Chainsaw - what size bar for us when out in a 4x4

G

Glyn_Lloyd

Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
5
Hey all,

Looking for some advice about what size bar is best when out camping with the 4x4.

I want to cut firewood & clear dropped trees off the track. I don't want to have something too large, as it will have to fit in the back of the 4x4 along with all my other camp gear. I travel with my family, so the back of the truck tends to fill up quickly. I could pack it in a waterproof box and store it on the roof rack but, I like the security of keeping my gear inside.

Any suggestions on bar size and other thoughts on what to take in addition to saftey gear, would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks in advnace.

G
 
What saw are you running? 20-22" may be too much for some of the smaller saws.

I'd go with a 16-18" for camp use.
 
I would say 14-16".
a 14" bar will cut up to a 24" log "safely", the 16" will handle 18" logs.
you'll want good gloves, safety glasses and maybe a face shield, and ear plugs or muffs. (NRR 26 or better)

If you're only going to be doing occasional cutting, get an 18V cordless with car charger - then you don't need to transport fuel, just bar oil. Those can handle 4-6" stuff decently and can be found around the $100 mark. (Ryopi or B&D)
another cordless option would be a "sawzall" with 8" pirhana blade - again, will cut up to 6" stock for firewood, and no fuel or oil to mess with. Packs flatter, too. (I use one at home for trimming storm damage & pruning the neighbor's fruit trees)
 
Take a look at saws that are in the 40-50 CC range. These are a nice balance of power vs weight, don't buy an underpowered saw as they become tiring to use during a day of wood cutting. Smaller saws are better used for small jobs and for landscaping when they may need to be carried up into the tree for limbing.

Look at bars that are in the 16 to 18 inch range, if you are dealing with big stuff then go larger, but you will also want to go larger on the motor too.

Personally I use a Jonsered 63 CC with a 18 inch bar. It cuts well and doesn't tire me out like some of the smaller saws. It has to cut 8 cords of wood for the wood furnace, and to keep about 3 kms of trails open around the property.
 
16 inch bar should be just fine. When I was selling firewood, cutting EVERYDAY I used an 034 Stihl with a 16. Cut everything and not to heavy.

Dave
 
The husky 141 with the 16" bar cuts 80% of the stuff I find on the trail (four wheeler trails). So I would say 16-18", handy and capable.
 
I use an ancient Echo with a 14" bar for just about everything. But at times it would be much more convenient to have a 16" or 18", but if you're worried about space you could make do with a 14" bar. Or, you could remove the bar and store it in two pieces until you need it then you could carry any size bar you saw can handle.
 
16" is a good size. It only takes a minute or two to re-bar the saw if you want to go longer. If the saw is only for occasional use, don't store it with fuel in it - it screws up the carb. Make sure you have proper tools (and a spare plug). Use Hi-Test fuel and good 2-stroke oil (Amsoil). You can use any oil for bar oil if you use enough of it, but the oil formulated for that sticks well. Learn how to sharpen the chain. It's easy.

I have a Stihl 037 and an 044. They are both larger than you're looking at, but one could put a 16" on an 037. I would not skimp. You want one that will be reliable. Generally speaking, Stihl is the class act.

The electric saw ideas are good. A steel bow saw doesn't take up much space
 
Addl Gear - Pick up a couple of wedges, extra chain, file w/file handle that has correct sharpening angle built in, and possibly a file guide. An small axe for driving the wedges. Of course - Safety glasses, chaps, ear protection, hard hat, boots, gloves, etc.

I'm also a big Stihl fan. I have a 360, 260 pro, 025, and 009.
 
Glyn,nothing shorter than twelve inch mines a fourteen inch and with some thought about where to place the cuts you should be able to cut any size some of the gums in the high country get pretty big and i've never had a problem you have to think of the weight too big saws get heavy real quick in some cutting positions and are harder to handle if you have little saw experience also smaller saws are cheaper than big ones so you can get a good quality small saw for the same as a made in china large saw.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top