I have decided on a new ne346xp Husky, now which size bar

[Crabberx]

I have decided on the ne346xp Husky. I am going against my cousin's good deal on a 5100s Dolmar. Mostly because I have two Husky's already and all of your feedback on the 346. Now the question is: I want to run a 3/8 chain, what size sprocket to replace the 325 sprocket,how many teeth on it, and whether to run 16" or 18" bar. I would like to run a 18" because I have a Stihl ms361 with a 18" on it and a few extra chains to spare. Would the Husky have 66 DL like the Stihl? I would sure try a 16" on it if you good people like the balance of it better. Please let feedback. Appreciate your ideas from experienced cutters who use this saw alot.

Thanks again
Rick

 

[Tzed250]

16" bar with 3/8 7T sprocket.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

16" bar with 3/8 7T sprocket.

I did a try with that setup today ,,,, screams through the wood
Mine is an "old" 346xpg with a new 50cc jug on it ,,,

 

[excess650]

I'm running 3/8 .050 with 18" bar but takes 64 links.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

16" bar with 3/8 7T sprocket.

+1
Same set up as mine. Cuts great and the saw has excellent balance.

May be wrong but isn't an 8T small spline sprocket a specialty item? I've heard of them, but never seen one.

Take Care

 

[litefoot]

Seems like this saws specialty (quick acceleration) lends itself to limbing. For that reason, I'd opt for .325 and 18-20".

 

[timberwolf]

Unless you like the reach of an 18-20 inch bar it's just a waste of power to sling the extra chain around and energy to move the saw about.

16" I find is a better match for saws 50cc and under. If you need more than the 16 inch bar for the wood you are cutting you really should be going to a bigger saw.

3/8 7T is a fast setup
.325 8T is likely a hair slower but smother to run. with shorter bar the lighter chain will get up to speed quicker.

3/8 8T is not a stock rim in small spline and would be too much for a 50 cc saw anyway.

 

[CentaurG2]

My 346 came with an 18” bar .325 chain. I switched it to a 16” bar .325 and put the 18” bar on my Dolmar 5100. If you are going to use the saw primarily for limbing, I would run with the 16” bar. For firewood, stick with the 18. I tried the 3/8 set up on my dolmar (17” bar) and found it cuts much faster with .325. In addition, the little dolmar just loved to throw the 3/8 chain if you used it for limbing. Not sure if you will have a similar problem with the husky and 3/8 chain. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[husky455rancher]

i run .375 .058 18" its also 68dl. i picked it simply cuse i have a pile of those chains laying around. im sure it would cut a but faster with the .325 16" setup but i just wanted to use my chains. as my dad always says waste not want not.

 

[nikocker]

+1 on the 16"

My 346 came with an 18” bar .325 chain. I switched it to a 16” bar .325 and put the 18” bar on my Dolmar 5100. If you are going to use the saw primarily for limbing, I would run with the 16” bar. For firewood, stick with the 18. I tried the 3/8 set up on my dolmar (17” bar) and found it cuts much faster with .325. In addition, the little dolmar just loved to throw the 3/8 chain if you used it for limbing. Not sure if you will have a similar problem with the husky and 3/8 chain. Let us know what you end up with.

I switched mine from the .325 .50 18" to ,325 .58 16" and it hauls butt through the cut!

Al

 

[litefoot]

Unless you like the reach of an 18-20 inch bar...

Yep, that would be my reasoning...the reach.

 

[CharlieG]

No more than 18. Perhaps get both a 16 and an 18 a run for fun. 16 seems to be preferred, but runs an 18 nicely.

 

[Kansas]

I am still using the stock 95VP .325 on a 16" bar and it cuts just fine, 3/8 would be an improvement probably and definately make the sharpening process go smoother.

I wouldnt go with an 18 but thats just me I like the balance and weight I have with 16.

I think its perfect and really dont see that little extra chain making much real world difference out in the trees. jmo


Kansas

 

[CharlieG]

Yup, balance of the saw is important :chainsawguy:

 

[Taxmantoo]

You'd have great reach if you put a 32" on it.
Goes through 2" wood like a knife through butter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Husqvarna-455-Rancher-X-Torq-with-32-bar-chain_W0QQitemZ120356051036QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20538QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
:jester:

 

[SawTroll]

Unless you like the reach of an 18-20 inch bar it's just a waste of power to sling the extra chain around and energy to move the saw about.

16" I find is a better match for saws 50cc and under. If you need more than the 16 inch bar for the wood you are cutting you really should be going to a bigger saw. .....

Totally agree! :agree2:

 

[SawTroll]

Yup, balance of the saw is important :chainsawguy:

Bingo! :agree2:

Some times I feel like I am the only one that care..........:biggrinbounce2:

 

[SWE#Kipp]

Bingo! :agree2:

Some times I feel like I am the only one that care..........:biggrinbounce2:

Of course your not alone

 

[Freakingstang]

I run a 13" bar on my 50cc saws

 

[DougNH]

Some times I feel like I am the only one that care......

You're not the only one, but it is rare. Having several saws makes it a lot easier to optimize the bar length for performance and balance. Someone who can only afford one or two saws will likely max out the bar length.