tquinn
ArboristSite Lurker
I'm a homeowner with a couple of acres of woods on my lot. I've owned a Stihl 009 for decades, and recently bought a Stihl MS170 as a second saw. The original Stihl had a .050 in gage 3/8" picco chain and bar, and the new 170 has a .043 in gage pico mini chain and bar. Both came with 14 in bars. I'm thinking of buying a 16 in bar for the MS170.
As I've compared these two saws, I've noted that the 009 chain seems much more aggressive and faster cutting than the MS170. I'm attributing this to the chain, as it seems like it take a lot more down pressure to get the MS170 to cut, and it cuts slower even when the saw is at full speed. I'm assuming that there isn't much difference in power between the two saws.
This has surprised me, as the thicker bar and wider chain on the 009 cuts a wider kerf, and I would have thought that the narrower chain would have cut faster and easier. I have not ruled out that the MS170 chain might not be as sharp as the 009's, and I resharpened it tonight.
Are their any opinions on the pluses and minuses of these two chain types? Which cuts easier and faster when they are both in good condition. Any concerns about either type? I've noticed that the more flexible .043 bar seems to have more problems with binding and twisting when clearing. Is there any concern about going to the 16 inch long .050 in gage bar and chain on an MS170 (Stihl does make one that fits).
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Terry
As I've compared these two saws, I've noted that the 009 chain seems much more aggressive and faster cutting than the MS170. I'm attributing this to the chain, as it seems like it take a lot more down pressure to get the MS170 to cut, and it cuts slower even when the saw is at full speed. I'm assuming that there isn't much difference in power between the two saws.
This has surprised me, as the thicker bar and wider chain on the 009 cuts a wider kerf, and I would have thought that the narrower chain would have cut faster and easier. I have not ruled out that the MS170 chain might not be as sharp as the 009's, and I resharpened it tonight.
Are their any opinions on the pluses and minuses of these two chain types? Which cuts easier and faster when they are both in good condition. Any concerns about either type? I've noticed that the more flexible .043 bar seems to have more problems with binding and twisting when clearing. Is there any concern about going to the 16 inch long .050 in gage bar and chain on an MS170 (Stihl does make one that fits).
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Terry