Our guide to STIHL chainsaw guide bars

If you own a STIHL chainsaw, you’ve probably noticed that STIHL chainsaw guide bars come with unique names like Rollomatic, Duromatic, and more. But what do these names actually mean? And what sets apart a Rollomatic E from a Rollomatic ES? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into STIHL’s extensive range of chainsaw guide bars, providing you with a better understanding of what makes each guide bar unique and why it’s suitable for your STIHL chainsaw or pruner.

The Role of Guide Bars

Before we explore the various types of guide bars, let’s understand the crucial role they play in your chainsaw. Constructed from high-quality, highly resistant chrome molybdenum steel, the chainsaw guide bar guides the saw chain precisely over what you are cutting, minimising friction loss. Alongside the sprocket and the saw chain, the guide bar translates the engine power of the chainsaw into cutting performance. STIHL’s guide bars cover a wide spectrum of cutting jobs, from harvesting heavy logs to pruning smaller branches.

STIHL Rollomatic E, Rollomatic E Mini & Rollomatic ES Guide Bars

Rollomatic E Guide Bar

The Rollomatic E is one of the most widely used guide bars in STIHL’s range. It combines low weight with high stability, making it a versatile choice for various chainsaws, including domestic, agricultural, and professional forestry models. It accommodates 3/8″, 3/8″ P, or .325″ chainsaw chains and is available in 12″–25″ versions.

Rollomatic E Mini Guide Bar

The Rollomatic E Mini is narrower and lighter than the regular Rollomatic E. It is found on smaller chainsaws designed for domestic use and top-handle chainsaws, offering precision for specific pruning jobs. This guide bar works with 3/8″ Picco Micro Mini 3 or 1/4″ Picco Micro 3 saw chains and is available in 10″–14″ versions.

Rollomatic ES Guide Bar

The Rollomatic ES guide bar is designed for the highest professional demands, found on larger forestry chainsaws. With angled oil holes on the nose for optimal lubrication in forest environments, it accommodates 3/8″ and .404″ saw chains and is available in 20″–36″ versions.

STIHL Rollomatic E Light, Rollomatic E Mini Light & Rollomatic ES Light Guide Bars

Rollomatic E Light

The Rollomatic E Light reduces weight by up to 30% compared to the standard Rollomatic E. This lightweight design enhances balance and ease of use.

Rollomatic E Mini Light

The Rollomatic E Mini Light offers a weight reduction of up to 25% compared to the standard Rollomatic E Mini. It is ideal for pole pruners and cutting thinner wood.

Rollomatic ES Light

Constructed from a special wear-resistant steel, the Rollomatic ES Light provides a 30% weight reduction compared to the standard Rollomatic ES. It is a robust yet lightweight option for demanding tasks.

STIHL Light 04 & Light P04 Guide Bars

Light 04 Guide Bar

Exclusive to specific STIHL chainsaws, the Light 04 guide bar is lighter by 200g compared to existing guide bars. It enhances balance and reduces user fatigue, available in 14″–20″ versions and using a .325″ saw chain.

Light P04 Guide Bar

The Light P04 is a design upgrade of the Rollomatic E Light guide bar, available exclusively on specific STIHL cordless top-handle chainsaws.

STIHL Duromatic E Guide Bar

The Duromatic E guide bar is exceptionally hard-wearing and features a carbide alloy plating for the toughest forestry jobs. It is exclusive to the STIHL MS 881 petrol chainsaw, available in 41″ or 48″.

STIHL Carving E Guide Bars

If you’re into wood carving, the Carving E guide bar is tailored for low kickback, lightweight durability. It includes marks for precise depth measurement and is available in a 12″ version for 1/4″ or 1/4″ P chainsaw chains.

All STIHL chainsaw guide bars are manufactured in dedicated STIHL plants in Germany, the USA, and Brazil. Rigorous testing ensures they work harmoniously with STIHL chainsaws and saw chains. When choosing the right guide bar, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your cutting tasks. For any additional questions or guidance, feel free to ask in the comments below.

For all your STIHL chainsaw guide bar needs and more expert advice, visit us at www.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk, where we offer a wide range of high-quality garden tools and maintenance products to keep your chainsaw performing at its best.