Video Rotatech vs Leading brand

[Northernarbsupplies]

Which rotatech bar would I need for my WP30?

 

The chain is 325 1.5 72

 

Sorry we don't do bars for WP3 at the moment.

[R Mac]

I bought a couple of Rotatech chains a while back but only just used one for the 1st time today, Echo 501SX + 18" Sugihara bar/.325

 

The job this morning was ringing up mixed timber, some hardwood, some softwood, some seasoned, some not, diameter up to bar length but most a few inches under, say about 15" dia, all harvested and had been laying on a laneway so some of it had a bit of mud/grit.

 

1st impression was the chain was cutting really well, then I noticed after about 5 mins it had stretched enough that I could pull the drive links clear of the bar, was a bit surprised to be honest. I tightened the chain and continued cutting until I needed to re-fuel when I again noticed the chain was slack, same amount again, re-tightened. Finished off the ringing up, took about 2 hours all in, chain was stable.

 

Then moved to dealing with a windblown beech, down a while but still solid, no more significant stretch for the rest of the day. Still cutting nicely after 8 hours so definitely happy so far. Next test will be how easy it is to sharpen (I don't use a grinder)

 

I need some more chains so going to try a 3/8 chain on my CS-8002 to see how that goes.

Edited November 30, 2016 by R Mac

[Northernarbsupplies]

Hi R Mac,

 

Thank you for your review. The chains now come pre-stretched. The chain you had might have been from a previous batch. Some people do find the chains do strech a little, as they do with other quality chains.

Glad you seem happy overall. Hopefully you find them ok to sharpen. You might find your files get worn out quickly. If you do, we recommend our Rotatech files, Chainsaw Chain Files by Rotatech - Northern ARB Supplies

[Rob D]

I bought a couple of Rotatech chains a while back but only just used one for the 1st time today, Echo 501SX + 18" Sugihara bar/.325

 

The job this morning was ringing up mixed timber, some hardwood, some softwood, some seasoned, some not, diameter up to bar length but most a few inches under, say about 15" dia, all harvested and had been laying on a laneway so some of it had a bit of mud/grit.

 

1st impression was the chain was cutting really well, then I noticed after about 5 mins it had stretched enough that I could pull the drive links clear of the bar, was a bit surprised to be honest. I tightened the chain and continued cutting until I needed to re-fuel when I again noticed the chain was slack, same amount again, re-tightened. Finished off the ringing up, took about 2 hours all in, chain was stable.

 

Then moved to dealing with a windblown beech, down a while but still solid, no more significant stretch for the rest of the day. Still cutting nicely after 8 hours so definitely happy so far. Next test will be how easy it is to sharpen (I don't use a grinder)

 

I need some more chains so going to try a 3/8 chain on my CS-8002 to see how that goes.

 

 

Nice to get a good solid review on them - we are also going to be looking at getting a budget chain in - in fact we already have some in and will be doing a thread on them this week.

[R Mac]

Hi R Mac,

 

Thank you for your review. The chains now come pre-stretched. The chain you had might have been from a previous batch. Some people do find the chains do strech a little, as they do with other quality chains.

Glad you seem happy overall. Hopefully you find them ok to sharpen. You might find your files get worn out quickly. If you do, we recommend our Rotatech files, Chainsaw Chain Files by Rotatech - Northern ARB Supplies

 

Hi, just checked and I bought the chains in August, if mine are the older variety then the new ones pre-stretched would be an improvement but to be honest it isn't really an issue either way.

[R Mac]

Nice to get a good solid review on them - we are also going to be looking at getting a budget chain in - in fact we already have some in and will be doing a thread on them this week.

 

Thanks Rob, hardly scientific I admit but I neither have the time nor inclination to do comparison videos etc, longevity will be the next test, I know how long an Oregon chain lasts me, will see how the Rotatech compares.

 

Will also keep a lookout for your thread.

[Justme]

Bit of a discussion going on about them on Treebay on FB.

[R Mac]

Bit of a discussion going on about them on Treebay on FB.

 

Rotatech or Robs budget line? I'm not on Facebook.

[Justme]

Rotatech or Robs budget line? I'm not on Facebook.

 

Rotatech's as thats what this thread was about.

[woodwizzard]

Ordered a pair last Thursday, not turned up yet, hoping to get them before the week is out.