Looking for my first chainsaw: Stihl MS251 or Jonsered 2255?

Bluegill2 · May 4, 2014

TSO said:
Ok. Any reason to go with a 3/8 chain over a .325 chain? I cut and limbs a 16 inch tree today, & I was very happy with the performance of this saw. Definitely an improvement over my previous 450

The only reason to use 3/8 chain on that saw, is 3/8 has less teeth which makes it a little quicker to sharpen. I personally like .325 better than 3/8 on a 50cc saw. Takes more power to pull 3/8, .325 will likely cut faster.

TSO said:
I would, but I haven't had any luck finding some listed for my saw

Go to a real saw shop and ask for .325 .050 20" chain. Or go to Baileys.com and look it up.

Bluegill2 · May 4, 2014

Here ya go; Oregon 20" Chainsaw Chain Loop (20Lpx-78 Drive Links) | .325 Pitch - .050 Gauge | Chisel | www.baileysonline.com

Bluegill2 · May 4, 2014

Or semi chisel, better in dirty wood & stays sharp longer; 20" Oregon Chainsaw Chain Loop (20Bpx-81 Drive Links) | .325 Pitch - .050 Gauge | Semi Chisel | www.baileysonline.com

Not sure if your saw has 78 drive links or 81, that info should be stamped on the bar.

94BULLITT · May 4, 2014

TSO said:
I would, but I haven't had any luck finding some listed for my saw

Use the Oregon chain and bar selector. They have one for homeowners and one for pro's. The one for homeowners is reduced kickback chains. If you don't have much experience running a saw a reduced kickback chain may be better for you. I have one on my Stihl MS170 and my 024S MS 260 hybrid. Both chains cut good. Is your saw rim drive or spur drive?

kenmac · May 4, 2014

TSO said:
Ok so here's a Dolmar question...

It's there an online source for chains? I'm having a hard time locating some

I buy most of mine on e-bay. I use Oregon brand. I have bought from baileys ,but found them to be some what higher in price with shipping

94BULLITT · May 4, 2014

kenmac said:
I buy most of mine on e-bay. I use Oregon brand. I have bought from baileys ,but found them to be some what higher in price with shipping

Baileys sells some nice stuff but I have also found there prices and or shipping to be high. Usually the shipping is the deal breaker. They have been doing flat rate shipping recently.

TomSeller · May 5, 2014

TSO said:
This is probably a dumb question ...

Looking in the manual, it specifies that the PS-510 & 5105 use the same chain.

Sprocket pitch is .325 or 3/8
7 teeth
Chain pitch/gauge is .325- .050 or 3/8 - .050

I found a chain at TSC (Oregon made) 20" , that lists the Makita version of the Dolmar PS-510. It's a 3/8 chain. My Dolmar came with the .325 chain.

So ... Will this chain fit my saw & bar? Do .325 & 3/8 chains require different bars?

I only ever used direct replacement .325 chains when I had my Husky 450, so I never gave a thought to different pitch or gauge.

Thanks...

Why switch? I would stay with the 0.325 over the 0.375 (3/8") on that saw. I use the 0.375 on larger saws that have more power.

TSO · May 5, 2014

TomSeller said:
Why switch? I would stay with the 0.325 over the 0.375 (3/8") on that saw. I use the 0.375 on larger saws that have more power.

No, I didn't have any deliberate intention to switch ... the 3/8" was just what I'd found at my TSC.

However, I did end up ordering some online last night. Amazon has em for under $25/shipped.

Thanks for the info y'all

kenmac · May 5, 2014

TomSeller said:
Why switch? I would stay with the 0.325 over the 0.375 (3/8") on that saw. I use the 0.375 on larger saws that have more power.

Just to clarify, aren't the 3/8 chain cutting teeth larger than the .325 chain teeth ? Is .325 the size that come on the poulans,etc, like they sell at the box store ??

TomSeller · May 5, 2014

kenmac said:
Just to clarify, aren't the 3/8 chain cutting teeth larger than the .325 chain teeth ? Is .325 the size that come on the poulans,etc, like they sell at the box store ??

My Stihl MS261 50cc has 0.325. Pretty normal for 50cc