Stihl 500i can you fit a larger bar than the 25 inch

[Eraser]

Hi, after advise, and don't do it is not really an option, I have been given a large gum tree to cut down and keep the wood, my 25 inch bar is not long enough, even if I cut from both sides. thinking of fitting either a 32 inch or 36 inch bar. then the question is semi skip or full skip chisel chain. any sensible advice gratefully accepted.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

As long as it's not a heavy leaner, just sweep through the center of the notch.

 

[farmguywithasaw]

It will run a 34” just fine. I would use skip myself

 

[farmguywithasaw]

It’s 82 cc

 

[Eraser]

As long as it's not a heavy leaner, just sweep through the center of the notch.

thanks

 

[Eraser]

It will run a 34” just fine. I would use skip myself

thankyou

 

[Eraser]

It’s 82 cc

yes it is, but stihl only recommend the 25 inch bar, so I thought I would ask for proper advice n this site. I personally think it will handle whatever I put on it, the saw is awesome.

 

[KodiakKen]

I sold my ms660 and added to it to buy a 500i with the e-lite 36" bar and yellow chain. Nowhere close in torque. I would guess a 25"-28" bar and chain would be a phenomenal combination but if you run a 36" bar and chain might want to look at full skip it doesn't have the torque to run full comp like a 660

 

[singinwoodwackr]

The saw pulls and oils a 36” with skip chain and 7t sprocket just fine. Just don’t try to push it, let the saw pull itself through the cut. As stated, a 24-28” is the ideal bar for the 500 and I would agree.
trying to force the saw will lead to it overheating and creating starting problems.

 

[Seachaser]

Not to high jack thread but,
Does anything have to be changed out going from a .050 to a .063 bar and chain?

 

[Oletrapper]

yes it is, but stihl only recommend the 25 inch bar, so I thought I would ask for proper advice n this site. I personally think it will handle whatever I put on it, the saw is awesome.

Eraser, I have a Stihl 038 and put a 25" bar on it. Came with an 18". Handles the 25" with a chisel chain with no problems. I would think you could put a 40" on that 500 with no problem. Good luck. Happy New Year. jmho OT

 

[lone wolf]

It’s 82 cc

79.2 CC

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Not to high jack thread but,
Does anything have to be changed out going from a .050 to a .063 bar and chain?

You'll need to change your sprocket.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

You'll need to change your sprocket.

No

 

[singinwoodwackr]

You'll need to change your sprocket.

Why would you want to add weight? No reason to go to .063, imo

 

[Seachaser]

Why would you want to add weight? No reason to go to .063, imo

Reason I asked, it’s almost impossible to find an .050 32” light bar. Or I’m looking in the wrong place.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Reason I asked, it’s almost impossible to find an .050 32” light bar. Or I’m looking in the wrong place.

There are probably a dozen vendors and saw shop owners here who can get you one
post in the buy/sell forum as ‘want to buy’

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Eraser, I have a Stihl 038 and put a 25" bar on it. Came with an 18". Handles the 25" with a chisel chain with no problems. I would think you could put a 40" on that 500 with no problem. Good luck. Happy New Year. jmho OT

You're going to have oiling issues with anything over 36", but for one cut it will be all right.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Why would you want to add weight? No reason to go to .063, imo

.063 does have a lit less stretch on longer bars

 

[northmanlogging]

yes it is, but stihl only recommend the 25 inch bar, so I thought I would ask for proper advice n this site. I personally think it will handle whatever I put on it, the saw is awesome.

stihl only recommends a 25 on the 661 too

One outfit I haul for runs a 36" on a 500i, what the factory suggests, isn't exactly hard and fast rules, personally I like a 32" bar, and every 500i I've ran has had plenty of snooce to pull it.