[srvy]

Originally Posted by Manila-Chief

Thanks guys! You guys were helpful. The saw has not been running well and one reason I'm considering buying a larger saw. Early on I would take it in and get it serviced about once a year. The owner of the shop passed away and I didn't see another Stihl shop, so it has not been serviced in a while.

After reading the "wisdom" here ... I'm thinking of taking a chance (may be better off to put the service charge on a new saw???), take it in for servicing and if it checks out buy an 18" or 20" bar and new chains.

A shorter bar is good for get in the thick of things and dropping branches and cutting to manageable size. Its more maneuverable and safer like in storm debris. Once you got it broke down and cleaned up the longer bar is ideal for busting down the trunk in manageable lengths. Most likely the tree trimmer that drops your tree will take the limbs put in pile then drop the trunk starting from top in segments. Really dont know how much you will really save as the easy part is a boom lift and putting it in container. Instead of chip and shred on spot. Id have bid on dropping it and cutting to sizes you can handle vs him drop and haul it away. Also last I checked some home depot with rentals rent chain saws in larger bar length.