What Lightweight Bar did i Get?

Stopped at fourth and last OPE dealer in my area looking for a 20" lightweight Stihl bar. For $55 OTD i thought i did okay even if non replaceable sprocket tip and anti kickback. According to package it'll fit 361 & 400 but not 460, 462 & 500??? I ordered different one yesterday from another OPE dealer. These are listed as "not available" on the Stihl site.

 

I don't know Brad. Never seen one like that before, but I've never needed a short light bar.

 

I thought those were a narrow kerf bar only available overseas.

 

Never saw one like that.

 

Yep, that's what it is, the "04 Light." This is the first I have seen in USA. I am shocked it was only $55?

When I first saw mention of this bar, I was disappointed in the graphic design, I don't like it.

I think I first saw mention of this bar when I first read up on the new battery saw by Stihl, I think the model is 300. It is supposed to be somewhat equivalent to a 261 gas saw. I think those are only in Europe yet.

 

Brad, did you get a loop of n/k chain to go with it?

 

Got me? I wasnt sure what to expect when i asked him if i could see the bar out of package. The $55 sold me. Thats cheaper than a "standard" 20" Stihl bar.

 

I did not. I use Stihl full chisel yellow label chain. Only safety loop i have is for one of the top handles. All the OPE dealer had at the time and it was our understanding the yellow chain was not made for them, but Eggshooterist has since edumacated me otherwise!

 

Nice. Never seen one of those either. Thin kerf allows the log to move a little more before binding on the bar. With all those saws you have I’d buy more
Do you have a pair of calipers? I’d compare the thickness to a standard.

 

I wonder if Stihl thinks the wide kerf of a pro chain and thinness of the bar will allow it to roll/cut sideways more? Guess the theory is possible but I certainly wouldn’t worry about it much. If there’s nothing else I’ve taught myself it’s if a chain wants roll it will LOL

 

The number listed on that bar (3003 008 8921) is the same Stihl part number I use for a 20" bar (based on their current catalog). In the catalog, it has that number as the recommended 20" bar for 250, 311, 391, 362, 400, 500, and 661 models. I thought it was interesting that they don't even list anything smaller than a 28" bar for the 462 however they'll list a 20" bar for a 661.

 

That bar is just a re-branded rollomatic E bar with new graphics, it fits a 261-661. Stihl makes things entirely too confusing sometimes.

 

Tried it on the 462 tonight. It fits.

 

Aint that the truth. I hate their names for chains!

 

Great bit of information there. Thanks for posting. Guess ill keep it.

 

I don't like how stihl is stamping some of these new bars with a "light" logo, some aren't any lighter than what they are replacing.

 

When in a couple Stihl dealers in the past while I was looking to replace my heavy 25" S bar (super), I had asked if they had any light bars. They brought out the standard Rollomatic E bars. They said they are lighter than the S bar... I explained I was looking for the composite filled light bars and they had never heard of them till they looked them up for me.

One of the dealers, after seeing the price, told me "what dumbazz would spend money like that on a bar?" I said, "I would, I'm looking for 2 of them"... I offered to meet him in the parking lot for calling me a #%!&@$$ and told him that I, nor any of my friends & family would ever grace his doorway again.

I did end up buying one 25" Stihl Light bar at a different dealer that had some in stock, but have since switched to TsuMura and haven't looked back.

 

Tsumura for the win!

Haven't used my 28" on the MS460 a lot but I did use it on some huge hickory trunk wood I got.

 

buZZsaw BRAD Did you weigh your new "light 04" bar versus the 20" bar that you had? I don't know why Stihl's website only lists the lengths available and no weights considering they use the word "lightweight" in the description.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/guide-bars/light04/#specifications