HerbHammer
ArboristSite Member
I've got a good understanding of the pros/cons of chain pitch and gauge in general, but I'm confused as to the rhyme or reason of Stihl recommending/setting up certain combinations for certain saws.
For example, I've got a 261c that came with a 20" bar in .325 pitch and .063 gauge. I've heard other people got their 261's with 3/8 pitch, in both .050 and .063 gauge.
I recently picked up a new 661c, and it came with a 28" bar in 3/8 and .050. Dealer said they don't ever see them set up in .063 unless bar length is 36" or longer...
Why all the different combinations, and are there opinions on whats best to standardize on? I guess from my perspective I don't mind the smaller saws like the 261 running .325 pitch for smoother cutting, and gauge is interchangeable, and it makes sense for bigger saws to run 3/8 pitch. But it seems odd for a 50cc saw and 18-20" bar to run a bigger gauge than a 90cc saw with a 28" bar.
Thoughts?
For example, I've got a 261c that came with a 20" bar in .325 pitch and .063 gauge. I've heard other people got their 261's with 3/8 pitch, in both .050 and .063 gauge.
I recently picked up a new 661c, and it came with a 28" bar in 3/8 and .050. Dealer said they don't ever see them set up in .063 unless bar length is 36" or longer...
Why all the different combinations, and are there opinions on whats best to standardize on? I guess from my perspective I don't mind the smaller saws like the 261 running .325 pitch for smoother cutting, and gauge is interchangeable, and it makes sense for bigger saws to run 3/8 pitch. But it seems odd for a 50cc saw and 18-20" bar to run a bigger gauge than a 90cc saw with a 28" bar.
Thoughts?