Help with Husky bar / stihl chain compatibility

[FLINT]

Hey guys,

My main firewood saw is a Stihl 362 with an 18" bar and I always use Stihl chain. 3/8" x 0.050, 66DL (33RS66).
My cousin gave me a Husky 455 rancher that I use as a back-up saw. The husky came with a 20" bar, but I was thinking that it would do better with an 18" bar but especially I was hoping to be able to use the same chain on both saws. My Stihl chain is 66 drive links, but the 18" bars for the husky saw say 68DL. If you look at the 20" bars for both the stihl and husky, they both say 72DL - so why the difference with 18" bars.
So can anyone tell me definitively, is it possible to run my same Stihl chain on the Husky 455 or should I give up on what I thought was a good idea.

 

[Jonny Quest]

Drive link count is the main issue. If the number of D/L is the same, then you should be good-to-go. Assuming that your pitch and gauge are also the same. In my experience, the D/L count is not consistent between the different bar mount patterns. As such, a Stihl bar will usually require a slightly different D/L count than a Husq bar. Sure would be nice to have 'em all match-up, but no. Occasionally the bar D/L count will match-up -- as you are describing. You may give it a shot as your bar/chain tension adjustment may give you enough movement to run 1 or 2 drive links +/- different. Can't hurt to give it a shot. I would NOT force the bar/chain fitment, though.

Also, I agree that an 18" bar would be be better. Some folks seem to think that a bigger bar makes a better saw. My experience is that I always want the smallest bar I can use for the job. Smaller bar = less chain friction = more usable power.

 

[FLINT]

Thanks, yes, that was my question. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a 3/8 .050 66DL bar that will fit the 455?

I was hoping to be able to use the same chains (so I only have to ever buy one type of chain and if in a pinch in the woods I could take the chain off one for the other). Seems like a good plan, but its looking like its not possible. I don't want to go to a 20" bar for both as I already have several 18" stihl chains for the 362, and I really like the 18" bar.

Maybe I'll just drop to a 16" bar for the husky - as it would be even more confusing to have 2, 18" chains that are only 2 DL different.

 

[cuinrearview]

https://m.ebay.com/itm/16-BAR-CHAIN...s-many-Husqvarna-435-445-346-51-/292327275662

First thing that popped up when I googled "k095 66"

 

[Evan]

I found the drive length number doesnt need to be exact. I also found a carbide burr can help the bar adjust one way or the other. Inside the bar studs and were it meets the clutch.

If it dont bolt on fab it grind it mod it make it.
Those with tools are only limited by theyre imagination

 

[Franny K]

That is a tough one it seems 68 is the normal drive link count for 18" in that mount and 3/8 pitch. A model 555 might be better to search for as it generally comes with 3/8 chain and has the same mount. Changing the sprocket from 0.325 might be necessary.

http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...te-Chainsaw-Bar-68-Drive-Links-180SLHK095.axd


Try this one it looks like the slot is the right size for your studs and oiler is about right.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GB-Power-T...667959&hash=item590123ba01:g:ao0AAOSw-5dZ-3LK

 

[FLINT]

Oh, I'm sorry if I wasn't clear.

The 455 that I have is already set up for the correct pitch (3/8) and gauge (0.050). However, it has a 20" bar on it which I would like to change to 18" for two reasons:

1. I think this saw would cut a little better with an 18" bar

2. My primary saw (stihl 362) has an 18" bar on it, and my initial hope was to be able to use the exact same chain (stihl 3/8 .050 66DL) on both saws. The problem it seems is that the husky 18" 3/8 0.050 bars are 68 drive link, while the stihl 18" 3/8 0.050 bars are 66 drive link - so it seems I won't be able to do what I had hoped without modifying a new bar which I would prefer not to do.

 

[cuinrearview]

https://m.ebay.com/itm/16-BAR-CHAIN...s-many-Husqvarna-435-445-346-51-/292327275662

First thing that popped up when I googled "k095 66"

 

[FLINT]

Thanks Franny - your ebay link does look like it would accept the right chain, I wonder if it would really fit the 455 though - as the list of saws it fits does not include huskvarna at all.

 

[FLINT]

cuinrearview - am I missing something? - that bar/chain is .325 pitch and 16". I'm looking for 3/8 and 18"

or are you suggesting that I ditch my efforts and go with a 16" .325 bar/chain, probably not a bad idea.

 

[HarleyT]

I would just forget it. I don't remember seeing any 3/8 Husky bar with a 66 drive link count.

These guys like to go the long way 'round the barn!

 

[grizz55chev]

KISS, don’t over think it!

 

[cuinrearview]

Or the wrong way. Sorry about that OP. Maybe a bar adapter?

 

[FLINT]

ok, I'm dropping it. it seemed like a good plan at first - but I guess it wasn't meant to be. oh well. thanks all

 

[grizz55chev]

Does that mean you’re switching to an Echo?

 

[HarleyT]

Echo,echo,echo......

I get it!!!

 

[HarleyT]

I get it!!!

 

[FLINT]

oops...

not sure how I double posted that.

there, deleted one I think

 

[HarleyT]

oops...

not sure how I double posted that.

there, deleted one I think

That is no fun!!

Now folks will wonder what is going on!!




Nah, no one reads this crap!!

 

[Franny K]

Thanks Franny - your ebay link does look like it would accept the right chain, I wonder if it would really fit the 455 though - as the list of saws it fits does not include huskvarna at all.

gave up after 6 hours
I further researched the long way around the barn.
http://acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/1...be9970357dbcb17f88256e0e001f67e3?OpenDocument
http://acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/1...eb5cdbe2ec67964188256e0d00525d23?OpenDocument
Depends on how bad you want it might have to open up the slot but I would expect those are 8mm studs. Chances are GB makes those bars to the Stihl length and then carves out the tail for other stuff. They likely have made exactly what you want just it is not findable on ebay right now. Likely another manufacturer worked in the same fashion just not the majority of them. Someone in the business might come along.