Ms880 bars no sprocket?

[Conner]

I’ve been working on a ms880. Not oiling. Now fixed gummed up pump. Noticed the 42” bar has no sprocket just a solid nose. Is this normal as I would have thought it would have created more friction I’ve not used a saw this big too heavy. So wondering if this is normal.

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, Conner said:

I’ve been working on a ms880. Not oiling. Now fixed gummed up pump. Noticed the 42” bar has no sprocket just a solid nose. Is this normal as I would have thought it would have created more friction I’ve not used a saw this big too heavy. So wondering if this is normal.

Never been a fan of hard nosed bars . You have to run the chain a bit slack . Get a sprocket nosed bar . 

[spudulike]

Saps power, not great! 

[Stubby]

20 minutes ago, spudulike said:

Saps power, not great! 

That's why you have to run the chain a bit slack . I don't like them . 

[Brushcutter]

Yes it's normal. Horrid things I don't know why Stihl still sells the things. 

[5thelement]

Developed for the fire fighting cutters I believe, as the burned char and ash caused excessive wear on the sprocket nosed bars. 
I’ve seen them supplied here in France as milling bars. 
 

[Mick Dempsey]

Did not know that. 
Makes sense I guess

 

[Oldfeller]

They do however facilitate 3/8 and 404 chains on the same bar with just a drive sprocket change. wouldn't be my first choice for milling though.