MS261 with 20" bar - why is that not recommended?

[Amin_1992]

Hey guys. Bought an MS261 two years ago with a 20" bar and have loved it. I heat my home with a wood stove, so the main job of this saw is bucking large diameter logs, around 20-25" usually. Usually these are Red Oak but also sometimes Ash and Maples.

I'm now reading online that many guys do not recommend a 20" bar for bucking hardwood with a 261. I'm confused why? I see people say the saw can't keep up but I haven't noticed any issues.

I rather not go down to the 18" as the 20" can reach through on the majority of my logs. I upgraded to the 261 from an MS250 that only had an 18" bar, and if I remember correctly the 18" bar on that actually measured closer to 16". With the 250, I was still satisfied with the power but the length really sucked as it took me twice as long to buck logs (cutting one side and then another).

Am I doing damage to my saw running a 20" bar and bucking hardwood like this? Is there something I should be listening for or keeping an eye out for? Saw has never stalled and yes the RPMs go down when fully sinking into a log but not anymore than any saw would I feel like.

Thanks guys

 

[buzz sawyer]

I say it depends on how you run it. If you run good mix, keep the chain sharp and the bar dressed and let the saw feed itself through the log, you should have no problem. I personally prefer at least a 60cc saw for hardwood that size.

 

[Lee192233]

It works but as stated above everything has to be right. Once you cut with a 70cc class saw with a 24" bar you'll never run a 261 in wood that size. The 261 is a great saw though!

If you're happy with it that's all that matters.

 

[Amin_1992]

Thanks for the replies guys. I use a 50:1 and if anything err toward 40:1, always sharpen my chain every fuel tank, and she oils more than enough. So I guess I'm in the clear.

I guess I'm just confused as to what people don't like about the 20" on the 261. Like what does it sound/feel like to not have enough power? Or what kind of wear would I be looking for?

Is it the lack of power or is it detrimental to the life of the chainsaw? I understand the concepts but I don't see how going down 2" to an 18" would make a huge difference

 

[oldguy]

Your not hurting the saw, it's just a bit slow, like Lee said above once you run a 70cc saw in that size wood you won't go back to the 261.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

With the new "light" bar and RSP narrow kerf chain a 261 handles a 20" bar well, it has less of a bite.

Otherwise opinions are subjective, the size and species of wood people cut shapes their opinion, then people have their expectations that are all different.

Do what works for you.

 

[cuznguido]

I disagree that if you use a 70 cc saw you wont go back. I have a 462 that is easily the best Stihl saw I ever ran, but I run a 261 with 3/8 RS chain on 20 inch bar about 80 percent of the time. 462 is noticably lighter than a 461 but the 261 is noticably lighter than both. Just sayin...