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Chainsaw chain

does size matter?

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Rob

03-04-2003 07:04:34

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I am about to buy a new Husky 346XP. To my surprise it is fitted with a 14" bar and a 7/16" chain instead of a 3/8" chain on a 15" bar. I am okay with this as I want a light saw for small stuff but I have never used such a small chain. Since it is a pro saw I figure Husky must know what it is doing. Does anyone have any experience with such a small chain. Do they stand up? Cut and clear as good as a 3/8"? Is there anything else I should know about using a chain so small? Thanks for your help.

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Bishop

03-04-2003 18:16:13

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

I bought a ECHO 16" bar about 15 years ago and I believe no other chain saw could beat it. It's great. My nephew borrowed it to cut a tree that Hurricame Lilli knocked down. He ask me if it used "regular" gas, I said yes, thinking he ment regular or high test. I gave him my mixed gas can but he said he used his own. OK I thought, He called me two days later and said it locked up (FROZEN) I ask him about the gas and he said he used strait regular instead of super. I ask him why he didn't use the mixed gas I gave him, he said he would use his gas to save me money. He misunderstood what I said about the gas.
I took the ECHO engine apart and it the piston was frozen stuck. I used WD40 and finally it broke free. I put it back together and it runs great, without any indications of damage. That was about 100 trees ago. If I ever need another chain saw, it will be an ECHO.

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WRW

03-04-2003 16:13:36

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

Rob,
I went back and read where you had asked advice on the purchase of this saw. It sounds to me like your dealer set this saw up for your specific needs. The .325 chain is good for this size saw motor. Jokers had some good advice on specific chain types.
Bill

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Bob Weber

03-04-2003 15:45:31

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

Isn't 7/16 BIGGER than 3/8? It was when I went to school?

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Slofr8

03-04-2003 15:42:00

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

Rob, It depends what you want it for. When I was cutting profesionaly back in the early '80's we cut mostly spruce and fir and used 162 & 266 Huskys set up with a 19 or 20" bar and 7/16 chain. It worked well and I still use them today for fire wood, pruning trees, and clearing my land. Before I got done cutting wood for a living I met an old Canadian that was in surpisingly good shape for his age. He used a small saw (40 something cc)with a short bar and small chain and cut a LOT of wood. His reasoning was the saw is smaller but you're making a 1/3rd narrower slice in that tree with the small chain. Also, even with a 12" bar you can cut a big tree. For a tree, say over 24",cut your notch, then plunge your bar into the center of the notch removing some of the middle. Start the cut on one side going right around the tree. Quite fast once you get the hang of it. "Remember" he told me in french. "once that tree is on the ground you still have to limb it." That's where the small saw has the advantage. Much, much easyer to carry all day. Now if you're bucking logs or cutting a lot of hard wood then thats a differant story. I think he was right. The key is to keep a good file on hand and learn how to use it. I'll allways have a bigger saw for fire wood but when I buy another, it will be one like you describe for everything else.
Good luck.

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VaTom

03-04-2003 09:59:25

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

Hi Rob,

When I went the other direction, to a larger chain, I found a great increase in cutting speed. Also went from a Husky to a Stihl, but I think the major difference was the larger chain. For my use, non-climbing, I wouldn't go back. As joker said, why the 14" bar?

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Rob

03-04-2003 10:49:33

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Re: Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to VaTom, 03-04-2003 09:59:25

I'm really not sure why the 14" bar. It surprised me. I was really surprised also however by the weight of the saw with this short bar and smaller chain. And weight is really important to me for this saw - I will use it only for softwood (fencing), limbing and clearing around the edge of fields. That's why I am curious about the .325 chain and how well it works. Actually the short bar will keep me from using it for bigger trees as well so I am okay with it. I've never used anything shorter than 15" so the saw feels especially light and manouverable in my hands. I think I could work extra hours with a saw like that. But you say you would never go back to a small chain?

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VaTom

03-04-2003 15:29:39

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Re: Re: Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 10:49:33

Hi Rob,

That's right. I run an old Stihl 039 that's provided all of our heat for the last 10 yrs and hasn't needed any repairs or adjustments. It's also done a couple miles of driveway creating plus lot clearing, no softwoods. Clearly I don't mind a heavier saw. When I'm running it, I want it to cut- as fast as it can. For me, .325 is wrong. Maybe the weight factor will make up the difference for you. I'd still go for a longer bar to keep from having to reach so far, especially for limbing. I prefer loppers for small branches. Then I don't have to listen to the saw.

One thing I don't want to do is repeatedly bend over any farther than necessary. My longer bar helps. The Husky experience I had left a lot to be desired. It was very temperamental. And, yes, I have friends who love theirs.

I have a small bar electric that I've used to sculpt. Doesn't weigh anything to speak of but it also doesn't feel (or cut) like a real chain saw.

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VaTom

03-04-2003 15:28:45

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Re: Re: Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 10:49:33

Hi Rob,

I have a small bar electric that I've used to sculpt. Doesn't weigh anything to speak of but it also doesn't feel (or cut) like a real chain saw.

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jokers

03-04-2003 08:03:11

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Re: Chainsaw chain - does size matter? in reply to Rob, 03-04-2003 07:04:34

Hi Rob, that would be a .325 pitch chain vs the .375(3/8) you are used to. The smaller Huskies are normally set up with Oregon 95VP chain which cuts very well and is smooth as silk, it isn`t quite as fast as some of the other .325 chain such as 33LG which is a small tooth with square corner or the 20LP which is a much larger tooth with square corner and bumper guard links. Keep them sharp and chip clearance shouldn`t be an issue. The only problem with the other chains I suggested is that they are not recommended for the Micro Lite bar that comes standard on the saw. You will need at least a Pro Lite or Powermatch Plus bar. Now is the time to negotiate some sort of upgrade to one of these bars and chain types before you buy the saw. Why isn`t the saw setup with a 16" bar, I believe that`s the standard setup. Another good lightweight saw that isn`t recognized by most as a Pro saw is the 353 Husky. It has roughly 7 ccs more displacement and the same weight as the 346. The crankshaft, bearings, and crankcase are all interchangeable with the 346, same parts. It`s powerband is around 9,000 rpm vs 9,700 for the 346 but it is more tractable which means it has more stump power. Russ

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