034 av

[kstill]

034AV filtted with 20" bar and .325 full chisel chain.
Is this ok for this saw, or should it have a 3/8 chain?

 

[Scandy14]

034av

According to Stihl, you may use either.

 

[Lakeside53]

Around here it would be unusual to see an 034 or 036 without a 3/8 chain...

 

[Brushwacker]

I am sure this is fine. I estimate I have more hours on 034's then any 1 other model saw in 25 + years of cutting for profit. I always favored 3/8 though with a 20" BAR.Seems like 7 tooth sprocket 3/8 is about the right chain speed with good power and fuel efficiancy.I tried .325 with a 7 tooth(smaller diameter,therefore lower chain speed with more power) but it really sucked a lot more fuel. With the 3/8 I raced another 034 using .325 and beat it without much problem. Dont know if he had 7or8 tooth sprocket or if he was as sharp ,can't remember those details. 8 tooth .325 sprocket is slightly bigger then the 7 tooth 3/8, so it would be slightly faster chain speed and probably similar fuel efficiency,mabe slightly less power. What I also like about 3/8 is there is fewer cutters to sharpen. I also prefer starting with 50 gauge and I sometimes can continue using the bar when the groove is wore out switching to 58 gauge chain.

 

[kstill]

Thanks for the input everyone

 

[SawTroll]

I am sure this is fine. I estimate I have more hours on 034's then any 1 other model saw in 25 + years of cutting for profit. I always favored 3/8 though with a 20" BAR.Seems like 7 tooth sprocket 3/8 is about the right chain speed with good power and fuel efficiancy.I tried .325 with a 7 tooth(smaller diameter,therefore lower chain speed with more power) but it really sucked a lot more fuel. With the 3/8 I raced another 034 using .325 and beat it without much problem. Dont know if he had 7or8 tooth sprocket or if he was as sharp ,can't remember those details. 8 tooth .325 sprocket is slightly bigger then the 7 tooth 3/8, so it would be slightly faster chain speed and probably similar fuel efficiency,mabe slightly less power. What I also like about 3/8 is there is fewer cutters to sharpen. .....

I think your are right on, at least for long cuts.
I would not want a 20" bar to be .325, unless the lenght is for reach when limbing, and nothing else.

For small wood/short bars, .325x8 may be an option worth trying - it may be faster, especially if the .325 chain is Stihl RS....

 

[kstill]

ok, it is .325x7 Stihl RS and i cut about 5 to 8 cords per year averaging 20"-25" diameter.I cut Mostly Oak, Walnut, Hackberry, Locust, and Ash.
Would i gain or benefit changing to the 3/8 bar and chain?

I just replaced the bar not to long ago, I stayed with the .325 that it came with from the dealer, so thats why im asking if it would be worth the swap.Maybe i could try an 8t rim with the .325?

Kevin

 

[SmokinDodge]

The .325 chain is ok on the 034/036 but it will really take the 3/8 well. I cut wood very similar to what you describe with my 036. I just upgraded to the 3/8 from the .325 (what it had when I got it) and I'm very happy with the results.