325 to 3/8

[IanW]

Could i change my stihl ms261 to 3/8? Just a sprocket n bar and away i go?

 

 

yes.

 

3/8 sprocket, bar and chain

 

that's it

[Supernube]

Nothing is set in stone and its only my opinion but obviously the shorter the bar the higher the gearing you can run . May have to add a driver or two if you go above 8 pin in either pitch .

 

A driver ? sorry

[Stubby]

A driver ? sorry

 

Drive links in the chain loop . Standard loop wont be long enough once you go more than one tooth up on the sprocket ....

[doobin]

If you use an 18" bar then a 9t .325 sprocket is only a couple of quid and should make a big difference.

[IanW]

If you use an 18" bar then a 9t .325 sprocket is only a couple of quid and should make a big difference.

 

 

a feature I like about the 560 is that it's so revy and quick on pick up...

 

won't it loose that feeling of you run it on a 9 pin?

[Stubby]

a feature I like about the 560 is that it's so revy and quick on pick up...

 

won't it loose that feeling of you run it on a 9 pin?

 

It wont in fresh air but it might in the cut .....

[Supernube]

Ok....Im starting to get that forum feeling of information overload

So...please give me your choice on sprocket for a 15 inch bar...3/8 ...for speed down the tree...I have a small softwood clearfell starting next week so perfect for me to give it a test....

Thanks

[IanW]

tbh I'd just stick with standard.

 

7 pin 3/8

 

or 8 pin if your set on trying it

[Stubby]

What Ian has said . Get a 3/8 7 and 8 pin . You can swap between the two and make your choice and you can still use a standard chain loop .

[C.J]

What saw did the speed cutter at the APF have ?

 

I'm guessing it was bigger than a 560 and he was running 3/8 pitch with lowered depth gauges and needed the higher profile 3/8 cutters for chip flow.

 

With a 560 I would stick with .325 and run 8 or 9 tooth sprocket.

 

3/8 may give a faster chain speed but 9 pin is 9 drivelinks which is more cutters per engine revolution.

 

First you need to know what sprocket you have - probably a 2 piece " power mate " type sprocket with a separate clutch drum and drive rim.

 

There are 2 sizes of rim sprocket available for this saw with different sized drive splines - small 7 and standard 7.

 

The small 7 will take 7x325,8x325 and 7x3/8 rim sprockets.

 

The standard 7 will take 7x3/8,8x3/8 and 9x325.

 

Assuming you have a 7x325 drive rim your first thing to try is a 8x325 rim.

 

If that is too slow change the clutch to standard 7 and use a 9x325 rim.