Bar and Chain replacement

[motownbrowne]

I have 3/8 on my 550XP and it runs it like crazy, even in hardwood, like this Beech!

SR

Yeah, I like 3/8 too. A 550xp with a short 3/8 bar would be an awesome setup, but the 550 is a bit of a factory hotrod. I think most users and most 50cc saws are probably better off with a smaller chain. But hey, bars are pretty cheap for those little saws. Buy a couple different setups and try them out.

Just my opinion, though.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I also have 3/8 on my Husky 55, it also runs it like crazy...

It's my most used firewood saw...

SR

 

[Will_C]

For simplicity, I run 3/8" on all my saws. I know many run .325 on Stihl 260s, but I run 3/8-never a complaint. If I need more saw, I just grab my oldHusky 66 or my Stihl 461.

Will

 

[prichard]

Thank you all. Probably stick with 325 on 18 bar but may get a 3/8 setup to try.

 

[Stowe Boy]

I have a 455. It came with a 20" bar and 3/8 chain. It was underpowered.

I still run 3/8, but on a 16 or 18 bar depending on what I am cutting. Best decision I made for that saw.

I have looked at narrow kerf, low profile, and 325. I stayed with 3/8 only to be consistent with my other two saws.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I just replaced the bar and chain on my dad's 4600 Echo with a 16" Oregon .325. It specs at 18 and .325. I had to go to a full service dealer to get full chisel chain. Most big box stores only sell low or reduced kickback chain anymore.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Lowes has both Husky and Oregon brand bars and chains up to 24". They sell both the 455 and the 460s at the MSRP. The 455 comes with a 20" bar, and the 460 has the 24" Oregon comes in a two pack. About 40% less than Husky. Due to no feeling in my fingers I an not able to sharpen any more. 2 new Oregon Chains are cheaper than sending out 3 chains to have sharpened. Chains and bars at Lowes are much cheaper than at the Husky dealers. Check Amazon for chains also they have the Oregon line.

Ron

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

At the absolute outside, you could run a 20", but it'll be unwieldy, and underpowered with the bar buried.

Agreed. 20" is really pushing a 50cc saw. Be kind to your saw and it will last longer.

Oregon is good stuff. You won't go wrong there.

I have been committing heresy myself, the last few years. I run Stihl chain on my saws, including the orange ones. Holds the edge better than lesser chains.

I'm not a fan boy who thinks Stihl is the ONLY good brand. I just took the advice of a lot of pros, including die-hard Husky men, and I'm finding it's working out well for me.

 

[motownbrowne]

Agreed. 20" is really pushing a 50cc saw. Be kind to your saw and it will last longer.

Oregon is good stuff. You won't go wrong there.

I have been committing heresy myself, the last few years. I run Stihl chain on my saws, including the orange ones. Holds the edge better than lesser chains.

I'm not a fan boy who thinks Stihl is the ONLY good brand. I just took the advice of a lot of pros, including die-hard Husky men, and I'm finding it's working out well for me.

Yep, people tend to agree that Stihl chain is a little harder and stays sharp a little better. It's also a little tougher to sharpen, and quite a bit more expensive. From my dealer at least. I'm running stihl chain on my regular 3/8 bars, Oregon on my .325, and Carlton on my 3/8lp. I actually like the Carlton pretty well. Bailey's sells it as Woodland Pro, but it's just rebadged. I got mine for half the price of Stihl.

 

[Clay45]

I have the 455 that came new with a 20" bar. It only bogs down when you fill the bar but I rarely do that. My son thought he'd bent my bar so I researched around and ordered the following based upon reviews I was able to find online. When I finally examined my saw and cleaned it up following my son's use all it needed was sharpening. 5 min. with a file and I was good to go. New bar and chain are in the barn read for when I ever need them.

Oregon #200RNDK095 bar, #72LGX072G full chisel chain