Chainsaw Maintenance

Chainsaw Maintenance

​Every tool and every machine needs regular maintenance in order to work perfectly and chainsaw isn't an exception. Chainsaw maintenance is essential if you want your chainsaw to last for years to come. Regular chainsaw maintenance also prevents critical failures that can lead to injuries.

Keep the Air Filter Clean

​Maintaining the air filter in crisp condition is among the most vital things the chainsaw owner can do to extend the saw’s useful life and enhance performance. Cleaning the air filter is the only deterrent against the engine downing dirt and sawdust which can cork the carburetor and result in the saw starting hard and running poorly. Contaminants also damage the piston rings resulting in loss of compression, consequently reducing power. Most saws come with a screen instead of a paper filter or foam. For saws with a paper filter or foam, replace it regularly.

Bar Maintenance 

​Chainsaw bar problems are mostly related to incorrect chain tensioning, poor lubrication or faulty working techniques. The area of the bar most exposed to wear is the underside of the bar, where most of the cutting is done. To keep your bar in top shape you should turn the guide bar every time the chain is changed so that it will wear evenly. Also, you should clean the guide bar groove and oil inlet regularly and file away burrs from the bar rails.
No matter how well you maintain it, at a certain time it will be necessary to change the bar. You should buy a new bar if the bar groove is not deep enough to hold the drive link. You must check that at the most worn part on the rail. Also, you should change the bar if the chain is not kept straight up in the groove.

Chain Lubrication

​Chain lubrication is one of the most important things in chainsaw maintenance. You may not know this, but poor lubrication is a major cause of premature wear. You should check and refill the chain oil every time you refuel. Always use original chain oil because it has been developed to provide good lubrication for your chainsaw no matter how hard the wood is or how cold it is. You can check if your lubrication system is operating properly simply by starting a chainsaw, hold it over a stump and rev up the engine. If there is a line of oil on the stump, the chainsaw lubrication system is running properly. If there isn’t a line on the stump, you should check up the oil level and check the nozzle which can be clogged with sawdust.

Proper Chain Tensioning

Ensure your saw’s chain is tensioned correctly. A loose chain may veer off the guide bar and may injure you and ruin the machine. Also, an unduly tightened chain may cause an untimely corrosion of the guide bar. Tension is okay when the chain is touching the bottom of the guide bar while still allowing you to pull it easily by hand. Don’t forget to let the chain cool before adjusting the chain tension. When the chain cools off, it will shrink.

Conditioning A New Chain

​When it is time to change the chain, prepare the new chain by drenching it in bar and chain oil to ensure that all pivot points are perfectly lubricated. After a couple of hours, hang the chain, preferably from a nail to let the surplus oil drip away. Lodge and tension the chain. Run it until it warms up. As the chain heats it loosens, consequently, stop the chain and tension it once more. Run a few light-duty chores like cutting small branches and limbs for about half an hour. Tighten the chain again, and you are ready for the heavy-duty tasks.

Use Non-Ethanol Gasoline

You may not know this but most gasoline these days contains ethanol, and ethanol is the bane of small engines. If you use gasoline with ethanol in your chainsaw, over time the ethanol in the gas absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, and this ethanol-water mix separates and sinks in your gas tank. This ethanol-water mix corrodes metal and gums up small engine carburetors. You should find and use all-petroleum-based gasoline. Most of the pumps have non-ethanol gasoline so it shouldn’t be a problem to acquire. But if you can’t find non ethanol gasoline, then use the gas which contains ethanol but add a stabilizing additive. No matter what option you choose, the most important thing is to only use fresh gas. It is best to buy it in small quantities.

Products Helpful For Maintenance

Red Armor fuel is the industry's premium 50:1 fuel mix that delivers peak performance for 2 cycle engines. The Red Armor oil included in the mix is the key differentiator. Red Armor oil is packed with specialized additives designed to remove carbon deposits plus protects against future build up which helps extend the life of your equipment. Red Armor Fuel is ethanol-free, which means it does not attract water and therefore helps prevent internal engine corrosion. Red Armor fuel is the highest quality fuel, ready to use from the can.
32 oz. can of Ethanol-free 93 octane pre-mixed fuel
Recommended for use in all air-cooled 2 cycle engines
Compatible with ECHO, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, Stihl and other equipment brands
Protects against future carbon build-ups
No ethanol; does not attract moisture that can lead to premature engine failure
Contains no benzene, olefins or oxygenates; low sulfur content
Stays stable up to 2 years (opened); 5 years (unopened)
Oil mix is JASO FD and ISO-L-EGD rated

• Mixes with 89-octane gasoline at a 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio
• Meets or exceeds ISO-L-EGD- and JASO M345/FC standards
• For use with 2-stroke outdoor power equipment engines

RedMax 95 octane fuel is mixed at 50:1 with a high-quality synthetic oil blend, specifically formulated to provide RedMax handheld products with optimal equipment performance. This ethanol-free fuel mix does not degrade or oxidize like pump gas and will stay fresh for years in storage.

• Low Smoke Synthetic 2 Stroke Engine Oil
• 50:1 Mix Ratio
• 2.6 oz. Bottles (6-Pack)
• 1 Bottle per Gallon of Fuel

How to Mix Properly

​Step 1:
Measure out the quantities of gasoline and oil that you will be mixing.
Step 2:
Put some of the gasoline into a clean, and approved gasoline container
Step 3:
Pour in all of the oil and gently shake the can to agitate it for about 10 seconds
Step 4:
Pour in the rest of the gasoline and gently shake the can again to agitate for at least an additional minute. Be sure that the mixture is thoroughly agitated
Step 5:
Place a clear indication on the outside of the container to signify that this mixture contains oil

Mixing the gas and oil properly is very important for the longevity of your trimmer. Be sure you are following all steps and recommendations carefully for best results.