16/01/2024
Maintenance of chainsaws
Source: Prüfer, M. (2015): Wartung und Pflege der Motorkettensäge. Waldpost 2015/2016 , Zeitung für Waldbesitzer in Sachsen: 22 -23. Fottner, T. (2020): Motorsäge richtig warten. Landwirt-media.com, Link: https://www.landwirt-media.com/motorsaege-richtig-warten/
Good care and regular service not only increase the lifespan of vehicles, but also chainsaws require proper maintenance. A chainsaw in good condition ensures consistent performance and can prevent accidents while working, as well as reducing the operator's physical strain. Furthermore, a well-maintained saw requires less fuel and lubricant.
Maintenance requires:
- The original tool supplied with the chainsaw
- pliers and screwdriver
- Brush for cleaning
- suitable saw chain file
- Read the operating instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
In general, maintenance work can be divided into daily, weekly, and long-term maintenance. The maintenance interval should be adjusted to the intensity of use of the saw. If you have any technical questions, be sure to consult your FAIE specialist.
- Daily check after using the chainsaw:
After each use, a thorough cleaning of the saw is recommended. Sawdust, any skewered pieces of wood, and other work residue should be removed. In particular, the cooling fins (especially at the exhaust connection) and the air intake openings in the fan housing should be cleared.
Inadequate cooling can lead to the dreaded "piston seizure"! The engine must be able to breathe freely.
Dirty air filters lead to:
- increased fuel consumption
- increased exhaust emissions, loss of performance
- higher engine wear
Starting difficulties: Visual inspection: Check all components for tightness, cracks, and other damage. The chain should also be checked for cracks, deformation, or signs of uneven wear. Additionally, the throttle trigger and throttle lockout must be checked for proper function. The chain brake should also be tested and cleaned. The start-stop switch should also be checked. Also, make sure the fuel tank is leak-proof!
Before starting the saw, you must check the chain for sharpness and tension.
- Weekly work after use
The starter rope and recoil spring should be checked for proper function and damage. The damping system should also be inspected. The clutch drum bearings should also be lubricated if necessary. The air filter, carburetor, and cooling fins should also be cleaned more thoroughly. Finally, the spark plug should be checked for contamination, as this could indicate problems with the fuel mixture or carburetor settings.
- Long-term work
The fuel and oil tanks should be cleaned internally; the fuel filters and lines should also be checked and replaced if necessary. Spark plugs should be cleaned, and the electrode gap should be checked. Additionally, cables and connections should be checked for tightness and insulation. The clutch and the chain brake band should also be inspected for damage, excessive wear, and worn springs.
Your chainsaw may require different maintenance intervals or maintenance tasks. You can find information about this in your machine's manual. Alternatively, you can also ask your dealer or specialist directly.
You can find all products on this topic here: Chainsaw spare parts