Maintaining a chainsaw is crucial for ensuring it operates safely and effectively, essential for any arborist or homeowner tasked with tree management. Proper maintenance not only keeps the chainsaw running smoothly but also extends its lifespan, maximizes its cutting efficiency, and ensures your safety during use.
When you keep your chainsaw maintained, you can prevent premature wear and costly repairs, keeping your chainsaw ready for any task, whether it’s routine trimming or more extensive tree removal. In this article, we will go over some of the essentials to keep your chainsaw in good shape.
1 – Chain maintenance
Maintaining the chain of your chainsaw is important for ensuring optimal performance and safety. Using a chainsaw sharpener regularly is necessary as it becomes dull from use, which can be recognized by signs like more effort required in cutting, the saw producing sawdust instead of chips, or the saw pulling in one direction. A sharp chain decreases the workload and reduces wear on your chainsaw.
Over time, chains also need replacing, not just sharpening. You’ll know it’s time to replace a chain if you notice it is damaged with broken or missing teeth, it doesn’t maintain tension, or sharpening no longer restores its efficiency.
Using a chain past its lifespan not only decreases your chainsaw’s performance but can also be a safety hazard. Regular checks will help you determine the right time for both sharpening and replacing the chain to maintain your chainsaw’s effectiveness and safety.
2 – Bar maintenance
Keeping your chainsaw bar in good condition is crucial for smooth operation and to prevent damage to your chain.
Regularly check your chainsaw bar for signs of wear or damage, such as bends, cracks, or uneven wear on the edges. These issues can affect how the chain aligns and cuts. If the bar is more worn on one side, it might cause the chainsaw to cut unevenly or lead to dangerous situations.
To keep your chainsaw bar healthy, file down any rough spots or raised edges on the bar. This will help the chain move smoothly and prevent it from snagging or jerking. Also, flipping the bar over periodically helps it wear evenly, which extends its life. Keep the channel where the chain sits clean of debris to ensure proper chain tension and lubrication.
3 – Engine maintenance
Maintaining the engine of your gas-powered chainsaw is key to ensuring it runs efficiently and lasts longer.
The air filter is crucial for protecting the engine from dust and debris, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan. Check the air filter regularly, especially if you operate in dusty conditions. If it’s very dirty or damaged, wash it with soapy water and rinse thoroughly, or replace it with a new one.
Inspect the spark plug periodically for signs of wear or buildup of deposits. A dirty or worn spark plug can cause your chainsaw to start hard or run poorly. Remove the spark plug and check its condition. If it’s dirty, clean it with a wire brush or replace it if it’s damaged or heavily worn.