Best 18 bar / chain combo for 545 Mark ii

[Fordiesel69]

When selecting a bar / chain combo in 3/8" what is the best combo in 18".

3/8 x .050
3/8 x .058

or stay with .325 x .050?

I's rather use 3/8" chain for commonality sake, but I want to hear from all of you.

 

[Lubener]

I use Oregon.

 

[Zaedock]

I run 3/8” .050 on just about all of my saws from the ‘ol 455 Rancher with a 20” bar up to my MS660 with a 32” bar. My 572XP is also 3/8 .050 on its 28” bar.

I have a 450XP that’s a little ripper for a homeowner saw. That has a .325 chain on its factory 18” bar. Although I think Oregon EXLs are the best bang right out of the box, I tried Husky’s new X-cut on this saw and am impressed.

I think the 50cc saws may run a little better/faster with the .325.
The 545 pro saw would pull a 3/8” just fine, but it’s already set up for .325 and I would likely order up an Oregon bar and EXL combo and get cutting.

 

[Fordiesel69]

I think I want to run a 3/8 for better chizel durability.

I can select 3/8 x .050 or .058. which is better and more common for off the shelf bars and chains?

 

[spasm3]

I think I want to run a 3/8 for better chizel durability.

I can select 3/8 x .050 or .058. which is better and more common for off the shelf bars and chains?

Full chisel cuts faster but does dull quicker. ( do not hit the dirt with it, or its dulled instantly!!) I touch up my chain by hand every tank of gas. I run .050 as its common and easier to order chains and bars.


Please wear chainsaw chaps!

 

[Rand]

Don't you have to change the drive sprocket when changing pitch?

 

[Lubener]

Do you have to change the drive sprocket when changing pitch?

I had to.

 

[spasm3]

Do you have to change the drive sprocket when changing pitch?

The sprocket/rim needs to match the pitch, i.e. 3/8 vs .325 etc.
It's the distance between the drive links.

 

[drfeelgood]

I have 2 545 Mk2s. My opinion, the 18 inch bar with the .325 Xcut chain is about ideal. If you go 3/8, I would do the .050 and yes you will need to change bar and drive sprocket

 

[Fordiesel69]

So why is .325 preferred? Isnt 3/8" way more durable in terms of getting dull?

Funny enough I cannot find a genuine husky part# that can do 18IN x 3/8 x .050

I can only find in 3/8 x .058 or .325 x 050.

Frustrating.

 

[Zaedock]

So why is .325 preferred? Isnt 3/8" way more durable in terms of getting dull?

Funny enough I cannot find a genuine husky part# that can do 18IN x 3/8 x .050

I can only find in 3/8 x .058 or .325 x 050.

Frustrating.

The .325 has a smaller cutter and tie strap, which is slightly easier for a smaller saw to turn. The smaller pitch is also a bit smoother.

I have seen guys make custom .325 chains for larger saws, but I didn't really have any interest in playing around as I process for myself and sell a bit on the side and don't have time.

Husky 18" .050 Chain

 

[jeepman3071]

Is there a reason you want to change the chain size? Are you going through that much chain? Pro logger?

I have 4 saws, only two of them use the same size chain. I heat my house with about 7 cords a year, and help my father heat his with about the same. It hasn't been an issue as far as going through too many sizes of chain, I just keep them labeled on the peg board. The smaller chain will help a smaller saw perform better.

 

[Fordiesel69]

The reason is I have to buy a bar and Chain. All other saws run a 3/8 chain. Also I know nothing about wood types but I heard locally that 3/8 lasts longer

 

[jeepman3071]

Understood, but if it were mine I would buy a quality bar and chain in the factory spec'd size and just run that. I think you would notice the performance difference more than a difference in chain wear/sharpness.

A nice quality lightweight bar like a Sugihara or Tsumura would be a worthy upgrade with an Oregon chain.

 

[Fordiesel69]

.325 i guess it is then. I can get a husky bar with replaceble tip for $49 + $28 for a oregon EXL chain or $18 for a cheap chain. Both would be full chizel non saftey

 

[Fordiesel69]

Over and done with. I selected a genuine husky 18" .325 / .050 / 72DL with an oregon full chisel. Should be a hot knife thru butter once the autotune adjusts for it. I trial ran the engine on a 3/8 x 20" and thought it was good.