Aftermarket Chains

[Bowtie]

I put a 20 inch 3/8 bar on the 034 AV I just bought, then took it to the shop to have a chain put on it. I assumed that he would put a Stihl chain on. The chain I ended up with was a Carlton name. Any of you guys used Carlton chains? I just want to know if Im getting a decent chain for the money. Thanks.

 

[ericjeeper]

depends on one thing..

the money.. How much money makes the difference

 

[Bowtie]

I paid 25 bucks for a 3/8 full chisel chain 20 inch bar for 034 AV. Thats comparable to a Stihl dealer price. I was curious if anyone has experience and or opinions on Carlton brand chain.

 

[wdchuck]

Carlton from a local small engine guy is $18 for that size, $20+ for a Stihl bubble pack at the hardware store. I like it, seems to last longer than the Oregon I've tried, and the cutters are same size and perform about the same as Stihl.

 

[Bowtie]

Thanks guys. The guy I bought them from said they are harder to hand file than a stihl chain because they are harder steel. I suspected this was a sales pitch, but I wanted to try out my newest chainsaw, so I bought 2 chains, if nothing else, to try out Carlton chains. Didnt get to use it much, but seemed to cut well. If the ice and snow ever stops here Im gonna take a vacation day and spend some quality time with my new saw. By the way, this dealer sells mainly Echo saws, and from what research I have done, Echo uses from factory Carlton chains. From what I have read on AS Echos are a good saw. Kinda tempted me a little, but I just bought a saw. OK, Ill quit rambling.

 

[Lakeside53]

You'll generally finds the Stihl chain is the harder of the two to file...

For that price I'd have wanted a Stihl chain! but, your Carton will work just fine, and when you wear them out, you'll have another chance

 

[RiverRat2]

Thanks guys. The guy I bought them from said they are harder to hand file than a stihl chain because they are harder steel. I suspected this was a sales pitch, but I wanted to try out my newest chainsaw, so I bought 2 chains, if nothing else, to try out Carlton chains. Didnt get to use it much, but seemed to cut well. If the ice and snow ever stops here Im gonna take a vacation day and spend some quality time with my new saw. By the way, this dealer sells mainly Echo saws, and from what research I have done, Echo uses from factory Carlton chains. From what I have read on AS Echos are a good saw. Kinda tempted me a little, but I just bought a saw. OK, Ill quit rambling.

Stihl chain would be the harder steel of the two mentioned to be filed,,,,consequently it generally stays sharper longer,,,,, I think he may have got to you for a few bucks on the chain IMHO, I pay $21.00 for 20" Stihl RSC

 

[stihl025]

Isn't Woodsman Pro rebadged Carlton chain? That was my understanding...

Anyway, I use both Stihl and Woodsman Pro with great results. I find Stihl chain to be the harder of the two, but at half the price (from Bailey's) of Stihl chain, it's hard to beat. The only problem that I encounter is that Bailey's doesn't have very many choices for semi-chisel in the .325 x 063 guage chain for my 025. Hmm...Hmmm...hint...hint...

A loop of 3/8 x .050 (72 drive links) Woodsman Pro costs me $13 versus the same Stihl chain for $26.

 

[TooTall999]

My local store sells Oregon 73LG 20" loops for 13.99

 

[Diesel JD]

Carlton or Woodsman Pro is good stuff. It may be stereotyping, but I still think that Stihl has the best metallurgy of all the major manufacturers, but they sure are proud of their stuff. I was quoted 24ish dollars for a 24" loop of 33RSC at my local Stihl dealer, another dealer wanted 30.80 or so for the same loop.

 

[Freakingstang]

Carlton or Woodsman Pro is good stuff. It may be stereotyping, but I still think that Stihl has the best metallurgy of all the major manufacturers, but they sure are proud of their stuff. I was quoted 24ish dollars for a 24" loop of 33RSC at my local Stihl dealer, another dealer wanted 30.80 or so for the same loop.

2 20" Stihl RS chains = 30 bucks
2 24" Stihl RS chains= 32 bucks


At the local Amish Stihl dealer...


Yet, if you buy one, it is 25ish.... lol

 

[chowdozer]

2 20" Stihl RS chains = 30 bucks
2 24" Stihl RS chains= 32 bucks


At the local Amish Stihl dealer...


Yet, if you buy one, it is 25ish.... lol

I get the same deal but my dealers not Amish.