Stihl for the N.W.

[Randall]

I plan to buy a Stihl MS 390 for occasional use on 40 acres in North Idaho.
The hardest thing I'll ever cut I guess is Larch. What would the longest bar I
could reasonably put on it? The local dealer will put a 26" on if I want.

[sawguy21]

That is the practical limit for the MS390. Longer bars will fit but are too much for that saw. It is for the farmer/rancher/weekend warrior. I would not go longer than 20".

[Striker]

I am going to be the oddball here, I opened up the muffler and put a 24" bar on our 390. Handles the big bar fine.

Jeff

[MrJim]

What is this with opening up the muffler????

More power but shorter life.  The main bearings will not handle the added load long term.  AND you are adding heat it was not designed to handle.  Want more power, buy it stock.

Also a 24/25" bar is the max I would put.  Remember the longer the chain the more to sharpen and more weight to carry around when not needed.

NOW a spare bar is what I use.  18" for my fire wood, longer if I have a big downed tree to handle and to use if I get the other bar hung.

[submarinesailor]

Don't get caught in the National Forest with an open muffler, practically in California.  It could get you a big ticket and the lose of you saw.

Bruce

[joe_indi]

Anything over 18" use semi chisel saw chain.
Full chisel is fine up to 18"