Normal Profile Chain on a 16-inch Bar

[PoulanInPA]

Hi All,

I'm no expert on this matter (but I'm learning). I want to replace the 18 inch bar and low-profile chain that came with my ECHO CS-400 with a 16-inch bar and "normal profile" chain. Is using a regular profile chain a bad idea on a smaller bar? The saw has great power after the muffler mod and re-tune and I have little doubt it can turn a beefier chain.

 

[Franny K]

I went to the Echo site and found the current manual.
https://www.echo-usa.com/getattachm...-9630-47138cb5186f/CS-490es_C34312_110515.pdf
Page 23 calls for 20BPX chain which would be considered normal in my estimation. It is not NK or narrow kerf and Low profile 0.325 Oregon chain in sl and lg has been obsolete for a while now at least to my understanding. Have you got the manual and can you look up similar to what I linked?

 

[PoulanInPA]

I guess what I'm trying to ask is whether I can run the following combination on my saw?

Bar - 16 inch Forester
Chain - Oregon 72LPX070G sized for for 16 inch bar

Looks like the chain is the same gauge and pitch as the bar, it's just a more aggressive chain than comes with the bar. Wider kerf.

 

[s sidewall]

You are wanting to go from 3/8 lp chain to a ful 3/8 chain in 50 gauge?

Steve

 

[HarleyT]

Sure baby!! All of the guys here hate that wussy .325!!!

 

[Deleted member 149229]

The 490 came with 20bpx072. If you’re want a more agressive chain without changing your drive gear then go to 20lpx. You’ll have to see what drive links needed for a 16” bar. If you want to go to a non-lp 3/8 you’ll have to change your drive. The 20lpx does cut better than the 20bpx.

 

[HarleyT]

I think there may be thinking that one could swap a 3/8 lo-pro with a regular 3/8.

 

[HarleyT]

But the sprocket and the sprocket tip on the bar would be different.

 

[PoulanInPA]

I don’t mind changing the drive sprocket, but what specs would I need on the sprocket to run a regular 3/8 chain?

 

[Franny K]

I guess what I'm trying to ask is whether I can run the following combination on my saw?

Bar - 16 inch Forester
Chain - Oregon 72LPX070G sized for for 16 inch bar

Looks like the chain is the same gauge and pitch as the bar, it's just a more aggressive chain than comes with the bar. Wider kerf.

The first link is for a bar and chain that is 3/8 ext or more commonly called 3/8 lp that is for smaller echo models. The second link is not a chain compatible with the first one even if shortened. Chances are you have a .325 sprocket.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

Just a 3/8 sprocket, not sure if they make one for the 490. @fordf150 is an Echo dealer. Same for the bar, most bars for the 490 are for the .325.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

The first link is for a bar and chain that is 3/8 ext or more commonly called 3/8 lp that is for smaller echo models. The second link is not a chain compatible with the first one even if shortened. Chances are you have a .325 sprocket.

Standard 490 is .325.

 

[Franny K]

A rim drive Oregon sprocket 3/8 size will fit the regular of 7x class Oregon chain. It would need be the smaller of the two spline sizes.

 

[Franny K]

Standard 490 is .325.

I know and linked the manual above.

 

[J.W Younger]

I'm not familiar with the cs-490 but would expect if it's equipped with 3/8 low profile it will have a 6 tooth spur drive sprocket, if it's .325 it will be a 7 tooth.

 

[farmer steve]

@James Miller

 

[Deleted member 149229]

It’s a .325 if stock.

 

[James Miller]

The stock .325 chain on the 490 cuts fine. Even noodles pretty well. I wouldn't go full 3/8 50 on it. But I am planing to try 3/8 lp.

 

[PoulanInPA]

Thanks to all for the input. I messed up and said this is for a CS-490. It is not. This is for a CS-400. Can anyone idiot-proof this for me and send links for a compatible 16-inch bar, regular (non-low profile) 3/8 chain and (if needed) sprocket?

The CS-400 Manual is located here.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

You’re really going to bog down a 40 cc saw. On my 400 I did a muff mod, eliminated the limiter caps and retuned. Try a non-safety chain in the low-Pro, 91VXL.