Bar and chain advice needed

[Alberta Farmboy]

Hi all,
I had such great advice on my first post deciding which saws to keep and which to sell...I kept them all, Hahaha.
Anyway, another 288 xp high top fell in my lap(yes, now I have 2). It's in nice shape cosmetically but has a cracked gas tank which I plan to swap out.
So I it got me wondering, what is the ideal bar and chain for this saw. Mainly the use would be for odd felling and bucking duties, average tree 20-24" with a max 30-36" range, all softwoods.
I was thinking 28" bar and don't know what chain configuration would be best.
What are you guys using?

 

[bryanr2]

I run 20” all the way to 32” on mine. 28” is what’s on it at the moment

 

[bryanr2]

Chain- whatever you can get regionally. Here it’s 3/8 .50.

 

[rocketnorton]

i like 404 on 80+cc.
mostly softwood here too.

 

[motoOzarks]

Would you be willing to share what you gave for your 288?
thanks if you do
ok if you don't

 

[Catbuster]

32” 3/8 full comp. That saw has the cajones to pull it in any kind of wood and the 32” bar keeps you from bending over. 28 is the shortest I’d go.

 

[Alberta Farmboy]

Would you be willing to share what you gave for your 288?
thanks if you do
ok if you don't

For sure.
I paid $200 and $100 respectively.
Both need a bit of work and a few little things here and there but lots of life left in both saws.

32” 3/8 full comp. That saw has the cajones to pull it in any kind of wood and the 32” bar keeps you from bending over. 28 is the shortest I’d go.

I've never run a saw with anything longer than a 24" bar so 32" is kind of intimidating. I guess I've always had a healthy amount of respect for a chainsaw but 32 seems like a lot for me.

 

[Skeans1]

For sure.
I paid $200 and $100 respectively.
Both need a bit of work and a few little things here and there but lots of life left in both saws.



I've never run a saw with anything longer than a 24" bar so 32" is kind of intimidating. I guess I've always had a healthy amount of respect for a chainsaw but 32 seems like a lot for me.

I’d be more scared of a 20 or 24 myself then a 32 or 36 I’m a small frame guy 120/130 range and 5’6”. With the extra length you’ll learn quickly that you can stand farther back from a log well buck and walk down a log well bumping knots.


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[Catbuster]

I’m more afraid of what the thing I’m cutting will do to me more than my chainsaw. A longer bar keeps you farther away from whatever you’re cutting and will ultimately (usually) reduce stress on your body. It’s not worth being intimidated by. Just take the time to get used to it. I’m not a big guy either, a little heavier than Mr. Skeans at 5’6 & 150 lbs, and I can wield a saw that size without a lot of hassle.