Recieved my new sprocket today for my 044 that went bang and just wondered for what reason Stihl decided to go with inboard clutches and husqvarna with the outboard clutch? Is there any advantage to outboard? Just thinking that if i needed to replace the sprocket on a husky then it would be a bigger job due to having to remove the clutch first? Is it something to do with balance? Glad to have my 044 back up and running anyway, had a couple of jobs on that required something with a bit more length and grunt than the 346 could offer.
The only advantage I can see with an outboard is just balace (sideways), and getting the bar closer to the mass centre. Some members like to make fun of that, but it actually is quite important on smaller saws.
Some say that they cool better, that can very well be true as well.
The main advantages of the inboards is just what you said, it makes it easier to change sprocket rims, and also makes it easier to get a stuck bar off the power-head. Another advantage sometimes mentioned is ease of changing chain, but that is more questionable - more a matter of habit.