cutting the tree with the makita chainsaw 18 inch

[Ken Green!]

I have a makita chainsaw 18 inch, it’s great, but I wonder what size tree an 18 inch chainsaw can cut?
Also does the wood type (hardwood vs. softwood) significantly affect the maximum diameter I should attempt with this size bar?

 

[TreeDude]

A bar that's 18 inches long can tackle trees with a diameter of up to 36 inches when using the bore cutting method. However, for the best results in a single pass, it’s more effective on trees that are between 12 and 16 inches in diameter. When it comes to cutting, hardwoods need more power and take longer to cut through compared to softwoods of the same bar length. Your Makita can manage both types, but just keep in mind that you’ll likely spend more time cutting and need to sharpen the chain more often with tougher hardwoods like oak or maple.

 

[ken4nedy]

The wood type definitely matters, you see softwoods cut easier and let you push the saw closer to its limit, while dense hardwoods will bog the saw down faster and demand sharper chains and more patience. The bar size sets your reach, but the power of the saw and your technique ultimately decide how big you can go

 

[Alan]

Use the right chain type. Low-profile or semi-chisel chains make cutting hardwoods easier and save wear on saws like your Makita.

 

[Franny...K]

I see 3 questions can, should, and the one about hard vs soft wood. Generally there have been pictures in the owners manual showing after making a conventional notch sticking the bar in and cutting out a bunch of the middle, the core say all the 6 inch diameter of growth rings. Then doing the back cut having the hinge with a gap in the middle. The wider the notch the farther in one can plunge to get the core. An 18 inch supposed bar generally isn't 18 inches from the spikes to the tip, quite a bit less for 61 or 62 dl 3/8 lp.

It is vague as to if it is felling or if the tree is on the ground horizontal or maybe even hung up. Or if one is making firewood rounds or logs or just cleaning up with machinery to dispose of the pieces as for the should part question.

 

[FATBOY2017]

The saw model and engine size is is also relevant, you can fit a 18" bar on a 35cc saw as a bigger model but I noticed you write about 3/8 lp which indicates a smaller saw, you can still cut bar fully buried but it puts a lot of stress on the motor and clutch, you have to take it slow and not force the saw, keep the revs up and use a new or sharp chain letting the saw pull into the wood without pushing it