New Saw Day on Sat...

I wouldn’t change to 3/8 for performance, but to make my bars and chains all the same is different. Simplicity is good

 

Just ran my 261 out of gas today, filled it up and started right up. Can’t imagine it ever being a problem. I like this saw and the Mtronics better ever time I use it!

 

I grew up cutting hardwood in Maine.
Rock Maple is very well named. And yet I still would run an 8 tooth on a 395. And going or file and joint accordingly.

 

The thing is , that is all subjective.
Exactly how were their chains set up ? How much joint were they running? Round filed or chisel filed or ground ? What angles were their grind ? Perfectly cornered up or do their chains have a break on them ?
Just lots of variables.
A 3 cube saw isn't the size saw for burying the bar.
I do 75% of all my cutting without being dogged in.
A 20" bar is a pretty short bar. But it is long enough to get a lot of work accomplished in small timber.
But it needs to be Sharp and not too hungry.
Best way to find out is to get both 3/8 and 325 bars and a loop of chain for each.
Then after wearing each chain out. You will know which is best for you.
You will throw 325 more than 3/8.
So if you throw your chain often , the time it takes to put the chain back on cuts into production.
Also, the slightly narrower kerf that 325 cuts will slow your bar down in many species of trees. The bar needs a wide enough kerf to float thru the cut without rubbing the kerf walls.

 

All excellent info guys! Unfortunately, it gives me more options instead of helping narrow them down! Will see what today brings at my shop. So far options are:

1) 261 C-M with 16" .325 bar.
2) 261 C-M with 18" .325 bar.
3) 261 C-M running new sprocket and my current 20" 3/8" bar (and just don't bury it.)
4) 550XP Mark II with either 16" or 18" .325 bar.

As far as I know, all options are in stock so that won't help me decide either... LOL

 

There is another option here that hasn't been mentioned. Buy them all and let us know which one works the best.

 

I'll need a go fund me page for that...

 

Don't over think it (too late?). So if you are now considering the Husky, run them both before you make your decision. And ask the dealer to swap between the 325 and 3/8 so you can feel for yourself. It really is not a big difference. I think the biggest thing is the smoothness of 325. For cut speed/performance, you need to get out a stopwatch it's that close.

 

Well boys... it's Saturday afternoon and New Saw Day has come to pass...

The first decision, the choice between the Husky and Stihl was the easy one. While the Husky balanced a hair better in hand, the rear grip was the issue. I don't consider myself as having small hands but that rear handle was too big to be comfortable. With bare hands, it was a stretch getting my trigger finger around the throttle so with gloves, I'm guessing I might get a few misfires. I don't remember my 562XP being like this? Maybe I just got used to the 500i but one way or the other, I found the Stihl more comfortable.

So, I was down to what bar and chain was the 261 going to wear. I decided to defer that decision for a bit and dropped 8 bucks on a 3/8 sprocket. For now it's wearing the 20" bar from my 500i. I'm thinking I'll want to pop the other sprocket back on with a lighter bar going forward but I had agonized enough this week on how to dress this thing... With the 20ES bar on it, she's nose heavy for sure but still lighter than the 500 by a bit. I tossed them both on an old kitchen scale full of fuel and oil. The 500 is wearing a 28" lite bar. The difference in weight was over 3lbs and I'm thinking a nice light bar on the 261 in the future will take it even lighter. Will see what Santa brings me this year...

 

OK, so I've narrowed it down to a 3/8" Tsumura Lightweight bar. Now back to 16" vs. 18"...

 

16" if you're bucking small stuff & limbing. I know some guys like the longer bar for reach, but I like the more nimble set up in the brush & tight quarters.

 

I do think 16" would balance the best and since I'm staying 3/8" it would zip the best too....

 

Best of luck with with your new saw!

 

Thanks Mike! Rainout today and got plans with the fam tomorrow but I should be able to get it into some wood on Monday....

 

Nice choice on the saw...time to

 

Poulan Pro?

 

Ha, for sure, I drove off that bridge a long time ago. I'm in so deep now it'll never end.

Bahahaha! Hadn't thought of that one.

 

WILD THING!!