bow bar for chainsaw

[homerescue]

PLease has anyone seen, used, or know what a bow bar is for a chainsaw. Description best I can describe is looks like or shaped like a bow saw or sorta egg shaped, and hooks to the chainsaw powerhead just like a regular bar does, 14" wide at widest point and 18" long. Anybody know what their purpose is or have ever used one. Looks pretty interesting just wonder if its useable.

[spoolinaround]

DON'T USE THEM

they are dangerous as hell, I used one once and almost ended up with a face full of chainsaw chain

[Shady Brook]

I am with Spoolin, even most arborists and tree workers fear them, and will not use them. I think it has value in brushy situations, but is not worth the hazzards.

Jay

[4734]

That's why they don't make them any more.

[NCSULandscaper]

It does no more than what a regular chain bar will do, they all cut. The bow bar like said is extremely dangerous, stay away.

[Andyinchville]

Just my 2 cents but I did see one person cutting w/ a bow saw and I have never been a machine cut through so much fallen timber in so little time....It was really impressive.....BUT.....On the flip side they
are more dangerous.....I suppose you'll
have to weigh productivity vs safety on this one.....Personally I'd rather not risk it.....Better safe that way sorry....

[work_it]

They're so right about it being dangerous. With the increased surface area on the leading edge you have to deal with a lot of kick backs. If you want good production just make sure you have a sharp chain, and a saw that can handle a heavy load. I also like having the 20" bar on my Husky.

[skmodmsl]

Looks to me like a band saw. Never used such a unit. I can see a use for it.

[mowingmachine]

I was at a dealership down in Moultrie, GA about 4 years ago and they were bragging up this type of bar. The dealer even let me try one out back. He informed me that they have been outlawed due to safety reasons. I guess I didn't really see an advantage but I only ran it for maybe a minute. It might make cutting up a fallen tree easier because the tip is very effective. Instead of cutting from top to bottom you can cut side to side. So you wouldn't have to deal with blade pinching at all. They told me they were used and are still used quite a bit for cutting up junk wood for the paper mills down south.

mowingmachine

[protouchlawn]

I have a buddy who has one on a big Stihl. After watching him use it to help me with cleanups after Hurricane Isabel, I would not touch one with a 32ft. pole. It was constantly kicking back,and this guy KNOWS how to use a chain saw!!!