Changing pitch

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JoshS

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Most of the saws I run are echo chainsaws I just bought a Stihl but I do not want to have 2 different styles of bar and chain is it possible to change from .325 .058 to 3/8 .050
 
Whats modle saw are you talkin about?

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I have an echo cs400 and I'm trying to get a ms250 run the same bar and chain so I only need to stock 1 type
 
Bar chain and sprocket need to match.

Thats all it takes.

Pitch needs to match for your drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket. Bar needs to match your gauge.

This is assuming you can find parts that are made for your saw that will run that size


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]
 
Check that oil holes line up as well.

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Neither of those saws should run full sized 3/8 pitch. Either .325 or 3/8 lo profile would be fine. You should be able to find sprocket setups for both saws so they can run the same pitch. Now, whether you can get bars that fit both saws that take the same number of drive lengths is a different question. I would guess that you probably can do it, but it might take a little time with a file or Dremel moving some bar holes around.
 
ECHO CS400 typically runs 3/8 low profile, .050 gauge chain. Drive link count depends on bar length (16" or 18"), and if OEM or aftermarket (ECHO 16" bars are 57DL instead of the common 56DL).

STIHL MS250 typically runs .325, .063 gauge chain. 62DL on a 16" bar, for example.

Having the same chain on multiple saws is an attractive idea to a lot of guys, until they find out what is involved: new bars, sprockets, non-standard parts, etc.

The other factor to consider is performance: choosing the best chain for each saw, or something that works just OK on several?

Philbert
 
So the saw that I'm actually working with is a job cutter g4500 which I was told is the same as a ms290. I have a sprocket from a cs4400 which is the 3/8lp if I switch that out as long as the bar is the same I should be good right?
 
The drive sprocket, guide bar, and chain work together as a system. Change one, and you will have to change at least one of the other.

I would be surprised if the ECHO and STIHL (clone?) used the same bar mount.

Let us know what you find out and how things work out.

Philbert
 
Pitch has to match on the chain and both sprockets. Gauge has to match on the chain and bar unless the bar is seriously worn in which case you might want to use a larger gauge chain to compensate for the wear.
 
I stock different size chain anyways like .325” .050”, .3/8” .050”, .040” .050” in the old days some sizes to present day, but I’m adding 404” .063, .325” .058 recently. To try to keep the cost down I buy on rolls on sale, loops priced cheaper. I stock different length bars too. Plus accessories / parts to keep them running. No down time.

I can comeback hiring a crew and starting up again at anytime. Mainly an option for my sons if they need work.
 
I managed a 'fleet' of chainsaws several years back. Cleared out all of the non-STIHL saws, just for uniformity of parts, training, etc. Still had a range from MS021 (16") to MS066 (36"). Looked at standardizing some of the chains, at the cost of changing the bars, the limited benefit from buying chains in rolls, etc., and just decided to live with the variety.

Often cheaper to buy loops on sale than to buy rolls and make your own. That said, I go to great lengths to maintain / repair / rehabilitate chains and get all the life out of them that I can.

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-chain-salvage-challenge.245369/

Philbert
 
I managed a 'fleet' of chainsaws several years back. Cleared out all of the non-STIHL saws, just for uniformity of parts, training, etc. Still had a range from MS021 (16") to MS066 (36"). Looked at standardizing some of the chains, at the cost of changing the bars, the limited benefit from buying chains in rolls, etc., and just decided to live with the variety.

Often cheaper to buy loops on sale than to buy rolls and make your own. That said, I go to great lengths to maintain / repair / rehabilitate chains and get all the life out of them that I can.

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-chain-salvage-challenge.245369/

Philbert

I came to a similar conclusion after calculating the number of chains I could make from a roll. Having a chain spinner and a few master links however does give you the ability to buy larger loops on sale and then cut them down to size. It’s kind of handy to be able to do, but not all that essential.
 

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