Rim and Chain options for a John Deere CS62?

[SAWZ]

I searched the threads and could not come up with this information. I have a JD CS 62 Rebadged Efco 62 saw,been told it is also an Olympk 962. It came with an 18" .325 .50 gauge bar and chain with what appears to be a small splined .325 7 tooth rim/drum. It seems the .325 chain is at it's recommended limit at a 62cc saw and this original set up doesn't seem to take advandage to this saw's 4+ HP. I wanted to switch to 3/8 chain but I was told you would have to replace the oil drive gear to change over to a regular sized 3/8 rim&drum. I wanted to go with the standard rim/drum so I could run the same rims I run on my Stihl 460's. Oregon's fit chart only lists 7 tooth rim .325 gauge. I believe the Olympk and Efco 62cc versions come with 3/8 chain. Any help appreciated.

 

[Grande Dog]

Howdy,
Here's an IPL for your saw. They only show one oil pump drive gear. You might be stuck with the small spline set up. It's odd that Oregon shows a large and a small spline application. I've got a call in to EFCO to see if they can shed some light on this. I'll let you know if I hear anything.
Gregg

 

[superfire]

saw help

heck just pull the clutch cover. yours is a rim and drum system just swap the rim for 3/8. i had to do the same thing to mine. takes about a half your to do it. the rim is all that needs to be changed not the drum. as per Grandes ipl check parts 61 and 62 one is 325 other is 3/8.

 

[SAWZ]

Thanks for the help I really appreciate your replies. I believe I give Baileys a look and see what I can come up with and go from there. Maybe a 6 pack job.

 

[oakcutter]

I'm currently looking at buying one of these, but it comes with an 18 inch bar. I was hoping to put a 20 with 3/8 chain on it. Would this be an easy swap on this?? Can anyone help me? Thank you.

 

[oakcutter]

Or would you guys just keep .325 chain on there with a 20 inch bar? Any tips are appreciated!!!

 

[Four Paws]

That saw comes with a rim and drum set-up.

Swap to a .375 rim and a matching bar/chain of your desired length.

That saw will outcut a MS-361 or 357XP.

 

[7sleeper]

I'm currently looking at buying one of these, but it comes with an 18 inch bar. I was hoping to put a 20 with 3/8 chain on it. Would this be an easy swap on this?? Can anyone help me? Thank you.

I have a Oleo Mac 962 version with the 18inch 325 setup. Personally I find it run excelent with it. The choice 3/8 or 325 is more a personal choice. The 325 will run smoother, the 3/8 rip out larger chips.

Will there be any difference in cutting speed? I doubt that the 60cc class really improves with either size over the other. Going to larger cc saws the 3/8 clearly wins.

BTW this is with 18inch 325 setup.



7

 

[oakcutter]

I really appreciate the feedback guys. I have heard nothing but good things about these saws. I'm sure it would be a great firewood saw for me......I don't REALLY need it.... I have an Efco 152 with an 18 inch bar, but I guess when you have your heart set on something...lol

 

[oakcutter]

Ps.....this saw will only be used to cut hardwood. Don't know if that makes a difference or not. Oak, beech, and maple.

 

[Vibes]

If I'm not mistaken the bar pattern is small mount Husky. Same as a 359/ 346. Pretty common to find. I had a Cub Cadet version of that saw. It was a 56cc.

 

[7sleeper]

I really appreciate the feedback guys. I have heard nothing but good things about these saws. I'm sure it would be a great firewood saw for me......I don't REALLY need it.... I have an Efco 152 with an 18 inch bar, but I guess when you have your heart set on something...lol

I was in a similar situation like you. 50cc was my top saw, but it left sometimes some wishes open, so I got the 962. It has full filed all my expectations. I sold my 50 cc pro saw because of it and have the 40 & 60 cc combo as my work duo.

7

 

[oakcutter]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the help! This site and the people on it are great. I'll let everyone know how this all goes......

 

[oakcutter]

Well, I'm still researching this whole thing......pretty much have my mind made up on 3/8's chain on a 20" bar. I called a saw shop in northern Wisconsin today just to discuss the subject and the gentleman on the other end proceeded to tell me that a JD CS62 would have difficulty pulling a 3/8 chain with a 20" bar! He told me that this definitely isn't a pro saw and I should upgrade!! Just thought I would share my amusement with you guys. I'm rehabbing from a surgery now and can't do anything with the saw except talk about it anyways

 

[oakcutter]

Well, I did go with 3/8 and a 20" Forester bar. Finally got to run the thing this weekend. I'm impressed. Very happy I picked this thing up. Should work great for blocking up the oak and beech that is a little too big for the Efco 152. I'll post pics when I can

 

[oakcutter]

Just waiting for spring