If you own a chainsaw, you’re going to want to do everything you can to keep it in good condition for years to come so you don’t have to spend the money to replace it. Every chainsaw should come with a manual that includes instructions for operation as well as a recommended maintenance schedule from the manufacturer. This maintenance schedule is recommended for a reason: it provides you with an overview of everything you need to do to keep it in good operating condition.
Here’s some information from an equipment rental service in Monroe, LA about the various ways you can care for your chainsaw.
Sharpening
Obviously, a chainsaw isn’t much use to you without a sharp blade. Therefore, you should use a file to regularly sharpen the blades. While this might be slightly tedious work, it’s not difficult and it goes a long way toward keeping your saw in good shape and making chainsaw jobs significantly easier to complete.
While sharpening the cutting teeth, put the chainsaw in a vise to ensure it doesn’t move, and engage the chain brake. Start by sharpening the cutting teeth, positioning the file’s depth gauge on the chain so the arrows point directly at the bar nose on the chainsaw. Then, file at a right angle to the chainsaw rollers, and file every other cutting tooth using a smooth, even pushing stroke. Flip the saw around and finish filing the other cutting teeth with that same motion.
Changing the chain and bar
When you’ve worn down the longest part of the cutting tooth to below 4 mm, you’ll need to replace the chainsaw chain. Remove the chainsaw bar and put the new chain in place, then adjust the tension on the chain. It shouldn’t be too loose, because then it has a risk of coming off, but it also shouldn’t be too tight, because that would wear down the chainsaw bar.
Cleaning
Another important part of maintaining your chainsaw is cleaning it regularly. There are several parts you’ll specifically want to focus on. You’ll want to pull off the clutch cover, clean the chain brake band and clean the chainsaw bar occasionally by scooping out any debris lying inside the track with a thin piece of wood or metal. You should also find the cylinder cover and remove it so you can wash the air filter, clear out all the cooling fins and air intake (if debris is inside) and occasionally check the flywheel pins just to ensure there’s nothing that could potentially block air from coming in to cool down the engine.
There are several other checks and inspections you can make before and after chainsaw use to ensure it remains in good condition, but this should give you a good general idea of the maintenance tasks that need to be done with your chainsaw. For more information about the maintenance steps you should be taking as a chainsaw owner, visit Ram Rent-All, Inc. or contact our equipment rental company in Monroe, LA today.