Chainsaw Repair

My Husqvara 353 came with a 20" narrow kerf bar.  I wanted it with an 18" bar, but did not have a choice at that dealer.  Ended up buying a 16"NK bar for it that I use most of the time. 

I use the 20" bar for bigger stuff (I don't own a larger saw) but take it easy when I cut with it.  If I am bucking with it, the weight of the bar rests on the log, most of the time. If I am limbing, I prefer the weight and balance of the 16" bar.

Stores like Sears will fit an 18" bar on a 42cc powerhead and tell you that it is 'a bigger saw' to sell it.  Yeah, it might fit, and it might cut.  But more and more I think that there that there is a 'sweet spot' for each saw, when matched with the right sprocket/bar/chain combination.  Differences between the Husky 353 and 346 are a great example why you cannot go by displacement alone.

Philbert

I recently picked up another 338xpt sporting a 16" bar. I see no reason to have anything bigger then a 14" on these little fella's.

I used to like 20" on a 50cc so I didn't have to end over but after using saws for a few years decided that a 16" was were it was at for a 50cc limbing saw.

 for all kind of forest work,firewood etc 50cc saw   (  13" , 15 "  1.5mm  and 18" 1.6mm bars )      ( stihl chainsaw)




 

I ran an 18" on a Husky 345, it worked well for limbing and bucking mostly poplar. I never had occasion to bury it, liked the reach. If I needed to cut harder or larger wood I definitely would want a 359 or even 357XP.