Chainsaw Care After a Stormy Summer
Why Preparation Matters
Australia's long summer season has brought many challenges, from stormy weather to extreme rainfall, and cyclones. All of these events can mean your chainsaw has worked hard over the warm season months. This guide will help you to keep your saw in top condition for winter firewood and through to the next summer storm season.
Give Your Saw a Winter Tune-Up
Inspect and Clean: Give your chainsaw a visual inspection. Check for signs of wear, damage, and loose fasteners. Clean the exterior of the saw and remove the side cover to clean out accumulated chips and debris from the oil channels and chain adjustment mechanism.
Service the Cutting Equipment: Use a chainsaw file or sharpening tool to sharpen the cutting teeth on the chain to the manufacturer's specification. Don't forget to also file the depth gauges to ensure best performance.
Check the guide bar for excessive wear, and use a file to dress and remove any sharp edges. Ensure the sprocket is turning freely and grease in necessary.
Refer to your user manual for full instructions.
Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can hinder airflow to the engine, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. Remove the air filter element and clean it thoroughly or replace it if necessary. A clean air filter promotes better engine combustion and prolongs engine life.
Inspect Spark Plug and Fuel System: Check the spark plug for signs of wear or fouling. Replace the spark plug if it displays carbon build-up, or once a season. Inspect the fuel lines and fuel filter for any cracks or blockages. Replace any damaged or worn components to ensure proper fuel delivery to the engine. If fuel has been left in the tank over summer, dispose of it and fill up with fresh, clean fuel/oil mix.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Specialised Chain & Bar oil is specially designed to stick to and lubricate the chain, guide bar, and sprocket to reduce friction and wear during operation. Top up the Chain & Bar oil whenever you refill the fuel tank.
ECHO recommends the following maintenance schedule for your chainsaw:
Air filter – Inspect and clean before each use. Replace every 3 months or after around 90 hours of use.
Spark plug – Inspect and replace if necessary, every 3 months or around 90 hours of use.
Fuel filter – Inspect every 3 months and clean if necessary. Replace around once per year.