Servicing Chainsaws - Tips To Keep Your Machine Running Like Clockwork!

Servicing chainsaws should be an integral part of your maintenance routine. Ignore regular servicing and you not only risk damaging your saw but you also compromise safety.

Chainsaws are versatile yet dangerous machines but they can't perform at optimum levels without you showing them a little love. Chainsaw reviews are helpful when looking for the best machine to suit your situation but servicing and maintenance reviews should also be part of the equation.

Servicing Chainsaws

Here are some routine tips to help keep your machine performing at it's peak and to prevent it from becoming a hazard to your health:

- Follow the manufacturers guide and perform the necessary maintenance when suggested.

- There are lots of brands to choose from...Stihl, Husqvarna, Poulan, Echo, McCullogh, Homelite... only use replacement chainsaw parts intended for the brands they're associated with.

- If you are performing the maintenance and servicing yourself then ensure the chainsaw is off... just makes sense but that's another story.

- Regular servicing by a qualified technician should be perform at least once a year. This will depend on the number of times you use the machine. Attempting tricky repairs yourself is dangerous.

Servicing Chainsaw Parts - The Engine

The chainsaw is an intricate machine made up of performance parts and safety features and the end result is both making short work of cutting wood and keeping you from getting hurt.

The engine, the chain, chain tension and guide bar are all areas which need to be maintained in tip top order. Fuel is an integral component and again, your manufacturer's guide will recommend a particular fuel to use with their chainsaw.

The engine needs regular checks before a major service. Check for bar nuts which may have loosened on the handle. The air filter should be clean as well as the muffler while the starter chord is often overlooked by users but a chord which doesn't retract properly could indicate more serious problems.

Servicing Chainsaws - The Chain

The chain is another part of the saw which is overlooked particularly by inexperienced operators. Chain tension should be checked at regular intervals. If you are performing a major job then it's recommended to check tension at least every 10-15 minutes, even less in some cases. A chain working loose can increase the chances of unneccessary wear and tear on other parts such as the sprockets and links not too mention putting the user in jeopardy.

Chain brakes also shouldn't be overlooked in fact, they can be a good indicator for a chainsaw service. When the brakes are applied and there is a delay in the time the chain eventually stops means it's time for some of that regular servicing chainsaw love we mentioned earlier.

More Chainsaw Service Tips