262xp with 18" bar - what size chain?

[Quickthorn]

Another question: I'm guessing that 262s would have come with 3/8" chain, but someone's suggested .325". Does anyone know the pros and cons? I'd have thought this saw pulling .325 would fly, as long as it could clear the chips ok.

[tree_beard]

Looking again, if the tensioner pin went into the back hole, a 68 link loop would probably fit. I wonder if someone before me drilled extra holes to get their 64 link loops to fit??

 

that bar looks like some 18"ers ive had... two sets of tensioner pin holes big and small ( i assume there are saws with bigger tensioners that require the bigger holes)...

 

if your tensioner pin fits in the smaller holes that should solve it... 68links is what it 'really' takes.

 

 

as for the oil hole, likely drilled larger to get better flow...

 

 

.325 vs 3/8 chain... in a 60cc saw it depends what you use it for...

 

.325=more (smaller) cutters, will be smoother in the cut and probably faster limbing and cutting 'hard' hardwoods

 

3/8=less (but bigger) cutters, more robust chain taking a bigger bite, probably faster cutting with the bar buried or for softwood

[Big 'Ammer]

.325 vs 3/8 chain... in a 60cc saw it depends what you use it for...

 

.325=more (smaller) cutters, will be smoother in the cut and probably faster limbing and cutting 'hard' hardwoods

 

3/8=less (but bigger) cutters, more robust chain taking a bigger bite, probably faster cutting with the bar buried or for softwood

 

 

I've run all sorts on mine.

 

Currently running a 15" .325 7 tooth sprocket. This is IMO the best all rounder.

 

Carries an 18" .325 well.

 

It used to run a 14" on an 8 tooth rim and was the dogs!

 

13" and 14" definately wants to be on an 8 rim.

 

When I started doing my own jobs, out of work time, it was my only saw, and I used to have 15" and a 20" 3/8 bars and put on whatever was best for the work at the time.

 

Felled loads of knackered field trees for farmers with the 20, swapped to the 15 to do the tops and logs, and then put the 20 back on to double cut the trunk into rings. Happy days.

 

I like the 262xp, a very capable all rounder, when fitted with the right furniture.

[Big 'Ammer]

Just an add on,

 

I've never had problems with Stihl or Oregon chain when running an 8 rim.

 

Had some Windsor chain once and split 2 chains dressing out some big spruce, which is very hard cutting.