Can You Put A Stihl Bar On A Husqvarna Chainsaw?

Are you having trouble finding the right bar for your beloved Husqvarna chainsaw? Well, you’re not alone!

The question “Is it possible to affix a Stihl bar on a Husqvarna chainsaw?” is one many have asked, and we’ve got the answer for you. Yes, you can mount a Stihl bar on a Husqvarna chainsaw. But before you give it a go, there are some important considerations to bear in mind.

When it comes to chainsaw bars, compatibility is key. The bar itself is made up of several components that need to be compatible with the chainsaw, including the sprocket nose, the rivets, and the oil holes. 

Fortunately, most chainsaw bars are universal, so a Stihl bar will fit into a Husqvarna chainsaw. For instance, Stihl 3003 bars can be used on a Husqvarna D009 chainsaw.

5 Factors to Consider When Putting a Stihl Bar on a Husqvarna Chainsaw

You’ll have to choose the right bar when upgrading your chainsaw. Whether you’re using a Husqvarna or Stihl chainsaw, the bar you choose can make a big difference in the performance of your tool. You should take the time to consider each of the factors below before selecting a Husqvarna or Stihl chainsaw bar.

1. Compatibility

When choosing a chainsaw bar for a Husqvarna chainsaw, be sure to consider the compatibility factor. The first factor to consider is the diameter of the chainsaw. The Husqvarna chainsaw bar ranges from 16 to 20 inches. The second factor is the length of the chainsaw bar. 

Husqvarna chainsaw bars are available in lengths ranging from 10 inches to 42 inches. The chainsaw bar’s diameter and length must match the Husqvarna chainsaw. To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to refer to the Husqvarna chainsaw chain sizes chart and the Stihl chainsaw bar size chart.

2. Quality of Parts

Another factor to consider when choosing a Stihl bar for your Husqvarna chainsaw is the quality of the parts. You want to make sure that the bar is made from high-quality materials and that the components are designed to last. The bar should also be designed for optimal performance, as this can help your chainsaw perform at its best.

3. Bar Mount

When fitting a Stihl bar to a Husqvarna chainsaw, the bar mount is crucial. The bar mount is the configuration of slots and holes on the end of a chainsaw bar. It has three main functional features: chain tensioner holes, chain oiler holes, and mounting holes. 

These features must be compatible between the Stihl bar and the Husqvarna chainsaw to ensure proper fitting. Furthermore, the size of the bar mount must match the size of the bar. 

Consequently, it is important to get the right bar mount for the right chainsaw bar size. Additionally, if the bar mount is too small, it will reduce the strength and lifespan of the bar. 

Therefore, you should ensure that you have the right bar mount to guarantee a safe and secure fit of the Stihl bar on the Husqvarna chainsaw.

4. A number Of Drive Lugs

The number of drive lugs on a Husqvarna chainsaw is an important factor when putting a Stihl bar on it. The drive lugs are positioned in the slotted edge of the chainsaw bar and secure the drive cog under the chainsaw’s case. 

When fitting a Stihl bar, you should count more drive lugs on the saw to accurately calculate the chainsaw chain’s required length. 

Without this information, the chain may be too short or too long, which could cause damage or injury. 

Furthermore, the drive lugs must be positioned correctly so that the drive cog turns in the right direction when the chain is engaged. If the drive lugs are not properly aligned, the chain may not run smoothly or may even come off the bar.

5. Installation

You should also consider the installation process when choosing a Husqvarna Stihl bar. While some chainsaws come with the bar already installed, others require that you purchase the bar and install it yourself. 

If you’re not comfortable with the installation process, you may want to consider hiring a professional to complete the job.

Steps for Installing a Stihl Bar on a Husqvarna Chainsaw

Materials required

Installing a bar on your chainsaw can be a tricky process, which is why you need the right tools and materials for the job. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Stihl Bar – The fundamental component for the installation is this. Before purchasing a Stihl bar, be sure to measure the chainsaw to make sure it is the appropriate size.

Husqvarna Chainsaw – You will be adding the Stihl bar to this chainsaw. To ensure that the saw is compatible with the Stihl bar, double-check the model number on the saw.

Bar Spacer – This is an important part of the installation. It helps to keep the bar in place when it is installed and also helps to provide stability and balance.

Wrench – You’ll need a wrench to help you tighten the bolts that hold the bar in place.

Screwdriver – To secure the bar to the chainsaw, you’ll also need a screwdriver.

Steps

Husqvarna chainsaw Stihl bar installation is a relatively easy process that can be done in a few steps. If you’re looking to get the most out of your chainsaw and extend its reach, adding a Stihl bar is a great way to do this. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a Stihl bar on a Husqvarna chainsaw.

Step 1 – Remove the side cover of the Husqvarna chainsaw and the chain from the original bar.

Step 2 – Compare the tails of the Stihl bar and Husqvarna chainsaw. The Stihl bar is usually larger and shorter than the Husqvarna bar.

Step 3 – Check the adjusters and oil holes on both bars. The adjusters are typically in the same place, and the oil holes may be in the same place or need to be re-drilled.

Step 4 – Put the bar spacer on the Husqvarna chainsaw’s bar studs to reduce the slope when attaching the Stihl bar.

Step 5 – Place the Stihl bar on the Husqvarna chainsaw’s bar studs, and tighten the nuts until the bar is snug.

Step 6 – Adjust the bar and chain tension by backing out the adjuster on the Husqvarna chainsaw. Bring the bar as far back as possible and adjust the chain tension.

Step 7 – Check the bar’s tip, and make sure it is in line with the sprocket.

Step 8 – Place the chain on the Stihl bar, and adjust the tension until there is no slack in the chain.

Using various Stihl bars with Husqvarna chainsaws

Several Stihl chainsaw bars can be mounted on Husqvarna chainsaws, however, they all require a slight adjustment to fit precisely. Depending on the Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaw bar mount types, changes may be required.

For Smaller Husqvarna chainsaws

1. Mounting the Sthil 3002 Bar on Small Husqvarna

Mounting a Stihl 3002 bar on a small Husqvarna chainsaw requires some extra steps. To begin, you’ll need a 14.0 mm to 8.0 mm slot adapter since the Stihl chainsaw slot is larger than the small Husqvarna chainsaw.

Next, the Husqvarna’s tensioner is 0.41 inches away from the center line of the mounting slot. To accommodate this, you’ll need to drill new holes that are closer to the slot. 

Additionally, the grooves for oiling on the Stihl chainsaw bar are located farther away from the slot’s center line than on the Husqvarna chainsaw. To prevent oil leakage, you’ll need to drill new oiler holes and block the old ones.

Lastly, you’ll need to adjust the chain tension when you first use the new bar. Fortunately, this is easy to do with the Husqvarna chainsaw’s tensioning knob. Once it’s properly adjusted, your new Stihl 3002 bar should be ready for use.

2. Mounting The Stihl 3003 Bar On Small Husqvarna Chainsaw

Drilling holes and adjusting the oiler and tensioner slot will allow you to mount a Stihl 3003 bar on a tiny Husqvarna chainsaw.

An adaptor plate is used to make the fit snug on the Husqvarna chainsaw when attaching the Stihl chainsaw bar. The mounting slots on the Husqvarna chainsaw are smaller than those on the Stihl 3003, hence this plate is required.

Also, new holes must be bored because the Stihl chain tensioner holes are significantly larger than the tensioner pin on the Husqvarna chainsaw. Aside from the oiler grooves on the Husqvarna chainsaw, the tensioner holes on the Stihl chainsaw also need to be expanded.

New oiler holes need to be bored to finish affixing the Stihl chainsaw bar on the Husqvarna chainsaw. This is required to maintain the correct tension on the chain while cutting.

The installation of the Stihl 3003 bar in the Husqvarna chainsaw is a quick and easy process. You’ll need a drill, a drill bit, and an adaptor plate among other things.

The adaptor plate’s size, the oiler setting, and the tensioner setting all need to be carefully checked to make sure they are all drilled appropriately. The chainsaw will be ready to use once this is finished.

3. Stihl 3005 bar Installation on a Compact Husqvarna Chainsaw

Stihl 3005 bar is wider, and the Husqvarna chainsaw may have smaller studs. This can make it difficult to get the bar properly seated and secure. In most cases, you will need to slightly modify the bar to fit it correctly.

The first step is to ensure that the slots on the Stihl 3005 bar and the 8 mm or 0.31 inch wide Husqvarna chainsaw are in line with the studs on the bar. 

A tensioner offset of 0.41 inches (10.5 mm) from the mounting slot center line should be the same for both. However, most of the tiny Husqvarna tensioner pins are not long enough to reach the Stihl holes. You may need to drill new tensioner holes as a result.

You’ll also need to ensure that the oiler offset relative to the mounting centerline of 17 mm is the same for both.

In some cases, the Stihl oiler holes may be much further behind the Husqvarna oiler groove. You may need to adjust the position of the Stihl holes to match the Husqvarna groove.

For larger Husqvarna chainsaw

1. Mounting The Stihl 3002 Bar On a Large Husqvarna Chainsaw

Anyone with basic DIY knowledge can mount the Stihl 3002 bar on a large Husqvarna chainsaw. Your chainsaw will operate at its best with this upgrade. 

The Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaw bars almost have the same 15 mm chains tensioner, however, the chain oiler holes are far away on the Stihl bar, meaning a 14mm to 9mm adapter is required. Don’t worry though, these adapters are widely available and are easy to procure.

To get started, first loosen the tensioner and disconnect the chain from the bar. Then, carefully remove the old bar and replace it with the Stihl 3002 bar. Make sure you also replace the guide bar cover, as this is essential for a clean and safe operation.

Once the bar is mounted on the chainsaw, slowly tighten the tensioner. The chain should be tight enough to create a slight indent in the bar without the chain slipping out of the grooves. If not, give the tensioner another few turns.

To finish, check the chain oiler holes on the bar and lubricate the chain. Your chainsaw will run smoothly and reliably if you do this.

2. Mounting The Stihl 3003 Bar On a Large Husqvarna Chainsaw

On a large Husqvarna Chainsaw, setting up the Stihl 3003 Bar is relatively easy. This requires familiarizing yourself with each mounting slot and hole.

The tensioner hole is located nearer the center of the mounting slot on both the chainsaw and the bar. In comparison to the Stihl chainsaw bar, the Husqvarna holes and tensioner pins have greater diameters, measuring 0.24 inches and 0.20 inches, respectively.

Once you’ve identified the size differences, you can move on to the actual mounting process. First, ensure that the chainsaw’s mounting slot is in the correct position on the chainsaw to ensure that the bar is above the oiler. 

After checking the position, you can insert the bar into the mounting slot. To finish, fasten the bar to the chainsaw with the tensioner pins, making sure the pins fit snugly into the holes.

4 Benefits of Putting a Stihl Bar on a Husqvarna Chainsaw

 Putting a Stihl bar on a Husqvarna chainsaw can bring a range of benefits, from increased cutting power and longer lifespan to easier maintenance and cost savings.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages of purchasing a Stihl bar for your Husqvarna chainsaw.

1. Increased Cutting Power

Stihl bars are designed to provide more power and a better cutting performance than standard Husqvarna bars. This is because Stihl bars are made from stronger and more durable steel. As a result, they offer superior cutting performance and can handle tougher materials with ease.

2. Longer Lifespan

As well as providing increased cutting power, a Stihl bar can also extend the lifespan of your Husqvarna chainsaw.

As a result, the bar is less likely to wear down over time due to its added strength and durability. In damp climates, Stihl bars can also withstand more extreme weather conditions without breaking or corroding.

3. Easier Maintenance

Stihl bars are also easier to maintain than standard Husqvarna bars. Specifically designed Stihl bars are easier to sharpen and maintain. Consequently, you won’t have to spend as much time and effort maintaining your chainsaw bar.

4. Cost Saving

Another benefit of using a Stihl bar on your Husqvarna chainsaw is that it can save you money in the long run. Because Stihl bars are generally more affordable than Husqvarna bars, so you can enjoy all the features without paying more.

5. Availability

Getting a Stihl bar that fits a Husqvarna chainsaw shouldn’t be difficult. As a result, you won’t need to worry about looking far and wide for a bar that works.

Husqvarna chainsaws with Stihl bars: Safety considerations

When it comes to using a chainsaw, safety should always be top of mind. Whether you’re a professional or a homeowner, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your project is completed safely and efficiently.

1. Choose the Right Bar Size

A Stihl bar should fit the Husqvarna chainsaw model. Choosing the right size will ensure safe operation and efficient performance.

2. Ensure Proper Installation

Before using the Stihl bar, ensure that it is properly installed on the Husqvarna chainsaw. Follow manufacturer instructions so that the bar is securely fitted and locked in place.

3. Read the Owner Manual

Make sure to read the owner manual that came with the Husqvarna chainsaw carefully to understand how to operate and maintain the chainsaw safely.

4. Wear Appropriate Protective Gear

Always wear appropriate protective gear when using a chainsaw. This includes eye and ear protection, as well as a hard hat. Also, wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from any flying debris.

5. Keep the Chainsaw Away from Children

Never allow children to operate the chainsaw. Keep the chainsaw out of reach when not in use and ensure that it is stored safely in a secure location.

Over To You!

Stihl bars can be fitted to Husqvarna chainsaws. However, both chains and bars must be compatible with the model of the chainsaw being used. 

If the bar and chain are not compatible, then it may cause damage to the saw or result in poor performance. Maintaining and servicing the chainsaw is essential before making any modifications.

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