Husqvarna 550XP with 3/8" pitch

[ATH]

Considering a 550XP. Read several of the threads about changing it from .325" to 3/8" pitch (18" and .050). I would do that - mostly to make it match the other saws I have so I can reduce the # of different chains I have.

Is it reasonable to ask a local dealer to change out the sprocket/bar/chain for less than the cost of those actual products? My assumption is that if they take the stock parts off of out of the box they can still sell those as new to somebody else. If not, then I'll just do it and sell them on my own.

 

[full chizel]

I guess it probably depends on the dealer. When I bought my 261 I was given the option of 3/8” or .325

 

[Deleted member 117362]

Considering a 550XP. Read several of the threads about changing it from .325" to 3/8" pitch (18" and .050). I would do that - mostly to make it match the other saws I have so I can reduce the # of different chains I have.

Is it reasonable to ask a local dealer to change out the sprocket/bar/chain for less than the cost of those actual products? My assumption is that if they take the stock parts off of out of the box they can still sell those as new to somebody else. If not, then I'll just do it and sell them on my own.

Yes, dealer in my area will.

 

[Brent Nowell]

Imo if they don’t carry small spline 3/8 rims they are not a very reputable dealer...
I went to 3/8 then went back to .325... I was even recommending how much better .325 felt balance wise. Now I’m back to 3/8 again running a 20” Oregon pro lite.
After break in the saw will handle it just fine in softwood.

I have found that carrying one size file is just that much easier, I have also found that the 3/8 chain has more tooth to sharpen and most importantly the 3/8 bars are holding up better.
Just my opinion

 

[ATH]

They'll have 3/8"...but it is not stock on the saw so it will take a little labor to make the switch. I don't mind paying that. I just don't want to defacto buy 2 sizes of bars/chains to bring home 1. If they essentially give be most of the value of the parts to make the switch I'll be good. If they won't, like I said, I'll just buy the parts, make the switch and sell the .325 parts.

Since .325 is stock, I just wanted to make sure I am not asking for something unreasonable.

 

[Brent Nowell]

They'll have 3/8"...but it is not stock on the saw so it will take a little labor to make the switch. I don't mind paying that. I just don't want to defacto buy 2 sizes of bars/chains to bring home 1. If they essentially give be most of the value of the parts to make the switch I'll be good. If they won't, like I said, I'll just buy the parts, make the switch and sell the .325 parts.

Since .325 is stock, I just wanted to make sure I am not asking for something unreasonable.

What your asking is totally reasonable

If they play dumb you can always point to a rancher model and ask for that bar and chain. It uses the same bar mount, the only thing you really need to have them do is put the 3/8 rim on. Older 50cc saws of husky models used 3/8 rims that supports small splines which is why they should have stock on that.

They will have to spin the clutch off with a tool to get that rim changed, but for pro saw money they can do that
If your left with a no and have to do it yourself, baileys sells a clutch removal tool which is a great thing to have for a 550 anyways

Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 117362]

Not that difficult to make one with an angle grinder, cut off wheel and old socket. Impact wrench and good to go.

 

[ATH]

....
They will have to spin the clutch off with a tool to get that rim changed, but for pro saw money they can do that
If your left with a no and have to do it yourself, baileys sells a clutch removal tool which is a great thing to have for a 550 anyways

Good luck!

Thanks! I have a couple of clutch removal tools, so no concerns about making it work. There are a couple of real Husqvarna shops I've dealt with on occasion (besides the big boxes...) about equal distance but opposite directions. If #1 won't play, I'll try #2.

 

[ATH]

Not that difficult to make one with an angle grinder, cut off wheel and old socket. Impact wrench and good to go.

I made my first one with an angle grinder from black iron pipe. Works great.

 

[full chizel]

Husky clutches have a spot for a scrench or screwdriver. Give it a good smack with a BFH and it’ll spin right off. It even says “off”

 

[Brent Nowell]

I made my first one with an angle grinder from black iron pipe. Works great.

Damn good idea, the one I made was much more technical. If I could do it again I would have made it with iron pipe too.

 

[CenterTree]

Considering a 550XP. Read several of the threads about changing it from .325" to 3/8" pitch (18" and .050). I would do that - mostly to make it match the other saws I have so I can reduce the # of different chains I have.

Is it reasonable to ask a local dealer to change out the sprocket/bar/chain for less than the cost of those actual products? .....

Just don't ask MY dealer to do it. "it can't be done".
https://www.arboristsite.com/commun...ot-run-it-with-3-8-pitch-setup-no-way.255115/



I run all 3/8 (.58) on my 550XP and it works good for me (when the saw will actually run, which is hardly ever).
Hope you're gonna get the Mark 2.

 

[Brent Nowell]

Just don't ask MY dealer to do it. "it can't be done".
https://www.arboristsite.com/commun...ot-run-it-with-3-8-pitch-setup-no-way.255115/



I run all 3/8 (.58) on my 550XP and it works good for me (when the saw will actually run, which is hardly ever).
Hope you're gonna get the Mark 2.

+1

Yes get the mk 2 I do not like my mk1 at all. It works but it’s finicky and needs time to warm up in order to actually start cutting. Bogs like an sob until after a few minutes of sensitive trigger blips lol

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Husky clutches have a spot for a scrench or screwdriver. Give it a good smack with a BFH and it’ll spin right off. It even says “off”
View attachment 757215

Gotta use a piston stop though. With the tool on an impact you can just spin it off against the compression.

 

[svk]

Gotta use a piston stop though. With the tool on an impact you can just spin it off against the compression.

I just manually turn them forward till you are almost to the compression phase and give it a whack, usually comes out right away.

 

[full chizel]

Gotta use a piston stop though. With the tool on an impact you can just spin it off against the compression.

I’ve never used a piston stop. I did it like svk

 

[svk]

It is funny cause when you do it to a new saw that is still a little oily and has clean threads, that clutch jumps right off with a good whack.

 

[CenterTree]

I’ve never used a piston stop. I did it like svk

Take the spark plug out and just stick your finger in the hole,,,should work good enough.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I’ve never used a piston stop. I did it like svk

Well color me impressed. I'm happy to stand corrected. Thanks for the tip guys, I never knew.

 

[Huskybill]

I run three different size chains, 325”, 3/8”, 404”, some are semi chisel, full chisel, Skip chisel. I try to have everything in-house when it’s needed. I don’t like to change from 325 to 3/8” mainly because of the smaller powerhead cc’s. But I do run a 8 or 9 pin rim with the 325 saws with 16” bars for limboing and cutting smaller tops.

I use a impact gun to take the clutches off.