HappyHomeowner
ArboristSite Lurker
Hi folks, I've seen similar threads but I would appreciate some specific advice from the experts regarding something I saw in the manual to my new to me MS261. I might be overthinking things but before I screw something up, I figured it is better to ask the experts here.
I just purchased a Stihl MS261 originally equipped with a 20" Bar in a .325 Pitch at an authorized Stihl Dealer.
I have several other saws by Stihl including an older MS 291 with a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch and .050 Gauge.
I asked the dealer if it was possible to put a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauge on my new MS261 so that I could continue using the chains that I use with my MS291.
They were very wonderful about it and put a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauge (Stihl Part 3003 000 8822 if that matters) on my new MS261 so I could continue using all my 20" Chains (they are all Stihl Part 33 RSC3 72 if that matters). I have not yet used the saw because I just read in the manual the recommended pitch for the 261 for all the assorted bar and chain combinations is .325. They don't technically list any other combination other than with the .325 pitch.
Is there a problem with putting a Stihl 20' Bar in a 3/8 Pitch on my new MS261? I'm thinking this is just in the manual because all the saws are sold originally equipped with the .325 pitch and not because another pitch is incompatible but again before I run it I thought I ought to ask. Maybe the sprocket or something else somehow makes this a bad idea? Or maybe as usual I'm overly overthinking things! I appreciate your assistance.
I just purchased a Stihl MS261 originally equipped with a 20" Bar in a .325 Pitch at an authorized Stihl Dealer.
I have several other saws by Stihl including an older MS 291 with a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch and .050 Gauge.
I asked the dealer if it was possible to put a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauge on my new MS261 so that I could continue using the chains that I use with my MS291.
They were very wonderful about it and put a 20" Bar in a 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauge (Stihl Part 3003 000 8822 if that matters) on my new MS261 so I could continue using all my 20" Chains (they are all Stihl Part 33 RSC3 72 if that matters). I have not yet used the saw because I just read in the manual the recommended pitch for the 261 for all the assorted bar and chain combinations is .325. They don't technically list any other combination other than with the .325 pitch.
Is there a problem with putting a Stihl 20' Bar in a 3/8 Pitch on my new MS261? I'm thinking this is just in the manual because all the saws are sold originally equipped with the .325 pitch and not because another pitch is incompatible but again before I run it I thought I ought to ask. Maybe the sprocket or something else somehow makes this a bad idea? Or maybe as usual I'm overly overthinking things! I appreciate your assistance.