Opinions on best bar- 24"/25" for Makita 6401

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Beetle-Kill

Minister of Fire
Sep 8, 2009
1,849
Colorado- near the Divide
Just got access to more wood than I care to think about. So due to the size of some of these trees, I need to go to a bigger bar. I plan on running a full-skip chain. I normally run RSC chain-(except for Picco-Suave for the 180C), if that helps. Opinions and advice are appreciated.
Thanks- JB
 
Oregon Power Match Plus are excellent.If money is no object,get a Cannon bar.
 
Yep, if you want the absolute best, go for Cannon or Woodland Pro from Bailey's. Personally, I'd run whatever is least expensive. Oregon, Carlton, Windsor, it's hard to wear out a bar cutting firewood, if you keep your chain sharp and oiled.
 
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6401 should be able to pull that 24" bar with full-comp. +1 on the PowerMatch but maybe a "lightweight" bar? I'm starting to really like those for 24" and up.
 
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Just got access to more wood than I care to think about. So due to the size of some of these trees, I need to go to a bigger bar. I plan on running a full-skip chain. I normally run RSC chain-(except for Picco-Suave for the 180C), if that helps. Opinions and advice are appreciated.
Thanks- JB

Bigger bar than what? A 6401 will run the sh_t out of a 24" bar, and a 24" bar will cut the sh_t out of 99.44% of all firewood. Eh?
 
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Bigger bar than what? A 6401 will run the sh_t out of a 24" bar, and a 24" bar will cut the sh_t out of 99.44% of all firewood. Eh?
Currently running a 20" bar, which is fine for the majority of what I run across. This new area has a steep side slope with lots of deadfall. The extra few inches on the bar should help me not have to reposition myself too much.
Thanks all, new Oregon Power Match bar and 2 loops of 72LGX chain on the way.
 
I guess it's a little late, but I ran a 28" on mine. Certainly not overpowered, but I ran it nuts deep in 4' red oak without much trouble. It's a 7900 now, but I use it a lot for limbing. Heavy, but nice to reach and not bend over so much.
 
I'd go 28", get a lightweight pro bar, and get a non-skip chain........that extra 4" on that bar will save your on your lower back over and over and over again. Full skip chains cut slower, only benefit I see to those is they are a little faster to sharpen......
 
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Quick update- 24" bar showed up yesterday. I like the balance much better than the 20" bar. Seems to cut just fine with no loss of speed or power. I likee.
I do see a 28" bar in it's future, but the 24" will stay on the saw.
Anyone want a 20" bar?
 
I'd go 28", get a lightweight pro bar, and get a non-skip chain........that extra 4" on that bar will save your on your lower back over and over and over again. Full skip chains cut slower, only benefit I see to those is they are a little faster to sharpen......

For a 6401, you can run a 28" but will be much happier with a 24". It is a nice saw but is still only 60cc's.
 
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