Good video, good thoughts. Always interesting to hear how other people use their saws. Thanks for the info. You mentioned having issues with husky chains getting loose almost immediately. I noticed you didn’t pull up on the nose of the bar when tightening down the bar nuts. If the nose of your bar tilts up while cutting your chain will get loose. Next time you run a husky try lifting the nose while adjusting and tightening the chain.
I just got my 500i and went with the 28. I love it. That said, after watching your video.... I think I may have to get a 20 as well! (PS... also right here in Hudson!)
I'm over 6 foot and usually have a 24-25" bar, my 500i came with a 28" and I'm very happy with it. Can't think of any reason to go for a 20" at my height.
Good video. I too run 20 and 24/5 36 . Tsumura Light. 362 C, 046, 660, 661. Regular ES bars and Canon. Depending on what cutting. Best equipment ever are 2 nephews w strong backs!
Thanks for the video. I’m about to buy a new 500i and have been debating between 20” lite and 25” lite bars. I’m already leaning towards the 25” but I’ve been happy with my 20” bar on my old ms440. I think I’ll bite the bullet and go for the 25” though. Cheers from Ontario!
Hello. Forgive me if I am wrong, and for sure you with have tons of experience over me, it seem to me my Stihl MSA300 with an 18" Light 04 bar with be maybe faster that yours MS300I at least on the thinner logs. I maybe wrong but is my impression.
When you have a tractor with log jaws why not hold the log at waist level so you can use the felling/bucking spikes to leverage the chain into the cut and without any fear of putting the tip in the dirt? You have to work a lot harder to cut at the tip and put force on the tip to cut the log.
Thank you for mentioning height . I am 6 foot four and purchased a 500i with a 36 inch bar because that’s all they were selling them with. It was heavy, but also super handy for reaching and limbing. It was a little long for fancy cuts or remove the saw more vertical etc.. I just purchased the ultralight 25 inch I will be trying that I feel like it will be easy to carry around around long enough to do whatever I need. Also, a weight which are I feel I could cut all day. The 36 is a beast and heavy, it is a beast though, and made light work of very large live Oaks down here in Florida Taylor County after hurricane Helene.
Bending over is fine. Bar length should be based on the average size of the timber you’re cutting. Short bar makes for a faster cutting, better balance and more manoeuvrable saw.
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 In my case with Stihl MSA300 if I go with a bar above the 16" or 18" recommended don't I lost battery run time and decreased the cutting speed?
It’s funny being out west and listening to someone debate between a 20” bar and a 25” bar. That saw would have nothing less than a 32” here. Just a difference in geography.
True. There is almost no virgin forest here, and no one lets trees go to their maximum size before harvesting. Plus, the eastern species do not get as big. That having been said, tulip poplars have been known to get to a 10' trunk diameter, and I have seen some oaks and walnuts with 6 foot diameter. And it takes more power to cut hardwoods.
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 it’s about being able to stand up straight and buck, not necessarily the size of the wood. Once you go with a 32” bar you can’t go back.
I like a 20" bar with my 500i. It cuts a little faster than a 25" and weighs less. And I cannot lift any log the 20" bar will not cut. That having been said, I needed to buck a 23" hickory log a couple of days ago. I could have done it with my 20" bar but decided to save time by switching to my 25". But the resulting logs are way to heavy for me to lift. I rolled them into my loader bucket and put them at the bottom of my seasoning row. I will have to pre-split by hand when that time comes.
Fair enough if your on level ground. Personally, sometimes im bucking big logs on slopes, and i want to be able to easily cut from the topside of the slope in case it rolls. Also, it can sometimes be useful to have a bit of distance from what im cutting when limbs are under a lot of tension. I tend to run a 18" bar on my husqvarna 365 special, a 25 inch on my stihl 046 and husqvarna 572xp and a 28" or 32" bar on my husqvarna 390xp. This combination seems to work, i do have a 20" bar but seldom use it on any of my saws.
I buck with a 28” on my 362c and fall with 25” on my 661c. I can cut all day and not pay for it later. Holding a lighter saw with a longer bar a lot more than falling a tree.
I got a Stihl 500i with a 25” bar. Really wanting to go to a 20” bar. I grew up in Newfoundland Canada where everyone got 16” bars and that’s what I used until I moved to Alberta. Now I like the 18” bar on my 261 and wanting to try a 20” on my 500i. Debating if I should just buy a 400 with a 20” bar. I find cutting wood in the pile with the 25” bar is uncomfortable and harder to judge the tip. Also hate how long it takes to file the chain on the 25”. It’s really what one is use to.
I know exactly what you mean. I have a love hate for this 25" bar. I do like it for standing up and bucking rounds. Like the video shows, it is a much more comfortable position. However, I don't like the 25" for other types of cutting. Its just too big. The 20" is a nice balance for all work. Its funny you mention the 400 with a 20". I am also considering doing that. I have both ends of the spectrum covered with the 500i/25" bar and the 261C/18" bar. I think the 400C/20" bar would be that perfect mix between power/reach and weight for general cutting. Its hard to beat the speed of the 500i but it can be a lot of saw for delimbing or just some quick cuts. I will usually pull out the 261 for that but it has its limits and is a bit slow for me now that I have seen the speed of a big saw.
I totally agree with you. I’m only 5ft 8 and I liked the 25” bar at first but now I’m not liking it as much. It’s got it’s place. I’ve cut down a few trees where it came in handy. I like my 500 but wish it was a 1/2 pound lighter or a tiny bit smaller. That’s why I’m thinking the perfect saw might be the 400. Good for bucking and limbing. Then I also have each bar length. 18” 261, 20” 400, and the 500 with the 25”.
Lol. You must have had some cheap home owner Husqvarna’s if the chain loosened up on them or more likely a brand new chain that stretches like all new chains do 7:19. I just got my first Stihl a 500i 2 weeks ago but it is nothing special compared to all my 5 series Husqvarna’s XP pro models. You Stihl guys kill me😂
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 thank you for being honest. If you get the opportunity try a 550XP Mark II (best 50cc class saw hands down) or a 572XP which is a bit heavy but built like a tank and will last forever. Time will tell if my new 500i is as good a saw as my 4 5 series(550, 562, 572 and 592) Husqvarna’s.
I think my bigger saws are gas hogs! My echo cs7310 p and my cs800 p those two cells are definitely gas hogs. Now the new Stihl chainsaw ms400 cm 24-in bar. is right there with my echo 590 timberwolf 20-in bar. on fuel consumption.
The bigger saws burn more fuel per hour but they also cut more wood per hour. In my experience, the 500i actually uses less fuel than my previous MS441C per unit of cutting. My 500i uses a tank in 35 minutes when kept busy but cuts maybe 25% more wood than my 441C did in 45 minutes, which is how long it ran on a tank. So, it is actually more fuel efficient.
run the 25 inch on my 362 don't think i would ever go any shorter for fire wood can't beet standing up straight while cutting wood although a 500 with a 25-28 inch bar wood be nice
I just bought a ms400 cm. It took me 5 months to get it. I'm running a 24 inch bar on it! I love it it has plenty of power.
Your back will always appreciate a longer bar.
Good video, good thoughts. Always interesting to hear how other people use their saws. Thanks for the info.
You mentioned having issues with husky chains getting loose almost immediately. I noticed you didn’t pull up on the nose of the bar when tightening down the bar nuts. If the nose of your bar tilts up while cutting your chain will get loose. Next time you run a husky try lifting the nose while adjusting and tightening the chain.
I just got my 500i and went with the 28. I love it. That said, after watching your video.... I think I may have to get a 20 as well! (PS... also right here in Hudson!)
I'm over 6 foot and usually have a 24-25" bar, my 500i came with a 28" and I'm very happy with it. Can't think of any reason to go for a 20" at my height.
I run a 20” on the 261 and a 25” on the 400. Perfect pair! I’m intrigued to test a 28” bar. Stand up and buck 😂
Agree. Now that I have tried the 25”, I too would like to run a 28”.
I have the Stihl MSA300 witch Stihl compares with 261 I wonder if with be fin with a 20" bar because stihl recommended the 18".
Good video. I too run 20 and 24/5 36 . Tsumura Light. 362 C, 046, 660, 661. Regular ES bars and Canon. Depending on what cutting. Best equipment ever are 2 nephews w strong backs!
I love my 28” on my 500i. I’m 6’ so might make a difference
Lovely fire pit/back yard!
What kind of chains are you using?
25 will be perfect for you my old man is 5’8” and it’s great for him. I run a 28” at 6’ 👌🏻 happy cutting and stay safe brother
You too. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Thanks for the video. I’m about to buy a new 500i and have been debating between 20” lite and 25” lite bars. I’m already leaning towards the 25” but I’ve been happy with my 20” bar on my old ms440. I think I’ll bite the bullet and go for the 25” though. Cheers from Ontario!
Wise.
@@glennllewellyn7369I ended up with the saw and 25” lite bar 👍🏼
Just waiting now for the saw to get ported at Ripsaw 😎
@@Hodderville
Legend!
Hello from Australia.
We'll ignore the kickback (which happens to many) around 8:50 😜 but honestly, the longer bar to "Stand up and buck" is better.
Not many people pre oil a new bar before they fit it, but they should do!
I'm 176cm and i use the 28"(71cm) bar for falling an buckin! the light bar has a spicy price tag but instead of buying 2 bars it becomes affordable!
Hello.
Forgive me if I am wrong, and for sure you with have tons of experience over me, it seem to me my Stihl MSA300 with an 18" Light 04 bar with be maybe faster that yours MS300I at least on the thinner logs. I maybe wrong but is my impression.
When you have a tractor with log jaws why not hold the log at waist level so you can use the felling/bucking spikes to leverage the chain into the cut and without any fear of putting the tip in the dirt? You have to work a lot harder to cut at the tip and put force on the tip to cut the log.
Whats up with the upside-down bar? Uneven ? Also one log at a time. Multiple cuts cat cause kick back
The bar is flipped every now and then to promote even wear on the bar.🙃
I like my 28” light bar on my MS 500i the best. Great balance and for my height 6’2” the most comfortable for cutting rounds. IMHO Rick
Yes, being tall, the 28" will work well for you. I am short so closer to logs. hahaha.
Thank you for mentioning height . I am 6 foot four and purchased a 500i with a 36 inch bar because that’s all they were selling them with. It was heavy, but also super handy for reaching and limbing. It was a little long for fancy cuts or remove the saw more vertical etc.. I just purchased the ultralight 25 inch I will be trying that I feel like it will be easy to carry around around long enough to do whatever I need. Also, a weight which are I feel I could cut all day. The 36 is a beast and heavy, it is a beast though, and made light work of very large live Oaks down here in Florida Taylor County after hurricane Helene.
Bending over is fine. Bar length should be based on the average size of the timber you’re cutting. Short bar makes for a faster cutting, better balance and more manoeuvrable saw.
Was there any issues with power between the 20 and 25?
I didn't notice any power loss at all for this saw. The 500i is a beast. Even with dull chain, it just seems to power through even the hardest wood.
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 In my case with Stihl MSA300 if I go with a bar above the 16" or 18" recommended don't I lost battery run time and decreased the cutting speed?
lift the tip of your bar up to take out the slack before tightening it down. :)
Great tip. Thank you.
Yess!!!
im 5'5 do I really need a 25?
Yes.
It’s funny being out west and listening to someone debate between a 20” bar and a 25” bar. That saw would have nothing less than a 32” here. Just a difference in geography.
Wow, you must have giant trees there. Here most trunks are 16 to 18”. A big tree for us is 20” to 22”.
True. There is almost no virgin forest here, and no one lets trees go to their maximum size before harvesting. Plus, the eastern species do not get as big. That having been said, tulip poplars have been known to get to a 10' trunk diameter, and I have seen some oaks and walnuts with 6 foot diameter. And it takes more power to cut hardwoods.
36” here rather have a long bar with no kickback
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 it’s about being able to stand up straight and buck, not necessarily the size of the wood. Once you go with a 32” bar you can’t go back.
I like a 20" bar with my 500i. It cuts a little faster than a 25" and weighs less. And I cannot lift any log the 20" bar will not cut. That having been said, I needed to buck a 23" hickory log a couple of days ago. I could have done it with my 20" bar but decided to save time by switching to my 25". But the resulting logs are way to heavy for me to lift. I rolled them into my loader bucket and put them at the bottom of my seasoning row. I will have to pre-split by hand when that time comes.
I agree. The 20" does seem faster. Both have their purpose.
Fair enough if your on level ground. Personally, sometimes im bucking big logs on slopes, and i want to be able to easily cut from the topside of the slope in case it rolls. Also, it can sometimes be useful to have a bit of distance from what im cutting when limbs are under a lot of tension.
I tend to run a 18" bar on my husqvarna 365 special, a 25 inch on my stihl 046 and husqvarna 572xp and a 28" or 32" bar on my husqvarna 390xp. This combination seems to work, i do have a 20" bar but seldom use it on any of my saws.
Try a 28" or 32". You'll never go back 😎
Supposed to hold the bar up while tightening
I buck with a 28” on my 362c and fall with 25” on my 661c. I can cut all day and not pay for it later. Holding a lighter saw with a longer bar a lot more than falling a tree.
My 261C has an 18” bar and works great out in the forest especially in tight places and whenever my job requires some hiking to get to the worksite.
That is a perfect use for the 261C. Great saw
I got a Stihl 500i with a 25” bar. Really wanting to go to a 20” bar. I grew up in Newfoundland Canada where everyone got 16” bars and that’s what I used until I moved to Alberta. Now I like the 18” bar on my 261 and wanting to try a 20” on my 500i. Debating if I should just buy a 400 with a 20” bar. I find cutting wood in the pile with the 25” bar is uncomfortable and harder to judge the tip. Also hate how long it takes to file the chain on the 25”. It’s really what one is use to.
I know exactly what you mean. I have a love hate for this 25" bar. I do like it for standing up and bucking rounds. Like the video shows, it is a much more comfortable position. However, I don't like the 25" for other types of cutting. Its just too big. The 20" is a nice balance for all work. Its funny you mention the 400 with a 20". I am also considering doing that. I have both ends of the spectrum covered with the 500i/25" bar and the 261C/18" bar. I think the 400C/20" bar would be that perfect mix between power/reach and weight for general cutting. Its hard to beat the speed of the 500i but it can be a lot of saw for delimbing or just some quick cuts. I will usually pull out the 261 for that but it has its limits and is a bit slow for me now that I have seen the speed of a big saw.
I totally agree with you. I’m only 5ft 8 and I liked the 25” bar at first but now I’m not liking it as much. It’s got it’s place. I’ve cut down a few trees where it came in handy. I like my 500 but wish it was a 1/2 pound lighter or a tiny bit smaller. That’s why I’m thinking the perfect saw might be the 400. Good for bucking and limbing. Then I also have each bar length. 18” 261, 20” 400, and the 500 with the 25”.
7.07 too tight chain setting
Lol. You must have had some cheap home owner Husqvarna’s if the chain loosened up on them or more likely a brand new chain that stretches like all new chains do 7:19. I just got my first Stihl a 500i 2 weeks ago but it is nothing special compared to all my 5 series Husqvarna’s XP pro models. You Stihl guys kill me😂
yes my first saws were 445s. love my 500I
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 thank you for being honest. If you get the opportunity try a 550XP Mark II (best 50cc class saw hands down) or a 572XP which is a bit heavy but built like a tank and will last forever. Time will tell if my new 500i is as good a saw as my 4 5 series(550, 562, 572 and 592) Husqvarna’s.
I think my bigger saws are gas hogs! My echo cs7310 p and my cs800 p those two cells are definitely gas hogs. Now the new Stihl chainsaw ms400 cm 24-in bar. is right there with my echo 590 timberwolf 20-in bar. on fuel consumption.
Yes, my 500i chugs fuel and oil. But it’s just crazy fast. Really fun.
The bigger saws burn more fuel per hour but they also cut more wood per hour. In my experience, the 500i actually uses less fuel than my previous MS441C per unit of cutting. My 500i uses a tank in 35 minutes when kept busy but cuts maybe 25% more wood than my 441C did in 45 minutes, which is how long it ran on a tank. So, it is actually more fuel efficient.
Holy shit was that painful to watch
ty😊😊
run the 25 inch on my 362 don't think i would ever go any shorter for fire wood can't beet standing up straight while cutting wood although a 500 with a 25-28 inch bar wood be nice