Stihl ms461 bar and chain
- Thread starter Jared31
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LoveStihlQuality
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Welcome to AS. Nice serious saw. 20" would be 3/8 pitch 72 drive links, .050 (1.3 mm) gauge. Recommend Stihl RM (Rapid Micro) which is semi chisel chain which stays sharper longer than RS Rapid Super chisel chain. Bar options Stihl ES super, E standard laminate, a lightweight which costs more and not as much weight savings vs longer bars. Depends on what cutting, how much etc. For my 046, I run 20" ES and 25" Total lightweight. Most importantly keep chain sharp, clean air filter, use fresh fuel with good oil. Others will have eperiences. Depending what part of Ohio, I could let you try a couple different set ups.
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Thanks for all the input. Has anyone used a different bar than stihl on these saws
Hoodiegadoo
ArboristSite Member
I have an Oregon power match in 36” and 28”. I feel like that saw is perfectly balanced with a 28” bar. I usually use skip chain. The stihl bars in my opinion are pretty durable and seem to last a long time. My Oregon bars are pretty new so I can’t comment on longevity but they do seem lighter and more flexible. The dual port muffler, bigger felling dogs and high flow air filter make a big difference with that saw.
Where did you get the dual port muffler and the high flow air filter
Hoodiegadoo
ArboristSite Member
Baileys online. Same with the big felling dogs
That’s a great saw. You’ll love it. I’ve been really pleased with mine.
earlthegoat2
ArboristSite Guru
If you wanted to run a 20” bar you may as well have gotten a 362. 
I liked a 28” on the 46s. Standard weight. Balanced perfect and seemed to be the right length for around here.
I liked a 28” on the 46s. Standard weight. Balanced perfect and seemed to be the right length for around here.
Looks like I might go this route.If you wanted to run a 20” bar you may as well have gotten a 362.
I liked a 28” on the 46s. Standard weight. Balanced perfect and seemed to be the right length for around here.
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That bar is 25”
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- Apr 28, 2014
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I run a Forester Professional Platinum Chainsaw Bar 24" for my 461. I also have a 32" so the 24" is a good alternative. A dealer close by sells Husky chains for the 24" bar at $19.99 a loop. All good and not expensive.
Currently $57 with free shipping!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0176W501I/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3G3A7RVWAX6B6
Currently $57 with free shipping!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0176W501I/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3G3A7RVWAX6B6
earlthegoat2
ArboristSite Guru
25” is excellent. Don’t want to sell your saw short on the bar when it carries 461 power. 
I heard that25” is excellent. Don’t want to sell your saw short on the bar when it carries 461 power.
I feel that the 24" I have for my MS460 is the right length for most work. I have a 32" for really big trees (needs the high output oiler, turned all the way up). Stihl's
"25 inch" bar is the same length as most everyone else's 24".
"25 inch" bar is the same length as most everyone else's 24".
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Exactly. It's the number of drivelinks that equates the confusion.
Ryan'smilling
Addicted to ArboristSite
Personally I much prefer a 20" on a saw that size for cutting firewood and a 28" when I'm felling trees. I don't really like a 24" much.
As far as quality, Cannon bars are some of the best. They don't make a lightweight bar though. If you want top quality in a 20" bar, that's the one. For a 28" a lightweight bar would be great. Tsumura makes good ones. You can buy a 28" .050 on eBay for like $110 shipped. Seller is archerplus.
As far as quality, Cannon bars are some of the best. They don't make a lightweight bar though. If you want top quality in a 20" bar, that's the one. For a 28" a lightweight bar would be great. Tsumura makes good ones. You can buy a 28" .050 on eBay for like $110 shipped. Seller is archerplus.
If ya wanna run a short bar on a saw like the 461, might as well put an 8 pin sprocket on it.
Stihl bars are expensive but worth the money,
I've heard sugi's are good but spendy.
Oregon is junk, it'll werk but won't last very long
Stihl bars are expensive but worth the money,
I've heard sugi's are good but spendy.
Oregon is junk, it'll werk but won't last very long
