18" bar for a stihl ms391?

[Johno1]

I have to get a new bar and chain for my stihl ms391. It had a 20" bar on it. I was thinking of getting a 18" bar for it this time round. My cutting involves firewood for my own use, i.e cutting down a tree on the farm once a year or so.

 

Would I get as much out of the smaller bar?

 

Also, is oregon considered a good make?

[normandylumberjack]

I found my ms390 ran best on a 16" bar. It came with a 20" duromatic- it was ok but found a 18" rollomatic better, then put a 16" rollo and never felt the need to go bigger with her, apart from the odd time i put a 24" on when a 460 took a dive and we needed to finish up. Smaller bar will put less strain on the saw and it will last longer for it imo.

[div_h]

Have you checked chainsawbars.co.uk I got my Oregon bar and chain from there, handy and easy to use site...

[Johno1]

I am from Ireland. Priced a 20" stihl bar locally for 55E. Chain for 28E. Dont seem to badly priced.

 

I see the point about the 16" bar. From the sound of it I should get the 18" bar. Sure it's not the end of the world if it does'nt suit me. Can always change down the road.

[doobin]

Go for 16" or even 15". I run an 036 which is the same power IIRC as an MS390. 15" is perfect for her.

[Rob D]

Have you checked chainsawbars.co.uk I got my Oregon bar and chain from there, handy and easy to use site...

 

 

Thanks

 

 

You have x2 choices of type of bar - laminated or solid.

 

 

Laminated are lighter, cheaper and more fragile.

Solid are heavier, more expensive, tougher and have less flex.

 

 

Solid bars will last longer than laminated.

 

 

Prob best to get your bar locally if you can as sending stuff from UK is expensive... but you do get 10% off the below prices as an arbtalk member.

 

 

But to see your options:

 

Go here Guide bars put in your saw and it will churn out the options and prices...

 

 

 

[Lorn Logs]

Using a 16 on mine for firewood and a 20 for cross cutting etc 16 is ideal for firewood

[Johno1]

I bought an 18 inch rollomatic stihl bar cost 55E. Also bought a stihl smart log holder for 135E. Dont know why I didnt buy a log holder sooner. Spares the back a lot.

 

18 inch bar is better on my 391. The 20 inch bar was too cumbersome for my jobs.

 

Thanks for recommending I go for a smaller bar.