dropping a rancher with 20'' down to 16'' help

You shouldn't have to do anything other than swap the bars and put a chain with the correct number of links on.

Before you ask - I have no idea what that number is. I buy my chains from a dealer. I say, "I need a Stihl chain for a (insert saw here) with a (inset length of bar here)" and he just hands it to me.

You need a 16" bar and chain that's all it takes. I have gone from 18" to 20" and back but had my local hardware -saw store give me the bar- chain I needed. No different than putting on a new chair 5 minutes tops.

mr_neil, I agree with Bigg_Redd. Go to a quality dealer of the saws and you need to match a new bar with a new chain to your saw. I have a smaller bar and chain for my Jonsered and I am glad I did. A poorly matched bar and chain to a saw is flat out dangerous.
I am sure there is a way to change the sprocket but modifications to anything are always tricky.
Don't get me wrong I like the option I have with that big saw of mine but I always know the saw is operating as intended.

how come? Did it lack in power, or just too long for what you wanted to do?

All of the info should be on the bar. Buy the bar you want in the gauge and pitch you want and the number of drive links you need should be on the bar, Then buy your chain. Sprockets don't care what gauge the chain is but the pitch has to match. It is the same with the sprocket tip on the bar.

You could do some research on the Husqvarna web site......


If any of these are your saw....

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accesso...25-laminated-bar-small-bar-mount/#accessories

You'll be much happier with a 16" rancher than a 20". I recently went from a 18" 3/8" to a 16" narrow kerf .325 on a Husky 55 and it's a noticeable difference with the non-professional 55cc and below saws.

... and what about your longer chains? I had about 10 chains for a 18" bar and went to a 16". Didn't want to retire good 18" chains and buy new 16". I had long experience "chain breaking" bicycle chains, so I did the same with the chainsaw chains, removed a few links and re-set the rivets. That was many years ago, and the shorter chains are doing just fine.

jebatty said:

... and what about your longer chains?

Click to expand...

our local dealer charges $5 per chain to shorten them.