Which aggressive chain for Stihl MS290 20” bar?
- Thread starter chetwynd
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Hundred Acre Wood
Full-time Slacker
That's a full chisel "green" low kickback chain. RSC3 became RS3 several years back. The important part is the "3624" part number:
3624 = 3/8, .050, Full chisel, Safety
005 = boxed
0072 = 72 drive links which fits most 20" 3003 mount bars.
You can also decode it via the other part #33RSC3
3 = 3/8"
3 = .050
R = Rapid
S = Super
C = Comfort
3 = Single Humped Drive Link (Safety)
If you want a "yellow" version of that same chain you want the 33RS, Stihl part#3623 005 0072, which is not a low kickback chain.
You might already know this but 20" full chisel in hardwood on an MS290 is a lot to ask of that saw.
3624 = 3/8, .050, Full chisel, Safety
005 = boxed
0072 = 72 drive links which fits most 20" 3003 mount bars.
You can also decode it via the other part #33RSC3
3 = 3/8"
3 = .050
R = Rapid
S = Super
C = Comfort
3 = Single Humped Drive Link (Safety)
If you want a "yellow" version of that same chain you want the 33RS, Stihl part#3623 005 0072, which is not a low kickback chain.
You might already know this but 20" full chisel in hardwood on an MS290 is a lot to ask of that saw.
My vote would be Oregon 20LP if running .325”, LGX if 3/8”
33RS is the one you want. I actually have a 20 inch bar on a Homelite super mini with 33 RS and it does fine in hardwood if you just let it feed itself. Do the same with your ms290 and you should have no issues.
Just don't go too aggressive on the rakers when you sharpen the chain, the stock depth is all you need for your setup.
Just don't go too aggressive on the rakers when you sharpen the chain, the stock depth is all you need for your setup.
If Stihl RS is made for the pitch, that is all we sell. I have tried both on an 029/290. In the hands of a skilled sawyer, 3/8 MAY cut a little faster. In the hands of a not so skilled sawyer, .325 RS is faster. IF BOTH ARE SHARP!!! (and that is the secret)
I don’t think a ms290 can “pull” an aggressive chain tbh (most aggressive may not be the fastest, nor smoothest)
i wonder if the old Oregon 76lg 3/8 would be fastest (which I still have ) or convert it to 63ps low profIle
i wonder if the old Oregon 76lg 3/8 would be fastest (which I still have ) or convert it to 63ps low profIle
Hundred Acre Wood
Full-time Slacker
Personally I'd run the .325 RS Pro narrow kerf on that saw, but I like to be able to bury in hardwood and still cut quickly. Everyone has different preferences and cutting needs. Also it often depends on what you can get locally.
chetwynd
ArboristSite Lurker
Thank you!
chetwynd
ArboristSite Lurker
Thank you for the response!
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