Author Topic: Stihl bar interchangeability question (Read 385 times)

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!

Woodfarmer · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2020, 07:10:29 PM »

Yes, large mount still bars start with 3003.

ehp · « **Reply #2 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

lxskllr · « **Reply #3 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.

woodworker9 · « **Reply #4 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.

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