Designed by international experts to last longer than similar industry standard chains, the STIHL Rapid Micro Harvester Special (RMHS) has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge. 

The STIHL RMHS saw chain is a semi-chisel chain with a slim, straight-sided cutter designed for all hydraulic harvester heads. It is an essential investment for professional timber harvesting operations.

The offset depth gauge of 1.0mm makes this a smooth-running chain so that the chance of dangerous breakages is minimised. The sliding surface has been increased through the patented asymmetrical toe and heel shape, resulting in considerably reduced pressure on the cutters and a longer service life. The saw chain is marked with the letters HS on the cutters and an arrow that points in the direction the saw chain rotates. 

The RMHS is designed to withstand continuous high loads, a standard element in highly mechanised timber harvesting operations. 

Compared to conventional saw chains, harvester saw chains are subject to extreme conditions. High loads can result in cracks radiating from the rivets that finally cause the chain to break. To address this problem, STIHL has designed the harvester chain elements to effectively and evenly distribute forces acting on the drive links, tie straps, cutters, and rivets over the entire saw chain. This significantly reduces the risk of cracking. The smaller distance between the tie straps increases flexural strength and reduces the risk of chainshot. 

Through focused R&D, STIHL has developed the ideal material mix for every component. With proper maintenance, the RMHS speciality saw chain ensures less friction for a smoother operation and increased wear period. The Rapid Micro Harvester Special saw chain is remarkable in that it has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge.

Making the RMHS work at its best

The chain's wide running faces extend the service life, so it is necessary to check that the guide-bar groove depth of the running faces on the chain, guide-bar rails, and chain sprocket match. Narrower saw chains cause a narrower wear pattern on the guide bar and chain sprocket.

The edge pressure increases when a new RMHS chain is mounted on a worn guide bar. This results in excessive wear or damage on the new saw chain. It is recommended that a new chain sprocket and a new guide bar be installed for optimum break-in and operation.

STIHL is known for its expertise in producing innovative, top-quality machines. Its harvester chains are precision-made in the company's Switzerland-based factories on custom-designed machinery. Meticulous production processes, strict quality control, and proper chain maintenance ensure less friction for smooth operations and longer wear life in a mechanised timber harvesting operation.