How fast does a harvester chain turn when powered by hydraulic motor?

[Wes Lyon]

Hello everyone ..
They move slower than a chainsaw but what is the sweet spot?
I have some delusions about possibly building a automated chainsaw slabber.
I have most everything and know i will be running .404 harvester bar / ripping chain and a 16 tooth sprocket.
My power unit (engine) and hydraulic pump and motor are pretty well matched.  I can gear up via pulleys but i am trying to stay away from that if possible.
Without gearing up via pulleys I am only able to turn the chain at around 1300 feet per minute.
I fear that this is not fast enough.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

[snowshoveler]

Harvester chain goes fast enough on some machines that if it breaks you get what is called "chain shot"
It can go like a whip and the end will snap off and the broken end is then exceding the speed of sound.
Run it s as fast as you can if you want to, not going to hurt it.
For a slabber I am not sure of the proper rpm but I bet Oregon would be able to help with that.
Regards Chris

[boscojmb]

Chain speed on a large chainsaw running .404 chain under a load is 2000 FPM or less.
You are not that far off at 1300 FPM assuming that you can maintain that speed under a load.