Chainsaw bar maximum

[marmot]

Hi Guys

I have a Makita TH 3410 with a 12 inch bar on it. My questions are:

 

1. What would be the maximum length bar I could put on it?

 

2. What's the best sort of chain to get? (it needs replacing)

 

Thanks

 

El Marmot

[Bolt]

could? or should? I would have thought 14" would be more than enough.

 

 

As for the chain, If you know about chain pitch and gauge, it should be easy enough to find yourself a replacement. (though IMO, I reckon Stihl chain is the best).

 

If you don't know about chain pitch and gauge, you are best to take the saw to a shop where they do (proper garden machinery type shop) and ask them for one to fit.

 

At a guess its 3/8 inch pitch, .050 inch gauge and goodness knows how many drivelinks (should be stamped / printed on the bar).

 

All the best...

[marmot]

It is more a case of having some big logs to dissect and that a longer bar would make that job easier. Am I right in thinking that?

[treequip]

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn’t the TH stand for Top Handle?

 

Aside from the fact that top handle saws aren’t suitable for use on the ground a small saw like that isn’t the tool for dissecting big logs.

 

Your saw only has so much grunt and running a longer bar will make a (slightly) longer cut but it will do it slower.

[detritus21]

You'll probably find anymore than 14" bar the saw will struggle. Its only a 34cc saw and even at 14" I reckon there is a chance it will start bogging down. TH is a top handle model. If you are cutting bigger stuff in a tree why not use your rear handle saw for that?

[arbclimber]

As others have said, Its a top handle saw so you shouldn't be using it on the ground. Actually if you dont know what it is, and what it should and shouldn't be used for, you probably shouldn't be using it at all.

[Ian H]

I checked Makita's website, it is indeed 3/8'' pitch, .050'' gauge and 34cc with no comments on bar length BUT as has been said should you........

[arbclimber]

  Ian H said:

I checked Makita's website, it is indeed 3/8'' pitch, .050'' gauge and 34cc with no comments on bar length BUT as has been said should you........

 

I'd imagine being a top handle it wont take bigger than a 12 or 14 inch bar anyway.

[Ian H]

  arbclimber said:

I'd imagine being a top handle it wont take bigger than a 12 or 14 inch bar anyway.

 

Agreed.

 

On a different note gotta love how an innocent(naive?) question throws up a completeley different hazard/issue, as has been seen here, hurrah arbtalk.

[arbclimber]

  Ian H said:

Agreed.

 

On a different note gotta love how an innocent(naive?) question throws up a completeley different hazard/issue, as has been seen here, hurrah arbtalk.

 

I wouldn't have even twigged to be honest. Dont know anything about Makita saws. Wasn't till treequip mentioned it that I looked it up.

 

Think we are right though, If you dont know about saws and chains, and are working on the floor, a top handle aint the best tool for the job is it.