what bar and chain to buy

The Highlander · 1st July 2011, 01:31 AM

I have a Stihl MS 390 and I need to buy a new 20in bar and chain. What make and type should I be looking for. In the past I have gone to my local Dealer and they have sold me Stihl products. I have no idea what pitch, number of links etc concerning the chain mean or what the different types of bars do.

Would really appreciate some help here. I cut my own firewood on our property. The trees are mainly peppermint eucalypt and red Gum.

Eric Frei · 1st July 2011, 08:04 AM

Well, what was on there?

Take in what you had, I'm not sure if that saw runs 3/8 or 0.325" pitch chain, it matters as the drive sprocket on the saw is one or the other, bad news getting it wrong.

Count the links in the old chain.

I think though it would run a 20" bar with 3/8 pitch and 0.063" gauge but never just assume.

Oregon bars are good too, but I only buy the Powermatch Plus or the Stihl Rollomatic ES .... the rest (cheaper) ones do not go the distance and foul up easier.

The Highlander · 1st July 2011, 10:37 AM

Thanks Eric for your reply. There is 36 teeth on the current chain is 72. What is the relationship between links and teeth? You mentioned 3/8 pitch and 0.063 gauge, what does this mean? Can you also recommend saw chains?

Best Rgds

NevC · 1st July 2011, 02:25 PM

I found these charts helped a lot with bar and chain selection.

The Highlander · 8th July 2011, 08:05 PM

Thanks NevC, the charts are a great help. I am getting a better understanding of what these machines are about after using them on and off since 1970. I must have been a Dealers delight. Tried to buy a 20in Oregon Powermatch Plus at the local Oregon Dealers yesterday, they didn't know what I was talking about and offered me the only one that they keep in stock because that's what the locals buy for $90. Think I will buy direct from the USA from now on.

Done it · 8th July 2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

Tried to buy a 20in Oregon Powermatch Plus at the local Oregon Dealers yesterday, they didn't know what I was talking about and offered me the only one that they keep in stock because that's what the locals buy for $90. Think I will buy direct from the USA from now on.

Don't they have an internet connection? OREGON brand chainsaw guide bars for professional use

I don't think you will save anything buying bars from the US. There are some good dealers here, and $90 isn't a bad price for a walk in customer.

The Highlander · 8th July 2011, 11:46 PM

What they were offering me for $90 was a pro-lite

NevC · 12th July 2011, 06:15 PM

I am pleased the charts were helpful. There is a lot to learn.
I used to just take bar/chains in and say another of this thanks.
Now I can at least sound half knowledgeable.

wadesteele · 18th July 2011, 10:28 PM

hi i am new to chainsaws i have a stihl ms 250.i am having to sharpen the chain heap.cutting through dry very dry red gum is there a chain better suited for me than the oringnal stihl chain

KevinE · 19th July 2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadesteele

hi i am new to chainsaws i have a stihl ms 250.i am having to sharpen the chain heap.cutting through dry very dry red gum is there a chain better suited for me than the oringnal stihl chain

Sorry mate, but no, that dry red gum will knock any chain around

That is unless you want to splash out on a tungsten tipped chain, but that will cost a fortune.

wadesteele · 19th July 2011, 10:09 PM

ok is it worth $220 or so top get a tungsten chain when i pay $20 to get a chain sharpened. do they stay sharp for a full winter

1st July 2011, 01:31 AM	#1
The Highlander Sappling Join Date: May 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 6	what bar and chain to buy I have a Stihl MS 390 and I need to buy a new 20in bar and chain. What make and type should I be looking for. In the past I have gone to my local Dealer and they have sold me Stihl products. I have no idea what pitch, number of links etc concerning the chain mean or what the different types of bars do. Would really appreciate some help here. I cut my own firewood on our property. The trees are mainly peppermint eucalypt and red Gum.

1st July 2011, 08:04 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: what bar and chain to buy Well, what was on there? Take in what you had, I'm not sure if that saw runs 3/8 or 0.325" pitch chain, it matters as the drive sprocket on the saw is one or the other, bad news getting it wrong. Count the links in the old chain. I think though it would run a 20" bar with 3/8 pitch and 0.063" gauge but never just assume. Oregon bars are good too, but I only buy the Powermatch Plus or the Stihl Rollomatic ES .... the rest (cheaper) ones do not go the distance and foul up easier. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st July 2011, 10:37 AM	#3
The Highlander Sappling Join Date: May 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 6	Re: what bar and chain to buy Thanks Eric for your reply. There is 36 teeth on the current chain is 72. What is the relationship between links and teeth? You mentioned 3/8 pitch and 0.063 gauge, what does this mean? Can you also recommend saw chains? Best Rgds

8th July 2011, 08:05 PM	#5
The Highlander Sappling Join Date: May 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 6	Re: what bar and chain to buy Thanks NevC, the charts are a great help. I am getting a better understanding of what these machines are about after using them on and off since 1970. I must have been a Dealers delight. Tried to buy a 20in Oregon Powermatch Plus at the local Oregon Dealers yesterday, they didn't know what I was talking about and offered me the only one that they keep in stock because that's what the locals buy for $90. Think I will buy direct from the USA from now on.

8th July 2011, 11:46 PM	#7
The Highlander Sappling Join Date: May 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 6	Re: what bar and chain to buy What they were offering me for $90 was a pro-lite

12th July 2011, 06:15 PM	#8
NevC Sappling Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Linton, Vic, Oz Posts: 46	Re: what bar and chain to buy I am pleased the charts were helpful. There is a lot to learn. I used to just take bar/chains in and say another of this thanks. Now I can at least sound half knowledgeable.

18th July 2011, 10:28 PM	#9
wadesteele I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: adelaide Posts: 2	Re: what bar and chain to buy hi i am new to chainsaws i have a stihl ms 250.i am having to sharpen the chain heap.cutting through dry very dry red gum is there a chain better suited for me than the oringnal stihl chain

19th July 2011, 10:09 PM	#11
wadesteele I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: adelaide Posts: 2	Re: what bar and chain to buy ok is it worth $220 or so top get a tungsten chain when i pay $20 to get a chain sharpened. do they stay sharp for a full winter

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