Stihl Farm Boss Bar Length Guide (5 Pro Tips For Firewood)

The Stihl Farm Boss: A Firewood Warrior

The Stihl Farm Boss is a workhorse. It’s a chainsaw that has earned its reputation for reliability and power, making it a favorite among homeowners and professionals alike. I remember the first time I fired up my Farm Boss – the raw power felt like taming a wild beast. But power without control is a recipe for disaster. And control, in the world of chainsaw operation, starts with the right bar length.

Why Bar Length Matters

Bar length isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about efficiency, safety, and the type of wood you’re tackling. A bar that’s too short might leave you struggling to cut through larger logs, while a bar that’s too long can make the saw unwieldy and increase the risk of kickback. Finding that sweet spot is key to maximizing your Farm Boss’s potential and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Pro Tip 1: Know Your Wood

Before you even think about bar length, you need to understand the type of wood you’ll be processing. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are denser and require more power than softwoods like pine or fir. The diameter of the logs you typically encounter will also influence your choice.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: A Deeper Dive

Hardwoods: These woods are generally denser, meaning they have more mass packed into the same volume. This translates to higher BTU (British Thermal Units) output when burned, making them ideal for long-lasting heat. However, their density also means they require more power to cut.
- Example: Oak, with a Janka hardness rating of around 1290 lbf, is a tough customer. A longer bar might be necessary to tackle large oak logs.
Softwoods: Softwoods are less dense and easier to cut, making them a good choice for kindling or starting fires. They also tend to dry faster than hardwoods.
- Example: Pine, with a Janka hardness rating of around 380 lbf, is significantly easier to cut than oak. A shorter bar might suffice for processing pine.

Understanding Wood Anatomy

Wood is composed of cells, primarily cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The arrangement and composition of these cells determine the wood’s density, strength, and drying characteristics.

Cellulose: The main structural component of wood, providing strength and rigidity.
Hemicellulose: A complex carbohydrate that binds cellulose fibers together.
Lignin: A complex polymer that adds rigidity and decay resistance to wood.

The higher the lignin content, the more durable and decay-resistant the wood will be. For example, black locust has a high lignin content, making it exceptionally durable and a popular choice for fence posts.

My Experience: Taming the Oak Monster

I once had a massive oak tree fall in my yard after a storm. It was a beast, easily 36 inches in diameter at the base. My usual 18-inch bar was simply not up to the task. I ended up renting a larger chainsaw with a 24-inch bar to safely and efficiently cut through the trunk. This experience taught me the importance of matching bar length to the wood I was processing.

Pro Tip 2: The 2-Inch Rule: A Safety Margin

As a general rule of thumb, you want a bar length that’s at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the wood you’re cutting. This allows you to make clean, efficient cuts without burying the entire bar in the wood. Burying the bar increases the risk of kickback and can strain the saw’s engine.

Kickback Explained

Kickback is a sudden, uncontrolled movement of the chainsaw that can occur when the tip of the bar comes into contact with an object or when the wood pinches the bar. It’s one of the most common causes of chainsaw injuries.

Rotational Kickback: Occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts an object. The saw can be thrown back towards the operator with considerable force.
Pinch Kickback: Occurs when the wood closes in on the bar during a cut, pinching the chain and causing the saw to be thrown back.
Pull-In: Occurs when the bottom of the bar nose contacts an object, causing the saw to be pulled forward.

Data Point: Kickback Statistics

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), chainsaw-related injuries result in over 30,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States alone. A significant portion of these injuries are attributed to kickback. Choosing the appropriate bar length and using proper cutting techniques can drastically reduce your risk.

My Experience: A Close Call

I once experienced a minor kickback while cutting a small log. The wood pinched the bar, and the saw jumped back slightly. Thankfully, I was using proper safety gear and had a firm grip on the saw, so I was able to maintain control. This incident reinforced the importance of always being aware of the potential for kickback and taking steps to prevent it.

Pro Tip 3: Consider the Saw’s Power

The Stihl Farm Boss is a powerful saw, but it’s not invincible. Overloading the saw with a bar that’s too long can strain the engine and shorten its lifespan. The manufacturer’s recommendations are a good starting point, but you should also consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting.

Stihl Farm Boss Bar Length Recommendations

The Stihl Farm Boss (models like the MS 271 and MS 291) typically supports bar lengths ranging from 16 to 20 inches. While you can technically install a longer bar, it’s generally not recommended unless you’re experienced and understand the potential consequences.

16-inch bar: Ideal for smaller jobs, limbing, and cutting firewood up to 12 inches in diameter.
18-inch bar: A good all-around choice for general firewood processing and felling smaller trees.
20-inch bar: Suitable for larger logs and more demanding tasks, but requires more skill and control.

Engine Displacement and Bar Length

The engine displacement of your chainsaw is a key factor in determining the appropriate bar length. The Stihl Farm Boss typically has an engine displacement of around 50-56 cc. This size engine can effectively power a bar up to 20 inches long, but pushing it beyond that can lead to performance issues.

My Experience: Pushing the Limits

I once tried using a 24-inch bar on my Farm Boss to fell a large pine tree. While the saw could technically handle the bar, it was noticeably slower and struggled to maintain speed in the thicker sections of the trunk. I ended up switching back to an 18-inch bar, which made the job much easier and more efficient. This experience taught me that it’s better to use the right tool for the job, even if it means making a few extra cuts.

Pro Tip 4: Master the Bore Cut Technique

The bore cut, also known as the plunge cut, is a technique used to safely fell trees and buck large logs. It involves drilling the tip of the bar into the wood to create a notch, allowing you to control the direction of the fall or relieve tension in the log. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with large trees or logs that are under stress.

How to Perform a Bore Cut

Position Yourself: Stand to the side of the log, ensuring you have a clear escape route.
Engage the Chain: Start the chainsaw and engage the chain brake.
Position the Bar: Place the tip of the bar against the wood at a slight angle.
Gently Plunge: Slowly and carefully plunge the tip of the bar into the wood, using the saw’s weight to guide it.
Create the Notch: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to create the desired notch.
Complete the Cut: Finish the cut by sawing through the remaining wood.

Why Bar Length Matters for Bore Cuts

A longer bar makes bore cutting easier and safer, as it allows you to reach deeper into the wood without having to reposition the saw. This is especially important when felling trees, as it allows you to create a precise hinge that controls the direction of the fall.

My Experience: Bore Cutting a Fallen Tree

I once used the bore cut technique to safely dismantle a large oak tree that had fallen across my driveway. The tree was under a lot of tension, and simply sawing through it would have been dangerous. By using the bore cut, I was able to relieve the tension and safely remove the tree in sections.

Pro Tip 5: Safety First: Gear Up and Stay Sharp

No matter what bar length you choose, safety should always be your top priority. Always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps. And make sure your chain is sharp – a dull chain is not only inefficient but also more dangerous.

Essential Safety Gear

Helmet: Protects your head from falling debris and kickback.
Eye Protection: Prevents wood chips and debris from entering your eyes.
Hearing Protection: Reduces noise levels to prevent hearing damage.
Gloves: Provide a secure grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Chainsaw Chaps: Protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.

Chain Maintenance

A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient chainsaw operation. A dull chain requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and straining the saw’s engine.

Sharpening: Sharpen your chain regularly using a chainsaw file or a chain grinder.
Tensioning: Ensure your chain is properly tensioned to prevent it from derailing.
Lubrication: Keep your chain lubricated with chainsaw bar and chain oil to reduce friction and wear.

Data Point: The Cost of Injuries

Chainsaw-related injuries can be costly, both in terms of medical expenses and lost productivity. According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a chainsaw-related injury is over $30,000. Investing in proper safety gear and following safe operating procedures can save you a lot of money and pain in the long run.

My Experience: The Importance of Sharpness

I once tried cutting firewood with a dull chain. It was a miserable experience. The saw vibrated excessively, the cuts were slow and ragged, and I was constantly fighting to keep the saw from kicking back. After struggling for an hour, I finally gave up and sharpened the chain. The difference was night and day. The saw cut smoothly and effortlessly, and the job was completed in a fraction of the time. This experience taught me that a sharp chain is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity.

Bar Length Selection: A Summary

To select the perfect bar length for your Stihl Farm Boss for firewood processing, consider these factors:

Wood Type: Hardwoods require longer bars than softwoods.
Log Diameter: Choose a bar that’s at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the logs you’ll be cutting.
Saw Power: Don’t overload the saw with a bar that’s too long.
Cutting Techniques: Consider the techniques you’ll be using, such as bore cutting.
Safety: Always prioritize safety and wear proper safety gear.

Recommended Bar Lengths for Common Firewood Species

Pine: 16-18 inches
Maple: 18-20 inches
Oak: 20 inches
Birch: 16-18 inches

Firewood Seasoning: The Final Touch

Once you’ve processed your firewood, it’s crucial to season it properly before burning it. Seasoning reduces the moisture content of the wood, making it easier to ignite and burn more efficiently.

The Importance of Seasoning

Green wood can contain up to 50% moisture content. Burning green wood results in:

Reduced Heat Output: Much of the energy is used to evaporate the water in the wood.
Increased Smoke: Wet wood produces more smoke, which can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Creosote Buildup: Burning wet wood increases the buildup of creosote in your chimney, which can lead to chimney fires.

Seasoning Techniques

Stacking: Stack your firewood in a single row, off the ground, with good air circulation.
Location: Choose a sunny, windy location to promote drying.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Time: Allow the wood to season for at least six months, or preferably a year or more.

Moisture Content Measurement

You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your firewood. The ideal moisture content for burning is below 20%.

My Experience: The Joy of Seasoned Wood

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of burning perfectly seasoned firewood. The wood lights easily, burns cleanly, and produces a steady, radiant heat. I’ve spent years perfecting my seasoning techniques, and I can tell you that it’s well worth the effort.

Conclusion: Mastering the Firewood Process

Choosing the right bar length for your Stihl Farm Boss is just one piece of the firewood puzzle. By understanding wood types, practicing safe cutting techniques, and properly seasoning your wood, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire all winter long. Remember, safety is paramount, so always wear proper safety gear and take your time. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a firewood pro in no time. Happy cutting!