I would hold off, and run the 026 for a bit before buying any new stuff.
I think you will be best served by selling the 251 and all the chains/bars...and, buying some other pro saw which shares a mount with the 026. Maybe, another 026... Depends on what else you've got. 036?
On another issue...MS261 air filter on the 026???? You got a link describing that? Pics?
Roy
I have run the 026 for a while with the 3/8" chain and it runs great .... I have a pile of 68dl 325 063 chains and only one 60dl 3/8" 050 that is currently on the 026. I figured it'd be as good an idea to have two saws that can run the same chains instead of having more chains in more sizes around.
The 251 will be staying, this isn't a funding issue as much as a not wanting more inventory issue.
I have a number of other saws and the 251 will be a backup of sorts to use to finish something up quick without having to sharpen/swap to a new chain if something happens to the 026. Plus I'll likely keep the 026 in the combine and Pops will keep the 251 with him in the tractor during harvest so we both have a smaller saw if we run into a down tree in a field.
I typed 261 and likely got you all excited by accident but it's a filter setup off a 260 so nothing too special. Stupid fat fingers in a little phone screen ... I used info found here ->
https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/stihl-026-to-ms260-air-filter-conversion.355725/
Pics of my saw for fun .... I used aftermarket stuff to keep the cost down and will source OEM stuff if issues arise with this stuff. It also has a full wrap from an 044
The saw runs very well after this and the muffler mod. These pics were taken right after I put it all together so it's all still cleanish lol
Different bar mount style, different bar width making the chains different lengths (different driver number) for the same bar length. You could get a roll of .325 .063 chain and make your own or add subtract a driver to save money in the long run if both saws used .325. That 261 will be peppier with a 16" .325 bar vs a 16" 3/8...
I have an extra 16" and 18" bar for the 251 and yeah they use the smaller mount, hence the questions lol What do you mean by different width ? They will all be 063 gauge ....
The 251 has an 18" bar, the 026 bar will be a 16" with the same chain if I'm not mistaken and that's fine. These saws are used for limbing and falling sub 12" stuff. The 066 comes out for larger stuff.
I think I'm going to see if I can find a 16" D025 bar locally and see if it all comes together. If not I'll make more 3/8" chains to fit this saw. I don't have a roll of 325 on hand anymore as I made most of it into 68dl chain for the 251.
Thank you for the replies !!