59cc saw ok for limbing 2"+?

[outdoortype]

I've heard that it's hard on a bigger saw to cut the small stuff 2"+ because it isn't enough to load the engine sufficiently. I'm thinking about getting another 359 and would like to know that I could use it to limb with on occasion if my smaller saw dies. I would probably set it up with a 16" bar and 3/8" x 7 tooth sprocket or .325" x 8 tooth sprocket. I like the handling characteristics but I'm leary of the "half throttle phenomenon". The above setup would allow me to use one saw for most of my cutting 2"-14" dead red oak & white oak. Any info or experiences would be appreciated.

 

[Austin1]

I would'nt worry about it as long as you do not keep the rpms up once out of the cut and that to me applies to everything. Just keep using your saw but if you are looking for a excuse to by a smaller saw well then it never hurts.

 

[SawTroll]

Perfect question for me......

The saw I mostly use for limbing my birches is the MS361 (59cc), with a 15" bar and 3/8"x8 rim - very fast and agile setup (I am not smallish).

Edit; Just re-read the initial post - the 359 will probably not be the same though, heavier, less rpms and less power.....

 

[SWE#Kipp]

I run my 357xpg with 15"-18" 8t .325 it's a nice limbing set up for me !

 

[pbtree]

I've heard that it's hard on a bigger saw to cut the small stuff 2"+ because it isn't enough to load the engine sufficiently. I'm thinking about getting another 359 and would like to know that I could use it to limb with on occasion if my smaller saw dies. I would probably set it up with a 16" bar and 3/8" x 7 tooth sprocket or .325" x 8 tooth sprocket. I like the handling characteristics but I'm leary of the "half throttle phenomenon". The above setup would allow me to use one saw for most of my cutting 2"-14" dead red oak & white oak. Any info or experiences would be appreciated.

You should be fine...

 

[WRW]

You should be fine...

Yep. Your "half throttle phenomenon" would come into play on longer cuts...not on limbing.

 

[Scooterbum]

"half throttle phenomenon" ??????????

"half throttle phenomenon" ?????????
Please enlighten me.

 

[outdoortype]

half throttle phenomenon

"half throttle phenomenon" ?????????
Please enlighten me.

I've read about lean seizures due to the saw not having compensating or partial jets during half throttle operation. I think the saw wasn't getting fuel delivery because it was in between the H & L jets. I think I remember Lakeside describing this on early 044's & 026's. I also remember a fellow that had the same problem while using a 346 to carve log cabins.

Thanks SWE Kipp, Where did you find a .325 x 8 sprocket for that saw? I tried the oregon selector guide but no luck with sprockets. It seems like sometimes the 3/8's is a little "grabby" in small wood. I'd thought about getting a 346 or 353 but the 359 powerhead is not much more $ and I'm tantalized by the fact that I would have 2 interchangeable saws.

 

[SawTroll]

Thanks SWE Kipp, Where did you find a .325 x 8 sprocket for that saw? I tried the oregon selector guide but no luck with sprockets. ...

.325x8 rims are availiable for the small spline clutch drums that are standard on the 357xp here, but in the US they sometimes come with a large spline one, as do the MS361 (everywhere I believe).
For the large spline, the smallest possible .325 size is .325x9, that has about the same diameter as the 3/8"x8.

The only rim size that both spline sizes "share", is the 3/8"x7, as far as I know (disregarding race rims).

The .325x8 is slightly larger than the 3/8"x7

 

[outdoortype]

small or large spline?

Not meaning to sound dumb, but how do tell if my 359 has a small spline or large spline? Can one trade small or large spline? And last of all, Will the 359 be overloaded with .325x9 on a 16" bar? I was thinking that the resistance of the faster chain would drop the torque too much and offset any gain by switching to .325 in the first place. Come on Spike, Hard knocks I know you have some expertise in this area.

 

[Urbicide]

Not meaning to sound dumb, but how do tell if my 359 has a small spline or large spline? Can one trade small or large spline? And last of all, Will the 359 be overloaded with .325x9 on a 16" bar? I was thinking that the resistance of the faster chain would drop the torque too much and offset any gain by switching to .325 in the first place. Come on Spike, Hard knocks I know you have some expertise in this area.

Hi. My 359 came with the large spline. Found out when I tried installing a replacement small rim on it. For me it is easier to sharpen 3/8ths chain verses .325. The 3/8ths will handle a bit more abuse than the smaller chain. I would also ditch the cat muffler and install the non-cat version and perferably mod that one. As far as using a 9 pin .325 on the 359 I don't see a problem although I have never tried that combo on my own saw. Just keep your chain sharp.

 

[SawTroll]

When you change to a larger diameter rim, you trade off some torque for a bit of added chain speed.
As the chain speed, and efficiency of the chain, is what actually desides how fast the saw will cut, it sounds like a good deal - but the speed will only stay up as long as you have sufficient torque - so it may go both ways in reality.

You never really know before you have tried it on your saw, for your applications, but both .325x9 and 3/8x8 sounds like a bit much to me, on a stock 359.......

It may work well for pure limbing though, but unlike the MS361 they have an outboard clutch/inboard sprocket, so changing sprockets isn't done in a snap.

 

[sawinredneck]

I wouldn't discourage you from getting another 359, I have used my 046BB for limbing with no ill effects. However, it gets difficult to limb with the 32" on it:monkey:

 

[pbtree]

However, it gets difficult to limb with the 32" on it :monkey:

Doe!

 

[outdoortype]

I have used my 046BB for limbing with no ill effects. However, it gets difficult to limb with the 32" on it:monkey:

--You must have arms like Popeye!!!

Sawtroll, My current setup is a 3/8 x 7 16",18" bars with an unmodded non-cat muffler. It works great but I definitely wouldn't try 3/8 x 8 in dead hardwood. But I'd like to have one saw 16" .325xwhatever and one saw 18" x 3/8 id use for bigger stuff. Mine has proven plenty powerful for what I cut and the chassis is right at my personal weight limit.

 

[SawTroll]

The 359 is a bit heavy for its power output, Huskys weight listing for the 359 and 357xp is quite a bit off......

 

[SteveH]

I use a 60 cc for this and it works fine. However, a lot of it and my arms start to tire some, because unlike with cross-cutting and felling, I am raising and moving the saw so much. A lighter saw would be nice for that reason, but not so nice I want to haul another saw in my arms as I hike out to the trees.

 

[sawinredneck]

The 359 is a bit heavy for its power output......

I won't argue that Troll, but they are selling them at Bailey's for, I belive $20US more than the 346xp. That makes the power issue kind of moot in my eyes.

 

[SawTroll]

I won't argue that Troll, but they are selling them at Bailey's for, I belive $20US more than the 346xp. That makes the power issue kind of moot in my eyes.

Depends on what you compare them to.....

...btw, they cost much less than the 346xp here, but still more than the MS361 - chainsaw pricing sure is funny.....:bang: :bang:

 

[outdoortype]

sawin redneck, sawtroll...

I am still considering a 346xp/353 at this point. But most of the cutting I do is bucking deadwood that doesn't have a lot of limbs. I know the 359 will handle the bigger stuff from experience. I'd hate to spend $400+ on a saw that couln't handle the big stuff("14-18") in a pinch. I can get a 359 powerhead for $400(I already have a bar & chains).