bar size for a 257

[Boike]

I am putting a new bar on an older 257. It had a 3/8- 20" bar that I had used for a number of years. From the search I did most here recommend a 16" bar. Would it be worth it to switch to .325 or am I better off to stick with the 3/8? Baileys has some great(cheep) bar/chain combos. Is this a good route to go? I will be using the saw for small limbs and smaller rounds.

Is it hard to change out the drive sprocket with an out board clutch?

 

[HiOctane]

I wouldl go with .325.To replace your rim,you have to unscrew your clutch only,L.H. threads.Easy to do.Wear down your old 3/8 before .

 

[Pablo26]

I'd go for that 16" Bailey's combo, at that price. Did Troll say 3.7hp?, sounds about right for a standard .325 setup. Check their tool section for the clutch removal tool. Not sure how else to remove the clutch.

 

[SawTroll]

I'd go for that 16" Bailey's combo, at that price. Did Troll say 3.7hp?, sounds about right for a standard .325 setup. Check there tool section for the clutch removal tool. Not sure how else to remove the clutch.

I never used one, but think it is borderline between .325 and 3/8". Having to make a decition without trying both, I probably would have opted for 3/8, with a 16" bar.

It probably is a good idea to change the sprocket or rim anyway, if you have ran the one on the saw for years.

 

[Boike]

the 257 is 2.7kw, which is about 2.8 hp, I think. It think they ran 3/8's on the 20" bar, but .325 on the smaller ones, but I was not sure about the durability of the .325 on this saw(not that it is a power horse or anything). I do only cut hardwood with it.

 

[deezle_dog]

I was reading the spec. on acresinternet site a couple days ago and I think it is around 3.7 hp. I think you may be right on the 2.7kW

Deezle

 

[Joe379]

1 kilowatt = 1.34 horsepower

 

[jmc0780]

Yes, 2.7kW and 3.7 HP

I have a 257 and a 262 (same chasis), I like them both with an 18" best, for power, balance and control. I ran them with 20's when need, but the 18 is better.

The sprocket should be replaced anyway if it's worn/dimpled alot.

Why change to a .325??

 

[SawTroll]

Yes, 2.7kW and 3.7 HP

Yes!

 

[Boike]

thanks for all the help! looks like I am going to stay with the 3/8 in a 16" bar. I will let you all know how it turns out.

 

[romeo]

Something that gets ignored allot here in all of the hp and bar size threads is this.

Is the tenth of a second gain of pulling a few less drivers worth bending over 4 more inches or standing 4 inches taller on you tows. Just because it has a 20 inch bar doesn't mean you have to bury it 20 inches into a log.