Downsizing bar

I'm gonna get a 16" bar for the Husq. 55 cc rancher that currently wears a 20".

Most cutting I do doesn't require 20", so I thought I'd do myself a favor and use a shorter chain with fewer teeth to sharpen. Figure it'd get a nice boost in power, to boot. The 20" will still be available when needed.

Also, I can probably salvage a few old chains with broken links by shortening them.

Any thoughts on brands and tips would be appreciated. Currently I'd probably find an Oregon or woodland pro combo, unless I hear better suggestions.

 

I have had good luck with the Forester green bars, I have one that has over 50 cord on it and the paint is still intact, the green lettering is starting to wear though, another that has 5 cord or so that still looks new. I have not dressed the rails either. The last Oregon I bought I got maybe 25 cord on it and it was trashed, the "cow" in Greenland said they were made of cheese, I think he was correct

 

A light weight bar might come in handy

 

I have a Husky 162Se that has always had a 16 inch bar on it. It is the fastest cutting saw I own with a sharpe chain.
I have used a 18" bar and chain and a 20" even and while still a good cutting saw thr short 16" makes it a screamer.

Al

 

I'll check out the Forester, sounds like a good one. I wonder what the "horse" in Mongolia would have to say about the Oregon?

 

Questions: is the saw set up with .325 or 3/8? Rim sprocket, or spur?

If you're running a 3/8 rim, you may want to consider trying an 8 pin rim. It'll give more zip with a 16" bar.

 

Any brand/model recommendations?

 

Oregon/Woodland pro is a very good value. Looks like you can get a Forester bar and chain combo for the same or less. Tsumura (a.k.a Total) makes really nice bars, both light weight and standard. I have several and they have been really good to me.

 

Check with fordf150 (Nate) at www.performanceoutdoorequipment.com

 

Oregon, Some of the Forester bars are ok. What ever bar you get I would try and get one with a replaceable sprocket nose.

 

SAWMIKAZE has two lightly used 16" 325 063 bars(1 Stihl 1 GB), and six loops of chain for sale over on OPE Forum.

 

Mine are in D025 mount muh friend, no go on his husqvarna.

 

Ugh! My sorry.....I have the dumbs...

 

I’ve got a 55rancher I bought New Years ago and ran the factory 3/8 .050 20” bar up until last year. I put an Oregon pro lite .325 .050 16” on it, of course changed the drive rim also. It’s pretty snappy now, but I miss having the extra reach being 6’ 2” tall. Ps it’s had some cylinder and muffler work done.

 

I like the Husky/Oregon rsn 16’s. I have one for my 346 and one for my 394.

 

Why'd you change to the .325? Is there a benefit to that compared to the 3/8?

 

Tit for tat. 3/8 a bit faster, .325 a bit smoother. Pick your poison. I like to keep all my saws the same pitch if possible.

 

Truthfully I had the bar and I figured why not?!

 

That explains it! I'd rather not switch the sprocket.