Stihl 362 bar length?

[ContractArb]

Hi guys,

 

My last saw, an MS361 with 20" bar was stolen last week, so I've just ordered a Stihl 362-w, the one with heated handles.

 

Stihl will sell me a standard 362 with a 20" bar, but the 362-w comes with a 16" bar only.....

 

Can anyone tell me why Stihl recommend a max bar length of 16"? Do heated handles really knock that much power of the saw to warrant the bar length restriction? If so, would that suggest a reduction in the"20% fuel economy" over my old saw?

Edited March 9, 2011 by ContractArb

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Husqs old heated handles used to drop a thousand or so rpm off the top end; dunno if this is still the case these days. IMO tho the 20" is too long for the 362 - I'm sure Tommer9 would agree - he has just gone thru the exact circs as you have...

[antipesto]

I'm not sure on the 362 but I run a stihl 361W with an 18" bar on it. I don't personally notice any real drop in power with the heated handles on or off

I'm sure the right dealer would sell you one with an 18" or 20" for a few quid more than the 16"