Stihl MS-261CM or Husky 550XP?

[Luke'sScreenName]

Do you have to change sprockets to go from a 16 to 20" bar on a 550xp?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Do you have to change sprockets to go from a 16 to 20" bar on a 550xp?

IF you also change the chain pitch, then yes... IF you don't, then NO...

I wanted 3/8's chain, so I changed out the stock sprocket, to a sprocket for 3/8's chain ...

That's the same thing you would have to do with any brand of chainsaw...

SR

 

[gsganzer]

Sawyer,
Luke might be asking about the size sprocket, not the pitch. Way back in my logging days when we ran 266XP's, I believe we changed to a different size sprocket so you'd still have torque when running a longer bar. I'm not sure if that's still possible.

I have a 550XP with both a 16" bar and a 20" bar. I stay with the same sprocket and don't get as aggressive when using the 20" bar. The 16" bar is well suited for the available engine torque and a 55cc saw. An 18" might be just fine too. I bought the 20" for the occasional stump flushing and don't use it often.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

On my 550xp, I went from a 20" bar, .325" chain to a 16" bar, 3/8's" chain, both with 7 pin sprockets. I HATE .325" chain, so for me, I see going to 3/8's as a HUGE improvement and I like the way my saw saw works MUCH better now.

SR

 

[94BULLITT]

IMO 3/8LP is best on a saw this size or smaller.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

IMO 3/8LP is best on a saw this size or smaller.

If you haven't tried 3/8's on a 550xp, don't knock it! This saw runs full 3/8's with ease!!

I sawed out and cleaned up some logs with it today, and it just screamed right through them!

SR

 

[TomSeller]

Big fan of my MS261. Can't fault it at all.

 

[94BULLITT]

If you haven't tried 3/8's on a 550xp, don't knock it! This saw runs full 3/8's with ease!!

I sawed out and cleaned up some logs with it today, and it just screamed right through them!

SR

I don't have a 550XP and I'm not knocking 3/8. 3/8 would be my second choice. Lo Pro is faster on a smaller saw.

 

[TomSeller]

If you haven't tried 3/8's on a 550xp, don't knock it! This saw runs full 3/8's with ease!!

I sawed out and cleaned up some logs with it today, and it just screamed right through them!

SR

Nice looking saw!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

What saws should I look at in the 60cc range?