Stihl Saws/Chain Compatibility

[oldballs]

Here is my question:

I have a 11 YO MS 290 "Farm Boss" and a brand new MS 261. Can I interchange the chains between the two saws? The MS 290 has 8 teeth in the drive sprocket; whereas the MS 261 has a smaller sprocket with 7 teeth. I use 16" and 20" bars. Both "bars" have 11 spikes on the nose of the bars. The Farm Boss chains are low kickback 26 RMC 3 chains. And the MS 261 chains are 26RS "Supercut".

Thanks,
Mike

 

[RandyT]

At long as the drive link count is the same it should be fine.

 

[dodge man]

I’m going to say no but I’m not sure.

 

[hslogger]

The bars should have gauge engraved on them. as in o63 or 058, etc. That determines the garoove and accompanying drive sprocket. They need to be the same. If the saws have different gauge requirements, the chains shouldn't be switched out to one another.

 

[RandyT]

The bars should have gauge engraved on them. as in o63 or 058, etc. That determines the garoove and accompanying drive sprocket. They need to be the same. If the saws have different gauge requirements, the chains shouldn't be switched out to one another.

The 26 described in the OP is .063 gauge .325 pitch. Both saws use the same bar mount so the bar and chains will interchange between the saws. Actually even if the gauge didn't match, as long as the bar and chain was switched as an unit they would still interchange.

 

[hosspuller]

Saw chain is grouped by Gauge of the chain and pitch. The bar should match the chain gauge. The pitch has to match the drive sprocket and the bar nose sprocket if so equiped. Any chain that the matches the gauge and pitch can be used. The number of drive links determines the bar length...
The number of teeth of the drive sprocket is like the axle ratio of a vehicle. The lower the number the less torque the saw engine has to have to pull the chain... Conversely, the larger the sprocket, the faster the chain will be pulled at the same engine RPM

For the OP question... check the gauge and pitch of each chain. You can check for pitch by comparing a length of chain side by side. If the links match, the pitch is the same. If the chain guide thickness is the same, then the gauge is the same. Obviously, the chain length has to match the bar length. 16" bar to 16 loop / 20" bar to 20 inch loop

 

[s219]

Depends. Normally the 290 runs 3/8"-0.050" chain and the 261 runs 0.325"-0.063" chain, but you can configure either saw to run either chain by changing the bar and drive sprocket. You would have to know what is on each saw to say for sure. They can be sold in either configuration depending on how the dealer wants to do it.

 

[RandyT]

Depends. Normally the 290 runs 3/8"-0.050" chain and the 261 runs 0.325"-0.063" chain, but you can configure either saw to run either chain by changing the bar and drive sprocket. You would have to know what is on each saw to say for sure. They can be sold in either configuration depending on how the dealer wants to do it.

In the original post the OP listed the 290 with 26rm chain and the 261 with 26rs chain. Both are .325 pitch .063 gauge chains. The 290 is semi-chisel and the 261 is full chisel

 

[oldballs]

You guys are great....and...now, if needs be, I can interchange the bars and chains.....if needs be.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[xyz123]

I'd be running the 8T 325 rim on the 261 before I would on the 290. Might buy one to try on the 261. Like 5-7 bucks for rim.