From a chainsaw’s chain down to the oil that keeps all its parts running smoothly, choosing the right chainsaw accessories helps set you and your machine up for successful work and helps maximize the lifespan of your saw.
Ideal Chainsaw Bar Length
Determining the right length of your chainsaw bar depends on what woodworking tasks you want to accomplish. STIHL guide bars range from 10 inches, which can be found on STIHL tree-trimming pole pruners, to a whopping 59 inches (over 4.5 feet), which are used in extreme tree felling operations.
The type of wood you are cutting will also help determine what length chainsaw bar to use. When cuttings ofter woods like cedar or pine, using a longer bar is more common. This is because not as much power is needed to cut through the soft material. When cutting hard woods like oak or maple, using a smaller chainsaw bar is more ideal. A smaller chainsaw bar allows you more power to be able to cut easily through the hard wood.
The same chainsaw can be used at your home and on a hunt with the swap of the bar. The following chainsaw bar lengths are common for homeowner and farm and ranch use:
- Shorter chainsaw bars—around 14 inches—are ideal for property maintenance and tasks like trimming, pruning, and cutting down broken tree limbs.
- Chainsaw bars around 16 inches to 18 inches are best for felling small-to- medium trees or cutting through thick branches.
- Chainsaws with a 20-inch or longer bar are best suited for felling larger trees or cutting firewood.
Clearing a path to the perfect hunting spot? STIHL has an ideal saw chain for the great outdoors.
The patented STIHL HEXA™ saw chain is unique, durable, and the first of its kind on the market. This sawchain features a V-shaped cutting edge and square-cornered teeth designed for fast, aggressive cutting, so you can get cutting jobs done quickly and efficiently.
The HEXA™ saw chain cuts faster and retains an edge longer, so you don’t have to stop work to sharpen as often. When the saw chain does need to be sharpened, the hexagon-shaped file makes it quick and easy, so you can add it to your prep list before your next hunting trip.
When using your chainsaw in high temperatures or in the higher altitudes, vapor lock is more common. Reach for STIHL MotoMix® Summer Blend, which is designed to keep your equipment running smoothly even in challenging climates. The two-cycle premixed fuel reduces vapor lock and offers higher octane with equal performance when compared to the standard MotoMix®, making it the best choice for chainsaw use in higher altitudes.
Bar and Chain Oil
Optimize the flow of your chainsaw by using the proper bar and chain oil. The oil not only helps prevent sap and pitch from sticking to components of your chainsaw, but it also provides lubrication and reduces wear. STIHL offers a few different varieties of bar and chain oil, depending on your needs:
- Platinum Bar and Chain Oil: Formulated with special oil base and provides superior lubrication to help maintain your chainsaw bar and saw chain. Ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Woodcutter Bar and Chain Oil: Specialized formula designed for high-speed, heavy-duty cutting. Features additives to help extend the life of chainsaw bars, saw chains, and oil pumps.
- Winter Bar and Chain Oil: Special formula to provide proper lubrication to help maintain your chainsaw bar and chain in cold weather.
- BioPlusTM Bar and Chain Oil: Made from a vegetable oil base, STIHL BioPlus™ oil is the environmentally conscious way to keep your bar and chain lubricated.
Finding the Right Chainsaw Accessories for You
Consider your local STIHL Dealer a partner in planning your next hunting excursion. They are available to assist you and answer any questions about your specific chainsaw model and chainsaw accessories. Looking for a convenient way to shop STIHL? Order your tools and accessories online and pick them up in-store at your local STIHL Dealer.