chain saw whether big or small, need chain oil to function properly. Indeed, whether it is an electric model, with battery or petrol engine, felling or pruning, chain lubrication is required and relies on a small gear-driven oil pump.
The same applies to rod pruners and even hydraulic chainsaws installed on the gripper heads of harvesters – the movement of the chain teeth must necessarily be lubricated.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what chain oil is used for and how it is used. We will also discuss how to choose it so that we can use the chain oil that best suits our needs.
Contents [Ocultar]
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What is chainsaw oil used for?
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how lubrication works
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Choice of chainsaw oil
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How to check lubrication
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Maintenance
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Contents
What is chainsaw oil used for?
As already mentioned and as one easily imagines by the simple association of ideas that arises spontaneously when thinking of the word “oil”, the oil chain has two main functions: lubricate and protect .
Chain and the bar of the chainsaw are indeed manufactured in steel , the generalization of which is an alloy composed mainly of iron and carbon and incidentally of other elements (chromium, molybdenum, nickel, etc.). These two components, sliding against each other by force (when making a cut, the chain is forced to slide between the bar guide and the wood, tightening it between the two) give rise to a clutch which generates heat and wears moving parts.
This condition leads primarily to higher energy absorption and thus to lower efficiency. and secondly to wear . To remedy this, chainsaws have been equipped with an oil reservoir which is pumped onto the chain near the drive sprocket and which wets the chain and enters the guide bar to significantly reduce friction .
As mentioned, lubrication also has a second purpose: to protect the chain . Indeed, steel is sensitive to corrosion by humidity and substances contained in green wood, oil, creating a film on the links of the chain and the guide. prevents oxidation.
how lubrication works
Very simply on the motor pinion we find a gear (often plastic) that drives another gear or worm connected to a small pump. The oil is then sucked from tank and pushed to the base of the bar, flush with the bar, to wet the chain and the guide.
It will then be the chain itself, thanks to the fins which slide in the guide, which will distribute the oil over the entire length of the guide.
Choosing Chainsaw Oil
One oil is not worth the other, let’s get it out of our heads, but above all let’s always remember that chain oil is “wasted” oil, which is dispersed into the environment . The use of inappropriate oils, in addition to reducing efficiency and being able to cause damage / not protecting adequately, can become a source of environmental pollution and for the same reason, the use of waste oils can lead to severe penalties and criminal prosecution.
In the market there are excellent oils of mineral origin (therefore petroleum derivatives) which remain for the moment the best in terms of performance there is also biodegradable/vegetable oils with good lubricating performance but they tend to coagulate and therefore “stick” the guide bar and chain if left standing for long periods or at very low temperatures.
Therefore, when buying a chain oil, it is good to refer to brand , with the experience in the field and in the evaluation also compared to the frequency of use. It is true that a mineral oil is less environmentally friendly than a mineral oil, but for a hobbyist who cuts a few logs for the stove a few times a year, it is the most suitable option to reduce the need for maintenance and the inconvenients. . For those who use a chainsaw most of the year, a biodegradable oil it can be an excellent opportunity to drastically reduce the collateral contamination it would produce, without encountering any particular problems.
How to check lubrication
Before starting to work with a chainsaw and from time to time during work, it is good to carry out a quick check to make sure the oil pump is working and the chain is lubricated.
All user manuals state how to perform this check : Engine running and chain brake deactivated (therefore PPE worn!), accelerate to full throttle by pointing the chain guide several times downwards, towards a homogeneous surface (a stone, a log, etc.). The oil hit should appear thrown onto the object by the movement of the chain.
If we don’t see streaks, we might have an empty tank, the oil drain nozzle clogged with sawdust, or we might need to adjust the pump flow (in machines that supply it).
Maintenance
We have already talked about chainsaw maintenance in general, now we will go into the details of chain lubrication maintenance. After use, before storage, it is always advisable to remove the motor pinion housing and remove any buildup of sawdust mixed with oil if left behind, it can dry out and clog the lubrication nozzle.
If a very long downtime is expected and biodegradable vegetable oil has been used, it is best to empty the oil tank and partially fill it with suitable mineral oil. Once done, turn the saw on and test the lubrication several times as explained above. This will fill the circuit with mineral oil and prevent vegetable oil from settling inside the pump and the mouth. in case of very long stops and regular use of biodegradable oils, it is also advisable to spray WD40 over the entire chain and nose sprocket (if fitted) to prevent them from sticking. However, this operation is also recommended for mineral oils.
before starting after a long period of inactivity, it is recommended check that the chain slides well on the bar and is not stuck : With suitable gloves, engine strictly off and chain brake released, try to slide the chain manually. If the bar is stuck or very difficult to loosen, spray WD40 and tighten it.