Thread: Unusual Chain

Originally Posted by brody_94

Me and a mate were given a heap of Oregon chainsaw chain a while ago and were wondering a few things.

Now, it is a .404 chain but the drive links are .075 thick.

That sounds like harvester chain, that's usually 0.080" thick.

"Can we get bars to fit this chain or was it designed for mills etc?

That chain is designed for harvesters - these don't usually fit or suit chainsaws. Harvester type bars are also quite expensive. With respect to the chain in the Oregon manual it states; "For use on mechanized harvesting equipment only. Do not use on hand-held cutting applications as severe injury to operator or bystanders may result." In a workplace situation if something went pear shaped I'd bet work safe would have something to say about this

You will also find the rakers will be something like 0.050" which will stop both an 660 or 084 in their tracks. You will have to lose quite a bit of cutter to get the rakers more near a normal setting.

HArdly seems worth mucking around with.

Originally Posted by BobL

That sounds like harvester chain, that's usually 0.080" thick.


That chain is designed for harvesters - these don't usually fit or suit chainsaws. Harvester type bars are also quite expensive. With respect to the chain in the Oregon manual it states; "For use on mechanized harvesting equipment only. Do not use on hand-held cutting applications as severe injury to operator or bystanders may result." In a workplace situation if something went pear shaped I'd bet work safe would have something to say about this

You will also find the rakers will be something like 0.050" which will stop both an 660 or 084 in their tracks. You will have to lose quite a bit of cutter to get the rakers more near a normal setting.

HArdly seems worth mucking around with.

I can actually remember seeing that now. I think I might not bother with it if there will be problems like that. I'll do some more measuring anyway and check out those things that you mentioned.

Thanks for your help.

Yeah... Those 8-cylinder Caterpillar "powerheads" have a bit more Oomph than your average Stihl...

Thanks