Echo CS2711T - 1/4inch chain vs 3/8 inch chain

[Randy1949]

I have a conversion kit in hand to convert a Echo CS 2711T saw to 1/4 inch.  After reading several post concerning 1/4 inch chain, it seems like 3/8 inch chain may be the best.  What does the forum think as I'm pretty much a novice.

[lxskllr]

I've never used 1/4", and I'm not inclined to. I value robustness over... precision I guess you'd call it. 1/4" will give a cleaner, finer cut, and less likelihood of the chain bogging down, but it has tiny teeth that don't bite as much, don't last as long, and probably more likely to derail. It also doesn't use the 200' of 3/8lp chain I have stocked..

I guess the answer you want is "it depends". What you personally value will guide your choice. Since you have all the stuff, install it and give it a try. See what you think.

[Randy1949]

Thanks!

[sawguy21]

The 1/4" is used with narrow tip carving bars but for general use you will probably be happier with 3/8 picco.

[Randy1949]

Thank You!  I had come to that conclusion but needed expert opinions.  I may just get a Stihl MS201 and leave the Echo the way it came.  I had heard the MS201 had a hot start problem when it first came out.  Did Stihl fix the problem?

[lxskllr]

I don't hear any real complaints about the 201tcm aside from it not being the beloved 200t. What problem are you trying to solve? That might guide you to the right path. If I were to get a bigger top handle, it's almost a 100% certainty I'd get the echo 355t. It may or may not be 100% on par with the 201t, but it's half the price, and I'm confident it would be close enough. Both my echoes are great saws, and the 2511t is my favorite saw of any of them.

[Randy1949]

I have a CS2511T but some of the arborist's  seem to convert their CS2511T's to 1/4 in pitch and think it's better.   I have no problems with my saw's at the present time and I have a rear handle MS201 and love it.  I just bought a 1/4 inch kit for the CS2511T but are having second thoughts about converting it.  Thanks for the input,