Author Topic: 346XP B&C suggestions  (Read 1404 times)

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Offline reynog

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346XP B&C suggestions
« on: May 21, 2012, 10:04:07 am »
I just picked up a nice, used 346XP.  Runs great but needs a new bar and chain.
We have ~10 acres and I'm in the process of clearing 2-3 acres of it for a new horse paddock.  Mixed hardwoods and pines, average 10-18" diameter, occasional 18-24".
The 346XP will be replacing my 18" 350 and I have 20" 455 and a couple of 14" saws.

16" or 18"?
Opinion?
Suggestions?

Thanks!

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Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2012, 10:28:35 am »
OE 45cc or NE 50cc?

Offline 660magnum

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2012, 11:05:10 am »
By timing cuts over at Cut4fun's house, I decided to change my 346XP New Edition from .325" X 20" to 3/8" X 18".

Also IMHO, I can buck a 18" trunk with a 16" bar easy enough. You just girdle your cut partially around the tree.

I have found long bars to be as much a liability as an asset. I generally cut close to the chainsaw and the longer bars tend to get in the way of other branches or rocks etc. It you cut close to the tip of the bar when limbing, this would not be a factor?
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Offline reynog

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2012, 11:42:01 am »
NE, 50cc.
I was leaning towards a 16" combo and selling one of the 14" saws.

Offline Cut4fun .

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2012, 12:00:48 pm »
NE

I'm a sucker for 16" 3/8   

Offline 660magnum

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2012, 12:02:56 pm »
That sounds like a winner idea to me.

I just changed my Stihl 026 to 3/8" X 16" from .325 X 20". I have bigger 20" chainsaws when I need them.

This Stihl 026 doesn't have as much torque as the 346XP 50cc. But is small and light weight and likes to turn up the rpm. I thought it would be great on limbs with this combo?

Cut 4 fun has a couple of the 346XP OE chainsaws and I think he likes the 3/8" X 16" bars on them for the cutting he does?

You will need to determine the existing sprocket on your chainsaw, you will need a 3/8" rim sprocket as well as a 3/8" bar if you go the 3/8" X 16" route.

Most 346XP's have a .325 X 7 pin rim sprocket from the factory.  The cookie cutter guys at the GTG's like to run 3/8" pitch chain on them.

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Offline Tzed250

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2012, 07:55:30 pm »
My 50cc saws have always worn 16"/ 3/8" combos. I hate filing .325 chain.

Offline man of stihl

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2012, 08:02:06 pm »
My 50cc saws have always worn 16"/ 3/8" combos. I hate filing .325 chain.
I hate .325 period. If my saw won't pull 3/8. It gets sold.... ;D
Ron

Offline reynog

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2012, 09:37:10 pm »
Any recommended brand and model?
I'll most likely be ordering online too.

Offline 660magnum

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Re: 346XP B&C suggestions
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2012, 09:59:41 pm »
I used a Husky replaceable tip bar and Stihl RSC chain but you will hear of many others.

Laminated bars are usually lighter than the replaceable tip type.

Stihl RSC chisel chain may not be the best to use in dirty wood?
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