ms241/261 power

[Butzer]

I think its time for a new saw. I have a 100' roll of 72lpx for my ms461 and was hoping to use the same chain on a smaller saw for sharpening convinience. Plus I have a lot of different size 3/8 .050 bars for the 461 already. Will the ms 241/261 pull this chain For 12" trees and under? Maybe This setup wouldn't even fit on the ms241/261. I would prefer the ms 241 for the weight and its on sale right now.
Has anyone done this?

 

[gunnusmc03]

261 and 3/8ths would be your best bet. 241 is usually happiest with 325or low pro.

 

[redfin]

Your bars will swap and a 261 pulls 3/8 just fine. Can't speak for 241.

 

[AKDoug]

The 241 uses the small pattern 3005 bar vs. the 3003 pattern on the 261. They are not interchangeable. They do not offer a standard 3/8 pitch bar in the 3005 patter, just 3/8 picco (low profile) and .325.

The 261 shares the same bar pattern with your 461 and can happily turn 3/8 chain with a 16" bar in hardwood and 20" in softwood.

 

[Grey]

I have the 261/461 combo and am very happy. 3/8th is fine for both.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

.325" pitch chain on an ms261 is faster/smoother in the cut and faster/easier to sharpen.

 

[AKDoug]

.325" pitch chain on an ms261 is faster/smoother in the cut and faster/easier to sharpen.

I'd agree with the faster/smooter cut, but not faster easier to sharpen. I find it the same level of difficulty to sharpen, but with more 10% more teeth to sharpen per bar length, it certainly isn't faster to sharpen .325.

 

[catbuster]

I am *not* a fan of the 261. It's too heavy for what it's supposed to be. I do like the 241. And chances are, you're going to be asking a lot of a 261 to pull the same chains as a 461.

 

[Red97]

241 is great with 14" lo pro and 261 works best 18" .325 IMO



Tried 16" 3/8 on the 261c and I did not like it at all

Your results may vary

 

[porsche965]

I have both ^ also. Fully agree for my uses.

 

[Joe Kidd]

Been happy with the 261/.325. It's got slightly more torque and better sideways balance than my 550. Hello Sawtroll

 

[SawTroll]

Your bars will swap and a 261 pulls 3/8 just fine. Can't speak for 241.

The bars will not fit on the 241, and regular 3/8" is too much for it anyway.

The 261 and 461 both use the 3003 bar mount, the 241 the 3005 (smaller).

 

[SawTroll]

Been happy with the 261/.325. It's got slightly more torque and better sideways balance than my 550. Hello Sawtroll

The 261 just isn't what a 50cc saw should be, mainly because of bulk and handling - but not everyone seem to care.

An inboard clutch is a major mistake on a 50cc saw, putting the bar too far out on the side.

 

[lone wolf]

Been happy with the 261/.325. It's got slightly more torque and better sideways balance than my 550. Hello Sawtroll

I have 241 a 261 and a 346. The 261 has better torque blocking the 346 is more agile ,but i tell you what I like the 241 better then all. It is very agile , light and accurate. The smaller chain is what makes it more controllable in really tight spots.

 

[srb08]

The 261 just isn't what a 50cc saw should be, mainly because of bulk and handling - but not everyone seem to care.

An inboard clutch is a major mistake on a 50cc saw, putting the bar too far out on the side.

If the balance is correct on the 550 and incorrect on the 261, why does the 550 need a kick stand and the 261 does not?
I would think the better balanced saw would be more stable when sitting on a flat surface.
Not trying to be argumentative, just curious.

 

[SawTroll]

If the balance is correct on the 550 and incorrect on the 261, why does the 550 need a kick stand and the 261 does not?
I would think the better balanced saw would be more stable when sitting on a flat surface.
Not trying to be argumentative, just curious.

It is about balance in the hands, not on the ground, and it helps to have the bar as close to te center of gravity as possible - think of handling a sword vs. a brick.

 

[blsnelling]

The MS261 is a fantastic saw. I love the inboard clutch. No other 50cc saw can equal the filtration of the 261.

 

[redfin]

The bars will not fit on the 241, and regular 3/8" is too much for it anyway.

The 261 and 461 both use the 3003 bar mount, the 241 the 3005 (smaller).

I was only referring to the 261 regarding bars Niko.

 

[Butzer]

I guess the 241 is out. For those who have both 241 and 261 can you notice the 1 pound difference? I would guess not really.
Red97 what was it that you didn't like with the 3/8 chain?

 

[SawTroll]

I was only referring to the 261 regarding bars Niko.

Someone had to say that his bars won't fit the 241.