The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Chainsaws => Topic started by: woodworker9 on December 25, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Title: Stihl bar interchangeability question
Post by: woodworker9 on December 25, 2020, 03:32:55 PM
Sorry for the question, but I couldn't find an answer with my remedial searching capabilities.

I have a MS 461, and new 500i.  Are the bars completely interchangeable between them?  Both have the stock 3/8" chain setup/sprocket/whatever-you-call-it.  

Reason I ask, is when I looked at a larger bar to have in my arsenal, the 461 was not listed on the package, even though it was for OTHER saws that take the 3/8" chain.  Not sure why it was not listed.  This was/is a Stihl bar.

I'd sure not to have to buy 2 different expensive bars if I want to use an occasional bigger bar on either saw.  Thanks.  Thinking about adding a larger bar to my arsenal for those occasional BIG logs.

Merry Christmas!
Title: Re: Stihl bar interchangeability question
Post by: Woodfarmer on December 25, 2020, 07:10:29 PM
Yes, large mount still bars start with 3003.
Title: Re: Stihl bar interchangeability question
Post by: ehp on December 25, 2020, 07:15:42 PM
they are the same , I know my 500i likes the light weight bars a lot better than the normal bars, not so nose heavy
Title: Re: Stihl bar interchangeability question
Post by: lxskllr on December 25, 2020, 07:28:10 PM
Not that it matters in this discussion, but I think the "standard" Stihl bar is medium mount. The current sole user of the large mount is the 880.
Title: Re: Stihl bar interchangeability question
Post by: woodworker9 on December 26, 2020, 12:50:37 AM
Thanks for the info.  Yeah, the 500i is the biggest saw I own.  

Good to know any bar can be used on it or the 461.

I love the Light bar on my 500i.  Very well balanced saw, and doesn't feel any heavier than my 362 CM, even though I know it's a little heavier.

The 461 is noticeably heavier with a 25" regular Stihl bar, and I'm gonna throw a Light bar on it to see how it feels.