", we run mostly 20" on 460/461s though one bloke has a 25" on his, 25" works best on a 660

We're in Oz too

 

[Ironworker]

I run an 18" on my 441. I like it much better than the 20", goes through wood much easier.

 

[HuskStihl]

Is it a C-M? If so, I'd run a 60" full comp. If not, I'd throw it away and sink into a deep depression

 

[nnero]

I have an 18" ready to go on my 6100.

 

[Full Chisel]

From what I've heard here about the 362, you should be able to run any length bar without issue.

 

[the GOAT]

Probably should just have it ported. It will be as fast as a 90 cc saw (in wood under 25")

 

[MustangMike]

You guys are pathetic, you must all be bored. Why are you breaking this guy's chops, if you want to break mine, do it on one of my threads, I don't care.

I like a 20" bar on the 362 C, but my saw is ported, and I like the addl reach, and I'm not in OZ, so your wood may be different. I'm also running square file chain, which may also be a factor. I'm also 6'1", so I like the extra reach.

I guess it can't hurt to try it, and let us know if it makes much difference.

 

[HuskStihl]

Well, if we have to be serious, I'd say that changing to an 18" won't make any difference. The amount of chain drag increase going from 18" -20" isn't that much. It's all feel/weight/reach. You've got to figure out which is right for you.

 

[KenJax Tree]

On my Husky's and JRed saws the difference between 18" and 20" is only 4 drive links 68 vs. 72

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I really enjoy using my new Stihl 362 with its stock 20 inch bar, but i cant help but wonder if using an 18 would give it even more go.
Most of the wood( aussie eucalypt hardwood) I'm limbing is below 16 inches, and I'm planning on getting a 70cc saw soon,something along the lines of a 461,and using a 20 inch on it,so would an 18 improve the 362,or is the difference minimal?
thanks,Skip

You need to just have mastermind put some of those bananas in there , after it heads down to tenughsee it will pull that 20" like a hot knife through butter.

 

[Full Chisel]

In all seriousness, a strong 60cc saw should pull a 20" bar with authority. Dropping down to 18" would be negligible, I'd just stick with the 20" setup myself.

If you're planning on getting a 70cc saw, I would go with a 24" B&C on it. I'm real happy with the 24" on my 372, it pulls well buried in big wood. I'm going to get a 20" for bucking smaller rounds though.

 

[Cope1024]

You need to just have mastermind put some of those bananas in there , after it heads down to tenughsee it will pull that 20" like a hot knife through butter.

I bought a couple of his shirts and my 362C already cuts better!

 

[Trx250r180]

You guys are pathetic, you must all be bored. Why are you breaking this guy's chops, if you want to break mine, do it on one of my threads, I don't care.

I like a 20" bar on the 362 C, but my saw is ported, and I like the addl reach, and I'm not in OZ, so your wood may be different. I'm also running square file chain, which may also be a factor. I'm also 6'1", so I like the extra reach.

I guess it can't hurt to try it, and let us know if it makes much difference.

Awesome post sir ,you guys should be ashamed of yourself .

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I bought a couple of his shirts and my 362C already cuts better!

Awesome.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Mike is the only 362 owner i sling a little mud at in fun, but he threw some back at me yesterday in my 2260 thread[emoji1]

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Welp, I am not in Oz either, but here in my woods 50 cc saws wear 16", 60 cc saws wear 18", and 70-75 cc saws wear 20" bars. Chains are as sharp as I can get them and kept that way. Saws are very happy. (And loud) Loud saws are cooler than wimpy weak quiet saws. Wood splitters need to be quiet. I hate the din of a four stroke splitter or generator...

 

[SawTroll]

On my Husky's and JRed saws the difference between 18" and 20" is only 4 drive links 68 vs. 72

It is 6dl with Stihl though. Not a major differense, but shorter is better on a saw that size.

Personally, I would go to 16", and keep the 20" as backup - but that's here!

 

[1Alpha1]

This society and world of ours is going to Hell at warp speed, and you all are arguing over 2" on a chainsaw bar?

Hell's Bell's......drop down to a 16" bar and just get it over with.

 

[rwoods]

Skipster, I doubt 2" less bar in less than bar length wood would enhance performance enough for me to put up with the aggravation of another chain length to keep. 4" less maybe. Ron