Saw Maintenance: Cold Weather Edition

SAW SHOP

By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer

The frost is on the ground, and all the equipment windows are covered with it. You can see your breath. You pull your trusty chainsaw out of the toolbox to begin the day. A winter wonderland of timber awaits. You flip the choke on and lock the saw in the leg lock to start it. You give the start rope a swift pull. And you pull, you pull, and you pull, and nothing. There are only a few things more burdensome than a chainsaw that will not crank.

Along with the frustration of a failure to start comes fatigue. Constantly pulling on a chainsaw to start it will wear on your energy level, causing more fatigue. Fatigue can lead to accidents.

So, let’s talk about some general saw maintenance tips that may help us on those cold mornings.

SHOP MAINTENANCE:

• Visibly inspect the saw for broken or loose parts.

• Check the Anti-Vibration mounts

• Check the chain brake, chain catch peg, and throttle interlock

• Check and clean the air filter; it will not run properly with no air

• Check and replace the fuel filter; it must have fuel to run

• Check the spark plug; replace it if fouled. It must have a spark!

• Ensure the spark arrestor is clean and functional

• Inspect the clutch for stretched or broken springs

• Use compressed air to thoroughly clean out built-up debris (Don’t forget safety glasses!)

• Replace any damaged parts

DAILY FIELD MAINTENANCE:

• Visibly inspect the saw for broken or loose parts

• Remove the side cover and clean built-up debris

• Clean the guide bar and oil holes

• Check the guide bar for wear and burrs, and file if needed

• It is recommended to flip the bar each time the chain is changed

• Check the chain sprocket for wear

• Replace the chain and tension appropriately

• Check the sharpness of the chain; sharpen if needed

• Check the depth gauges; file to the appropriate level

• Check the air filter, and clean it if needed

Chainsaw problems can be narrowed down to three areas; fuel, air, and spark issues.

FUEL:

Be sure you are running a proper mix for your chainsaw. It is a good idea to run non-Ethanol gas in the highest octane you can find. If the saw is sitting for long periods, it may be beneficial to run a premix fuel such as Stihl’s MotoMix. Another good idea is to keep some extra fuel filters in the service truck in case you have issues. Also, check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks.

AIR:

As I have listed twice, keeping the air filter clean is important. In the field, removing the filter and knocking it out to remove debris is easy. When time allows, it may require washing it with Stihl special cleaner or soapy water. Allow the filter to dry thoroughly before reinstalling it.

SPARK:

The spark plug can be easily checked by removing the plug from the saw. Reconnect the plug wire and hold it against a metal surface on the saw. Pull the rope and look for a spark. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug. If there is still no spark, it could be in the ignition.

Clean around the flywheel and ignition and check the gap between them. Replace the ignition if there is still no spark.

After checking these items, the chainsaw is still not starting properly; compression may be a problem. A quick compression test can be done in the field. Set the saw on the ground. Pick the saw up by the start rope. The compression is bad if the rope pulls out and the saw stays on the ground.

Good compression should cause the saw to come up when you pick it up by the start rope. Having a chainsaw that will not crank when needed falls under those dynamic factors we talked about last quarter. If you are frustrated with a chainsaw that is not running correctly, you may not recognize the hazards around you.

These general maintenance tips help keep your chainsaw running correctly during the cold weather. It helps keep you focused and not frustrated during the day. Be safe, and as always, if you would like to schedule chainsaw training for your crew, contact your Field Rep. or visit www.forestrymutual.com/loss-control-services/