3/8 (.375) / 063 chain and larger saws like 088/880

[diesel&coffee]

Does anyone use .375 (3/8) 063 chain on the largers saws?? Like a 880 or 075..

** was wondering because the catalog list a 21" 3/8 bar But not something that would seem more logical like a 28, 32, 36" !

Only asking because if you have a 100' roll of say semi chiesel in .375 would be nice not to have to get other chain!

Is the .375 3/8 chain too weak or what?? Is it a safty thing? chain stretching thing??

 

[CentaurG2]

You can run 3/8 chain .050, .058 or .063 gauge on an ms880. The gauge differences in the chain are usually regional and have nothing to do with the strength of the chain. Just reflects the thickness of the driver on the chain and the corresponding grove in the bar. A 21” bar on an ms880 is a bit silly. That saw is a torque monster and a 20” bar would not even challenge it. Laphroaig is good but I prefer Macallan.

 

[timberwolf]

To really get much out of 3/8 on a big 120cc saw with shorter bar though you really need to go to a big sprocket. 9,10,11,12 and cut down bar to fit.

Big gears and 3/8 chain on big saws with short bars are a hoot to block up good sized fire wood.

 

[HolmenTree]

To really get much out of 3/8 on a big 120cc saw with shorter bar though you really need to go to a big sprocket. 9,10,11,12 and cut down bar to fit.

Big gears and 3/8 chain on big saws with short bars are a hoot to block up good sized fire wood.

Or a chainsaw speed cutting contest!

 

[diesel&coffee]

so you can do it..

It's just if you get a roll of say semi chisel in 375 3/8 for other smaller saws - and you have a 32 - 42" bar that WILL work on an 880.. It would be nice not to have to get other chain!

 

[timberwolf]

It can be hard to find bars over 32 inches in .050 gauge, so you might want to considder .063 for everything if you want one chain to do it all.

 

[HolmenTree]

so you can do it..

It's just if you get a roll of say semi chisel in 375 3/8 for other smaller saws - and you have a 32 - 42" bar that WILL work on an 880.. It would be nice not to have to get other chain!

Yes as long as you have a bar with the large mount for the 880 and you can change the 404 tip to a .375. And you have .063 .375 chain.
Don't bother with the semi-chisel in the chainsaw contest though LOL.:greenchainsaw:

 

[HolmenTree]

It can be hard to find bars over 32 inches in .050 gauge, so you might want to considder .063 for everything if you want one chain to do it all.

I agree, I have 2 Stihl small mount 36"bars for my 066 in .050[Oregon], but have never seen a .050 in long over 30" big mount Stihl bars.

 

[diesel&coffee]

question

does it cut any "real" diff in being better/worse with a 3/8 chain over 404??

insert: all my bars are/will be 063

 

[HolmenTree]

question

does it cut any "real" diff in being better/worse with a 3/8 chain over 404??

In a chain saw contest yes. But with a big 880 for firewood the .404 offers a longer cutter which offers more filing life. The .404 stretches less. The drive links go deeper into the bar rails groove offering better stability for the chains cutting action.,

 

[timberwolf]

If your thinking on milling, 3/8 is likely the best option for an 880.

.404 takes a wider kerf and that equates to needing more HP to cut the same speed. A few people swear by 404 on 120 cc saws but logic is stacked against that being the ideal, removing more wood in a cut simply takes more power and results in slower going.

As above though durability .404 wins hands down.

 

[CentaurG2]

You may find that making your own chains to not really be worth your time or effort, sort of like reloading ammo. If you shoot a lot than it might be worth it. The site sponsor Bailey’s sells chain loops just about as cheap as you can get and you won’t be limited to one gauge or cutter type does all for all saws. You can also sometimes get good deals on loops at fairs or tradeshows. Just some thoughts…

 

[diesel&coffee]

the above answers on 404 stability / deeper in the guide / etc is what I was seeking! thanks!

 

[HolmenTree]

The power head usually matches the chain. If your going to lug a big 880 around then theoretically your most likely going to be running a 32"plus bar on it and do some heavy duty cutting. The .063 .404 chain offers stability in the long cuts with its deep longer drive links , has dipped down drive link tops for added chip clearance, the wide kerf it makes offers less pinching in the cut, far less stretching, holds a better edge with its stronger working corner,more meat to file for a longer lasting chain.......

With a heavy duty setup like the torque monster 880 and .404, it is designed for the toughest cutting not for speed. If you want speed go 066 or 460 with 33 RS/ .375. Or 72 LGX

 

[timberwolf]

Takes some gearing to get HP to the wood with 3/8 chain and an 088.

http://new.arboristsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=72961&d=1213236490

 

[diesel&coffee]

is that yours?? any idea what it was??

 

[timberwolf]

12 pin 3/8 gear on my 088 (ported) with 20 inch bar and .050 chain.

 

[diesel&coffee]

calling the kettle black... WHen I posted I thought rocks would come through my laptop screen in 3D !!

 

[brncreeper]

Here's my 10 pin on a stock 084.

 

[albert]

.404 might be the answer on saws like the newer 3120's that hit the limiter easily, PITA 9,500 or 9,600 is too low, what were they thinking