Oregon EXL chains. Help with 70DL vs 72DL

[Fordiesel69]

I am not well skilled with chains. This will be my next research venture so I sound like less of an idiot.

Echo Timberwolf 20" Factory Bar in Silver. Book says 3/8" by .050 - 70DL. Local store only has the Oregon EXL chains in 72DL. If I want the 70DL they only have it in the OEM Echo packaging and its more expensive, and I hear it is not as good.

What would happen if I installed a 72DL. My Echo CS-670 and Husky 555 have 72DL 20" chains.

 

[Rand]

This is what I run on my cs-590 with 20" bar

Oregon 72EXL070G PowerCut Saw Chain​

the part number with both 72 and 70 in it can be confusing.

according to my chart the cs-670 and cs-590 use the same chain so you might have confused yourself somewhere.

But I'm not a pro or trying to throw rocks.. I always quadruple check before ordering replacement chains

 

[mk378]

DL stands for Drive Links. This is related to the circumference length of the chain (if it were broken in one place and stretched out straight). Every other chain pitch is a drive link, so adding one DL to a 3/8 pitch chain adds 3/4 inch to the length. Adding two DL adds 3/4 inch on both the top and the bottom of the chain, meaning that the bar will need to be moved out 3/4 inch vs the specified 70 DL chain in order to get the chain tight. The adjusting mechanism may or may not cover this range. You may also run out of adjustment as the chain wears.

If the chain can be brought into adjustment, it will run and cut the same. The bar will be further out so you can cut slightly larger logs.

 

[Hirev]

I use this chain on a couple echo saws it has 70 DL but it is not an anti kick back chain so keep that in mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-72EXL...d=1739218562&sprefix=72exl070g,aps,132&sr=8-1

 

[Zaedock]

My 572XP has an oem 28” light bar, but if I drop to a 20”, I’ll use a Stihl light bar with a 72DL EXL chain.
That’s the only downside to Echo with odd ball lengths. IMO.
You could likely adapt a Stihl bar to your Echo and run standard 72DL chains as well to match your other saws.
Oregon used to have Aluma-core bars that were light and tough, which is another option. Whatever powersaw I’m running with a 20” bar, I only need one chain size.

 

[spasm3]

https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-E70-P...739655908&sprefix=oregon+exl70,aps,100&sr=8-8

 

[BlakeB]

I’m using these on my TimberWolf:
https://a.co/d/i7oSQhm

 

[jeepman3071]

I’m using these on my TimberWolf:
https://a.co/d/i7oSQhm

I like those as well. I use the Oregon or Archer chisel chains and Tsumura bars.

 

[spasm3]

If your saw calls for 70 links, I'd run that. It you use a 72. It may fit and run fine until you run out of adjustment room. As the chain breaks in, you frequently have to adjust it.
It might work fine or it might not.
Look for a local chainsaw shop, or commercial outdoor equipment co. They usually can cut chain to length.

 

[ironman_gq]

find a saw shop, they'll spin up chains from a bulk roll in whatever length you want.