Wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the pluses and minuses of inboard vs outboard clutches. Having only owned Stihl saws before getting the Husqvarna 562XP I have become very use to the inboard clutch of the Stihl. Bar and chain changes seem easier, as well as cleaning. Greasing the needle bearing is easier on the 562, but to me that is it.
The outboard keeps some extra heat out of the case and the chain closer to the center line of the crank. Should be less stress on crank bearings that way. It is a pain if you some how pinch the saw with the spikes tight in a tree. You have to spin the clutch off to free it.
Not to split hairs, but there are definitely Stihl saws with outboard clutches. I'm an inboard clutch fan for a few reasons. One of them you touched on; easier bar & chain swap. The second is petty, but I like to be able to quickly glance & see the part number for the replacement drum. The third is the most important. With an outboard clutch a stuck saw is a stuck saw - with an inboard clutch a stuck saw is just a stuck bar & chain...
X100... I just got my 555 and I remembered how much I dislike the outboard clutches. I do like an inboard. The Husq 372xp is one of their most famous saws, and most likely due to the inboard clutch.
But but the handling is so much better with the outboard. I don't mind it for bar and chain changes. It's swapping rim sprockets if you do that often that is the aggravation. I would rather have the outboard for milling but the front tensioner of the big huskies kills that.
Good call - I never even thought of rim sprocket change hindrances with an outboard. Truthfully, I've never had my hands on a saw with an inboard clutch & a rim sprocket setup! I do fairly regularly swap rim sprockets on my MS261 depending on if I'm running a 20" (.325-7T), 18" (.325-8T), or 16" (3/8-7T).
I hate outboard clutches... To hell with the balance... From an operators perspective, inboards are easier to maintain... But I'll overlook it with some models...
Other than handling and heat issues..... Outboards are not on my favorite list. I can work on a Stihl oil pump, clutch or anything else under the drum with the tools in my pocket. I usually don't have a clutch tool on me to knock an outboard off however. Great handling saws can be built around inboard clutches too. MS241 is case in point.
My lil Dolmar i had... Still miss it.... Was very simple to change chains on. It was a clean look as well. Made it easier to clean around in there too. Some of these old saws i have... I have to stand on my head and say a prayer to get the chains off
Found another disadvantage to the outboard clutch. Forgetting to disengage the change break before removing the clutch cover. It is a big PITA to get it back on. Almost takes 3 hands.
Papadave, Outboard clutch on my 562xp has a band in the clutch cover that must go over the clutch drum. If the brake is engaged that band won't go over the drum. On an inboard clutch it is a non issue.
