3/8" chain on old Husky Rancher 50?

[Supply_Sergeant]

I did a search, don't know if my search-fu is bad, but I didn't find anything. I have an '82 Husky Rancher 50, runs great, has enough power for the small farm stuff I do. If I really need a bigger saw, I have a Stihl MS460. My issue is the .325 chain on the Husky. Every saw I have ever used ran 3/8" .050 plate chain, and I'd like to make this saw do the same. Is there some issue with this change I'm not seeing? I know I need to change out the sprocket, bar and of course the chain itself. Anything I'm missing?

BTW, I've lurked here for a while, great site with really knowledegable folks.

 

[huskydave]

try it and see what happens! Ill bet it can run it fine with a good sharp chain.

 

[Supply_Sergeant]

try it and see what happens! Ill bet it can run it fine with a good sharp chain.

Any preferences on chains? All my other saw have been Stihls, and I always ran Stihl chain. New to Husky's, but I really like this old girl.

 

[nmurph]

I did a search, don't know if my search-fu is bad, but I didn't find anything. I have an '82 Husky Rancher 50, runs great, has enough power for the small farm stuff I do. If I really need a bigger saw, I have a Stihl MS460. My issue is the .325 chain on the Husky. Every saw I have ever used ran 3/8" .050 plate chain, and I'd like to make this saw do the same. Is there some issue with this change I'm not seeing? I know I need to change out the sprocket, bar and of course the chain itself. Anything I'm missing?

BTW, I've lurked here for a while, great site with really knowledegable folks.

What you are missing is that a 50 Rancher doesn't have enough power to drive a 3/8" chain.

 

[mattinky]

I think it would pull 3/8 if you limited bar size to 16" but those saws are much happier and cut faster with .325

 

[Axlerod74]

The 50 is a good tough saw however I have always felt it was at its best with .325 chain. If you are determined to run 3\8................I reccomend a short (16") bar and let the saw work at its own pace through the wood. Bar, chain and sprocket for 3\8 are all that would be needed for the switch.

 

[Supply_Sergeant]

What you are missing is that a 50 Rancher doesn't have enough power to drive a 3/8" chain.

That would be why I'm asking the experts here. I have had several saws, used them for plenty of homeowner/farmer type stuff, but this is the first old saw I've played with, I've always used what the dealer set me up with. It does what I need it to, with the .325 chain, I guess I'm a little OCD.

 

[DiegoQuin]

Ill bet it can run it fine with a good sharp chain

 

[Supply_Sergeant]

It looks like the consensus is to stay with the .325. In that case, what is the best chain to look for? I cut everything from eastern red cedar to black locust and sugar maple on any given day, and since this is mostly a hobby farm, I don't have a lot of time to sharpen chain. Is there something like the carbide chain on my MS460 Magnum rescue saw available? BTW, incredible response times, thanks!

 

[Axlerod74]

Really, sharpening a chain goes pretty quick (and mine is the old clamp on Granburg) esp on the smaller bars. As long as you don't wait till the chain is really dull, 2-3 strokes per tooth usually does it for me. You might consider semi chisel as it seems to stay sharp a little longer.

 

[TK]

That's funny, the Homelite SuperEZ at 40cc's doesn't seem to care about the 3/8 chain it pulls. I say go for it. Just keep it sharp.

 

[Axlerod74]

That's funny, the Homelite SuperEZ at 40cc's doesn't seem to care about the 3/8 chain it pulls. I say go for it. Just keep it sharp.

I agree about the Homelite............. I have run one. But most of those old saws seem to have much more torque for their displacement. No doubt, 16" - 18" 3\8 is no problem on the ole EZ. Didn't they have a reed valve?

 

[jus2fat]

Yes, absolutely stay with the .325...!!

Otherwise..you will have to replace drive sprocket..bar..and chain...Too expensive and to no advantage.

If you do..for some reason..decide to do this switch..?? - Definitely...you got to go to a 16" bar..!!!!!

J2F

 

[Supply_Sergeant]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I think I'll leave well enough alone, and get a couple of loops of good chain, and learn to sharpen it.

 

[zogger]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I think I'll leave well enough alone, and get a couple of loops of good chain, and learn to sharpen it.

By all means read up on sharpening and practice. A sharp chain is the best "mod" you can do to improve performance on any saw, the easiest and cheapest.