MS 381 guide bar length 18" or 20 "

[Dusty Rivers]

MS 361 guide bar length 18" or 20 "

For general purpose usage am I better off with an 18 ' bar or a 20" bar. Sthil recommends 20" for this saw. I had an 18" bar on my now dead Husq 359. I use it for generall ranch work, fire wood, etc.

Reading previous posts, looks like i could use either, or buy one of each.

 

[Lakeside53]

Stihl's "recommendation" has more to do with kickback testing than real world.
Fit whichwever you like.. 18, 20, 24. You can also occasisionally use a 28, but if so, fit skip chain.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I've got an 18" that I use when I climb with it, but since I bought the 200T, that's seldom. I run a 24" on mine 99% of the time. It's whicever one feels better for you. I don't know that you'd need one of each...what's 2"? If you're going to buy two, get an 18" and 24".

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

 

[computeruser]

The choice is yours, but 16", 18", or 20" all seem like good choices. Longer will work well if you're in softwood. If it were mine, I'd buy a 16" and a 20".