Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Attention Forum Users: On the 28th of December 2023 at 9:00am Central Time, we will be taking the forums down for maintenance while we prepare the new forums for your use. Please click here for more information.

Tool Talk Discussion Forum

New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is best

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Redd

11-17-2004 15:33:38




Report to Moderator

I am getting a new chainsaw, (the brand is not the issue here), and the one I thought I wanted is equipped with .325 chain. I don't have a problem with this because my old one does too. But the saw shop guy says the .325 chain is lighter and will stretch more one reason being that there is more links and pins to make the same length. I don't think he was bs'ing me because the saw he sells with the .375 chain is actually less money. this is just for my own firewood use.

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Van in AR

11-17-2004 19:38:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to Redd, 11-17-2004 15:33:38  
Simple, small saw uses the small chain, larger saw can pull the larger chain with a wider knerf. I have both and like the .325 chain on the lighter duty saw. It would cut a lot slower with the 3/8 on it.
Van



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jeffcat

11-17-2004 18:18:41




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to Redd, 11-17-2004 15:33:38  
You will find that .375 or 3/8 pitch is the industry norm. That other size is a special deal like the other post says. You should get something with enough umpfffff to power a 3/8 full chisel chain. Ask your dealer but I would saw about 60cc. You will not be unhappy. A saw with a 20in bar and this type chain is a real cuttin fool! Jeff



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
JT

11-18-2004 06:34:03




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to jeffcat, 11-17-2004 18:18:41  
Jeffcat,
I have to differ with you on this one. I do not know what industry norm you are referring to. 20 years ago, you would be right, but almost every saw I sell or work on has either 3/8" low profile chain or .325 chain. the 3/8" full chisel chain is only used on the big pro saws, that most homeowners are not going to buy. Most homeowners can get what they need in a 2.3-3.0 cubic inch saw with a 16-20" bar. these use .325 chain and will cut a lot of wood without the expense of a bigger saw. That is the main reason behind the .325 chain, smaller engine, but still cut at the same speed as a 3/8" chain.
Jim

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jason(ma)

11-18-2004 17:07:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to JT, 11-18-2004 06:34:03  
I agree with jt. The .325's are excellent with the new saws, light weight, excellent power, low vibration, reliable, and affordable. I run both type of saws and really have been impressed with the current small saws. They do a lot of work for a small package.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
JT

11-17-2004 15:44:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to Redd, 11-17-2004 15:33:38  
The reason for the .325 chain is with the newer high speed saws, it makes them cut better, the .325 chain is small, but has less drag, so will actually cut faster with less power required. You might be getting a saw with 3/8 chain for less, but are you getting the saem size saw or is it a smaller saw?? I have an old saw with 1/4" pitch chain, that will flat cut wood, throws chips like you would not believe. Unless you are gonna do this for a living, you will not notice any advantage of the 3/8 chain. You also gotta watch if you are getting 3/8 full size or 3/8 low profile chain.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Redd

11-18-2004 18:45:15




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to JT, 11-17-2004 15:44:13  
The one thing the guy said and I guess it makes sense, is that the .325 chain will stretch faster than the 3/8 chain. He says its because it takes more links to make up the same length chain and links+pins =more room to stretch. If you want to know what brand and models I'm considering I'll let you know, I just didn't want to turn this into a chainsaw flaming battle:)



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Michael_E_Tx

11-18-2004 21:52:04




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to Redd, 11-18-2004 18:45:15  
Hi Redd. I'll try to keep this short. In my opinion, the primary reason for chain stretch (apart from the initial stretch after the initial run in) is cutting with a dull chain. I have a relative who has been around chainsaws for decades longer than me, but was in the habit of running a chain until it just wouldn't cut any more. I have worked hard, pretty successfully, to encourage him to change his ways. He used to stretch dull 3/8 chain till it would throw off the saw. He now has a Husky 350 with .325 chain and sharpens it pretty faithfully. He has had almost no stretch with this saw/chain combo.

If you keep your chain sharp, I'm sure you will not have any trouble with .325 chain. Personally I have enjoyed honing my chain sharpening skills. Hope you do too, no matter whether you end up with .325 or 3/8. Good luck

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
WRW

11-18-2004 19:23:53




Report to Moderator
 Re: New chainsaw chain size .325 or .375 which is in reply to Redd, 11-18-2004 18:45:15  
There's one brand of chain out there that is "pre-stretched". Other chains will stretch some initially, then settle and not stretch much. I'd be more concerned with having to sharpen more cutters per length of bar than how much the chain will stretch. I think your guy is trying to justify something that probably shouldn't be a real concern. As stated previously, 60cc and up does well with 3/8" chain, 35-60cc does well with .325".

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy