Max Bar Length Question

What is the max bar length I can run on a Stihl 036? I just got a load of logs dropped off and some of them are a bit over 20 inches.

 

I'd say 24-25" for hardwood
28" for fir or pine

I have a 20" on my 362 and 20" of oak are plenty enough for it.

 

036 can handle 24" with a good sharp chain it would be better with skip chain for hardwood you could run a 28" in softwood
but on a 28" I would run skip chain

 

You don't need a new longer bar for that little bit of oversize log. Just start your cut by reaching over the log to let the bar hang vertical and after a few inches of cutting you can go back to holding the bar horizontal to finish the cut. If you just want a longer bar that is another matter.

 

Longer bar. More cutters to sharpen. Assuming you aren’t going from a standard chain to a skip tooth or semi skip. I’d probably stick with 20” unless I was cutting something in excess of 36”.

 

That’s probably what I’ll do. Since my wife would not agree that I need another saw, I was think about a longer bar for this one. Thanks

 

Just tell her that 5000 firewood hoarders think you need another saw. She can’t possibly say no then.

 

I’ll see how that goes

 

Good luck Shurdel

 

You definitely "want" a 24" bar. It would handle a sharp full comp chain but I'd run full skip. 28" bar would probably be too much for the oiler.

 

I bought a used 036 pro with a 28" bar on it that had cut Pine & Spruce. Bar showed some real wear from lack of oil. I'd say 24" max & run skip chain. Oldman47 has it right on for cutting slightly oversize logs. 036 likes a 20" & pulls it pretty well even in hardwood.

You really do need another saw, just tell the missus we said so!

 

I will agree with the posts above. 20 inch bar in hardwoods. 24 or 28 in softwoods, with skip chain.

 

Some good wisdom above. Have some 036 pros also. Have one with a 20”,24” and 28” they all have the HD oiler. I cut primarily spruce and buck the pile. The longer bar gets a little bogged down when sank full length. If you manage a bigger saw ask for forgiveness when for the ported 461. The time that saw will save you will be worth sleeping on the couch.

 

Some real good advice from you all, thanks!

 

He's right though.

 

Shurdel talk to huskihl and see if he may have a big ported saw that needs a new home. Or buy a big saw and send it his way. After buying my first ported saw from him last year, he ported a 261 for me. I have 3 ported saws and don’t want to run one that’s not ported. Rarely do I run a non ported and I always think it could run so much better...

 

You could run 24 with skip chain. That's asking quite a bit of that saw in hardwood.

 

Hey if you are still looking for a longer bar, I have a 24" Oregon Power Match bar, gently used, that should fit a Stihl 036. .050" gauge, 3/8" pitch. I used it on my MS361, sold the saw and now I don't have any saw that the bar will fit. PM me and we can discuss cost and shipping. No chain, but then you can get the chain you want. I ran full comp chain on the 361 no problems, mostly in hardwoods.

 

I have a MS362 with 25" bar. I run both full and skip chain depending on what I'm cutting. I usually run full comp chain on logs up to 20-22". On the big stuff, I run skip, square ground. Have cut 46 " white oak with it. Just take your time. What I like about the 25" bar is I can reach the ground without bending over.