.325 for Husky Rancher 55

[DIXIEDOG]

I've got a Rancher 55 (older one) that came with a 3/8" pitch chain. I would like to switch it over to a .325 Narrow chain. The reason for this is that I bought a Stihl 250 and it will out cut my Husky all day long even with 25% less power so I'm thinking it has to be due to the chain.




How easy can it be done and could I use a Stihl Chain? What do I need just a chain and bar?

 

[milkman]

Check here for .325. https://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=AMC+18+SJ58&catID=11673

Here for the .325 NK (Narrow Kerf)

https://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=BCC+20+SJ50&catID=685

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I've seen those but I wasn't sure about the spur gear, alot of the 55's came wiht a .325 chain new. Mine did not, so I wasn't sure if I just bought a bar and chain like that if I needed to change my other gear or not.

 

[milkman]

I have called them before and they seem to know what works with what so they will let you know if you need to change the sprocket. If you do have to change, go with the rim and drum, really nice to use and all you have to change to get a new sprocket is the rim, less than 4 bucks.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Good deal, thanks for the info :thumbsup:

 

[Nitro-Fish]

I have called them before and they seem to know what works with what so they will let you know if you need to change the sprocket. If you do have to change, go with the rim and drum, really nice to use and all you have to change to get a new sprocket is the rim, less than 4 bucks.

If you were running a 3/8 chain on the saw before, you will have to change the sprocket, and the bar (the nose sprockets are different too) in order to change to a .325 pitch chain. Keep in mind, there are several different guage chains as well as different pitches. Most stihls (the larger ones that I'm used to anyway) come with a .063 ga. chain, most of your husqvarna's come with either a .058 or .050 ga. chain. As milkman says, go with a new rim sprocket & clutch combo no matter which chain you decide to go with. I find it hard to believe the 250 will outcut the 55 unless the saw really neeeds a good tuning (new filter, plug, and carb adjustment), along with fresh fuel; the 55 is a very reliable saw in the Husky line-up, it has the magnesium case unlike the new plastic case saws they are putting out now (just be glad you don't have the 455). I would make sure the 55 is sharp, the sprocket is in good shape, the bar is dressed evenly and the fuel is fresh. The 3/8 chain set-up does take a little away from the table with the 55 (they were available with both the 3/8 or the .325 set-up), but the chains will last you much longer and you will be able to get more sharpenings before replacement. Remember to file your rakers when necesssary after sharpening (are you throwing chips or sawdust?), even the sharpest chain is useless unless it is allowed to take a bite with each cutter! You may also be running a low kick-back chain on the husky which also takes away from the saw; take your 3/8's chain to a stihl or husky dealer (not a box store) and ask them for one of their professional chains, this too makes a world of difference not to mention it will save you the cost of a new bar & drum/sprocket (provided your present sprocket is in good shape). I have used a Husqvarna 55 for years, and while it doesn't compare to my 346xp, 357xp or my 372xp (the 346 being the only one in the same hp range) I would not consider it a dog by any means, I would check out the areas mentioned above & your 55 should have no problem out-cutting the 250.

 

[trook]

I agree. Something is wrong with your Husky. Are you sure the current chain is sharp? If so, go the a dealer and get a full chisel chain. It will make a world of difference.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

The chain is sharp and it's a pro chain already, I went to a local sawmill/husky dealer to get it. The saw is tuned up and running good, I'm getting chips out of it but that little Stihl is out performing the Husky all day long. The Husky no doubt has more power, it's heavier and by all means should be making the Stihl look bad but it's not. I'd say the Stihl is out cutting by a good 25% anyway, probably more. The only thing I could think was it was the chain from the Stihl making the difference. The Stihl came with a .063 .325 Pitch chain, that's why I wanted to try one on the Husky as well, to eliminate that variable too.

 

[Chilly807]

I'm not surprised the Stihl outruns the Husky. I have an 023 with narrow kerf chain that cuts circles around my Husky 242.

The 55 Rancher isn't enough saw to effectively pull a 3/8 chain in my opinion. The more wood you pull out of the cut, the harder the saw has to work.

I have a 262 XP Husky, an 044 Stihl, and the two I mentioned before. Only the two bigger saws have 3/8 chain, the others have .325. The 262 and 044 are true pro saws, lots of power to pull the larger cutters.

If you're going to go with .325, I'd recommend Oregon's 30 series chains, all are "low load" chains for lack of a better term. The 20 series are so-called professional chains, but put more load on the saw.

Sean

 

[Nitro-Fish]

You may want to pull the muffler & see if you have scoring on the P&C, these saw's will run (and sound fine) down to around 110psi on a compression guage, but that is about 40-50 psi from where they should be. Is the saw 4 storking @ WOT? I really think you have more of a problem than just chain size to allow the 250 to outcut the 55.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

I'm not surprised the Stihl outruns the Husky. I have an 023 with narrow kerf chain that cuts circles around my Husky 242.

The 55 Rancher isn't enough saw to effectively pull a 3/8 chain in my opinion. The more wood you pull out of the cut, the harder the saw has to work.

I have a 262 XP Husky, an 044 Stihl, and the two I mentioned before. Only the two bigger saws have 3/8 chain, the others have .325. The 262 and 044 are true pro saws, lots of power to pull the larger cutters.

If you're going to go with .325, I'd recommend Oregon's 30 series chains, all are "low load" chains for lack of a better term. The 20 series are so-called professional chains, but put more load on the saw.

Sean

Do you want to get rid of your 242? They are really hard to find anymore around here (in decent shape anyway). When the 262 (perhaps the best small firewood saw ever made as far as power to weight ratio goes) gets on your nerves, I would be interested in it too, it's an old design, but a great saw. The 242 was a great limbing saw (again, old design but great little saw), spins up quick like the 346's of today. Trust me, the 55 will pull a 3/8 set-up with ease as long as you keep the chain sharp and you don't lean on it, after all it's only a 3.2hp saw. Sounds like the OP has his mind made up about the .325 chain, so maybe we can get a hands on field test once the swap is made.

 

[Chilly807]

I've had the 023 for a few years now, it was a free refugee from the junk pile that got a rebuild and a new lease on life. I was really surprised how much power it had for a small saw, I expected it to be a dog next to the 242.

The 262 is an inheritance kinda thing, you might say I wandered into it. Great woodpile saw, I don't like it for felling and limbing.

The 242 was another refugee, it was a "problem saw" the dealer couldn't find out what was wrong with. It took me a while, but it works well now.

The 044 is the racehorse in the stable, next to the 262. Both cut fast, but the 044 has impeccable manners and loads of torque. Another refugee, I got it for $25 in two big cardboard boxes that had enough parts to build one complete saw out of two.

I think I bought one new saw in my life, a Jonsered back in the late 80's.

The new stuff is largely junk, I wouldn't mind getting a 353 or 346, but don't really need one. Maybe an older 028 or 036 just for the **** of it.

I'm a believer in the small chains, faster cutting and less vibration. It didn't make such a difference in the old days of slow turning saws with lots of torque. The new (90s and on) saws are faster turning, not so much brute power. They can really take advantage of the small chain. Maybe a little less durable in heavy cutting, but great for guys like me.

Sean

 

[DIXIEDOG]

You may want to pull the muffler & see if you have scoring on the P&C, these saw's will run (and sound fine) down to around 110psi on a compression guage, but that is about 40-50 psi from where they should be. Is the saw 4 storking @ WOT? I really think you have more of a problem than just chain size to allow the 250 to outcut the 55.

It is 4 stroking at WOT, I haven't pulled the muffler. Might give that a whirl next, the Husky has had about 10 tanks of fuel through it and the Stihl has had 2 tanks so neither one should be worn out yet but you never know.

I'll check it out and see what it looks like.:thumbsup:

 

[Chilly807]

Saw life should be measured in decades for most of us, although I know pro users can go through a saw in a year or less with hard use. Everything I have has been around for at least 15 years or longer, and still running strong. I've replaced seals and bearings in them all, but the cylinders and pistons are original, the 023 got a new ring because I broke the old one removing it.

Fuel-air mix is critical to long life, as is a good air filter. Dirt and lean running destroys more saws than anything else.

I usually set my high speed screw so the saw is just starting to really clean up and scream at WOT unloaded, then slowly back it out until the exhaust note gets that four stroke "mumble" or "burble". It should clean up when in the wood, and the plug should be a light tan colour after a long WOT cut.

Tuning issues aside (if any), I think you'll see better performance from the 55 with a .325 chain, particularly with a narrow version of that size.

My 242 has a 20 series .325 Oregon chain, and if the depth gauges are set according to Oregon specs, it's too much chain for the saw in my opinion.

The 55 should have enough power to handle a 20 series chain no problem.

Sean

 

[arrow]

I would agree. A 55 cuts much better w/ .325. You will need a new bar and sprocket with the bar matching the gauge of the chain. I wouldn't go beyond 18" for the bar on these.The current 357 is much like the old 262's made with a lighter piston assembly to build revs.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Just an update but I went back to a original Husky 3/8" chain and it made a huge improvement:thumbsup: I think my larger issue was running a full chisel chain more than the pitch of it, the saw is cutting very well now and although the Stihl likely would get the edge in all out speed for cutting the Husky is cutting great and acts like I remembered. I looked at the piston and it looks good so I think my saw is in OK shape, I've owned it since new and it hasn't been run to death so I'll stick with a less aggressive chain and take what it will give me for performance and be happy.

 

[arrow]

Just an update but I went back to a original Husky 3/8" chain and it made a huge improvement:thumbsup: I think my larger issue was running a full chisel chain more than the pitch of it, the saw is cutting very well now and although the Stihl likely would get the edge in all out speed for cutting the Husky is cutting great and acts like I remembered. I looked at the piston and it looks good so I think my saw is in OK shape, I've owned it since new and it hasn't been run to death so I'll stick with a less aggressive chain and take what it will give me for performance and be happy.

A 55 will pull a 3/8 th pitch. It is a different saw with .325. One day you might want to experiment and you'll see for yourself.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

A 55 will pull a 3/8 th pitch. It is a different saw with .325. One day you might want to experiment and you'll see for yourself.

I'll try one down the road, I've got to get another bar and possibly rim sprocket for that but one day I will try it.

 

[mountainlake]

A 55 will pull a 3/8 th pitch. It is a different saw with .325. One day you might want to experiment and you'll see for yourself.

Yes, I changed mine over a couple years ago. Huge improvement in cutting speed. Changed it from a saw that you didn't want to run to one thats fun to run. Steve