Smaller Bar?

deck2 · Mar 8, 2012

Have a Dolkita 6401 with a 20 inch bar, Thinking of getting a 16 inch bar for the smaller logs I have been cutting lately, the extra length seems to be getting in the way.

I have been running a Carlton Bar with Stihl RSC chains (seem to be a little better than the Carlton chains and a lot better than the Oregon ones)

Any suggestions?

Bigg_Redd · Mar 8, 2012

deck2 said:
Have a Dolkita 6401 with a 20 inch bar, Thinking of getting a 16 inch bar for the smaller logs I have been cutting lately, the extra length seems to be getting in the way.

I have been running a Carlton Bar with Stihl RSC chains (seem to be a little better than the Carlton chains and a lot better than the Oregon ones)

Any suggestions?

Getting in the way of what?

smokinj · Mar 8, 2012

Agree 16 not really going to make a big difference. That is more than enough saw to pull it to. I would look into a cheapo small light weight saw with a 12-14 inch bar.

Kenster · Mar 9, 2012

I run a 16 inch bar on my Stihl MS390 with muffler mod. It tears through everything I throw at it- 95 percent oak, 5% Hickory. I've only met one tree that was too big in diameter for it to cut through without cutting it in chunks. I think a 16 inch bar is a good, all 'round bar. I sure can't see buying an extra saw just so you'll have a shorter bar.

dorkweed · Mar 9, 2012

What does your wife say about you wanting to do this procedure??!!

wkpoor · Mar 9, 2012

There is an old saying, "big saw little bar big fun". I only run a 21" on my Solo681. Still will cut through a 40" log and I don't have drag around a long bar for seldom needed cuts. Less to sharpen also. I agree the 20" is ok for that saw but if you rarley need it then nothing wrong with 16".

TreePointer · Mar 9, 2012

If you have the cash, it wouldn't hurt to try a 16" b&c. Maybe you can stop by your local Dolmar/Husqvarna saw shop to see if the dealer can mount a 16" b&c on your saw for you to get the feel of it. (An advantage of having a good relationship with a local dealer.) Since the dogs on that saw are kinda deep, you may have less bar showing than smaller saws with 16'" bars. Also, you'll be able to feel the change in balance from that heavy Carlton bar.

Personally, I like the extra reach of a 20" on most saws.

deck2 · Mar 9, 2012

I had used 310 with a 16 inch bar and it was really all I needed but the oportunity came to buy the 6401 from a HD used equipment sale so I picked it up. Cut over 25 cords with the 361 and I love the 16inch bar, I am into my 12th cord on the Makita and it just seems like the 20inch on the 6401 is a little longer than I like and was wondering if anyone had pros/cons on bars, I have not had to buy a bar yet I have only had the ones on that came on the saws so I was looking for a suggestion on a bar not if I needed a smaller one or not. Plus the logs that I have been cutting are mostly dead and down and not really over 12 inches

Thistle · Mar 9, 2012

smokinjay said:
Agree 16 not really going to make a big difference. That is more than enough saw to pull it to. I would look into a cheapo small light weight saw with a 12-14 inch bar.

+1. Never hurts to have spare saw as backup.

TreePointer · Mar 9, 2012

I put a 24" Oregon Power Match on my 6401/7901 and am happy. Here's a 16-incher: http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=ORF+160RNDD009&catID;=

Search

Search

Smaller Bar?

deck2

Burning Hunk

Bigg_Redd

Minister of Fire

smokinj

Minister of Fire

Kenster

Minister of Fire

dorkweed

Guest

wkpoor

Minister of Fire

TreePointer

Minister of Fire

deck2

Burning Hunk

Thistle

Minister of Fire

TreePointer

Minister of Fire

Similar threads