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Chainsaws
Maintenance
Chainsaws, like all power equipment, need to be maintained on a regular basis to insure safe and reliable
operation. Chainsaws are a bit more "high-maintenance" than other equipment such as lawnmowers or
snowthrowers in the way that they require routine chain tensioning and sharpening to guarantee safe and
proper function. Your chainsaws' ability to cut safely can be severely compromised if the chain is dull
or improperly adjusted.
Chainsaws generally see year-round use and, consequently, don't have the same storage and pre-season
maintenance needs that other lawn and yard equipment does. Bob's Power Center, a fully authorized
chainsaw service and repair shop, can keep your chainsaw in peak cutting condition all year long!
While owners can perform some minor maintenance tasks themselves and should know how to maintain proper
chain tension and keep the chain sharp as outlined in their saw's owner's manual, most service work is
better left to professional technicians like those at Bob's Power Center.
(Before performing any type of service work or sharpening the chain on your chainsaw, remove the spark
plug wire from the plug.)
- Carry a spare plug. Most chainsaws use a high-performance 2-stroke engine that burns mixed-fuel
(oil & gasoline). Spark plugs in 2-stroke engines are more susceptible to "fouling" due to the oil in the
gas. It's a good idea to check your spark plug periodically for telltale signs of fouling (heavy, wet, &
oily deposits on electrode) and change your plug often. Carry a wrench and spare plug to ensure that
you're not left in the woods with a saw that won't start.
- Mix carefully. When it comes to re-fueling your chainsaw, use-unleaded, unleaded gasoline and a quality
2-cycle engine oil. Make sure that you mix your fuel and oil in the recommended ratios to guarantee
smooth running and easy starting of your saw. It's best to have a dedicated fuel can for your saw to
avoid the chance of filling your saw with straight, unmixed gas - doing so can lead to serious mechanical
failure of your saw's engine.
- Adjust your chain. Knowing how to keep your chain tensioned properly can mean the difference between
a safe cutting experience and a trip to the emergency room. A saw chain that is too loose can come off of
the guide bar and strike the operator! Follow your manufacturer's instruction for adjusting your chain or
call the professionals at Bob's.
- Sharp is safe. When it comes to cutting wood,
chainsaws are safest when their chains are sharpest. A dull chain will
not feed itself into the wood like it should making the operator try and
force the chain to cut. This leads to many accidents each year and can
be avoided simply by keeping your chain sharpened. You can tell if your
chain is dull if it's producing fine wood dust while cutting - if it is
or you're pushing on the saw to make the cut, shut it down and sharpen
that chain!
You can stay safer while cutting by following the tips above and by having your chainsaw maintained on a
regular basis by Bob's Power Center.
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