Stihl Light Bars

[Dustin4185]

I've tried searching, but for some reason I can't ever seem to find what I am looking for, so here it goes.

What length Stihl Light bar would you all recommend for a 461 and 661?

I normally run a 20 or 24(5) Stihl ES bar on the 461. I have a 24(5) on the 661, but thinking about a 28" light.

Also, does anyone have the part numbers for the light bars? My dealer is kinda slow, he did t know they even existed and still hasn't contacted me with a price (meaning he either hasn't looked or can't find them).

I want to stick with 3/8 pitch for now, but should I buy them in .050 or .063?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TreeLife]

Buy a bar in the gauge you normally use and is readily available. As far as length? 28" is my favorite, I don't need to bend over so much and I have some extra reach for big wood if I need it. I believe they make stihl light bars up to 32"? I've been wrong before...next best one is the Oregon reduced weight jobs. I'll see if I still have the bar # list...

 

[mdavlee]

20-36" is what they have them in. I like 28-32" myself

 

[junkman]

28-32 also ,longer bars benefit from the .063 for better oiling

 

[Dustin4185]

My dealer does keep 3/8 in .050 and .063. Full comp only in both. He keeps skip in .050. If I get a 25" it will be .050 as all of my chains that length are .050. I think I found a list on my other phone. It was a screen shot from another post. I think I will get a 28" now and maybe a 32". I'm pretty sure my MMWS 461 will pull a 28".

 

[MustangMike]

For everyday uses, assuming you have another saw with a 20" or shorter bar, I would go with 24-28 on the 461 and 28-32 on the 661. I also like to keep a 36" bar available (don't really like running longer than 28" in general use) for big stuff you come across.

After 20" bars, I use the 24 & 28" the most, but it all depends on what you usually run across in your area.

I find both Stumping and Bucking is a lot easier if your bar just goes through it in one shot, so I broke out the 36" bar for 3 different Red Oaks last year (one exceeded the bar).

 

[mdavlee]

I like running a 34" all the time. Not near as much reaching and bending

 

[Adirondackstihl]

28"
Balances perfect on a 7900
Good balance on 461 & 661 too!

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

28 on the 461 or a 36 on the 661

 

[Dustin4185]

I have a 395 with a 36" and 41" for big stuff. I also keep a a 20" on a 440. Seems CAD has got ahold of me this past year. I also have a 261, 362, and 026. Ive pretty much got my saw plan down pat.

 

[rjames]

I believe these are the current part numbers.

STIHL 20" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2221
STIHL 20" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2021

STIHL 25" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2231
STIHL 25" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2031

STIHL 28" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2238
STIHL 28" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2038

STIHL 32" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2246
STIHL 32" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2046

STIHL 36" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2253
STIHL 36" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2053

Fancy doughnuts and good coffee on a Saturday morning at the dealer will pave the road, or so I've heard.

 

[Dustin4185]

I believe these are the current part numbers.

STIHL 20" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2221
STIHL 20" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2021

STIHL 25" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2231
STIHL 25" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2031

STIHL 28" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2238
STIHL 28" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2038

STIHL 32" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2246
STIHL 32" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2046

STIHL 36" BAR 3/8-050 LIGHT 3003 000 2253
STIHL 36" BAR 3/8-063 LIGHT 3003 000 2053

Fancy doughnuts and good coffee on a Saturday morning at the dealer will pave the road, or so I've heard.

Thank you sir. I will call in the morning.

 

[Hinerman]

28 on the 461 or a 36 on the 661

^^^^winner, winner, chicken dinner

 

[MustangMike]

Unfortunately, the .063 bars seem increasingly to not be available in the East.

 

[Jon1212]

Unfortunately, the .063 bars seem increasingly to not be available in the East.

Northeast, or East in general? The Interwebz is yo' friend, Mustard Mike......LOL!

 

[MustangMike]

I'm not sure the guys from Maine think I'm in the North East!!!

 

[Dustin4185]

Ordered a 28 and 32 this morning. I gave him the part numbers and he said "Oh, I haven't saw one of them bars before. Why do you want a lightweight bar? Them look flimsy." I may be looking for a different dealer! Thanks to all of those who responded.