Ever been curious about the world of massive chainsaws? There are plenty out there with beefy engines and long bars, but which one tops them all?
Dive in as I explore the record-breaking behemoth that holds the Guinness World Record for ‘the world’s largest working chainsaw’ and let’s see if it’s up for the task of milling logs!
The Longest Chainsaw Created
Crafted by Moran Iron Works, Inc. of Onaway, Michigan, the longest working chainsaw is called “Big Gus.” It measures 22 feet, 11 inches long, and 6 feet high. In 1996, the longest bar was displayed at the Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in the USA.
Deemed as the longest working chainsaw, the Big Gus works at low-speed only to avoid the bar from falling off Highway 41.
Longest Chainsaw Bar
The longest bar created is the Stihl chainsaw which measures 72 inches. However, it’s not commonly available in hardware stores or chainsaw shops. Amazon only caters to one 72″ chainsaw bar, mainly the Forester chain, compatible with Husqvarna machines.
Considering buying a chainsaw? It’s a smart idea to visit a chainsaw expert before making your choice. Don’t forget, there are custom options available too, like the Oregon chainsaw bar and Cannon Super Bars. Get the right one for your needs!
What are the Uses of Long Chainsaws?
It’s uncommon to buy long chainsaws because they are more difficult to maintain and bulky to store. It also requires more arduous maintenance and can sometimes be stuck since it’s not always ideal to use these bars due to increased preventive measures required.
People buy long chainsaws because these chainsaws can be used for milling and slabbing large pieces of wood. Loggers find it easier to use long chainsaws for heavyweight woods and stumpwork.
In the unfortunate event of storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters causing fallen trees or debris, a long chainsaw can aid in clearing roads, driveways, or damaged structures.
Additionally, professional loggers often utilize long chainsaws to efficiently harvest timber in forestry operations.
Where to Buy Long Chainsaw Bars
Long chainsaw bars are better when custom-made, and shops like Cannon Bar Works offer long bars until 82″.
The Cannon Bar Works is prominent for creating the hardest-wearing bar rails and is one of the best chainsaw guide manufacturers in the world. Long chainsaw bars are also available on Amazon, but stocks are always limited for bars longer than 42″.
You can also find long chainsaw bars past 100 inches. The only difference with longer bars after 72” is that they are mostly double-ended, which means you’ll need two chainsaw powerheads to keep it running.
(If long bars are too much for your projects, check some of the high-quality chainsaw bars in this review!)
FAQ
What is the biggest bar you can put on a chainsaw?
The biggest bar you can put on a chainsaw depends on your chainsaw engine. But, you can use a chainsaw bar as long as 72″. The Cannon Bar Works in Canada are prominent for creating long bars compatible with Stihl or Husky Saws.
It’s important to check for power-bar compatibility before installing big bars on your chainsaw to avoid accidents and unnecessary damage to your engine.
How long should a chainsaw bar be?
The length of your chainsaw bar should match the engine power of your chainsaw. Gas-powered engines with 25-35 cc-power rating can cater up to 12-inch bars only, while battery-operated chainsaws with 54-60 volts power rating can run with a 14-16 inch bar.
What is the longest Stihl chainsaw bar?
The longest Stihl chainsaw bar in the models released was the MS 881, which runs on a 41″ chainsaw bar length, and is coined the most powerful chainsaw in the STIHL line-up. Custom-made long Oregon bars and Husky bars can still fit a STIHL chainsaw.
What is the longest chain saw blade?
The longest chain saw blade ever produced is the Big Gus Chainsaw which measures 6.98 meters (22 ft. 11 in.) long and 1.83 m (6 ft.) high and is powered by a V8 engine. The Guinness Book of World Records declared the Big Gus displayed at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in the USA as the biggest chainsaw in 1996 [1].
Conclusion
You might be tempted by the allure of the longest chainsaw bar out there, but think twice if you’re planning to use it for milling logs or chopping down trees. Sure, Big Gus and other models can handle those super-long bars, but there’s a catch.
It’s all about power balance. If your chainsaw doesn’t have the right power to match the bar, you’re not going to get efficient results. So, before making a decision, always ensure the power and bar are a good match!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
