Which would be better Stihl 026 or ms 260?

[jfnel00]

Thanks for all the replies. I was kind of thinking I would just have to run both side by side. They both have 20 inch bars and 3/8 chain. I have a stihl ms362pro and a small 021. I always take two says with me when I cut. I just couldn't pass up the deal I got on the ms260.

 

[fearofpavement]

My opinion is that a 20" bar and 3/8 chain is too much for the saw to be happy. They will handle 18" of .325 and really like 16" .325.

20" and 3/8 pitch is 55cc and larger territory. Obviously, if you are just cutting small wood, it will do ok, but if you are just cutting small wood, why tote around the extra weight?

You sure those are 20" bars? (as stamped on the bar?)

If I had to pick one, I would keep the 026 because I detest flippy caps. Lefty loosey, righty tighty has worked fine for me. I have flippies on three pieces of equipment so am familiar enough with them to form an opinion.

 

[nmurph]

My opinion is that a 20" bar and 3/8 chain is too much for the saw to be happy. They will handle 18" of .325 and really like 16" .325.

20" and 3/8 pitch is 55cc and larger territory. Obviously, if you are just cutting small wood, it will do ok, but if you are just cutting small wood, why tote around the extra weight?...

Yes. A stock 026 will require a VERY deft touch if all of a 20" bar is buried. Even a MM 026 is not happy in more than 10"-12" oak if you are trying to get any speed out of it.

 

[H 2 H]

I have a couple 026 and MS 260 now but I like running the MS 261 just a little better :msp_tongue:

 

[Philip Wheelock]

My opinion is that a 20" bar and 3/8 chain is too much for the saw to be happy. They will handle 18" of .325 and really like 16" .325...

:agree2: An 026 or 260 doesn't have torque to run a 20" bar buried.

 

[watsonr]

I'd sell the cleanest one for the saw money and run the other like I stole it... you pretty much have!:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Mountainman]

I'm in the market for an 026/260, but all the saws of that model I have seen only have one carb adjustment screw. It sounds as though some of them came with the same 3 adjustment screws as the bigger saws. Is this correct? If so, did they come with the older models, or the newer ones?

 

[workshop]

I vote to keep both. I have an 026 and an ms260 and like them both. Plus you can never have too many saws.:msp_biggrin:

 

[MCW]

As everbody mentioned pick the saw in the best condition - personally I'd keep both. I've run 44mm and 44.7mm versions and you'd be clutching at straws to pick a difference in performance. Personally I prefer the 026's over the MS261 although the 261 definitely has a better filter and way more torque. I've owned both and would have happily sold my 261 before even thinking about selling my 026/MS260.

I have heard the 0.7 mm smaller bore 026 run better than the 260.

Only the earlier 026's had the 44mm bore, then later in production they changed to 44.7mm just like the MS260 is/was.

As far as I'm aware few of the MS260's came with Mahle top ends but the Brazilian Stihl P&C. Not sure if anybody can fill us in on the facts there?

 

[w8ye]

I have a woods ported 026 as one of my limbing saws that is a real sweetheart.

 

[old-cat]

I'm in the market for an 026/260, but all the saws of that model I have seen only have one carb adjustment screw. It sounds as though some of them came with the same 3 adjustment screws as the bigger saws. Is this correct? If so, did they come with the older models, or the newer ones?

I did some work on an MS260 that from the outside looked like a high speed only adjust, but the carb itself had a needle for high and low both. The little white grommet was made to fit, OEM.

 

[Redbug]

With the 20 inch bars...you could go with a sprocket with less teeth such as a 6 or 7 tooth and get more torque for those saws. I'll bet they are 8 tooth...

 

[MCW]

With the 20 inch bars...you could go with a sprocket with less teeth such as a 6 or 7 tooth and get more torque for those saws. I'll bet they are 8 tooth...

The 026/MS260 come with mini/small spline rims or a spur sprocket in 7 tooth. 8 tooth sprockets would have to be custom made. In standard spline rim setups you can get an 8 tooth rim easily enough but not in mini/small.

 

[Mastermind]

The 44.7 mm top end normally has a higher exhaust......that can mean a bit more RPM at a slight loss in torque. But the difference is small and a good chain on either is a bigger difference than the jug.....

 

[gunnusmc03]

I'm in the market for an 026/260, but all the saws of that model I have seen only have one carb adjustment screw. It sounds as though some of them came with the same 3 adjustment screws as the bigger saws. Is this correct? If so, did they come with the older models, or the newer ones?

Some of the older models came with the Walbro wt194 carb which had the adjustable high jet. You can purchase new 194 carbs for around $60 and they are direct replacements for the non adjustable carbs. So if you happen across a really good deal on an 026 don't let the carb scare you away, easy upgrade.

 

[Frogfarmer]

The 026/MS260 come with mini/small spline rims or a spur sprocket in 7 tooth. 8 tooth sprockets would have to be custom made. In standard spline rim setups you can get an 8 tooth rim easily enough but not in mini/small.

8 tooth rims are easily available here in the states. I have a few 8 tooth sprockets but not sure what they fit. I have tried the 8 tooth and its a waste not enough torque to pull and keep speed. Might work with small wood 6" and under very well but the difference is minimal. Have not seen a 6 tooth either way.

 

[MCW]

8 tooth rims are easily available here in the states.

In 3/8" mini/small spline? If so can I ask who makes them?

 

[Redbug]

MCW...This is what Oregon offers...

http://www.oregonproducts.com/pdf/sprockets/RimSproxFB0601.pdf

 

[MCW]

MCW...This is what Oregon offers...

http://www.oregonproducts.com/pdf/sprockets/RimSproxFB0601.pdf

Thanks mate. I think that you may be confused with rim spline size though. The 8 tooth 3/8" rim from Oregon on your attachment is standard spline size. The 026 only ever came fitted with mini (sometimes called micro) and small spline. The standard spline 3/8" rim won't fit either the 026 or MS260 but will fit their larger saws like the 044/660/461 etc etc.