TonyRumore
ArboristSite Guru
Stihl doesn't make a 24/25" Light bar. Lets not rehash that BS again.........please.
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Anybody try a long bar on an MS-461 ? Not enough range in tensioner
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Stihl doesn't make a 24/25" Light bar. Lets not rehash that BS again.........please.
Mike-B
ArboristSite Lurker
Thank you.
sorry if I sounded rued, I realize dealer options can be limited in certain areas. Nevertheless I simply don't see how they can be called a dealer if they can't do something basic like spinning a chain. I simply wouldn't have any confidence in doing business with them.
Not sure what bs you're referring to, but I didn't catch that the bar was of the light verity. You are correct..
opcorn:
i have both and they are identical in all dimensions except weight
It's obvious in the pics that the adjuster on the 461 isn't milled as closed to the end of the case as the 261. I believe Mastermind has a 461 in his shop right now. I would get with him and see if he would be willing to post a pic of the adjuster and see if you didn't get a saw that was a factory defect.
AJ
AJ
Mike-B
ArboristSite Lurker
I don't think there is any way the sort of defect you are describing could happen (a design flaw is a different thing). Looking at the photo that looks fine to me. The distance between the front bar stud and the adjusters plastic stop at least looks about the same.
I would think the only useful comparison is the distance between the pin on the adjuster and the centre of the drive sprocket. Those photos can't tell us that.
It looks like the 461 has a very short adjustment range. A lot of stihl dealers have quit making chain up. That's why I bought a breaker/spinner and rolls of chain. Unless that bar was made wrong then it sounds like stihl will be needing to make a new loop size for the 461.
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
Ok OP, I've broken down into accepting that maybe you should mail that junky old 28" light bar over this way.
I'll toss it on a saw or two, run her for a couple of years, and make sure all is okay before mailing it back.
(Although, it does sound as though the problem with the adjusment adjuster not adjusting likely needs adjusted by Stihl.)
I'll toss it on a saw or two, run her for a couple of years, and make sure all is okay before mailing it back.
(Although, it does sound as though the problem with the adjusment adjuster not adjusting likely needs adjusted by Stihl.)
komatsuvarna
Arboristsite MVP
Thats kinda what I was thinking as well. I'd hope not though, Kinda be a PITA to keep 1 DL shorter chain just for one saw!
The dealers here quit making chain as well. If ya need anything special ya gotta make it yourself.
OK, so I tossed and turned last night while this issue was going through my head. Being an engineer, it's a curse when I go to bed with any sort of design/math problem unsolved. Well, I woke up with an idea, and measured all the 3003 series bars I own. The bars are all 3-1/8 inch longer than the rated length. So for example, the 20" bar measures 23-1/8". By that logic, the 28" ES Light bar should measure 31-1/8". But it doesn't. It measures 30-1/8", an inch short. Without a doubt, that is the problem. I'll head to the dealer and see if the Saturday staff can swap me to a regular 28" bar or a 25" bar for the weekend, and then try to order another 28" ES Light on Monday.
I also eyeballed the 28" bar on my 261, and there's no way it would be able to tension the chain either.
I also eyeballed the 28" bar on my 261, and there's no way it would be able to tension the chain either.
So contact Stihl and see what they do about it!
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
I just measured my regular 28" Stihl ES bar and it's 30 1/4".
I'm going to get one of these saws soon so have an interest in this issue.
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
Oops, I stand corrected; it's actually 30 1/8".
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have to get going soon, but I did throw the 28" bar on a 2006 version of a 260 that still has a .325 sprocket on it.
The bar/chain mount up just fine and tension up okay. I didn't make it very tight, but there is plenty of adjustment left after it's on.
Would you be willing to measure the chain? The 28" Stihl chain I have here is 33 1/2" long; Measured OD as if it's hanging from a nail in the wall.
The bar/chain mount up just fine and tension up okay. I didn't make it very tight, but there is plenty of adjustment left after it's on.
Would you be willing to measure the chain? The 28" Stihl chain I have here is 33 1/2" long; Measured OD as if it's hanging from a nail in the wall.
Officer's Match
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yes to all ^.
I use the same 28" ES Light/91dl/7-pin combo on both my 441 and 460 and have plenty of adjustment. Sumthin's up w' this 461.
I think I am really confused now. I won't be able to talk to the knowledgeable parts guy at the Stihl dealer until Monday morning, but they let me try the 25" bar the saw originally had, and it mounts up just fine, with room to spare in the tensioner.
They did mention that bar length is normally referenced from the end of the stud slot to the tip. Based on that, the 20" bar measures 20", the 25" bar measures 25", but this 28" bar (and presumably PA Plumber's) measures 27".
PA Plumber, I also get 33-1/2" for the chain when hanging from a hook.
I guess we really need someone else with a 461 to try the 28" bar/chain combo and see what's up. My conclusion right now is that the saw can't properly tension stock chain sizes above 25", which is ridiculous. Based on the facts we're assembling, it suggests that the tensioner is probably too close to the sprocket/shaft to handle the oddball 27/28" bar.
Oh well, here's some saw propaganda from this morning with the 20" bar in some white oak. This normally gives my 261 a run for the money, but the 461 breezed through it pretty easily. The 461 is still on the first tank of gas here, with stock muffler and factory tune.
[video=youtube_share;TBZdQ3xSEs4]http://youtu.be/TBZdQ3xSEs4[/video]
Right now, the most impressive characteristic of the 461 to me is the throttle response. It is zippier than the 441-CM I was running, and zippier than my 261. I was not expecting that in such a big saw. But it really revs up with hair trigger response.
They did mention that bar length is normally referenced from the end of the stud slot to the tip. Based on that, the 20" bar measures 20", the 25" bar measures 25", but this 28" bar (and presumably PA Plumber's) measures 27".
PA Plumber, I also get 33-1/2" for the chain when hanging from a hook.
I guess we really need someone else with a 461 to try the 28" bar/chain combo and see what's up. My conclusion right now is that the saw can't properly tension stock chain sizes above 25", which is ridiculous. Based on the facts we're assembling, it suggests that the tensioner is probably too close to the sprocket/shaft to handle the oddball 27/28" bar.
Oh well, here's some saw propaganda from this morning with the 20" bar in some white oak. This normally gives my 261 a run for the money, but the 461 breezed through it pretty easily. The 461 is still on the first tank of gas here, with stock muffler and factory tune.
[video=youtube_share;TBZdQ3xSEs4]http://youtu.be/TBZdQ3xSEs4[/video]
Right now, the most impressive characteristic of the 461 to me is the throttle response. It is zippier than the 441-CM I was running, and zippier than my 261. I was not expecting that in such a big saw. But it really revs up with hair trigger response.
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