Stihl User
ArboristSite Operative
Anybody have a MS261 and swapped out the .325 Rim for 3/8 Rim?
Was it worth it??? Pros / Cons
Was it worth it??? Pros / Cons
I thought about it when I bought mine so I could run existing 3/8" chains with it. I decided to keep a 16" bar on this and run .325 while other saws have 18" and 3/8". I don't think there is any other advantage to making the swap on a saw this size... Nor do I think it is a small enough saw that it would hurt to go to 3/8.
I run a 3/8 20” on my 261CM and it cuts great but it was ported by MMWS.
I cut mostly conifers, some cedar.
View attachment 983979
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I run a 3/8/.050 chain on a 20” bar on my MS261cm and it’s fine. Dealer switched rim drive, bar and chain. Credited the .325/.050 parts when I bought it. It would be set up with 3/8 if stihl still supplied regionaly specific models and setups.
I have noodled 18” long rounds of big leaf maple and fir with no problem. Cuts like a mini version of the 462.
View attachment 983979
View attachment 983980
I run a 3/8/.050 chain on a 20” bar on my MS261cm and it’s fine. Dealer switched rim drive, bar and chain. Credited the .325/.050 parts when I bought it. It would be set up with 3/8 if stihl still supplied regionaly specific models and setups.
I have noodled 18” long rounds of big leaf maple and fir with no problem. Cuts like a mini version of the 462.
Dealer installed all OEM.Did you go OEM or aftermarket on the drum/sprocket?
On this part(s) is aftermarket OK?
I purchased my MS261CM from the local dealer with an OEM 3/8 sproket, 20" .050 bar P/N 3003 008 8921 and a 33RD3 72 carbide chain. I also converted my MS290 to 3/8 20" .050 using Oregon parts. I have since started using the Oregon 20" VersaCut bar, trying to save weight. I went to 3/8 to make my bars/chains compatible with my 038 and 041 saws. I have never run any of the saws with the .325 .063 setup, so I have nothing to compare it to. I wanted the ability to swap parts around and have never regretted it. The MS261 is pretty much the only saw I use now.Anybody have a MS261 and swapped out the .325 Rim for 3/8 Rim?
Was it worth it??? Pros / Cons
You’re welcome. Happy to share my setup. Just consider what you’re trying to do and what you’ll be cutting. The saw seems to be a real good one.
Funny you bring this up. I have a Stihl 026 with the .325 . It cuts just fine. It does have an air leak according to the stihl dealer and $ 250 to fix it . I decided to take the $250 for an Echo 501p. It was used but only 2 tanks of gas through . The original owner traded his Husky 550Xp for the Echo. Two weeks later he wants his Husky back. So for $430 out the door I had the ECHO 501p under warranty. The original owner had a 3/8 20" bar put on it. I used it today and it seems about the same if both saws are sharp. The 501 needs more RPM or it will bog down , the 026 has more torque, but it might be cause of the .325 chain, not sure . However, they would likely be a dead even in a race. I dont think the 501P is the saw the Stihl 261 is though, since most say the 261 is superior to the 026. Just saying, not sure myself though.Looks good - i am going to change over to 3/8 .
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