MS 261 with 3/8 chain

It'll pull 3/8 ok but won't be any faster than .325. I prefer to run .325 on mine mainly because it's smoother limbing. Another option is to set it up for 3/8lp.

You'll need a 3/8 7tooth mini spline rim sprocket & part# 3003 000 8913 is the 16" 3/8 stihl bar.

It will run 3/8" fine if you have a reason to want it set up that way. Whether it is "better" or "worse" is a subjective question and it depends what you're trying to accomplish. .325" will be smoother and less "grabby" on small, twiggy stuff, which may be an advantage.

Haven't done so on a 261. However I have run both on various other pro 50cc saws over the years.

I completely agree that .325 is smoother and less graby on small branches etc. So if your using the 261 to limb small stuff and do duty to cut brush and buckthorn as well as log cutting, I wouldn't even consider changing it. Leave it .325 in my opinion.

If your just cutting and bucking logs I suppose running regular 3/8 is fine but if you do I would say keep bar length to 16 inches. If your running an 18 inch or 20 inch bar I would say leave it .325 since it's lighter chain and will take less power from the saw so more power in the cut.

I don't have a 261 but have had a 260 and no way would I have wanted 3/8 on it for what I use a 50cc saw for. My current 50cc saw is ported and muffler modded and significantly stronger than the 260 I had and I still wouldn't want 3/8 on it. I guess I just like .325 on a smaller saw.

If you do make the switch let us know how you like it.

In regards to running 3/8 low profile hmmm I haven't thought about that. Could be a great set up on a 50cc saw. Never tried it.

woodhog73 said:

In regards to running 3/8 low profile hmmm I haven't thought about that. Could be a great set up on a 50cc saw. Never tried it.

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That's the setup I've got on my 026, and I really like it. I've got a loop of 63PS chisel chain for it, and a couple loops of 91VX. The bar I have is 16", which is the easiest size to find. Cannon makes a 20". Stihl used to offer an 18" 3003-mount Picco bar, but those seem to be hens' teeth now.

I agree with the above statements. There probably is really no reason to change it. Bigger chain and a longer bar will slow the saw down how much I don't know. I thought about doing the same thing with my 660 awhile back change it over from 3/8 to 404 I was told saw could do it but would slow it down. Basically the same I told you overall I was told it's just not worth it. If you do let us know how it works out.

Jon1270 said:

That's the setup I've got on my 026, and I really like it. I've got a loop of 63PS chisel chain for it, and a couple loops of 91VX. The bar I have is 16", which is the easiest size to find. Cannon makes a 20". Stihl used to offer an 18" 3003-mount Picco bar, but those seem to be hens' teeth now.

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Bet it's a ripper with that setup.

We run two 261's with 3/8 chain and 20" bars. They pull fine as long as they're sharp. Wouldn't use to flush stumps, but for bucking logs it has good power.