Stihl 260 Pro with 3/8 chain

[bore_pig]

Should be buying a 260 PRO in the coming week. I think I would like to have 3/8 chain on it. That way I will use the same files and same stone on my chain grinder. Should I expect to pay extra to have the saw readied for 3/8? I think they usually come with .325 chain.

 

[smilin possum]

I don't think they should charge you but you never know.

I think if the guy wants to sell you the saw he should set it up like you want it. I bought a new saw and they were trying to get me to pay for the longer bar. It came with like 18" and I wanted 24" but I stood my ground and told um I'd go somewhere else. A little bluff never hurt nobody. Anyway they traded out the bar and chain and gave me a box of files and some handles. Try it, it may work.
We got one 026 with a 20" bar pulling full comp 3/8 and it work real good. Good little saw.

 

[SawTroll]

That saw sure will like .325 much better, and preferably a 16" bar - you sure sacrifice performance going past that.....

It is not among the stronger 50cc saws around.

 

[johnzski]

gotta go with Troll on this one --mine liked .325 much better than .375 and a 16" bar.

 

[bore_pig]

I kind of like the idea of just one stone on the grinder. Keep things simple. I'm not out to set any records when I'm cutting! I plan on keeping the 16" bar. One more question. If I bought an 18" bar/chain combo, could I use it as a spare for both my 361 and a 260? Being able to carry one b/c combo (as a spare) that would fit both saws would really be nice!

 

[pioneerguy600]

With the 026 it depends on its intended use. We run 6 of them as limbing saws where 6" wood is the larger diameter likely to be encountered. Running 18-20" bars and 3/8" chisel chain presents no problems for this type of useage. If it was being used as a bucking saw where most of the bar length was in the wood then I would use 16-18" bars and .325 chisel chain. We use the 440 and 660 saws for bucking and felling, just more time efficient.
Pioneerguy600

 

[SawTroll]

.... One more question. If I bought an 18" bar/chain combo, could I use it as a spare for both my 361 and a 260? Being able to carry one b/c combo (as a spare) that would fit both saws would really be nice!

Sure, no problem at all provided the drive sprockets on the saws fit that combo (easy to change out in a pinch)!

 

[bore_pig]

With the 026 it depends on its intended use. Pioneerguy600

I think the largest this saw would see would be 10".

SawTroll
Quote:Sure, no problem at all!

I think that sells me on the 3/8! There's always a chance to screw up a bar. It would definitely be nice to only carry only one extra to cover both saws.

 

[SawTroll]

....... It would definitely be nice to only carry only one extra to cover both saws.

Pretty slim chance that you will ever need it though, unless your saw handling is really sloppy/careless????

 

[theoldfox]

026 with 3/8th chain

I have two 026's, one with .325 chisel and one with 3/8th semi (both 16" bars).
The one with 3/8th go's real good in all sorts of wood, even with bar buried.
I actually prefer it to the other. I must admit though, it does have a good muffler mod!.

Like you, I went this way because I wanted to keep the same files. Bought the second one afterward, price was too good to refuse.

Cheers

 

[SawTroll]

....

Like you, I went this way because I wanted to keep the same files. ....
Cheers

Hmmmmm - that is the wrong place to save money! First of all, files wear out fast, and are cheap - second; to do it properly, each chain model need two different file diameters - one when new, and another (smaller) for the last part of its "life".......

 

[tomtrees58]

That saw sure will like .325 much better, and preferably a 16" bar - you sure sacrifice performance going past that.....

It is not among the stronger 50cc saws around.

the saw troll is right i have 3 of them all 325 chain tom trees

 

[Wood Junkie]

Go with the Troll on this one. I've ran both 3/8 and .325 chisel on my 026 w/ 16" bar and the muffler mod. You will definitely see the difference, especially when buried into a seasoned elm......

 

[blsnelling]

Check out the recent 50cc chainsaw shootout thread. The 260 does not like 3/8 chain. It significantly compromises performance.

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

That saw sure will like .325 much better, and preferably a 16" bar - you sure sacrifice performance going past that.....

It is not among the stronger 50cc saws around.

Really? How many are ahead of it?

 

[blsnelling]

Both the Husky 346 and the Dolmar 5100 are both significantly more powerful than the 260.

 

[HittinSteel]

I'm with SawTroll and Brad....... the 260 really likes .325 chain. My other saws run 3/8" and I don't find it to be a pain to simply grab a different file when it's time to sharpen.

 

[sbhooper]

I always like to see these 260 threads keep popping up. I am with the consensus on this, though, as I believe it was made to run .325/16". I absolutely enjoy running mine.

If those other saws are significantly better, I would sure like to run them. My 260 does everything that I expect from it.:deadhorse:

 

[2000ssm6]

I prefer full house 3/8 16" on mine, never liked the .325.

 

[2000ssm6]

If those other saws are significantly better, I would sure like to run them. My 260 does everything that I expect from it.:deadhorse:

The 346 has little more power and that is it. The 5100 has the most and is a great small bucking saw. The 260 can do it all, just a little low on power when compared.