The typical procurer of a chainsaw is the “occasional lumberjack”. They need the machine for odd jobs every now and then but ultimately it is not a vital part of day to day proceedings. These users may not have the knowledge or experience to ensure these chainsaws stay running as efficiently as the day they arrived. This article sheds light on some of the maintenance required as well as a list of big Don’ts.
Chain Tension
Check the tension of your cutting chain regularly, checking a new chain more frequently. The chain will stretch with use and require adjustment periodically. A chain that is too tight can bind, overheat and wear out the bar. A chain that is too loose can come off of the bar. Checking the chain tension is not as daunting a task as it sounds and instructions can be found in the chainsaw manual.
Sharpening & Replacing the Chain
Sharpening the chain is an important part of maintaining the saw. When the saw creates sawdust rather than wood chips, produces a burnt wood smell, cuts crooked or requires you to press down hard to cut, it's time to sharpen the chain. However sometimes the chain needs a lot more than just sharpening and this is when it is time to replace the chain before it causes even more problems. Refer to the chainsaw manual for information regarding sharpening the chainsaw.
List of other Maintenance Tasks
- Cleaning the bar and inspecting it for wear and bending.
- Checking that the throttle control and throttle lockout function correctly.
- Checking the chain brake function.
- Verifying that the chain does not rotate when the saw is idling.
- Inspecting the chain catcher.
- Cleaning or replacing the air filter as needed.
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