Upgrade Husqvarna 142 to 18" bar?

garu35 · Sep 2, 2006

I just purchased a Husqvarna 142 with a 16" bar. Is it possible to upgrade it to an 18" bar?
I'm an absolute beginner, but I have used an 18" bar on a McCulloch and it seems to be a good length.
What values do I need to pay attention to? Chain pitch, gauge and number of links?
I think the 142 is 3/8 pitch, and .050 gauge, but I don't know the number of links. Does it matter when replacing the bar/chain?

Any information is appreciated.
Thanks.

computeruser · Sep 2, 2006

Yes, you can put a larger bar on that saw. And you are correct, you need to have the correct chain pitch, gauge, and number of drive links for the bar and drive sprocket setup you are running. Your current setup is running 3/8 low-profile .050 gauge, a common and readily available type and size.

A quick peek on Oregon's website's selector guide shows that they make a 18 bar (#180SDEA041) and it takes 62 drive links of 3/8" LP chain.

Welcome to ArboristSite!

slipknot · Sep 2, 2006

The pull-on wildthing has an 18" bar, so I guess your 142 could swing it. It takes the same bar mount as the mildthing too i do believe.

SawTroll · Sep 4, 2006

I don't think that an 18" bar will be an upgrade on a 142 - more like a downgrade of cutting speed.....

garu35 · Sep 4, 2006

Thanks for the information, appreciate it!
Does anyone know what engine mount the 142 uses?

I've bee looking around and there seems to be a few different types used by Husqvarna, ie - 8.2mm , 9.0mm. I've also seen a codes used - CJ, SJ, etc.

retoocs555 · Sep 4, 2006

SawTroll said:
I don't think that an 18" bar will be an upgrade on a 142 - more like a downgrade of cutting speed.....

Thats for sure. The 142s I've run are even doggin' it with a 16" bar.

SawTroll · Sep 5, 2006

The 142s sold in the US, except the very first ones, are seriously downrated in power compared to the 141s and 142s offered elsewhere :monkey: - 2.2 hp vs 2.6, so I concur that even a 16" bar is on the long side, at least for full bar cuts .