20 Inch Bar And Chain For Stihl Chainsaw (5 Pro Tips)

Do you ever find yourself staring at a towering oak, imagining the warmth it could bring on a chilly winter evening, or the satisfaction of crafting beautiful furniture from its sturdy frame? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro, felling timber day in and day out. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time logger, the heart of your operation often boils down to one crucial tool: the chainsaw. And at the heart of that chainsaw? The bar and chain. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of 20-inch bars and chains for Stihl chainsaws, focusing on five pro tips to maximize your investment and productivity. But before we get to the tips, let’s talk about money. More specifically, how to budget for this essential piece of equipment. I’ll share my insights on navigating the often-murky waters of chainsaw bar and chain costs, drawing from years of personal experience and industry data.

Decoding the Cost of a 20-Inch Bar and Chain for Your Stihl Chainsaw: A Pro’s Guide

The price of a 20-inch bar and chain for your Stihl chainsaw can vary wildly, from budget-friendly options to premium, professional-grade components. This variation stems from several key factors, including the brand, quality of materials, and intended use. I’ve seen prices range from as little as $30 for a basic replacement chain to upwards of $200 for a high-end bar and chain combo designed for heavy-duty logging.

Factors Influencing the Price: A Deep Dive

Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to the overall cost:

Brand Reputation: Stihl’s own bars and chains command a premium due to their reputation for durability and performance. Aftermarket brands like Oregon, Carlton, and Husqvarna (yes, even for Stihl!) offer more affordable alternatives, but the quality can vary. I’ve personally used Oregon chains with good results on smaller firewood projects, but for larger jobs, I always lean towards Stihl.
Bar Construction and Materials: The bar itself can be constructed from different types of steel, with hardened alloys offering superior resistance to wear and tear. Solid bars are generally more expensive than laminated bars but are also more durable and less prone to bending. The presence of replaceable sprocket noses on the bar also adds to the cost.
Chain Type and Features: Chain types range from standard ripping chains to aggressive full-chisel chains designed for fast cutting. Features like hardened cutters, chrome plating, and anti-vibration designs all contribute to the price. Low-kickback chains, while safer for less experienced users, tend to be slightly more expensive.
Chain Gauge and Pitch: The gauge (thickness of the drive links) and pitch (distance between rivets) must match your chainsaw’s specifications. Using the wrong gauge or pitch can damage your saw. Mismatched parts are a common mistake I see, and it always ends up costing more in the long run. Ensure you have the correct specifications before purchasing.
Retailer and Location: Prices can fluctuate depending on where you purchase your bar and chain. Local hardware stores and chainsaw dealers often charge a premium for convenience and expertise. Online retailers like Amazon and eBay can offer lower prices, but you lose the benefit of hands-on advice and the ability to inspect the product before buying.
Bundle Deals: Keep an eye out for bundle deals that include both the bar and chain, as these can often offer significant savings compared to purchasing them separately. I recently snagged a deal that included two chains for the price of one – it pays to shop around!

Decoding the Numbers: Real-World Cost Examples

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some specific examples:

Stihl 20-Inch Rollomatic E Bar and Chain Combo: Typically ranges from $150 to $200. This is a professional-grade option known for its durability and smooth cutting performance.
Oregon 20-Inch PowerCut Bar and Chain Combo: Generally falls in the $80 to $120 range. A solid aftermarket option for occasional users.
Carlton 20-Inch Pro Series Bar and Chain Combo: Often priced between $70 and $100. Offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
Generic/No-Name 20-Inch Bar and Chain: Can be found for as little as $30 to $50. While tempting, I strongly advise against these for anything beyond the lightest tasks. The steel quality is often suspect, leading to premature wear and potential safety hazards.

Data Source: Pricing based on average online and in-store prices from major retailers and chainsaw dealers as of Q4 2023. Prices are subject to change.

The Long-Term Cost: It’s More Than Just the Initial Price

It’s crucial to remember that the initial purchase price is only one piece of the puzzle. A cheaper bar and chain might seem appealing at first, but if it wears out quickly or requires frequent sharpening, the long-term cost can easily exceed that of a higher-quality option.

Consider these factors when calculating the true cost:

Lifespan: A durable bar and chain will last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements. I’ve had Stihl bars last for several years with proper maintenance, while cheaper alternatives have needed replacing after just a few months of heavy use.
Sharpening Frequency: A high-quality chain will hold its edge longer, requiring less frequent sharpening. This saves you time and money on sharpening equipment or professional sharpening services.
Downtime: A reliable bar and chain will minimize downtime due to breakage or malfunction. Downtime translates directly into lost productivity, which can be a significant cost for professional loggers. I remember one instance where a cheap chain snapped mid-cut, causing a full day of delays on a crucial timber harvesting project.
Safety: A well-maintained, high-quality bar and chain is safer to use. A dull or damaged chain is more likely to kick back or break, increasing the risk of injury.

Pro Tip #1: Invest in Quality, Not Just Price

This leads us to our first pro tip: Invest in quality, not just price. While it’s tempting to save a few bucks upfront, a higher-quality bar and chain will ultimately save you money in the long run through increased lifespan, reduced downtime, and improved safety.

Budgeting for Your 20-Inch Bar and Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand the cost factors, let’s create a practical budget for your 20-inch bar and chain:

Assess Your Needs: How often do you use your chainsaw? What types of wood are you cutting? What is your budget? Answering these questions will help you determine the appropriate level of quality and features.
Research Brands and Models: Read reviews, compare specifications, and talk to other chainsaw users to gather information about different brands and models.
Compare Prices: Shop around at local stores and online retailers to find the best deals. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and sales tax.
Factor in Maintenance Costs: Include the cost of sharpening equipment (files, grinders) and bar oil in your budget.
Consider a Contingency Fund: Set aside a small amount of money for unexpected repairs or replacements. Chainsaws are notorious for failing at the worst possible moment!
Prioritize Safety: Never compromise on safety to save money. A high-quality bar and chain is a crucial investment in your well-being.

Data-Driven Insights: Timber Prices and Fuelwood Market Rates

Understanding the broader context of timber prices and fuelwood market rates can help you make informed decisions about your chainsaw bar and chain investments.

According to the USDA Forest Service, the average stumpage price (the price paid for standing timber) for sawtimber in the United States in 2022 was around $300 per thousand board feet (MBF). However, this price can vary significantly depending on the species, quality, and location of the timber. For example, high-value hardwoods like walnut and cherry can fetch prices exceeding $1,000 per MBF, while lower-value softwoods like pine may sell for as little as $100 per MBF.

Data Source: USDA Forest Service, National Report on Sustainable Forests – 2020

The fuelwood market is equally diverse, with prices ranging from $150 to $400 per cord, depending on the species, seasoning, and location. In urban areas with high demand, seasoned hardwood like oak and maple can command premium prices.

Data Source: Local firewood retailers and online marketplaces (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) – Prices vary by region and season.

Knowing these market rates can help you estimate the potential return on investment for your chainsaw operations. If you’re cutting timber for sale, a more efficient bar and chain can increase your productivity and profitability. If you’re preparing firewood for sale, a durable bar and chain can reduce your labor costs and increase your output.

Pro Tip #2: Sharpen Your Chain Regularly

Our second pro tip is sharpen your chain regularly. A sharp chain cuts faster, cleaner, and more efficiently, reducing strain on your chainsaw and extending the life of your bar and chain. I typically sharpen my chain after every few tanks of gas, or whenever I notice a decrease in cutting performance.

Case Study: The Cost of Dullness

I once worked on a project where we were clearing a large stand of pine trees for a development project. One of the crew members, let’s call him Dave, was notorious for neglecting his chainsaw maintenance. He would run his chain until it was practically blunt, then complain about how slow his saw was cutting.

Over the course of the project, Dave went through three chains and one bar, while the rest of us only needed to replace our chains once. He also spent significantly more time sharpening his chain, and his saw was constantly overheating.

In the end, Dave’s “savings” on maintenance ended up costing him more in replacement parts, downtime, and reduced productivity. This is a perfect example of how neglecting maintenance can negate any potential cost savings.

Pro Tip #3: Proper Bar and Chain Maintenance

Which brings us to the third pro tip: Practice proper bar and chain maintenance. This includes:

Regularly cleaning your bar and chain: Remove sawdust and debris to prevent buildup and wear.
Checking the bar rails for wear: File down any burrs or unevenness.
Lubricating your bar and chain: Use high-quality bar oil to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
Storing your bar and chain properly: Keep them clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion.

The Importance of Bar Oil: A Lubrication Lesson

Speaking of bar oil, it’s worth emphasizing the importance of using a high-quality lubricant. Bar oil is specifically formulated to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by a chainsaw bar and chain. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to premature wear, overheating, and even bar failure.

I’ve seen people try to use everything from motor oil to vegetable oil as a substitute for bar oil. While these might seem like cost-effective alternatives, they simply don’t provide the necessary lubrication and protection. In fact, using the wrong oil can actually damage your bar and chain.

A good bar oil will have the following properties:

High viscosity: To cling to the bar and chain and prevent fling-off.
Good lubricity: To reduce friction and wear.
Tackiness: To adhere to the metal surfaces and provide a continuous film of lubrication.
Anti-wear additives: To protect against metal-to-metal contact.

Pro Tip #4: Choosing the Right Chain for the Job

Our fourth pro tip is choose the right chain for the job. Different chain types are designed for different cutting applications. Using the wrong chain can reduce your efficiency and increase the risk of kickback.

Here’s a quick overview of common chain types:

Full-Chisel Chain: Aggressive cutting action, ideal for felling trees and cutting clean wood. Requires more skill to use and is more prone to kickback.
Semi-Chisel Chain: More forgiving than full-chisel, suitable for general-purpose cutting.
Low-Kickback Chain: Designed to reduce the risk of kickback, ideal for beginners and occasional users. Cuts slower than full-chisel or semi-chisel chains.
Ripping Chain: Designed for cutting wood parallel to the grain, ideal for milling lumber.

Calculating Wood Volume: Board Feet and Cords

Understanding how to calculate wood volume is essential for budgeting and managing your wood processing projects. The two most common units of measurement are board feet and cords.

Board Foot: A unit of volume equal to 144 cubic inches (12 inches x 12 inches x 1 inch). Used for measuring lumber and sawtimber.
Cord: A unit of volume equal to 128 cubic feet (4 feet x 4 feet x 8 feet). Used for measuring firewood.

To calculate the volume of a log in board feet, you can use the Doyle Log Scale, which is a commonly used formula in the United States:

Board Feet = (Small End Diameter in Inches - 4)^2 * Length in Feet / 16

For example, a log with a small end diameter of 12 inches and a length of 16 feet would contain approximately 128 board feet:

(12 - 4)^2 * 16 / 16 = 64

To convert board feet to cords, you can use the following approximation:

1 Cord ≈ 500 Board Feet

Keep in mind that these are just approximations. The actual volume of wood in a log or cord can vary depending on the species, shape, and stacking density.

Pro Tip #5: Safety First

Finally, and most importantly, our fifth pro tip is always prioritize safety. Chainsaws are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if used improperly. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including:

Eye protection: Safety glasses or a face shield.
Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs.
Head protection: A hard hat.
Hand protection: Chainsaw gloves.
Leg protection: Chainsaw chaps or pants.
Foot protection: Steel-toed boots.

Understanding Drying Time: Moisture Content and Seasoning

If you’re preparing firewood, understanding drying time is crucial. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn and reduces its heat output. Seasoning wood involves allowing it to dry naturally, reducing its moisture content to around 20%.

The drying time for firewood depends on several factors, including the species of wood, the size of the pieces, and the climate. As a general rule, hardwoods like oak and maple take longer to dry than softwoods like pine and fir.

Here’s a rough estimate of drying times for different wood species:

Softwoods (Pine, Fir): 6-12 months
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple): 12-24 months

To speed up the drying process, you can:

Split the wood: Smaller pieces dry faster.
Stack the wood properly: Allow for good air circulation.
Store the wood in a sunny, well-ventilated location.

You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood. A reading of 20% or less indicates that the wood is properly seasoned.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

So, what are the key takeaways from our deep dive into 20-inch bars and chains for Stihl chainsaws?

Invest in quality: A higher-quality bar and chain will save you money in the long run.
Maintain your equipment: Regular maintenance will extend the life of your bar and chain.
Choose the right chain: Select the appropriate chain type for the job.
Prioritize safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow safe operating procedures.

Now, what are your next steps?

Assess your needs: Determine the appropriate level of quality and features for your chainsaw bar and chain.
Research brands and models: Read reviews, compare specifications, and talk to other chainsaw users.
Create a budget: Factor in the cost of the bar and chain, maintenance equipment, and safety gear.
Shop around for the best deals: Compare prices at local stores and online retailers.
Start cutting! But remember, safety first!

Final Thoughts: The Art and Science of Wood Processing

Wood processing, whether it’s felling trees for timber or preparing firewood for your home, is both an art and a science. It requires a blend of skill, knowledge, and the right tools. By understanding the cost factors involved and following these pro tips, you can maximize your efficiency, minimize your expenses, and enjoy the satisfaction of working with wood.