Chainsaw Pitch 3/8 or other

[Rick R]

I have a Husky 372 xp chainsaw with 3/8 pitch chain. I would like to have a smaller Husky saw to carry into the woods to cut limbs and small diameter trees for firewood. I would like to stay with the same chain which is presently 3/8" Oregon 73LG.
Do the smaller saws use this chain ?
Should I be willing to go with the .325 pitch chain that I see with some of the smaller saws.
It would be nice just to have the same pitch chain but is this really worth while ?

[outdoortype]

If you want to stick with 3/8 pitch, you'll probably have to use a saw in the 12 lb or 3.3 Cubic Inch range.  The Husqvarna 55 Rancher is probably the lightest saw you can successfully run a 73LG 3/8" pitch chain on @ 11.4 pounds.  Sadly, Husqvarna replaced the 55 with a model that weighs around 13 lbs.  If you want a lighter saw in the 10-11 lb. range, stick with the .325 pitch.  The Stihl 025,026 are good performers if you want something light.  But I bet you'll miss your 372 if you try to cut any hardwood over 12".  Just my .02.

[Dan_F]

If your willing to spend the money, buy a 357xp, light weight and good power. Can put a 16'' 3/8 bar.
I have a 359 with 20'' bar with 3/8 but the 357 is a much better saw.

[wiam]

My experience has been that 3/8 will hold an edge longer than .325.

Will

[sawguy21]

If your willing to spend the money, buy a 357xp, light weight and good power. Can put a 16'' 3/8 bar.
I have a 359 with 20'' bar with 3/8 but the 357 is a much better saw.

I agree. We have recently started getting the 357 with 3/8 instead of .325 and everyone seems happy with it. Your 372 bar won't fit the smaller frame saw though. 20" is the maximum practical length

[SawTroll]

I am pretty sure that the Dolmar 5100S will handle it quite well at 3.9kW, even though I think .325 will work best unless it is modified.
It is standard issue on the SA version.
The P5100 at 5.2-5.3 kg weights a lot less than the Husky 357xp (5.9 kg)/359 (5.8 kg), , but also close to 1 lb more than the 346xp (4.8 kg).
A properly modified 346xp should also do the 3/8 trick nicely.

The issue with different bars will be as with the smaller Huskys.