Jp_over
ArboristSite Lurker
Friends,
I manage (hobby farm) 16 wooded acres and am looking at adding a 500i with a couple of bars. I already have an MS 261CM with a 16” bar for smaller jobs.
I’ve heard Stihl is moving away from the .063 gauge on the 3/8 pitch saws. Any confirmation on this? It’s a bit tough to find .063 3/8 stuff when ordering new.
With this background I’m considering these bars for the 500i:
32” 3/8 pitch .050 with the RM semi chisel
25” 3/8 pitch .050 gauge, also semi chisel
Mostly I cut large pine 28”+ (felling, bucking) with less frequent smaller oak and sweet gum (12-20”).
Overall goal is forest health and emergency cleanup after storms. I like to cut several days per week since I’m retired and try to stay active.
Of note, we have lots of big pine on the ground and standing with tops sheered off from a big storm last year so lots of cutting ahead.
Thanks for any input. To rehash:
1) Is .050 the new standard for Stihl 3/8 chain and bars or is this regional?
2) I’m confident that the 25” bar is a good match but wonder if the 32” will be ok without the wrap handle and the improved AV kit folks seem to like from west coast saw.
I manage (hobby farm) 16 wooded acres and am looking at adding a 500i with a couple of bars. I already have an MS 261CM with a 16” bar for smaller jobs.
I’ve heard Stihl is moving away from the .063 gauge on the 3/8 pitch saws. Any confirmation on this? It’s a bit tough to find .063 3/8 stuff when ordering new.
With this background I’m considering these bars for the 500i:
32” 3/8 pitch .050 with the RM semi chisel
25” 3/8 pitch .050 gauge, also semi chisel
Mostly I cut large pine 28”+ (felling, bucking) with less frequent smaller oak and sweet gum (12-20”).
Overall goal is forest health and emergency cleanup after storms. I like to cut several days per week since I’m retired and try to stay active.
Of note, we have lots of big pine on the ground and standing with tops sheered off from a big storm last year so lots of cutting ahead.
Thanks for any input. To rehash:
1) Is .050 the new standard for Stihl 3/8 chain and bars or is this regional?
2) I’m confident that the 25” bar is a good match but wonder if the 32” will be ok without the wrap handle and the improved AV kit folks seem to like from west coast saw.