How To Measure The Length Of A Chainsaw Tire

Chainsaw bar length
The length of the chainsaw bar is one of the most important parameters affecting the convenience, speed and safety of work. This characteristic must be consistent with the operating power of the chainsaw engine, which is why.

Saw bar classification

The saw headset refers to the working elements of the chainsaw, which are designed for direct cutting: the chain and the bar.

One of the factors influencing the choice of a particular model is the type of tire and its length. Chainsaw bars are classified as follows:

Narrow flat. Works in tandem with a low-profile chain of a non-professional household-level chainsaw, minimizes the risk of injury due to the practical absence of the “kickback” effect, which is especially important for newcomers to chainsaw;
Lightweight. Is made of two steel plates connected by a polyamide layer. This design significantly reduces the total weight of the chainsaw itself, which can serve as a serious advantage when performing some kind of work;
Replaceable head tire. Is installed on professional chainsaws of medium and high power used for a large amount of long work.

Tire type is a serious characteristic, but not the only one that needs to be considered when buying a chainsaw.

How To Measure The Length Of A Chainsaw Tire

Chainsaw bar length. Do I need to consider?

A chainsaw is one of the most necessary and available tools for almost any enthusiastic owner: neither the summer resident nor the owner of a private house can do without it. Harvesting firewood, pruning trees and shrubs, building or repairing gazebos, benches, verandas, etc. A chainsaw is always the first assistant in such household chores. Professional craftsmen at serious construction sites and logging sites will not do without it.

Bus length. Pay attention!

The fact that not least of all catches the eye when choosing chainsaws is the size of the tires: it depends on them how large the size of the logs can be cut.

The length of the chainsaw bar is one of the most important parameters affecting the convenience, speed and safety of work. This characteristic must be consistent with the operating power of the chainsaw engine, which is why any serious manufacturer indicates the recommended tire length parameter in the technical data sheet of its products.

What is the risk of ill-considered use of tires that are too long or too short?
You should start with the fact that you can not categorically exceed the tire size recommended by the chainsaw manufacturer. The smaller size is reasonably acceptable, but also not recommended: there is a perception that a short chain provides less stress on the tool, but remember that this can cause serious damage to the saw headset. The permissible deviation range must be specified by the manufacturer in the technical documentation supplied with the saw.

Long chainsaw bars provide greater comfort when working with large material, such as deep cuts in thick logs. However, the use of a long tire paired with a low-power unit will give one disappointment: the engine power will not be enough to rotate the crankshaft, which means that fast cutting will be simply impossible. The sawing process will be slow, the gas consumption will be increased, the engine will wear out instantly.

A shorter bar length with the right tool power will provide a high cutting speed and will be optimal for use on small trees or boards.

The length of the saw bar, as a rule, is indicated in inches by both foreign and domestic manufacturers. Tires are marked in 2-inch increments. Below is the equivalent in the metric system of lengths familiar to Russians:

Buying a tire is not easy

When buying a tire other than the original model, chances are high that the old chain with the new tire will not fit together in any way. Ideal: try on all three key components. The tire / chain pair and, in fact, the gasoline tool itself. An insignificant difference, sometimes not even noticeable to the eye, in just one link can be critical for the entire assembly: the chain will either not be worn at all, or it will sag.

The next point: different chainsaws are designed for different widths of tire grooves, respectively, and the drive links are designed for use with different tires. The wide grooves of the chainsaw are designed for a heavy-duty chain that is of high quality and efficiency. When choosing a chain, it is important to check the possible width for a given model of chainsaw.

Brief summary

A balanced chainsaw, a chain and a carefully selected tire will allow you to work efficiently and calmly, without spending excessive physical and material resources. And it should always be understood that the choice of the components of the chainsaw process, including the choice of tires, depends on the type of wood being processed, working conditions, the professional skills of the master. All this is purely individual and comes with experience.

What does the distance between the teeth affect?

In a saw chain, the distance between the cutting teeth directly affects its performance. The more, the deeper the cutting edge can cut into wood, provided the stop is sharpened correctly.

Accordingly, on more powerful chainsaws, it is permissible to install a headset with a large distance between adjacent links and vice versa.

If you put a ¼ ”saw headset on a powerful chainsaw, the performance will drop significantly, and the load on the engine will increase, because the saw will run out of gear and exceed the maximum permissible speed, which can ultimately lead to overheating and seizure of the CPG.

And vice versa, installing a chain with a large pitch on a weak chainsaw will lead to the fact that the saw power will not be enough for normal cutting, of course, this will not entail serious consequences, as in the first case, but it is not comfortable to work with such a tool.

Also, the quality and accuracy of the cut depends on the distance between the links. The further apart adjacent cutting teeth are, the stronger the vibration during work and the lower the cutting accuracy. For a more accurate cut, choose a saw head with a smaller pitch. This factor should be taken into account by those who are engaged in curly carving of a chainsaw on wood.

The chain pitch has a great influence on the so-called “rebound”. The greater the distance between the teeth, the greater the likelihood that the chainsaw will bounce.

When choosing a chain, the rule is that the pitch (distance between the teeth) is proportional to the power, but the cutting accuracy is inversely related, i.E. The greater the distance, the lower the accuracy.

Chainsaw chain table

In conclusion of the article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table, which indicates the technical parameters of popular models of chains for chainsaws of different powers.

Based on the recommendations of the chainsaw manufacturer and taking into account the technical parameters from the table, you can find out the model of the chain that is suitable for your tool and avoid mistakes when buying.

Step concept

Pitch is half the distance between adjacent shanks or between three adjacent rivets.

There are several sizes, 1/4 “is the smallest, 3/4” is the largest and 3/8 and 0.325 “are the most popular.

Pitch is a parameter that is available not only in the headset, but also in the sprockets of the tire and chainsaw.

Why is the tabular presentation of information the best?

The Chainsaw Chain Selection Chart is the most convenient way to visualize summary data. With this indicator, it will no longer be necessary to puzzle over whether the dimensions of the new components correspond to those elements that were installed on the factory model. The following key characteristics were used:

Tire dimension (in cm);
Chain pitch;
Tail thickness (mm);
The total number of chain links.

The first parameter is determined by many factors and is usually in the range of 30-45 cm, although there are exceptions.

Chain step is the distance measured between 3 nearby rivets.

The thickness of the drive links or the height of the tire groove can be measured with an ordinary caliper. Usually it is in the range of 1.1-2.0 mm.

The total number of cutting links is also taken into account when selecting a chain.

How to measure the pitch of a chainsaw

There are several basic parameters for choosing a chainsaw, one of them is the pitch of the saw headset. The pitch depends on the power of the chainsaw, and greatly affects the cutting speed.

How much the pitch matches the power determines the performance and service life of the chainsaw. Also, fuel consumption depends on its correct selection.

3/8 or 0.325 which is better and why

Determine which parameter is better and which is not worse, since each of them has its own characteristics and is intended for chain saws of a certain power. Depending on how the saw head is correctly selected, the performance of the tool will have different indicators. If the headset is selected optimally, i.E. The distance between the links corresponds to the recommended power, then the performance of the chainsaw will be maximum. If selected incorrectly, the motor will experience overloads that can lead to malfunctions.

The optimal power ratings for 0.325 inches are 1.8-2 kW. This is the reason why chains with this pitch are used on the Husqvarna 142/137 chainsaw.

For parameter 3/8, a tool with a power of up to 3 kW is required. In this case, the question arises, why are 3/8 inch chains used on the Stihl 180, with a power of 1.5 kW. The answer is simple: for Stihl chainsaws, power is not the most important thing, the maximum number of revolutions is of great importance. The Stihl 180 delivers more than 13,500 rpm, so it can cut with a 3/8 ”headset.

For 0.404 inches, the optimal power is 4.5. 5 kW.

Important! The indicated values of power and chain pitch are not necessarily character, the user himself has the right to choose the parameters of the headset, which he plans to use on the chainsaw.

3/8 or 0.325 which is better and why

The optimal power ratings for 0.325 inches are 1.8-2 kW. This is the reason why chains with this pitch are used on the Husqvarna 142/137 chainsaw.

For 0.404 inches, the optimal power is 4.5. 5 kW.

Step concept

Pitch is half the distance between adjacent shanks or between three adjacent rivets.

There are several sizes, 1/4 “is the smallest, 3/4” is the largest and 3/8 and 0.325 “are the most popular.

Pitch is a parameter that is available not only in the headset, but also in the sprockets of the tire and chainsaw.

How to choose

In the case when it is necessary to choose the optimal chain pitch for the chainsaw, it is best to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and, based on them, choose the type of saw headset.

If the manufacturer’s recommendations are not known, then you need to choose according to engine power. We have provided the recommended values corresponding to a certain step just above.

It is also worth choosing the thickness of the link, the type of cutting tooth, the number of links. Performance is largely dependent on the angle of sharpening, depth of cut and the shape of the stop teeth. The sharper the restraining tooth, the higher the cutting speed and the lower its quality.

Below we suggest looking at the choice of the chain pitch of the chainsaw. It tells and shows how to determine it, for which chainsaws, which chain pitch to use.

Conclusion

The distance between the chain links of a chainsaw is one of the most important parameters that in no case should be neglected. When buying a replacement headset, you need to know which pitch is suitable for the tire and sprocket installed on your chainsaw, or change the chain, tire and drive sprocket as a set.

OREGON is a major manufacturer and one of the main innovators in the saw chain industry. We believe that not only the quality of the tool is important for a perfectly executed job, but also its competent selection. Let’s take a look at what you need to look out for in this matter in order to make a choice that will suit your needs.

This is the distance between the axes of three adjacent rivets, divided by two. It should match the pitch on the saw sprocket and on the nose sprocket.

Pitch is measured in inches, the most common values are:

“325 is one of the most popular options, often installed on small and medium power saws for household and semi-professional saws;
3/8. Comes with a low profile for the most common light saws and just 3/8 for powerful professional saws;
“404. Used on professional saws with a capacity of at least 5.5 liters. With., to put on low-power saws is economically inexpedient.

In order to choose the right chain for a chainsaw, taking into account this factor, it is enough to read the instructions. It will indicate at what step it is designed. With the exception of some professional models, most saws are designed for one specific step.

They provide the movement of the chain along the tire due to the adhesion to the drive sprocket of the saw.
They measure the length of the chain: it is equal to the number of leading links in the ring. To determine it, it is enough to fold the ring in half, count the pairs of leading links and double the result. Also on the leading links there are markings by which you can determine the series of the product.

Measured at the shank of the drive link moving inside the tire groove and should match the thickness of the tire groove.

They are responsible for cutting wood. They differ in shape, sharpening angle and chrome thickness. The most commonly used types are:
Chisel (chisel, super). The most aggressive type of link, cuts quickly, but requires frequent sharpening and wears out faster;
You got it. Cutting is smoother, sharpening is required much less often.

They retain lubrication and are responsible for the strength of the product.

Additional engineering solutions OREGON

Vibe-Ban. Reduces vibration, improves operator safety and speeds up cutting.
LubriWell. Optimizes the distribution of lubricant along the groove length on the guide bar.
LubriLink. Strengthens connecting links and retains lubrication.
Witness Mark. Simplifies maintenance. Its marks indicate the optimal sharpening angle of the horizontal edge of the cutter. Available on all chisel chisel chains.

91 denotes a series of low profile 3/8 pitch chains with a 1.3mm guide link from OREGON. This is the most demanded series from OREGON, its sales provide 70% of the market.

91P. The most popular budget option, with a minimum of engineering features;
91VXL. Premium class, ideal value for money (equipped with all the aforementioned special engineering solutions);
Multicut. Designed to work in an abrasive environment;
SpeedCut (narrow kerf). New in 2017 with increased speed and smoother cutting;
PowerSharp is a unique self-sharpening option, an innovative development from OREGON. Currently used primarily in conjunction with OREGON’s CS1500 heavy-duty 15-amp chain saw. The world’s only self-sharpening electric saw.

In those moments when there is no instruction manual for the chainsaw at hand, and it is impossible to install the marking of its cutting headset on its own, information tables come to the rescue, designed not only to simplify the life of the owners of gasoline-powered tools, but also to save them from possible mistakes that can be made by choosing unsuitable dimensions of the tire or the chain belt itself.

Why is the tabular presentation of information the best?

Tire dimension (in cm);
Chain pitch;
Tail thickness (mm);
The total number of chain links.

The first parameter is determined by many factors and is usually in the range of 30-45 cm, although there are exceptions.

Chain step is the distance measured between 3 nearby rivets.

The thickness of the drive links or the height of the tire groove can be measured with an ordinary caliper. Usually it is in the range of 1.1-2.0 mm.

The total number of cutting links is also taken into account when selecting a chain.

How to measure the pitch of a chainsaw

There are several basic parameters for choosing a chainsaw, one of them is the pitch of the saw headset. The pitch depends on the power of the chainsaw, and greatly affects the cutting speed.

How much the pitch matches the power determines the performance and service life of the chainsaw. Also, fuel consumption depends on its correct selection.

Stihl saw bars

How to choose a Stihl tire for your chainsaw

The tire is that long and narrow part on which the chain is put on and which, in fact, cuts the wood due to its stiffness and the abrasive chain rotating around it. First of all, note that the bar must match the chain, and both must match the pitch of the drive sprocket that is set in the center of the saw.

For different purposes, it is different.

Stihl Chainsaw Tire Dimensions come in from 30 to 150 centimeters. Over, not all of its length (which is more indicative) is indicated, but only its working, “useful” part:

It is enough for household chainsaws to have 25-35 cm (pruning of bushes, small trees, knots, periodic harvesting of a small amount of firewood (up to 2-3 m 3)).
Semi-professional, as a rule, have a length of up to 40 cm. They are used for agriculture, frequent procurement of firewood, in commercial operation when performing wooden work. Those. Their use can reach several hours daily, for 4-8 months a year.
The optimal length of the Stihl bar for Stihl chainsaws, used professionally. Everything that is more than 40 centimeters, up to the maximum size (150 cm). They are used for felling and sawing trees in large-scale logging operations. It can be 10-12 months a year, with a working day of up to 12 hours (they can work continuously for up to 7 hours). The long length is due to the significant diameter of the felled trees.
How to measure the length of a chainsaw tire for carving? Carving is a shape cutting of wood using various tools. They differ in shape. They taper from base to end, like the petals of dahlia and jasmine. Essential for super-soft tree entry, easy controls and a wider viewing angle to observe the creation.

What are Stihl chainsaw tires

The most common and popular tires are 35 and 40 centimeters long. Professional tools are sold less often than for gardening and agricultural work. And it so happened that 35 and 40 cm are considered the main lengths for most types of chainsaws. Such models are produced in the specified lengths most often:

Rollomatic e
Rollomatic es
Carving E.

And, frankly, we must admit that 95% of the needs of chainsaw owners are covered by tire lengths of 35-40 cm.

How to determine tire wear on a Stihl chainsaw

There is a “golden rule” for tire care: 2 chain sharpenings = 1 chain life. 4 chains = 2 stars = 1 tire. Therefore, 1 tire should be replaced on average after 8 full chain sharpenings. We will not consider the current sharpening of certain links as a separate sharpening.

But there are also exceptions. If you use a chain with victorious tips or from another hard alloy, then such a chain can sometimes serve you longer than a sprocket, or even as long as a tire. In addition, some chains come with rather long cutting teeth, which are enough for more than 2 sharpenings (3 or even 4). Changing a tire on a chainsaw must be done by you based on the principle of reasonable necessity, and in such cases:

If the chain starts skipping frequently
The sprocket and the chain are hot, the paint on the end of the bar peels off and the loosening of the chain tension gives nothing
The chain wedges, it began to fly off more often, dangles
Physical damage.

You should never take it to extremes, because the health of the operator, those around, and even life is at stake. Therefore, if it seems to you that today is exactly the time, when to change a tire on a chainsaw. Do it.

How to operate a chainsaw tire

Tighten the chain moderately so that it does not sag and heat the sprocket and tire.
Use only a replacement tire with the oil supply hole the same as that on the chainsaw.
Use only a chain that matches the thickness and pitch of the links to the thickness of the bar and the pitch of the sprocket.
When replacing the chain, change the top and bottom of the bar. Why flip the tire in places? This ensures even wear on all parts of the tire, which leads to longer and more comfortable operation.
For frequent use, it is advisable to have two chains and use them alternately. This will lengthen the working life of each of them and provide more even wear.

How to determine tire wear on a chainsaw

Everything is simple with the chain: if it is loose, pull it up; if it is dull, sharpen it. The fact that it is dull is indicated by finer chips than usual and more effort that is put into the process than usual. How can you tell if a tire is worn out?

The tire does not hold the tension, it sticks;
Sawing became more difficult, even with a new or fully sharpened chain;
The tire heats up, paint peels off it;
There is backlash, creaks, squeals or other uncharacteristic noises;
It “takes” to the side during work and changing the chain does not help.

How to measure the parameter in question

If it is not possible to find the data sheet of the tool, then the length of the tire will have to be found out in other ways.

To do this, you need a tape measure. You need to measure the distance from the end (nose of the tool) to the beginning of the cut.

Also on the side of the headset, the recommended length is often indicated, although this description is erased over time and the information becomes unavailable.

What should be the length of the chainsaw bar

The length of the tire is one of the main parameters for the selection of this part for a chainsaw. The length is directly dependent on the power of the tool. The best indicator of this parameter is indicated in the technical description for a specific chainsaw model.

A long bar is not recommended for use on low power tools for the following reasons:

There will be a lack of power and this will show up at cutting speed;
Fuel consumption will increase due to increased load;
The engine wears out faster, like all its consumables;
Oil is supplied with an unstable cycle and this contributes to overheating of the headset.

Therefore, for a long and reliable operation of the chainsaw, you should use the saw headset of the correct size correctly. Length units are inches.

When buying a new bar, it is important that it has exact compatibility with other elements of the saw system and the chain saw mechanism in general.

General length criteria for selection:

If the chainsaw is of a small and medium power range, then it is usually equipped with tires of 30-40 cm;
You can set a shorter one, but there are restrictions on the operation of a tool with an increased length.

Chainsaw tire size recommendations

The tire is a must for a chainsaw. Over time, wear and tear of this part always happens, so sooner or later it will have to be changed. Here, many owners have difficulty in choosing the size of the tire and what to focus on during the selection. Our article answers these questions.

Other tire selection criteria

In addition to the length, it is necessary to evaluate other criteria:

Guide thickness;
Groove and sprocket pitch;
A kind of shank shape.

Thickness is another key consideration to consider. The groove thickness of the bar and the drive link must match perfectly. This ensures stable operation of the structure and excludes kickback at low saw speeds.

The step parameters of the busbar groove must match those of the chain. The wide groove on the rails can handle heavy loads and is used for professional or semi-professional tools. Narrow groove. For household chainsaws.

The shank of the guide has a strictly defined shape and holes with grooves for its fastening. There are always special technological holes on the shank. Channels. If the channels on the saw and the bar do not match, then there will be problems with the oil supply.

The tire is one of the most important parts of a quality chainsaw. She is responsible for many parameters of work and therefore many manufacturers recommend purchasing original accessories for their tools. All guides are conventionally divided into three groups of use: