Looking for a GB bar

[KiwiBro (deleted)]

As for those that say a .325 is better than 3/8 low profile... I have switched my 026 saws (50cc Stihl) to run with large format Picco (low profile) bars and PS loops, and they absolutely SCREAM with that setup compared to either .325 or 3/8 standard B&C.

.325 has nearly the same kerf as 3/8 std and so the cutting amount is the same. I made many comparison tests with those two setups on my 026 saw fleet, and there was narry any difference in timed cuts. So I flipped all my 026 saws at that time to run 3/8 std B&C as I had a lot of larger Stihl saws already running 3/8 std 0.050 B&C. Then I got a large mount Picco Stihl bar and ran with with PS chain, and I never looked back. Those are now my second favorite saws after my 361s now. They cut a lot faster with the narrower kerf. Less work, faster cuts. I sold off all my .325 B&C and now I run 3/8 std B&C 0.050 on my 60cc+ Stihl saws, and Picco on all the 5occ and smaller ones.

What's the max mar length you're happy to run picco on please? I ask because I'm wondering if semi or full skip picco would help with chip clearance on wider cuts. In some of our dry gum logs I'm wondering whether .050 drive links will carry enough oil around the bar. I can't say I have noticed any probs with a 20" picco bar and chain in that regard but am wondering about bigger picco bars. I guess it doesn't really matter if the oiler is more than capable.

 

[CoreyB]

I like the looks and balance of the 16" over the 18" also a 10 oz difference although going from .325 on the 16 and 3/8lp makes that a smaller difference .
The 18 is real nice for limbing and not having to bend over much.

What's the max mar length you're happy to run picco on please? I ask because I'm wondering if semi or full skip picco would help with chip clearance on wider cuts. In some of our dry gum logs I'm wondering whether .050 drive links will carry enough oil around the bar. I can't say I have noticed any probs with a 20" picco bar and chain in that regard but am wondering about bigger picco bars. I guess it doesn't really matter if the oiler is more than capable.

On the 421 the 18 is the max in my opinion and definitely not buried in oak or hickory.

 

[KiwiBro (deleted)]

Cheers. 18 picco is a nice match for my 241, but I'm keen to learn if anyone has had chip clearing problems with longer picco bars, if anyone has tried a half or full skip picco chain, and if anyone has had any probs with poor oiling of the longer picco bars and chains. Will be keen to learn what you think of those GB arbortech bars. After considerable use I have to say i don't rate them at all. Certainly were a great deal from LCS but the bars are soft and the rails can't be hardened more than just the surface and once you get through that it's crazy how fast they wear. But for $10 I'm not complaining.

 

[e.fisher26]

I like the orange so i found this bar on sale (leftcoast) $11, had to go from 3/8 .050 to 058. D176 to d009

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Just a home owner that likes the older better made machines

Craftsman 3.7 x2
Husqvarna 36