New Saw Day on Sat...

I think I've found a hole in the lineup that I want to fill. Both my top handles have their place and the 500i is awesome on the big stuff . However, the top handles can get bogged down when burying their chains and the 500 can get heavy on a long day doing smaller work. So, I'm thinking I'll add a 261 C-M with 16" bar to the fleet to fill the gap. Now here is my one question. The 261 comes setup for .325 chain. I'm not a big fan of .325 based on my experience with my two Husky top handles. The T540 gas came with 3/8" and the T540 battery came with .325. They are both amazing saws but I find the .325 pinches much easier. So, do I take the 261 with the .325 sprocket or change it out to 3/8"? Thoughts?

 

My old 260 has .50 work good

 

The only thing I dislike about.325 is the extra effort it requires for me to sharpen it. I use the Husqvarna file roller, but that’s an extra step over 3/8.
I’ve used the 261 for as long as it’s been out and never considered swapping to 3/8. I like how it cuts with a 16” bar and .325, but it’s your saw and personal preference. Congrats on the new saw! I love my 261cm and it logs more time than my bigger saws, probably because it’s lighter and I get more 261 size wood.

 

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I was PM'ing Brad and he agreed about staying with the .325. Perhaps it's better not to try and reinvent the wheel.

 

Got my 261 3 months ago. It was set up with 3/8 and 18” bar. I can’t think of a reason to go to .325.

 

The 261 will fit in perfect between your top handle and your 500i. I’m with Chud you’ll probably use it more than any saw you have.

the only problem with mine is I haven’t had the time to use it as much as I want!

 

Dakota Hoarder Is the bar on your 261 a 3003... bar?

 

It would save a couple bucks on the sprocket but that's about it...

 

Wow! I just checked! I guess mine is .325 and 3003 bar. I’m glad I haven’t had to sharpen the chain yet! I should have know that when I bought the saw!

so In this case I can’t think of any reason to go to 3/8!

 

LOL, I'm sold now...

 

Once you start cutting with your 261 you'll wonder why you didnt get it sooner. Its my go to saw and i cut a lot of wood with just a 16" bar. It came with a 20" which is great and saves the back but im with Chud on the 16" bar. I like it better with the 16. My only wish was that mine was Mtronic. I got the saw well below MSRP so jumped at it Summer 2019. I may trade up if the right deal comes along for an 261CM.

Cant wait to see pics Rod! Perfect fit for your arsenal.

 

It will make my shelf look so much better Brad. As I told you, I'm OCD and having 2 orange saws and only one white one has been giving me the shakes lately... My only fear is, Stihl will come out with a FI version of the 261 next year and I'll have to upgrade...

 

Dont you mean CDO? Has to in alphabetical order!

You could always paint them all the same color...just a thought!

 

My wife, who shares my disorder, had a t-shirt that said that years back Brad!

 

Thats funny. I had one that said "they say i have ADD, but they just dont understand. Oh look, a chicken"

 

I switched mine over to 3/8 with a 18" bar since i already had a bunch of 3/8" chain for a 18" bar (what i ran on my 361). Im sure the .325 cuts faster.

 

Everyone on here loves their 261!! My only 50cc saw is an echo 490, it's ok but sounds like a weed eater. Might have to demote the echo to loaner saw status and buy a 261!!

 

I paid extra and got a cup holder for mine. Just have to hold the saw level with my coffee in it!

 

I'm a fan of faster saws. I have a ported 026 it wears a 16" .325 8 pin , My ported MS440 carries a 20" 3/8" with an 8 pin sprocket, my 395 wears a 24" 3/8" and an 8 pin or if I need it I have a 36" 3/8" but I do drop to a 7 pin sprocket.

 

Sounds like the saw with .325 is a winner. The only advantage I can see to going 3/8" is it holds an edge longer and doesn't pinch as easy. But, I already have a .325 on my battery T540 so no keeping to all one size chain for me anyways. So, I think I'll take it with the .325 as delivered.