Bar and Chain advice for Husqvarna 372 XP

[halftaken]

I was able to buy a well cared for 372XP without a bar and chain. This is my first go at getting a saw this size and want to match it up well. I would like to use a 24" bar as being 6' 5" it would help eliminate some stooping over for felled trees. Most of my use would be clearing up overgrowth on several acres for fire wood. The trees are not huge but a lot are in the 12"-18" range, some ash, elm and box elder.

I see by our site sponsors there are quite a few choices out there but would really appreciate your input on a good bar and type of chain I would get the most longevity from.

 

[oscar4883]

I run a 24 with full comp. chain on mine most of the time. I run a Stihl ES bar on mine with the adapter that Baileys sells. GB and Windsor both make nice bars in Husky mount. Not a real fan of Oregon bars as of late. The older ones seem to hold up better than the newer ones.

 

[SawTroll]

I would not carry a 24" bar around in the woods unless I really needed it. Longer than 20" bars doesn't balance really well on that saw, and also make it "easier" to hit the dirt with the tip.

 

[halftaken]

I would not carry a 24" bar around in the woods unless I really needed it. Longer than 20" bars doesn't balance really well on that saw, and also make it "easier" to hit the dirt with the tip.

Well worth considering any recommendations on a bar and chain type for the saw? Your thoughts on using the combination from oscar4883 mentioned?

 

[mdavlee]

I would get a 28" bar if I was that tall. There's not much difference in the 24" and 28". It's not that hard to get used to a longer bar. The husky techlite bar is a little pricey but real light in that length.

 

[oscar4883]

The combo I use may be a pain for some. I run mostly Stihls and get bars a real good prices. Plus I think they are great for the money. A 28 would be good length wise as long as you don't bury it in hardwood all the time. IMO The 24 is what I run most of the time. Sometimes a 20 if I happen to be making quite a few cuts while climbing. I'm only 5'9 and could probably buck standing up with a 16! LOL

 

[procarbine2k1]

I bought mine with a 24". A 24" bar balances great on that saw, I can tell you first hand!
I bounce back and forth between a 20 and 24 with mine, dont necessarily need the 24 as much, but have it when I need it.

 

[povchrisw]

I run 24" with skip chain on my 372. Went with 24 b/c I also don't want to be bending over a lot. Went with skip chain for faster sharpening/ less down time

 

[wyk]

Go with a 24" bar and a skip chain. I have the Oregon Pro-Lite on my 372 and it balances as well as it does with a 20" solid bar. The 372 will pull a 24" skip through anything as easy as it will a full comp 20.

I was able to buy a well cared for 372XP without a bar and chain. This is my first go at getting a saw this size and want to match it up well. I would like to use a 24" bar as being 6' 5" it would help eliminate some stooping over for felled trees. Most of my use would be clearing up overgrowth on several acres for fire wood. The trees are not huge but a lot are in the 12"-18" range, some ash, elm and box elder.

I see by our site sponsors there are quite a few choices out there but would really appreciate your input on a good bar and type of chain I would get the most longevity from.

 

[GASoline71]

A 372XP will be just fine with a 24" bar on it. It'll pull up to 28" bar easily... If you order an Oregon Powermatch bar from Bailey's for a Husqvarna... it will be painted in the Husqvarna colors and have "Husqvarna" printed on it in blue letters.

At least when I bought one for a Husqvarna a few years ago it did. I believe the Powermatch is still the factory bar in the US.

Gary

 

[RVALUE]

Both my 24 inch bars turned out to be 26 inchers. Worked out OK since they match each other. (Both were misrepresented in the sale, one was brand new) That 372 works well with that combo.

 

[REJ2]

Check the Baileys site, they do have Husqvarna branded bars that are the same as the Oregon Powermatches. Sometimes they offer the Oregon Powermatch version with a loop or two of chain which makes it a great deal. Probably before your done you will want a 20" and a 24". Oregon LGX is the chain I prefer. Plenty of other adequate choices though.
REJ2

 

[cpr]

Mine wears a 24" GB titanium. Balance is superb and you're right for what you want the reach for. I'm 6" even and can put the bar near the ground without bending over.

Newer GBs are unknown quality as it seems production has transferred to China from Australia. Right now, if you can find one, I feel like the Tsumuras are the best followed by the German Carlton along with the Sugihara.

 

[dingeryote]

Congrats on the new saw!!!!
372's are tough to beat, and IMO there is no better choice.

20' Bars are great on the 372, but the 24" is a LOT more usefull overall. It just takes a couple big stems to start hating on the 20.

Go with a 28" and you'll be fighting it in the thickets, but the 372 will pull it all day long with skip. Get into a bunch of smaller stuff though, and it's a PITA again, and ya start wondering why you left the 24 in the barn.

The simple answer is...Ya need all three.

The 24 will get ya though 90% of everything though.
Give a shout to Spike, cuttin' scott, or baileys and they will hook ya up properly.

Stay safe!
Dingeryote

 

[thejdman04]

I run a 24" on my 372, pulls it well and seems to be balanced fairly well.