How to Use a Chainsaw and Keep it Cutting

Dear Reader

If you use a chainsaw in your daily or weekly work, you’ll know how much you rely on it. And you’ll know how expensive it can be to fix, when things go wrong. 

If you look after your kit, it will last longer, performer better – and more safely – and cost you less in the long run.

In this issue of Growing Skills, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you keep your chainsaw in top condition.

Best wishes,

James

Looking After Your Chainsaw

There is routine maintenance you should carry out on your chainsaw, on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Here’s what needs to be done and when.

Every day you use your chainsaw:

• Check the throttle trigger for smooth operation. If any binding occurs, or if the engine fails to return to idle, the saw should be taken to your dealer before you use it again. Be sure that the trigger cannot be pulled until the throttle trigger lockout is depressed.
• Clean the chain brake and check its function according to the instructions. Make sure that the chain catcher is undamaged – if it is, replace it immediately.
• Clean or replace the air filter as necessary. Check for damage or holes.
• The bar should be turned daily for more even wear. Check the lubrication hole in the bar, to be sure it is not clogged. Clean the bar groove, if the bar has a sprocket tip, this should be lubricated.
• Check the function of the oiler to be sure the bar and chain receive proper lubrication.
• Sharpen the chain and check its tension and condition. Check the drive sprocket for wear and replace if necessary.
• Check the starter and starter cord for wear or damage. Clean the air intake slots on the starter housing.
• Check for any loose nuts and screws and retighten if necessary.
• Test the stop switch to be sure it shuts off the engine.
• Check the cooling system if your saw is fitted with a catalytic converter.

Every week:

• Check that the AV elements are not soft or torn.
• Lubricate the clutch drum bearing.
• File off burrs, if any, on the sides of the bar.
• Clean the spark plug and check the gap. The correct gap is 0.5 mm.
• Check the starter and the recoil spring. Clean the fins on the flywheel.
• Clean the cooling fins on the cylinder.
• Clean or change the screen in the muffler.
• Clean the carburetor body and air box.

Every month:

• Check the brake band on the chain brake for wear.
• Check the clutch center, clutch drum and clutch spring for wear.
• Clean the outside of the carburettor.
• Check the fuel filter. Change if necessary.
• Clean the inside of the fuel tank and the oil tank.
• Check all cables and connections.
• This might seem like a lot of work to do on a regular basis, but if you do it regularly, it won’t take too long. You’ll be able to spot problem before they become dangerous or expensive to fix!

Join One of Our Chainsaw Courses

At the Rural Skills Centre, we run many chainsaw maintenance and operation courses, from basic knowledge, to more advanced felling and processing of larger trees and use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness.

We currently have some places remaining on the following courses, book soon to avoid disappointment as the courses do fill up.

• Arboriculture  1 - Chainsaw LANTRA Awards Maintenance and Operation (Cross Cutting).

• Arboriculture  5 - Chainsaw City & Guilds/NPTC Maintenance, Cross Cutting and Felling of Small Trees.
  

• Arboriculture  8 - Chainsaw City & Guilds/NPTC Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue. 

• Arboriculture  9 - Chainsaw City & Guilds/NPTC Use of a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness.

Click here for further information or to book your place. 

Visit our website for further information about these and any other Rural Skills Centre courses.