Did Oregon discontinue pro-lite bars?

[Tin-knocker]

I’ve been trying to order a pro lite bar for my neighbor through eBay and twice they sent me a versacut model. Once they even tried to dupe me with the correct part number on the label but still sent me a versacut bar which pisses me off like crazy! So I went to Oregon to order straight from them and no results come up when I put the part# which is 200SLHD025. Did they discontinue this line of bars? It would be too bad if they did because I love the 20” pro lite I put on my 462

 

[Philbert]

Marketing folks changed all the product names 3-4 years ago. Compare the bars and see if they look similar. Same number of rivets in the nose sprocket, etc.

Philbert

 

[Tin-knocker]

Marketing folks changed all the product names 3-4 years ago. Compare the bars and see if they look similar. Same number of rivets in the nose sprocket, etc.

Philbert

No these are completely different bars. The versacut specifically states it is an aluminum core and when looking in the rail you can see glue or epoxy or whatever they use to stick them together. I have a pro lite and it doesn’t seem as cheap as these versacut models.

 

[Philbert]

Curent models in their catalog:


SpeedCut Perfect for professionals who cut high volumes
of wood. The narrow kerf system requires less power
so your cuts are much faster. SpeedCut lives up to its name
because of its lighter weight, durability, and best-in-class
efficiency.

VersaCut Ideal solution for arborists, orchardists, and other
professionals who encounter every type of tree, shrub, or
limb during their work day. VersaCut has the versatility and
durability for your ever-changing environment.

ControlCut Made for the work days when you encounter
a dozen small jobs and a few larger ones. ControlCut gives
you the freedom to use one tool, rather than two or three.
The guide bar’s smaller-radius nose reduces kickback for
smooth cutting.

Philbert

 

[Dean-O]

They no longer make the pro lite bars. To many lifetime warranties were filed because the center piece would start flexing out. My shop alone has warrantied at least 30 of them over the years. In fact our distributor told me that he was sending me the last Husqvarna mount 28’ that they had in inventory and that was like 6 months ago. We can still warranty them because it’s lifetime warranty but now we just have to replace it with a regular Husqvarna bar. We sold a ton of the lite bars back in the day with 372s

 

[Philbert]

To many lifetime warranties were filed because the center piece would start flexing out

How are the newer Oregon lightweight bars holding up?
Thanks.

Philbert

 

[Tin-knocker]

They no longer make the pro lite bars. To many lifetime warranties were filed because the center piece would start flexing out. My shop alone has warrantied at least 30 of them over the years. In fact our distributor told me that he was sending me the last Husqvarna mount 28’ that they had in inventory and that was like 6 months ago. We can still warranty them because it’s lifetime warranty but now we just have to replace it with a regular Husqvarna bar. We sold a ton of the lite bars back in the day with 372s

Thanks for letting me know! What Oregon bar that they sell now would be comparable to the pro lite?

 

[Philbert]

the center piece would start flexing out.

Are we talking another same bars? This is a different Oregon bar with an aluminum ‘insert’.

I thought that the ‘Pro-Lite’ was a laminated bar, with parts of the center layer machined away.

Philbert

 

[Dean-O]

That’s the bar I’m talking about. It says “reduced weight” on them. Those were the only lite bars we ever sold. If there is a different pro lite bar we never sold it. Here are some pictures of some of the ones I own.

 

[Dean-O]

How are the newer Oregon lightweight bars holding up?
Thanks.

Philbert

We don’t have any Oregon lite bars at all, we have Stihl lite bars and we have Sugihara bars for Husqvarna customers that want a lighter option then the stock bar. But like I was saying once we got that last bar that was it. I didn’t know Oregon had other lite bar choices other then the ones like in the pics I posted. I will check our 2021 dealer book tomorrow at work and see if anything is offered.

 

[Franny K]

Check the number and letter code. The Echo 361p claims to come with a pro lite bar.

Oregon has responded to the email questions I have posed, they may answer in a hasty manner and need a response which they also answer.

Last pro lite I got was made in China. I can't say if the aluminum core is the new choice.

 

[Tin-knocker]

That’s the bar I’m talking about. It says “reduced weight” on them. Those were the only lite bars we ever sold. If there is a different pro lite bar we never sold it. Here are some pictures of some of the ones I own.

These are the ones I’m talking about. They might be made in China. Not sure. I just know the one I have has held up very well and didn’t seem as cheaply made as the versacut model they now have.

 

[Dean-O]

These are the ones I’m talking about. They might be made in China. Not sure. I just know the one I have has held up very well and didn’t seem as cheaply made as the versacut model they now have. View attachment 893289

My bad, I didn’t know Oregon made another lite bar, the only ones I have ever sold or seen were the reduced weight ones I posted pics of. I will get back to you later today after I check the 2021 Oregon book and see if the still stock the pro lite bars that your looking for.

 

[Dean-O]

Just looked no pro lite bars listed in the book. The only thing close that we have is probably what was sent to you it’s the versa cut aluminum core. Here is a pic of one we have in our store that fits a 261

 

[ammoaddict]

I have an old oregon pro lite bar, 18" .325 .050. the paint is worn off of it now. It is a laminated bar, made in Canada.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Franny K]

200VXLHD025 replaces 200SLHD025 20".​

I found this but an internet search seems still inventory for 200SLHD025

 

[Philbert]

This is a STIHL illustration. It shows how some lightweight bars are made by punching / milling / laser cutting out large sections of the middle layer of laminated bars: sometimes filling them with foam for stiffness. I guess that it means you should use care when clamping them in a vise too?



The newer Oregon bars use a middle layer of aluminum, and bond (glue) them together to make them stiffer than spot welded bars. This is especially important with narrow kerf bars.

https://www.arboristsite.com/commun...f-chain-and-speedcut-guide-bars.285694/page-8 (Posts#142-156)

Philbert

 

[davidwyby]

I have an old oregon pro lite bar, 18" .325 .050. the paint is worn off of it now. It is a laminated bar, made in Canada.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

I have one like this, 20". Profile of a forest skyline for logo. Looks laminated, wondered if it's actually lightened, but never measured.

 

[ammoaddict]

Here is the only pic I have of mine before all the paint wore off.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Tin-knocker]

Just looked no pro lite bars listed in the book. The only thing close that we have is probably what was sent to you it’s the versa cut aluminum core. Here is a pic of one we have in our store that fits a 261

That’s too bad. Thanks for the info though. Maybe I’ll just pony up and get a stihl bar instead.