Chainsaw Maintenance is the Key to Safety and Durability

!±8± Chainsaw Maintenance is the Key to Safety and Durability

Chainsaws are designed to make the work of felling trees or branches, then cutting the material into length. They are used in a wide variety of commercial and personal settings. Tree services use them to remove entire trees or to remove branches from power line lanes or areas where they may fall and pose a threat to people or property. Personal usage includes cutting tree trunks and branches down to the right size to be split into firewood. More creative uses include using chainsaws to create wood carvings out of large trunks, or ice sculptures out of large blocks of the frozen stuff.

Most chainsaws are made to last for many hours of service, as long as they are properly maintained. Regular maintenance of chainsaws will keep them running smoothly and maintain a sharp cutting edge. Let's take a look at a step by step guide to maintaining chainsaws, which is the key to their ongoing performance and longevity. You'll also avoid costly repairs over time, and may also prevent injury, because chainsaws with poorly performing saws are more likely to jump or slip off the surface you are cutting. Major manufacturers of today's top chainsaws include Husqvarna, Poulin, Stihl, Remington, Homelite, and Craftsman. Each of these chainsaws sport individual features that set them apart, but their basic designs are quite similar, and the same steps can be taken to maintain them.

The first step is to keep your chainsaw's air filter clean. Some filters can be washed, while others simply need to be replaced. Your manual or local parts dealer will be able help if you don't know which style you have. Chainsaws rely on a steady flow of air to maintain proper combustion and cooling of the engine. Electric chainsaws will not have an air filter. Secondly, since chainsaws run at high r.p.m. with significant vibration, the screws and fasteners should be checked at the end of each day's work to make sure they are tight. Loose fasteners will cause damage due to vibration and rubbing.

There are a couple of things to do to maintain the chain. The tension should be checked every hour or two to make sure it is properly set. Overly tightened chains may break. Loose chains may come off during operation. Both occurrences can be avoided easily. Also, keep the chain's oiling mechanism lubed for smooth running performance. Finally, adjust the guide bar every 8-12 hours to ensure an even pattern of wear, which will provide a smooth cut and better durability.

Chainsaws are fairly uncomplicated, and will provide durable service when cared for properly. You'll be safer and the work will go more quickly and efficiently.