Choosing the right chainsaw bar size is more than just a matter of preference—it directly impacts cutting speed, power efficiency, and ease of use. If you’re buying a new chainsaw or thinking about swapping out your bar, understanding how bar length affects performance is crucial. Whether you’re felling trees, bucking logs, or cutting firewood, the right bar size can make your work easier, safer, and more efficient.
Let’s break down the key factors in picking the best chainsaw bar length for your specific needs.
How Bar Length Affects Chainsaw Power
One of the most misunderstood aspects of chainsaw bar length is how it impacts power output. Many assume that longer bars are automatically better because they allow for deeper cuts, but this isn’t always true.
A longer bar means more drive links (the small metal connectors on the chain), which require more torque to pull. This is similar to putting bigger tires on a vehicle—it adds resistance, requiring more power to maintain performance. If your chainsaw isn’t powerful enough to handle a longer bar, it will struggle to cut efficiently, reducing speed and increasing wear on the engine.
If you’re using a smaller saw, running a bar that’s too long will make the tool feel underpowered and sluggish, leading to slower cutting speeds and greater strain on the motor.
Matching Bar Length to Chainsaw Engine Size
Chainsaws are classified by engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc). Here’s a general guideline for matching bar length to engine size:
- 50cc Chainsaws – Best with 16 to 18-inch bars
- 60cc Chainsaws – Best with 18 to 20-inch bars
- 70cc Chainsaws – Best with 20 to 25-inch bars
While these aren’t hard rules, they serve as a good baseline. A 50cc chainsaw can technically run a 20-inch bar, but cutting performance will suffer, especially in hardwoods.
If you find yourself constantly pushing the limits of a chainsaw’s bar length, it’s often better to upgrade to a more powerful saw rather than forcing a smaller saw to work harder.
Softwood vs. Hardwood: Bar Length Considerations
The type of wood you’re cutting should influence your bar length choice.
- Softwoods (pine, cedar, fir, etc.) are easier to cut and require less power, allowing you to use a longer bar without slowing down the chainsaw. In areas where softwood dominates, it’s common to see chainsaws with larger bars than their engine size would typically suggest.
- Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, etc.) demand more power to cut efficiently, meaning you’ll get better performance with a shorter bar that maximizes cutting speed. A slightly shorter bar also helps with maneuverability, which is especially useful when cutting logs on the ground.
For example, an 18-inch bar on a 50cc chainsaw is ideal for hardwoods because it provides enough reach without overloading the engine.
Balance and Handling: Why Bar Length Affects Comfort
Beyond power considerations, chainsaw bar length also affects handling and balance. A longer bar shifts the weight forward, making the saw harder to control, especially for tasks requiring precision cuts.
If you frequently use a chainsaw for limbing or detailed cutting, a shorter bar provides better maneuverability and control. On the other hand, if you’re primarily felling large trees, a longer bar is more effective, allowing you to cut through the trunk in fewer passes.
Bar weight also plays a role – a longer bar makes the chainsaw front-heavy, which can cause wrist and arm fatigue over extended use. Finding the right balance between bar size and powerhead weight ensures that your saw feels comfortable and well-balanced in your hands.
The 18-Inch Sweet Spot for 50cc Chainsaws
For a 50cc pro-level chainsaw, the 18-inch bar is often considered the best balance of cutting power, control, and efficiency.
A 16-inch bar can work well for limbing and cutting smaller logs, but an 18-inch bar provides just enough extra reach to handle larger trees without sacrificing too much power.
While a 20-inch bar can be used, it tends to make the chainsaw feel slower and less efficient, especially when cutting dense wood like oak.
When to Go Bigger: 60cc and 70cc Chainsaws
If you move up to a 60cc chainsaw, running a 20-inch bar makes sense. With more horsepower than a 50cc saw, it can handle the extra drive links without sacrificing cutting speed.
In softer woods, some users even run 24-inch bars on 60cc chainsaws, but this is usually only practical when cutting pine or fir.
For 70cc chainsaws, a 24 to 25-inch bar is standard, giving enough reach for large-diameter trees without straining the engine. In softwoods, some users go even longer, running 28-inch bars or more.
Modifications and Performance Enhancements
Chainsaws can be modified to handle larger bars more effectively. Muffler mods, porting, and engine tuning can boost power output, allowing a smaller chainsaw to comfortably run a longer bar.
However, these modifications require expertise and proper tuning, so they aren’t always an option for the average user. For most people, sticking with factory-recommended bar lengths is the best approach.
The Importance of Chain Sharpness
No matter what bar size you choose, chain sharpness is far more critical than length. A sharp chain on a shorter bar will outperform a dull chain on a longer bar every time.
Regular sharpening and maintenance ensure that your chainsaw runs efficiently, no matter the bar size.
Choosing the Right Bar for Your Needs
Ultimately, picking the best chainsaw bar size comes down to your specific needs:
- For general-purpose cutting in hardwoods, go with a shorter bar to maintain power and speed.
- For felling larger trees in softwood forests, a longer bar may be beneficial.
- For professional use, balance power, efficiency, and ergonomics to reduce fatigue and increase productivity.
If you find yourself forcing the saw through cuts, your bar may be too long for the engine size. On the flip side, if you constantly need to cut in multiple passes, you may benefit from a slightly longer bar.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Chainsaw bar size is a critical factor in getting the most out of your saw. Bigger isn’t always better – matching the right bar length to your chainsaw’s power, cutting needs, and wood type will make your work faster, safer, and more efficient.
For most users, sticking within the manufacturer’s recommended bar length range is the best approach. If you frequently push the limits of your saw, consider moving up to a more powerful chainsaw rather than overloading a smaller one.
The key takeaway? Choose a bar length that optimizes power, balance, and control – not just one that looks impressive. The right tool for the job will always make your work easier in the long run.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.