Stihl MS460 what is the minimum bar size you can run

[pseudonymplatanus]

Hello everyone, I have been lurking for a while but first post

 

I have a Stihl MS460 that I usually use with a 25" bar for cutting up bigger bits of firewood. My other saw, a Stihl 026 has died today, just lost all compression completely not sure why it is quite an old saw though.

 

I have a lot of hazel coppicing and thorn clearance to do coming up - until I can get the 026 fixed or replaced, will it cause a problem if I get a 16" bar for the MS460 and use that? I know it might be a bit heavier than needed and I can live with that for the short term, I just want to make sure I am not going to damage that saw by running too short a bar on it

 

thank you all in advance for your help

[C.J]

3003 000 5211 - 15" - 56 drive links

[Tim Stobart Tree Surgery]

I run mine with an 18" bar occasionally and it's an animal. You're in for a treat with a 15" bar! Enjoy.

[Logit]

I run my 046 with an 18" bar (3/8 pitch) when logging up smaller logs and it works a treat, you can set the oil pump to a lower setting to save oil since the shorter bars need less flow rate to lubricate them.

[C.J]

Won't a 026 bar fit ?

 

All you need is a 0.325" rim.

[Logan]

Won't a 026 bar fit ?

 

All you need is a 0.325" rim.

 

yes and make it a 9 tooth rim, boy it'll hum along then! Good for snedding! Chains might need another link though...

[Logan]

Or put an 18" bar on it, not crazy at all. You'll like it.

[onyx landscaping/fencing]

buy a new ms170 use it for the job/year them sell it on ebay for pretty much what you paid for it?

[doobin]

Make sure you check the mixture when running a smaller bar- make sure it's not running too lean at the top end.

 

I would just buy a new MS181 for £220 and have a proper sized saw for that job.

[oldwoodcutter]

I run an 18" bar more often than not on my 460,yes some find it a bit of a handfull if they're not used to it,but i really like it.