I know this topic has been raked over on other sites, but for us that mainly cut firewood what is the best combo. I'm doing a mild build on a 346xp NE and stuck on which B/C setup for it. Intent for the 346xp is to limb and buck smaller stuff. The o20t, 021 and 2054 have been faithful in the past but I am hoping the 346xp will be in a league of its own and save my hands and shoulder. I already use an 036,630/670, 2065 , 2171, and 910E in the lineup for bigger saws. 18"/20"/24-28"/36" b/c for those saws. So the question is 16" or 18" ? My initial thought is 16" pro lite with Oregon .325 LPX with a 7 pin. Not sure narrow kerf is needed. I do have a line on a 16" total (japan) super bar but they are heavier than the newer bar offerings out there. What's your thoughts? Light and highest performance is the priority.
I run a .325 16" Total Super on my Jred 2253. It balances pretty perfect. I've never been one to use 18" on a 50cc saw. For me, a 50cc saw is a limbing/light bucking saw. A bar longer than 18" just seems to take away from the 'flickability' of a good limbing saw. You'll see a lot of guys recommend 3/8 chain for the newer 50cc saws, sure they can run it, but when limbing it's just too grabby for me. All 16" .325 setups on these.
Ugh nice lineup! I have a hard time moving from total super bars for their years of faithful service they have given me. How do you like that new 2253? What is your favorite loop of .325?
I like it. I haven't had a chance to get it completely broke in yet though. It runs as fast as my ported 260 (but has quite a bit less torque). I always run Stihl chain. RM or RS.
I Agree. I run 16 on my 50's, 18 on my 60's, and 20 on my 70's. I am all over the map on pitch & gauge. Can't help you there...
I prefer 3/8" on my 346. Faster, holds up better, less cutters to sharpen. As for length 18" is a little nose heavy but I like the extra reach.
I'd start with the the 16" Total you have already and see how you like it. The lightweight bars are only a few ounces lighter. You can always change our later if you need/want to.
Check out the B/C combos at www.leftcoastsupplies.com. They usually have GB combos on sale at very good prices.
16" 3/8" on the 550 my dad keeps. He wants a longer one so I may pick up a 20" tsumura light and tough for him.
2252 w/ 18" .325. It balances fine, but I think the saw's a bit underpowered. 16" would be better on a 50cc, IMO.
I like an 18. Less leaning over if you are tall. If I have to cut something that will bury a 18" bar I grab a bigger saw.
This is a good point, I am too damm tall for my own liking. I tend to find myself limbing with a 24" bar which is a shame to do with a Tsumura/total.
I have an 18" bar on my MS261c running .325 semi chisel non safety stihl chain right now. Pulls it just fine in hardwood. I have a loop of stihl chisel chain but I haven't run it yet. I figure it will pull it fine in clean green hardwood.
I use both Sugihara & Total Super 16" .058 .325 bars with Stihl RS chain on the 346 XP. I do have 18 & 20" bars but rarely use them. Most of my use is cutting tree length logs into firewood out of a pile so only occasional limbing. The Sugihara is lighter but not enough that I notice at the end of the day. The Total Supers are half the price & readily available at my dealer. As suggested above, I would try the 16" Total first but probably Tsumura or Sugihara lightweight bar if going 18".
I run 3/8" on my Stihl 260 with a 16" bar. For some reason, I had 4 or 5 new chains in my tool box when I bought the saw, so I got it with the 3/8" set up. I have bought 3 more chains since. When all of those chains are used up, it probably will time for a new sprocket and bar, and I am strongly considered going with a .325" combination. My brother runs that on his 028 and 261.
Pro-lite and .325 LPX on my Dolmar - very happy with this set up. Saw has plenty of grunt - great limbing saw and bucks well too - I'd feel a little limited with a 16" on the saw. I have a 16" bar with .325 LPX on my Husq 51 - if I feel like running a 16" bar, I grab her. Cheers!
