Chain recommendations for Stihl HTS 85 long reach pole thing

[MisterBoy]

Would like to get a couple of backup chains for this - knackered it on a hidden nail/wire and would rather sharpen my chains when not working, just swap it over.

It comes with 1/4" "Stihl Picco Micro 3 - PM3 - 64 Drive Links" and it's a 12" bar - would people recommend this Stihl one or some 3rd party one as better/cheaper?

 

Oh also, would you use standard bar oil on this? The dealer supplied it PDI'd with oil but it looks a bit thin/runny compared to the stuff I normally use, wondered if that's deliberate for such a wee saw?

 

Thanks.

[HillyJohn]

Nothing better than the Stihl chain available, which if sharp, works well on this saw. The only possible alternative might be the Oregon Speedcut nano, which needs it's own sprocket, not currently available for Stihl electric saws. I doubt the little motor in this saw would drive the larger chain. I've found it hard to sharpen the small chain on this saw, solved by using an Stihl easyfile. The chain oil may be Bio friendly vegetable oil, which is more runny than mineral oil.

[MisterBoy]

On 30/08/2020 at 08:08, HillyJohn said:

Nothing better than the Stihl chain available, which if sharp, works well on this saw. The only possible alternative might be the Oregon Speedcut nano, which needs it's own sprocket, not currently available for Stihl electric saws. I doubt the little motor in this saw would drive the larger chain. I've found it hard to sharpen the small chain on this saw, solved by using an Stihl easyfile. The chain oil may be Bio friendly vegetable oil, which is more runny than mineral oil.

Thanks @HillyJohn I'll probably just get a couple of the PM3 then. 

I managed to sharpen using my regular Stihl hand-file but it was a snug fit so not ideal - also if memory serves the file is marked for 30 degrees and I think Stihl recommend 35 degrees on this chain/tool. Tried to go with what the chain wanted and it is cutting OK again but I know a hand-file is not perfect for maintaining chains properly. If the easifile works on this I'll probably just get one as it'd be useful anyway.

 

Cheers.