Husqvarna 550xp - changing from .325 to 3/8 chain - #17
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- My 550xp mk2 was my only saw that didn't use 3/8 pitch chain. I have several 3/8 pitch chains and wanted to be able to use them on all my saws. After doing some research I decided to change the sprocket and bar on my 550xp. This video details what I had to do.
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For the life of me I don't understand why people want to convert the 550xp to regular 3/8 saw chain. Is a much bigger kerf and takes a lot more power to pull it through the wood. Next try 3/8LP saw chain on it. That should really fly through the wood. Personally I'd keep the .325 saw chain on it as it is a lot less stress on the plastic caged bearings that are in that saw.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. The main driver for me was only dealing with one chain for all my saws. I don’t force my cuts and I always keep my chains sharp so hopefully I’m not putting undue stress on the bearings. I’ll look into the 3/8lp… thanks for the suggestion.
I do the same thing. I switch to 3/8 . I like it that way. It does well for me.
I think that the sprocket having a slight larger diameter is gearing the chain slightly faster. That in conjunction with the bigger kerf will cause it to bog down easier.
People with multiple saws want to run the same chain and bars on everything. Theres a good reason
@@OUTDOORS55 why do it if the saw cuts slower? Makes no sense to me.
I appreciate the experiment. It confirms sticking with what I have already. .325" for under 60 cc & 3/8" for 60+ cc.
The kerf width will affect how much wood you are removing and in theory how long it takes to make a cut. The finer pitched chain will generally be narrower which means faster cutting for a given horsepower and less man glitter that goes onto the ground. The larger pitch chain has more metal to wear down. It would actually be nice to see a comparison of cutting a cord of wood with the 2 types of chain to compare the time taken, the amount of fuel used and potentially the sharpens required.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments Alan. Good analysis! Your proposed experiment would be interesting but as busy as I am right now I don’t see me doing it.
Thanks for the comparison. I was thinking of doing this for the same reason as you, but after watching your video I have decided not to. One size may "fit all" but not give the best results. Thanks for your content. I have subscribed!
Hi Rhonda. Thanks for watching. I went with the 3/8 and very glad I did. I’m thinking the 3/8 chain in my video may not have been sharpened as well as it could be. I use this saw every day and it RIPS with the 3/8 chain. It sure is also nice to only maintain one type of chain. I’d reconsider if I was you. Just my 2 cents. Thanks… appreciate you!
Good fair comparison. I’m a Stihl man, but the one Husky I have is my best friend!
For chains, I run both. What I know is that with the same-tooth sprocket, yeah you’re throwing the same amount of teeth per revolution, but in 3/8, you’re throwing a bigger tooth about 15% faster (4.55 inches of chain per rev in .325 vs 5.25 inches of chain in 3/8) so you are trading out some torque and a smoother cut for fewer and bigger teeth to have to sharpen. Now if that sprocket were originally a .325-8 and you put on a 7 in 3/8… Or from a .325-7 to a 6 for 3/8, then you’d be running the same chain speed.
Nice place you have. I lived in Wilmington and in Charlotte many years… I’m not a “damn yankee” anymore because I did eventually move home!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. I moved from NY to Georgia in 1978 and then from Georgia to North Carolina in 1980. I’m definitely a “damn yankee” ha ha! Not planning on moving any further north! 😅
How you liking the saw still? Getting new saw next week and debating between 550xp and 555 for firewood. Had 2 562xp’s and were to problematic.
I love the 550xp Mk2. It’s my “go to” saw. The start sequence must be exactly followed or it can be a starting problem. The 562xp’s get good reviews… I wonder what the problem was with yours.
I want a 20” Sugi lightweight bar for my 550xp but don’t know what chain to get for it if I get the bar- how do I match the drive links etc? Great channel !!
@@PhillipDrumz thanks Phillip. You first need to decide on what gauge and pitch you want to run. Husqvarna recommends .050, .325. I went with ..050 and 3/8. The gauge of the bar, and the pitch of the nose sprocket must match your chain. In my case I went with .050 and 3/8, and 20” on my bar. The 550xp takes a small Husqvarna bar mount. The drive sprocket on the saw must also be the correct pitch (3/8 in my case). My .050, 3/8 chain on a 20” bar has 72 drive links. I provide the sprocket part number in the video.
I hate hand filing .325 chain. 3/8 is perfect and I run skip chains on all my long bar saws. Less teeth to sharpen… Well good to know I’ll just never buy a small saw again
Thanks for watching and commenting Johnny.
I’m not sure why but my 550 xp mk 2 seems to cut way faster than the first couple cuts. Maybe it’s cause mine is newer? I don’t know but mine seems like it is running more than 4hp
Hi Adrian. My 550 seems to cut much faster than shown in the video. I’m not sure what the issue was. I did a muffler mod on that saw also (check out that video), and th improvement in power and speed is noticeable. It’s the saw I pick up first for 90% of my cutting.
I have an 029 stihl. Only .325 saw i had. Did the same and converted to 3/8 to match the rest of my saws . I had simmular results . I tried an oregon 72 lpx chain . It helped my 029 , felt like some of my power is back. I Did not time it . But that puts me kinda back to not using all the same type of chain for all my saws. But guess still better as i can still use my other chains on it also, so still using 3/8 on it. . Good Video.
Thanks for watching. I have stuck with the 3/8 chain. I did a muffler mod (see video) and the saw really performs well with the 3/8 chain. The most important thing is keeping the chain sharp and letting the saw do the cutting… don’t force it.
Hey Dick, this was a good informative video! Thanks for putting this together it was interesting to see the both chains compare! Andrew from NB :)
Thanks Andrew. The 550xp is doing great with the 3/8 chain. It’s my “go to” saw for 90% of what I do.
Id keep the 3/8 sprocket to use all the chains you've accumulated!!! Great video. Have a Safe Day
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments David. That’s exactly what I have decided. In reality I only use that saw for smaller wood, and I think it will cut plenty fast in the 6” to 12” logs.
Another great video, thanks for sharing your experience. Terry
Thanks for watching Terry and thanks for the comments. I’m enjoying your channel… I like woodworking but don’t have anywhere near the skills you do. Thanks again. - Dick
You keep saying "3/8". Did you mean 3/8, or 3/8lp?
@@John-cj3ve I mean 3/8.
Just wondering. A lot of content creators think they can use the term interchangeably.
Hello Dick, Hot and High Humidity here in Northern Virginia also, Take Care and Stay Safe 🚜🪵👍🏼🇺🇸
Thanks for watching Larry. I’m spending a long weekend at Kerr Lake. Your video inspired me!
@@oldguyfirewood Fantastic Dick, enjoy and catch some big ones🎣👍🏼🇺🇸
The test we all wanted, thank You Sir. I would love to see comparison with narrowkerf (husqy pixel chain 325 0.5)
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. I’ve decided to go with the 3/8 chain just for the sake of using the same chain on all my saws. The speed difference isn’t significant enough to stay with the .325.
@@oldguyfirewood I got You, finally got 20inch bar for my shindaiwa 501sx today, now I know that narrowkerf is not worth to bother in my opinon ;) So I went with standard .325 .058 bar, now it's finally time for muffler mod.
I got Poulan Pro 295 20 bar. I'm going to go to 16 bar, 3/8 .050 chain & bar plus Rim Sprocket. I got to find what Rim Sprocket will fit.
I’m not familiar with the required parts for the poulan. I really like the change on my 550xp.
The downfall from going to 3/8 is the sprocket is now trying to turn the chain a few percent faster. These little chainsaws rely on hi reves were they make their power and by increasing the chains speed you are also depleting its top end power. You can go to a low profile 3/8, but they are suited for under 40 cc..325 seems to be the sweet spot with 45 to 55cc for most manufacturers.
Thanks for watching and commenting. You make a good point. I readily concede that the manufacturer’s engineers have much more expertise than me in developing the best combination of components to maximize the efficiency of their saws. I guess I’m willing to give up a small bit of performance in exchange for the convenience of dealing with one size chain for all my saws. I will note that after a muffler mod, (I did a video), this saw absolutely rips with the 3/8 chain. It also has a noticeable increase in torque since I opened the muffler up. My only concern is long term impact on bearings and seals. I think a sharp chain and letting the saw cut without forcing it is key. I really appreciated your comments and support!
So I got an older ms 310 I’m debating putting a 24/25 inch bar on and going down to .325 from 3/8. 20 inch. Old bar is getting old and I wouldn’t mind a little more reach but don’t really want to lose and cutting speed/power.
Glad I found your video. Kinda goes along with my thinking on it.
Thanks for watching!
First thing I did to my new stihl 261 was convert it to 3/8 sprocket and chain. Now my 261 , 362 ,and 400 m tronic all use the same bars and chains.
I like having one size chain to fit all my saws. It cuts great too!
Many thanks for such a great video. I have a small processor and run a 550xp and both are 18" on .325 so I agree keeping the chains the same is a great idea. I run the same make of bars as you do too.. My larger 592XP is a 3/8 but the 550 does 95﹪of the work. All the best..
Thanks for watching Charles. I love my 550xp mk2. I decided to go with the 3/8. I did a muffler mod which really woke the saw up. Check out my 550xp muffler mod video if you get a chance.
Rest and have a cup of tea ,I do good video
Thanks for watching Digger. I might have to try that cup of tea!
Great video! Thought about doing the same thing. I still might. The 550 has more hp than my 257 and the 257 came with 3/8. So did my old 026 pro but the 261 come with .325. If a 550 with 3/8 cuts faster than a 257 it’s worth it to me
The 550xp mark2 is a great saw. It pulls a 20” 3/8 chain no problem. I love the setup.
Not sure that was fair. Should've used a factory new chain. It's possible you filed too much raker and she was boggin out. Redo
You could be right. I stuck with the 3/8 chain and use it constantly. I feel like it cuts faster than the .325.
550xp is a great bucking saw. Keep up the good work OGF. 😊 I personally like an 18" bar on mine, but I’m only 5’8" so I can still almost buck standing up with it. 😅
The 18” bar is ideal for the 550xp but I went with the 20” because all my other saws run 20” and I could just stock 1 size chain. The only exception is one 28” bar that I run on my 572xp if I need it.
@@oldguyfirewood If the 550 had not a small mount, it would be great !
@@vzmax6230 I changed mine to 3/8, .050 and it does great. Check out my video on the conversion. Thanks for watching!
New subscriber here.....living in France, thanks for the video .suprised that over a 3 second difference between them ..very interesting
Thanks so much for watching and subscribing. I really appreciate your support.
Had 3 saws with 3/8 chain, and acquired a new stihl 290. I have several 3/8 chains and even a carbide to cut stumps at ground. Thought about switching to 3/8 on the 280 but decided not to. Bought a 20" carbide in 325. I got used to having two size chains, just keep them separate. Biggest plus got oregon grinder with cbn wheels and diamond wheel for the carbide. The .325 takes different size wheel to sharpen, but the 290 with a sharp .325 cuts surprisingly well. No longer want to go to 3/8
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. It sounds like you have adjusted well to working with the two different sizes. I’ve never used any carbide chain but I have thought it might be handy for the occasional stump job. I may have to try it out!
Was surprised to come across this post, have now subscribed, last month i bought a 550 xp mark two , am in the process of changing it to 3/8 pitch to keep in line
with the other saws i have, am retaining the 18'' bar but with a suga hara bar, aussie down under here.
Hi John. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing. You will love that combination. Check out my video where I did a muffler mod on my 550. I was surprised at how it woke that saw up. You might want to consider your warranty.
I think the 3/8 chain stays sharper a lot longer than .325 , so if you figure sharpening time then 3/8 is faster. Or more work done before you have to stop and sharpen chain.
I totally agree with you Chuck. I love being able to use the same chain on all my saws. The 550xp has no problem pulling the 3/8 chain.
.325 is the only chain i use. Smaller kerf and i only cut hardwood do it's faster. I can't find the benefit to a wider kerf unless it stays sharp longer but i imagine it heats up faster due to friction do no benefit. It's just more friction on the saw.
Same for my table saw, i run a thinner kerf so the speed stays up and the cut is smoother and faster. Never heard a positive argument for a wider kerf blade on a table saw or band saw for that matter.
The depth of cut should be considered as well.
Thanks for commenting Daniel. The main benefit for me is stocking one chain for all my saws. It works well!
Great video.. where did you get your bar, im looking for a 24" light bar for the 550Xp M2. Cant seem to find one that fits the 550xp M2. Thanks
Hi Michael. Thanks for watching... hope you're subscribed! I bought my 20" bar from hlsproparts.com The 24" is above recommended length for the 550xp, buts they do have that bar to fit the 550xp, part number is VH2U-0Q50HV. chainsawsdirect.com also lists that bar.
How about using 3/8 pitch on everything but use the picco on the 50cc instead of 325?
Thanks for watching Phil. My main reason for changing was to be able to use the exact same chain on all my saws. I decided to stay with the standard 3/8 pitch on my 550xp. I keep my chains sharp and the 550xp is really ripping with the 3/8. I’m thinking the chain I used in the video may not have been as sharp as it should have been.
Myself when I'm in the woodyard I don't time how fast each cut is. I just want to change all that runs good all day. All my 20-in bars run 3/8.050 72 link. I run the yellow Stihl chain. My 24-in bars run the 3/8.050 84 link yellow Stihl chain. I do have a 32-in bar. That's its own beast in its own. It's on a CS 800 p Echo chainsaw.
Thanks for watching! I’m with you. All my other saws run 3/8 .050 72dl, so I’ve decided to run that on my 550xp as well. The slight lack of cut speed will be made up with the convenience of having to maintain one kind chain, and I think the 3/8 stays sharp longer.
Nice footage always keep stepping and fetching 💪 💪💪💪💪💪
Thanks Randy. I really appreciate you watching and commenting!
very interesting video...subscribed !!....thumbs up
Thanks for the sub! I hope you will visit my other videos.
I have used both and like I a 3/8. I am running a 3/8 skip tooth now and it seems to be faster
I love the ability to run the same chain on all my Husky saws. I need to try skip tooth.
Thanks for making the Conversion process understandable.
For me it isn't about Speed but Bar size. I'm on a very tight budget and only cut for heat. problem is every now and then I'm given some nice wood that is just to big for my 20" 62cc(off brand) saw and .325P .O58Ga. severely limits my length options. I can find 3/8p .050 Chains and bars without issue and the saw is capable of pulling a 22" or even 24" chain through wood, as long as you aren't Forcing matters.(Use the weight of the saw)
I'm Cutting 32" Poplar with an 18" 3/8 on a 49cc without issue as long as I don't keep burying the tip so I don't see why the bigger saw(63cc) can't handle the longer bar.
Yes sir… you obviously have a good understanding of the issue. Thanks for watching.
Great video! Been thinking about doing this to my 545xp, now I know how and if I should!
Go for it! I really like it on my 550 and dealing with the same chain for all saws is great. - Dick
It's always faster for me. You just need to get used to it. Let the saw do the work..
Thanks for watching Ted. You are absolutely right about letting the saw do the work. A sharp chain is most important.
Thanks, interesting results guess Research and Development at Husqvarna had it right.
Thanks for watching! I guess you’re right. However I’ve decided to go with the 3/8. For me the convenience of having one type of chain for all my saws outweighs the slight loss of cut speed.
New subscriber thanks I'm sticking with the .325 also. Dam I was close to buying a new bar and chain lol
Thanks for watching! I have to give you an update. I’ve decided to go with the 3/8. The convenience of only stock one size chain is important to me. I’ve done a muffler mod to the saw (see that video) and this saw cuts fast and strong with the 3/8 pitch chain. It boils down to a personal preference, but I love this setup on my 550.
Thanks for subscribing!!
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Thanks so much for watching!
@@oldguyfirewood vše nejlepší do nového roku 🌲🌲🐻🐻🔥🔥🚜😉😉😉😉👀👀👀👀♥️♥️💪💪💪💪 lesu zdar
I use 3/8 chain on my saws. Keep things simple. I use Oregon chain.
Thanks for watching Myron. Hope you subscribed! I’m with you on the 3/8 chain. I use Oregon or Husqvarna x-cut. They seem the best for me.
Echt Ami- Reden,reden und wieder Reden
I have a husky 55 rancher with a 18in and 10 in bar that run 3/8. I also have husky 350 with a 18in bar that runs the.325 chain. I was considering this because I was considering putting a 14in bar on it for felling limbs and thought to have all 3/8 chain would be nice, so only one grinding wheel for the sharpener. But I've got 6 old 18in .325 chains and 3 brand new ones so I'm just gonna leave well enough alone. I liked you side by side but was wondering if the saw was cold for the second go around.
I hear what you are saying. I've continued to run the 3/8 on my 550xp and to be honest it is as fast as it needs to be.
@@oldguyfirewood in your case I'd keep it as you've got all your other saws with that same chain. Besides, for us what is 2 second.
@@williamwallace9620 Good points William. I’ve found keeping my chain really sharp and letting the saw cut without a whole lot of pressure is key.
Great video Dick it's definitely nice to have everything uniform and one chai I got so many different sizes of chains and saws sometimes it's ridiculous. I also run a tree service so it's a little bit different I got everything from smaller 12" chains all the way up to 60" bars and chains.
Thanks for watching Dana. Having a tree service puts you in a totally different situation. I can see where you would be forced to run several different size pitch and length of chain. I’m just a hobbyist compared to you!
Keep up the great videos! You're friends here in Piqua Ohio.
You’re in Ohio… planning on going to the Paul Bunyan show? I’m going to make the 6.5 hour drive. Hope to meet a lot of fellow woodhounds!
Well made "How to". Thanks!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments.
Thanks for showing this. I never knew you could do change the chain size.
Thanks for watching Adrian. Yes, most 50cc and larger saws will pull a 3/8 chain.
Thanks Dick, another great video!
I always appreciate you watching and commenting Phillip. Have a great week!
@@oldguyfirewood Thank you sir!
Nice video Guy I have a husky 572 xp but I can't get it started for some reason its brand new do you have any ideas.
Hey Chris thanks for watching. I think I’d be taking it back to the dealer since kits under warranty. I do know that you have to follow the starting procedure on all the auto tune saws. If you don’t do it exactly like explained in your owner’s manual they can be problematic.
@@oldguyfirewood ok thanks how can I get a sticker and a shirt thanks.
@@chrisfoltz7028 provide me an address and I’ll send you a sticker. I’m working on a deal for shirts and should have that finalized in a couple weeks. What size?
@@oldguyfirewood what's your email address Sir.
@@chrisfoltz7028 oldguyfirewood@gmail.com
If you will switch to an 18" bar that will help it out a lot.
Thanks for watching Michael. I’ve pretty much settled on 20” bars that fit 6 of my saws. It’s really nice to be able to interchange chains.
@@oldguyfirewood It also will let you cut bigger stuff when you're in a situation and you need the longer bar.
Unless it's just me I see more saw dust than chips.
I try to keep my saws sharp all the time Mike. I went back and looked at that video and they appeared to be cutting pretty good. I really couldn’t see the chip size. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
@@oldguyfirewood I wasn't trying to be disrespectful what so ever just a comment. I apologize if it came across wrong. Great channel. Thank you
@@drmikeyb1 no offense taken! I love getting comments from my viewers. Often they’ll mention something I hadn’t caught. I truly do appreciate you!!
Your right on your words .
Thanks for watching Leonard and thanks for the comments!
Interesting results.
Thanks for watching Bill!
Most interesting, Good Video!
Thanks for watching Geezer. Hope you’re subscribed! I’ve decided to go with the 3/8 even though it might be a little slower. The benefits outweigh the slight difference in speed.
@@oldguyfirewood I am. We each make the correct choice in everything as long as it meets our need.
It would be interesting to see how the .325 chain works on the 572
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments Nathan. I’m not sure if you can get a .325 sprocket for the larger saws.
I have a 9 pin sprocket, 0.325 on my Husqvarna 562 xpg, large mount
th-cam.com/video/xCJ4ISCanbs/w-d-xo.html
18 inch Cannon bar 😁
Good info.. I am looking st getting another Sthil 461 next year and will keep this detail in mind..
As always, thanks for watching Daniel!
If I could change one thing about my 550,it would have an outboard sprocket.
Thanks for watching and commenting PM. I like the outboard sprocket on my saws that have them. I wonder if it can be converted?
@@oldguyfirewood I was looking at mine today,I really don't see the clearance needed in the housing. Would sure be nice though,the few minutes you save by just pulling an E clip and switching rims would make it worth the while to keep .325 and 3/8 on hand.Keep up the great videos, and it looks like some actual cutting temperatures are coming our way.
If you have other saws using 3/8 , keep the .325 as it is and you'll have the best of both worlds. You can use the .325 and make up your mind later
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. I’ve already made the switch to 3/8 on all my saws. It’s convenient and the 550xp cuts great with the 3/8. I’ve just never been a fan of .325. Personal preference I guess!
@@oldguyfirewood ... I have a 550 xp and just wondering if you can list the bar and chain you used on it ? Husqvarna doesn't list a 3/8 bar for it.
@@goodboyringo9716 the bar is a Husqvarna small mount (K095) 3/8 .050 bar. Mine is 20”. Husky, tsumara, and sugihara all make bars in that configuration.
Good one ! Size really does matter 😏 🪵⛓🪚👍👏🇺🇸 Rick
Thanks for watching Rick! So I’m told 😂.