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

[Bluegill2]

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 ??

What Tom said, and some .325 chain is junk, some is very good...

 

[kenmac]

What Tom said, and some .325 chain is junk, some is very good...

I'll have to look at the chain on my rancher. I though it was 3/8, but it could be.325. I know the current chain on my rancher has the same size cutter teeth as my 372. So, I don't know it the chain being 3/8 or .325 has any thing to do with the size of cutter teeth or not

 

[94BULLITT]

What Tom said, and some .325 chain is junk, some is very good...

That can be said about any chain.

 

[Bluegill2]

I'll have to look at the chain on my rancher. I though it was 3/8, but it could be.325. I know the current chain on my rancher has the same size cutter teeth as my 372. So, I don't know it the chain being 3/8 or .325 has any thing to do with the size of cutter teeth or not

.325 chain has a smaller cutter than 3/8 chain, but more of them. Usually saws under 55cc have .325 & saws over 55cc have 3/8, not written in stone though. Nothing wrong with .325 size chain, but some of the 'safety' chain is crap.

 

[Bluegill2]

That can be said about any chain.

True...

 

[Buggs67]

.325 chain has a smaller cutter than 3/8 chain, but more of them. Usually saws under 55cc have .325 & saws over 55cc have 3/8, not written in stone though. Nothing wrong with .325 size chain, but some of the 'safety' chain is crap.

I had to double check but here is pitch: "The 'Pitch' is defined simply as 'The distance between three rivets (bearings) divided by two'. The 'Pitch' is measured using a decimal imperial measurement. Three rivets are used purely because this distance/measurement remains constant along the whole length of the chain i.e. every set of three rivets are the same distance apart from the first to the third rivet."

So in my opinion, if your saw is designed for .325 or 3/8" stick with it, because that's what your sprockets are designed to drive. Otherwise the diference between drive theeth will affect wear on the sprockets.

Gauge is the width of the chain and this has to match the bar.

All I'm saying is use the chain (pitch and gauge) your saw is designed for.

 

[Buggs67]

.325 chain has a smaller cutter than 3/8 chain, but more of them. Usually saws under 55cc have .325 & saws over 55cc have 3/8, not written in stone though. Nothing wrong with .325 size chain, but some of the 'safety' chain is crap.

I had to double check but here is pitch: "The 'Pitch' is defined simply as 'The distance between three rivets (bearings) divided by two'. The 'Pitch' is measured using a decimal imperial measurement. Three rivets are used purely because this distance/measurement remains constant along the whole length of the chain i.e. every set of three rivets are the same distance apart from the first to the third rivet."

So in my opinion, if your saw is designed for .325 or 3/8" stick with it, because that's what your sprockets are designed to drive. Otherwise the diference between drive theeth will affect wear on the sprockets.

Gauge is the width of the chain and this has to match the bar.

All I'm saying is use the chain (pitch and gauge) your saw is designed for.

 

[94BULLITT]

I had to double check but here is pitch: "The 'Pitch' is defined simply as 'The distance between three rivets (bearings) divided by two'. The 'Pitch' is measured using a decimal imperial measurement. Three rivets are used purely because this distance/measurement remains constant along the whole length of the chain i.e. every set of three rivets are the same distance apart from the first to the third rivet."

So in my opinion, if your saw is designed for .325 or 3/8" stick with it, because that's what your sprockets are designed to drive. Otherwise the diference between drive theeth will affect wear on the sprockets.

Gauge is the width of the chain and this has to match the bar.

All I'm saying is use the chain (pitch and gauge) your saw is designed for.

You can change sprockets or clutch drums to run a different chain.

 

[Buggs67]

You can change sprockets or clutch drums to run a different chain.

True. I guess that's part of the point I was trying to make. But if the Mfg put on a .325 chain, it prob because that's what the power head can efficiently drive. Maybe also what the market is (Homeowner/rancher/pro).

I'm in the market for another saw. My old 20' 3/8" saw died. And while I love my Stihl 025 with it's 16" bar it's light duty. I want the cheapest/best 20" 3/8" quality saw. I'm basically a homeowner who cuts 3-4 cords a year.

 

[94BULLITT]

True. I guess that's part of the point I was trying to make. But if the Mfg put on a .325 chain, it prob because that's what the power head can efficiently drive. Maybe also what the market is (Homeowner/rancher/pro).

I'm in the market for another saw. My old 20' 3/8" saw died. And while I love my Stihl 025 with it's 16" bar it's light duty. I want the cheapest/best 20" 3/8" quality saw. I'm basically a homeowner who cuts 3-4 cords a year.

I think it depends. Sometimes they choose a chain for durability and other times they choose performance. The cheapest quality saw with a 20'' bar and 3/8 chain would be and old 034(some had .325 chain), 036, or MS360 and it will be not too much heavier than an 025.