Any chainsaw experts out there?

[Crumm]

I am looking for a small saw that I can put a long bar on like 24" or bigger. I talked to them at the saw shop here in town and they tell me that on the little saws all you can put is like a 18" bar. All the longer bars they have and all the ones in the catalog take a different size chain than you can run on a small saw. I am wanting to pack the saw in my boat for cutting down sweepers and need the extra length for reach not for cutting larger logs. For the most part the saw will never see anything bigger than a six inch log but I don't want to be hanging over the side of the boat by my toenails to cut a limb. Looking for a lightweight unit like a Husqvarna 345 or a Stihl 230. Don't want anything much over 10 lbs. Any ideas? I about to just go with a cheapo Poulan from wal-mart so that if I drop it over the side to save myself from going for a swim I won't be losing much.

 

[rgdillon]

Several reasons why you can't put the larger chain on there - but maybe your looking for the wrong item. What you really need is a pole trimmer kind of like the one pictured below.

They come in a lot of different configurations - I have a Husky trimmer that I simply insert different ends on - such as string trimmer, edger, chain saw attachment etc.
Nieghbor has an el cheapo that's all one unit it got from Home Depot or Lowes -

Anyway - most of them break down to store - and it would give you a great reach - may be able to stand away from the edge - safety balance thing ya know.

Ron

 

[Crumm]

Or like this one?

Nope not what I want. I need a small saw with a 24" bar. Try cutting firewood for camp with the pole saw

 

[rgdillon]

Damn - you got a big pole there dude

Okay - the Husqvarna 357XP will take a 24" bar/chain - weighs in at 12.1 pounds.
Then there is the 350 - weight at 10.6 that has a .325 inch pitch that you should be able to get a 24" bar for.

I suggest you call Baileys and talk to them - let them know what you want to do. They will be able to help you match up the correct bar/chain with the chainsaw's drive.

They also sell thin kerf blades/chains which you really should use if your going to use a bar larger than a saw is rated for - and you won't find a better chain for the price in the Woodsman line that they have.

I've used them for years - excellent service all around.

Ron

 

[Crumm]

OK dokie.. Thanks. I have been thinking about a 357XP because you can get a Simpson Capstan Rope Winch for it which would be handy in a boat . Problem with the 357 is the weight and size I was wanting something smaller and lighter. I will contact Baileys and see what they have to say. Hmmm Baileys isnt that good in coffee??

 

[rgdillon]

Well I know it's all not what you wanted to hear - but there are several things that come into play. First is HP of the saw - will it even pull the chain without bogging down - if you continue to bog down a saw then you shorten it's life - and esp if you want to put a capstan on it.

Then you have your bar engine mount, mounting lugs, slot sizes that will have to line up. Chain gauge and pitch - your drive sprocket and bar - these all have to match.

So it's not as easy as just putting any ole combination together. And I would suspect that some shops may not want to sell outside of the manufactors recommended ranges - lawsuits you know.

Ron

 

[Crumm]

Then you have your bar engine mount, mounting lugs, slot sizes that will have to line up. Chain guage and pitch - your drive sprocket and bar - these all have to match.

That is what I need to know. I don't care about manufacturer recommendations I want to know what will fit. I can always put on a intake and exhaust along with a custom chip to crank up the hp . There are so many different numbers for chain guage, pitch, sprockets and bars that it makes my head hurt.



I might just have to use this. It has worked so far and is easy to start just a little low on horsepower.

 

[rgdillon]

That is what I need to know. I don't care about manufacturer recommendations I want to know what will fit. I can always put on a intake and exhaust along with a custom chip to crank up the hp . There are so many different numbers for chain guage, pitch, sprockets and bars that it makes my head hurt.

Yep - I have a Husky catalog here somewhere - but it's best just to call Baileys. They will be able to hook you up with what will work - and they also carry capstans - kinda one stop shopping for you. In addition - most shops will sell you a stock saw and bar - with baileys you can pick your saw and then the bar. Good luck with it all -

Ron

 

[dmftoy1]

I'm running a Husky 359 with a 20 inch bar but it will take up to a 24 inch. I can't imagine using it over your head for much work. You can hold it up there but after one or two limbs over my head it's pretty heavy.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Crumm]

Got it nailed down to a Stihl ms260 Pro with a 24" bar. This is Stihl's smallest Pro saw and it will handle a 24" bar. It will also work with the Simpson winch. Little bigger than I was planning on but who doesn't like more power.


A note for anyone in the market for a chainsaw: In my research I found that the smaller Husqvarna saws that are sold at lowes and other dealers are actually made by Poulan just like the Craftsman and other cheap saws. The more expensive Husqvarna saws are made by Husqvarna but the small ones are green junk painted orange.
You can also get a little help at arboristsite.com I started a thread over there and after four pages of posts I figured out the unit for me although it started out a little rough.

MS 260 Pro Chain Saw

DISPLACEMENT
50.2 cc (3.06 cu. in.)

ENGINE POWER
2.4 kW (3.2 bhp)

WEIGHT
4.8 kg (10.6 lbs.)

FUEL CAPACITY
460 cc (15.6 oz.)

CHAIN OIL CAPACITY
290 cc (9.8 oz.)

OILOMATIC® CHAIN
.325" RM2 or .325" RMC3
3/8" RM2 or 3/8" RSC3

RECOMMENDED RANGE OF
GUIDE BAR LENGTHS
40 to 50 cm (16" to 24")
STIHL ROLLOMATIC®