setting up a Stihl 029 as a second saw

[twd000]

my dad is getting older and gave me his trusty old Stihl 029. Recently serviced at his local dealer

I already have my own MS250 that I've been happy with for years. It's somewhat underpowered for the big hardwoods but light and quick enough for most stuff I tackle.

I typically get a grapple load of logs every three years and process 7-8 cords over the course of a few months. I'll also scrounge some yard trees and arborist trimmings occasionally. I try to keep a cord of dry white pine around to mix in the stove during shoulder season.

How would you setup the 029 as a second saw to complement my main MS250? Put on a 20" bar or keep the 16" stock bar? Muffler mod and retune?


spec comparison:
MS250: 3.0 HP, 10 lbs, 45 cc
029 : 3.7 HP, 13 lbs, 54 cc

 

[Bad LP]

I like a 24" bar so that I don't have to bend over so far so my personal preference is longer is better.

 

[Gearhead660]

How is the ms250 set up?

 

[twd000]

How is the ms250 set up?

Stock setup- 16" bar, original muffler

 

[Gearhead660]

The ms250 sounds like its set up for all around cutting. If you cut a decent amount of larger logs, I would set up the 029 with a 20" bar, maybe larger.

 

[Jags]

A 20 inch bar on that saw is about the reasonable limit and a logical partner to the 250. Just one dudes opinion.

 

[Highbeam]

I really like having only one bar size for common size bars and chains. Second best is the normal 20 or 16 and then the big 28+ for when you get a big log.

Having both 16 and 20 seems like a waste. In our woods I would rather have both 20.

 

[brenndatomu]

I'd put a 20" on that saw...you already have a 16".
I have a 20" on my 290, it works fine, but I wouldn't want any longer on it either.

 

[Tar12]

Personally I would sell the 025 and get at least a 039 to run a 20 in bar. and keep the 029 and run the 16 in bar on it..a 20 is to much for a 029....been there and done that already.....

 

[johneh]

You guys get me always pushing bigger saws
My 2 saws are old an O25 with a 16 in. bar and a 039 with a 20 in. bar
both have served me well. I do 10 cord a year 5 for myself and 5 for
those that need wood but can not afford it. Never had cause for a bigger
saw nor do I want the weight of a bigger saw. I guess I live a slower pace
of life because speed is not everything. You have to stop and smell the roses
Just my nickels worth

 

[Sean McGillicuddy]

I would rather smell the oil/fuel and wood chips any day ..

 

[Tar12]

You guys get me always pushing bigger saws
My 2 saws are old an O25 with a 16 in. bar and a 039 with a 20 in. bar
both have served me well. I do 10 cord a year 5 for myself and 5 for
those that need wood but can not afford it. Never had cause for a bigger
saw nor do I want the weight of a bigger saw. I guess I live a slower pace
of life because speed is not everything. You have to stop and smell the roses
Just my nickels worth

After a 2 stoy trip down a elevator shaft with out the elevator and having L4 and L5 fused together speed is everything to me..I dont want to stay bent over any longer than necessary....all I ran for years was a pair of 025s and a 039 I still have...I upgraded to a pair of 260 pros as they are lighter and faster...I have a 044 and 660 but do not pull them out unless its necessary....the 260s and the 039 get used most often....I stop and smell the roses in between refills..lol

 

[Niro]

my dad is getting older and gave me his trusty old Stihl 029. Recently serviced at his local dealer

I already have my own MS250 that I've been happy with for years. It's somewhat underpowered for the big hardwoods but light and quick enough for most stuff I tackle.

I typically get a grapple load of logs every three years and process 7-8 cords over the course of a few months. I'll also scrounge some yard trees and arborist trimmings occasionally. I try to keep a cord of dry white pine around to mix in the stove during shoulder season.

How would you setup the 029 as a second saw to complement my main MS250? Put on a 20" bar or keep the 16" stock bar? Muffler mod and retune?


spec comparison:
MS250: 3.0 HP, 10 lbs, 45 cc
029 : 3.7 HP, 13 lbs, 54 cc

What did you end up going with? I have similar situation; I acquired an older 029 and have a 251c but with an 18" bar.

I'm considering going 20" 3/8 on the 029.