Stihl ms261 bar swap ?

[user 122190]

I’m basiaclly clearing out some oaks an maples in about 7 acres . Not clearing it all but plan on as much as I need for the wood stove so the saw will be put to work on the wknds for some hard hours . Wouldn’t mind a extra bar with little flash for the new saw . I also have good shape 361 that I love also . But would it be worth it to sell that an make the cc gap bigger with 70cc along with my 261 ? There are some monster trees I wouldn’t mind tackling . I think I could get away with the 361 but if better for 70cc I’d rather sell now before more hours build up on the 361 for better sale .

IMO, the 361/362 is the jack of all trades. It splits the 2 saw plan down the middle. A proper 2 saw plan is 50cc or there abouts (i.e. less) and a 70cc or higher. My ms290 is a boat anchor and is also a 2 saw plan spoiler, but I own it, it works great, and the benefits of selling and picking up something lighter is not worth it to me, as I would have to nearly give the 290 away.

If I could do it all over I would go the route of 261 and the 461/462 which is exactly right for my cutting in my area. If I was in your situation, I'd keep the 361, unless I could get some good coin for it, or sell it to a good friend or family member that was in great need for a all around saw. Only then could I justify taking a hit on the 361 sale/loss.

 

[2strokeoil4blood]

I will never put it on my 261 now. My 241 has that set up and works great. I will keep the 18” .325 on the 261.

Ive put the upgrade kit on my 261. It cuts alot faster i wouldnt go back to .325 on it again. Planning a MM soon its going to be awsome combo with the PS chain

 

[full chizel]

Ive put the upgrade kit on my 261. It cuts alot faster i wouldnt go back to .325 on it again. Planning a MM soon its going to be awsome combo with the PS chain

My 241 has a 16” bar and PS chain so no sense in having that set up on both saws.

 

[JimBear]

hadn't heard that before... interesting ... let's see if this lights up a debate . . . any photos? - not getting old photos, just bar weight photos.

Carlton 16” x .325” x .063” x 67DL


Stihl 16” x .325” x .063” x 67dl


GB 16” x 3/8” x .050” x 60dl



Tsumura LW 16” x 3/8” x .050” x 60dl

 

[JimBear]

GB 18” x 3/8” x .050” x 66dl


Tsumura LW 18” x 3/8” x .050” x 66dl

 

[JimBear]

Dolmar 20” x 3/8” x .050” x 72dl

 

[JimBear]

GB 25” x 3/8” x .050” x 84dl


Tsumura LW 25” x 3/8” x .050” x 84dl


Forrester 25” x 3/8” x .050” x 84dl

 

[JimBear]

Tsumura LW 28” x 3/8” x .050” x 91dl

 

[JimBear]

Tsumura 36” x 3/8” x .063”

 

[MountainHigh]

thanks for the photos ...

Looks like the 16" Stihl and Tsumura are very close.

Stihl 261 c-m, having recently beat out Husky 550xp MkII as the lightweight 50cc winner of the two, I now also see the added bonus is the light weight stock Stihl bars. Feeling even better about my recent purchase of a 261 c-m .

For arguments sake, I may get around to weighing my 16" Oregon on my 346xp, vs the 16" Stihl bar on my new c-m.