Sthil 024AVS 16” or 18” Bar Size?

[Pogle]

Hi folks, for the last five years I have been using an 024AVS I picked up s/h in VGC which came with a 13” bar.
 

I had intended to get a longer bar but the 13” one has done everything I have asked it to do in keeping me in firewood which is our sole source of heating water in the winter.

 

I’ve recently been invited to help myself to some oaks that came down in last year’s storms and a 13” bar is starting to limit what I can cut.

Is an 18” bar going to be too much for an older (but well maintained) smaller capacity saw for cutting hardwood and would a 16” be a better compromise? 
 

I believe you can upgrade the 024AVS to 026 spec with a barrel and cylinder swap to get a bit more performance but not ready to do this until I need to.

 

Thanks for help!

 

J

 

 

[pleasant]

Recommended bar length given power and performance is a 16" bar on an 024. The bigger brother, 026 is fine with an 18"

[htb]

It will be slow on a 18" bar but you could use skip chain to ease the strain on the saw, if its available in the appropriate chain size.

[Bill C]

I've got a MS240 and run both a 16" and 15" bar with Stihl 3/8" x 0.063 chain it's really nice on a 15" bar but I think it's on the limit on a 16". But saying that I did cut up a 39" Ash with it( in a bit of a tight spot and didn't feel like using the 036) and it cut it really well with the 16". A 0.050" chain/bar combo might  help on a 18".

[Mik the Miller]

16" is max IMO

[Pogle]

Thanks folks just ordered a 16” bar and a couple of chains! 👍