Bar for a tall hobbyist

[GerbrandR]

Good day all,

I am just a guy that likes chainsaws and other tools. I don't use them on a daily basis, but I appreciate good quality things. I live in Europe, and here it's not common to use longer bars. I guess because most trees are smaller, and the felling techniques are different too.

I will mostly use my saws for firewood or the occasional tree removal. The longest bar that I have at the moment is a 28'' steel Husqvarna bar. I run it on my Jonsered 2171.

I am quite tall, 6'8'' (203 cm) and that's why a longer bar also helps to save my back. I was thinking about getting a lightweight bar. I've read good things about Stihl ES light bars.

If I would go that route I will have to change from 0,058 tot 0.063. Because that's the Stihl standard over here.
What are your opinions about this?

 

[Squareground3691]

Good day all,

I am just a guy that likes chainsaws and other tools. I don't use them on a daily basis, but I appreciate good quality things. I live in Europe, and here it's not common to use longer bars. I guess because most trees are smaller, and the felling techniques are different too.

I will mostly use my saws for firewood or the occasional tree removal. The longest bar that I have at the moment is a 28'' steel Husqvarna bar. I run it on my Jonsered 2171.

I am quite tall, 6'8'' (203 cm) and that's why a longer bar also helps to save my back. I was thinking about getting a lightweight bar. I've read good things about Stihl ES light bars.

If I would go that route I will have to change from 0,058 tot 0.063. Because that's the Stihl standard over here.
What are your opinions about this?

Yea I’m not quite as tall as you , but I like using longer bars for that reason, not having to bend over so much, use Oregon Reduced Weight bars 32-36” inch, but unfortunately they stopped producing them .

 

[heimannm]

If all you can get is a .063 bar you must use a .063 chain but it's not a big problem since you will always keep that bar and chain together anyway. The drive sprocket won't care what gauge chain you are running.

If you get a Stihl branded bar you will likely need some sort of adapter as well to fit your saws with smaller mounts.

Mark

 

[davidwyby]

I’d go longer if I were you. Maybe skip chain so not so many cutters to sharpen. *that will be grabby with branches though.

 

[GerbrandR]

Also, the Stihl ES light bars are still relatively easily available here. I was aware that I need an adapter and possible grind the slot in the bar a little.

Would another 28" be a wise choise? I have the feeling that a 32'' would be too much. Also the Stihl RS chains are a more expensive than the Oregon chain that I bought in 0.058.

 

[GerbrandR]

I’d go longer if I were you. Maybe skip chain so not so many cutters to sharpen. *that will be grabby with branches though.

Skip chain is totally uncommon here. Never seen it actually, so I think it's not readily available.

 

[davidwyby]

Also, the Stihl ES light bars are still relatively easily available here. I was aware that I need an adapter and possible grind the slot in the bar a little.

Would another 28" be a wise choise? I have the feeling that a 32'' would be too much. Also the Stihl RS chains are a more expensive than the Oregon chain that I bought in 0.058.

I got some 9mm x14mm (if I am remembering correctly) tubing and made little adapter rings.
I would go 32”. I am 6’ and like 28”.

You can run Oregon chain on stihl bar.

 

[Sauen]

Hi Gerbrand, which saw do you want to put the bar on?
And I don’t know if you’re close to me in the NL but you’re welcome to come try my 71cm/28” es light or 80cm/32” standard weight to get a feel for them.

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

In addition to a long bar, get a long hookaroon for moving firewood, rounds, and small logs.

As a tall guy, I don't how I survived without my 36" Logrite Hookaroon. It saves my back everytime I use it.

 

[Guido Salvage]

How about a bow that would eliminate bending over?

 

[Stem]

Stihl ES or a Sugi-Hara bar is an option too

 

[pbillyi69]

im only 5'10" i have a 32" bar for my bigger saws and i have the for the same reason you are talking about. i dont have to bend down as much. i have a 36 also which was really handy when i did limbing all day no bending at all i could cut below my feet which was the point while walking on logs cutting limbs off

 

[GerbrandR]

Hi Gerbrand, which saw do you want to put the bar on?
And I don’t know if you’re close to me in the NL but you’re welcome to come try my 71cm/28” es light or 80cm/32” standard weight to get a feel for them.

That's very helpful. I actually live in Austria, but when I am in the Netherlands I am in Friesland or Utrecht.

Gave it some thought, I think I will order a 28'' for my Jonsered 2171 and a 36'' to have for my 395XP. I feel that the difference between a 32'' and a 36'' would be too small.

In addition to a long bar, get a long hookaroon for moving firewood, rounds, and small logs.

As a tall guy, I don't how I survived without my 36" Logrite Hookaroon. It saves my back everytime I use it.

Good one, don't have one yet. But you notice it quickly, bending down all the time.

How about a bow that would eliminate bending over?

What do you mean by that?

Stihl ES or a Sugi-Hara bar is an option too

Currently the Sugihara/Tsumura/Husqvarna X-Tough light are or a lot more expensive or not available.

A 36'' ES Light costs €148 at the moment. A 28'' is €126, but sold out at the moment.

 

[MemphisMechanic]

The difference between a standard weight bar and a reduced weight bar in a 24” length is noticeable on a lighter powerhead like a Stihl 044 or Husky 372XP.

The difference between them in 36” length is absolutely huge even on a 395; it is not the pound or two of weight savings that you’re actually after. It’s the huge change in the saw’s center of gravity when taking all that weight off the nose. It’s so much more relaxing to operate.

 

[Squareground3691]

The difference between a standard weight bar and a reduced weight bar in a 24” length is noticeable on a lighter powerhead like a Stihl 044 or Husky 372XP.

The difference between them in 36” length is absolutely huge even on a 395; it is not the pound or two of weight savings that you’re actually after. It’s the huge change in the saw’s center of gravity when taking all that weight off the nose. It’s so much more relaxing to operate.

This 36” LW bar weighs 2 pounds less than a standard bar that’s big .

 

[GerbrandR]

Sounds good to me.

I just think a 32'' on a 2171 or 372 would be too much for my needs and maybe too unpractical as well. I am leaning towards a 28'' ES Light for normal use and maybe a 36'' for occasional use on my 395.

The price difference between Stihl RS chain and Husqvarna X-Cut is next to nothing, but when I decide to go the Stihl route I will always need 0,063 gauge, and with the Husqvarna ones it's 0,058.

 

[MemphisMechanic]

I just think a 32'' on a 2171 or 372 would be too much for my needs and maybe too unpractical as well.

Funny you should say that. Here’s my favorite combination when falling timber down here in TN. The lightest and smoothest 70cc powerhead ever made with a reduced weight 32.

 

[davidwyby]

I like my 36" oregon LW more than my stihl 32" ES (heavy)

 

[Squareground3691]

I like my 36" oregon LW more than my stihl 32" ES (heavy)

I certainly do like those myself, glad I got several 32-36” before the production stopped.

 

[Dustin4185]

In addition to a long bar, get a long hookaroon for moving firewood, rounds, and small logs.

As a tall guy, I don't how I survived without my 36" Logrite Hookaroon. It saves my back everytime I use it.

I bought a 48” one!