So while reading the manual today I see the drive sprocket gauge is 0.062”. I got an 18” green bar And it shows it’s a 0.050” chain is also a 0.050” gauge… something I’m guessing I need to correct before I go start making chips? an additional question… what’s the icon with the pulleys above the oilmatic mean?
There are 2 different styles of drive systems. 1st, spur drive. Looks like this: As you can see, when the drive sprocket wears out, you have to replace the whole drum. Not ideal and is typically the cheaper route, so it comes on most low end/entry level saws. 2nd is rim drive: When the sprocket, or "rim" wears out, you just have to replace it. As you can see, the width, or gauge, of the chains drive links does not matter to either system. You can run .050, .058 or .063 on them. It's the pitch that cannot be mixed.
All is well. Pro model saws have a rim sprocket. As i recently learned and as wolverine stated its prestretched chain. IME a new Stihl chain will stretch more so keep an eye on chain tension the first few times you use it.
Sprockets are universal for gauge, but specific for pitch. Enjoy and remember it will cut faster with each tank as it breaks in!
That’s a good starting point for a Stihl powersaw collection. I recommend adding the 400, 462, 500 and 661 so you’re fully prepared for most cutting situations
