Bar and Chain replacement

[prichard]

I have a Husqvarna 455 50cc saw. .325 pitch 18" bar.

What is a good replacement bar and blade? There are so many brands out there. I was thinking of going with Oregon, thoughts? Also, what's the max bar length that saw can handle?

 

[jack707]

I have a 450 that has a 20" bar never replaced the bar if I did I would go with Oregon.

 

[dickfoster]

I have a Husqvarna 455 50cc saw. .325 pitch 18" bar.

What is a good replacement bar and blade? There are so many brands out there. I was thinking of going with Oregon, thoughts? Also, what's the max bar length that saw can handle?

Look in the manual or look at the max bar length that Husky sold the saw with. That said, there is no sense in getting more bar than you need. I get by with the 18" bar on my 346XP just fine and that includes cutting 2 1/2' to 3' oak logs into rounds for splitting.

 

[motownbrowne]

I'd go with an Oregon bar most likely. A Total Super would be good too. I've been liking 3/8 lo profile better than .325 lately, myself. Fewer cutters, and a little narrower kerf. You'd have to swap sprockets too, though. If you haven't done that lately, it'd be good anyways.

Personally, I'd run a 16" .325 or 3/8lp on that saw. Might try an 18" in 3/8lp. At the absolute outside, you could run a 20", but it'll be unwieldy, and underpowered with the bar buried.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have a Husqvarna 455 50cc saw. .325 pitch 18" bar.

What is a good replacement bar and blade? There are so many brands out there. I was thinking of going with Oregon, thoughts? Also, what's the max bar length that saw can handle?

Oregon has different grades of bars, get a better one. I just got one for a 55cc Echo with .325 chain. I didn't think of it time plus I had a bunch of chains for it, but I would go after a better bar that uses a 3/8" chain even though you need to change the sprocket. Better for chewing through wood.

 

[motownbrowne]

Oregon has different grades of bars, get a better one. I just got one for a 55cc Echo with .325 chain. I didn't think of it time plus I had a bunch of chains for it, but I would go after a better bar that uses a 3/8" chain even though you need to change the sprocket. Better for chewing through wood.

Regular 3/8 (not lo profile) is a little much for a 50cc saw, in my opinion. Maybe if you're running a 12-16" bar or cutting softwoods.

 

[Oldpath05]

I've got a few chains at Frawleys Saw Shop, quite a selection. I run .058 ga. .325 pitch on 18" bar on a Husqvarna 550XP, just them extra 2" on the makes a difference on my back...........

 

[Sawyer Rob]

"IF" your saw needs a bar, it also NEEDS a sprocket too!

I pretty much hate .325 chain!! I MUCH prefer 3/8 chain, and I now have all my saws switched over to it. It stays sharp longer for me, and is easier for me to sharpen...

I use Oregon brand bars and chain...

SR

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Regular 3/8 (not lo profile) is a little much for a 50cc saw, in my opinion. Maybe if you're running a 12-16" bar or cutting softwoods.

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

SR

 

[4570Man]

I run 3/8 on both of my saws. 3/8 is a little big for the little saw, but it stays sharp longer and is easier to sharpen. When the little saw starts to bog I get my bigger saw. I run 20" bars on both my saws. I have a 28" bar for the 372XP, but it makes the saw nose heavy. It's much better balanced with the 20" bar. The 28 cuts a 21" log a lot faster though. I run a 20" bar on the 353 because I found a deal on chain that fits that bar. Otherwise a shorter bar would be better suited. The 3/8 cuts faster than .385 as long as you have the power to pull it. I hurt the performance of my Husqvarna 353 on stuff bigger than about 8-10" with the 3/8 chain, but I can live with that. The 372 cuts 8" or large stuff way faster regardless of what chain is on the 353.

 

[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