Chainsaw chain oil: the principle of its operation and the basics of selection

Modern chainsaws are universally equipped with a saw attachment lubrication system. Moreover, a lot of attention is paid to this system.

Even in the operating instructions for modern gasoline (and electric) saws, the paragraph on chain lubrication often devotes several pages.

How to choose oil for a chainsaw chain, and how to correctly assess the operating conditions of the unit for the correct choice of lubricant?

There are many pitfalls and misconceptions in this issue, which, unfortunately, are firmly rooted in the minds of some people.

In this article we will try to dispel common myths about oils for lubricating chainsaw chains and talk about the intricacies of choice.

Chain oil

Almost all chainsaws come with an instruction manual. Such a manual states that in all cases it is necessary to fill in chain oil with a high adhesive effect.

Adhesion is an indicator characterizing the degree of adhesion of the lubricant to the surface of the chain bar.

Adhesive oil is required for chain operation for the following reasons:

1. When the device is operating, the chain moves at high speed. If you use oil with a low adhesion index, then during operation it will be scattered due to inertia. You can check this yourself by simply adding a regular lubricant to the surface and adding gas.
2. The oil must have high lubricating properties. At a high speed of movement of the tire, it can become very hot, due to which the metal used during manufacturing becomes soft and less wear-resistant.

Lubricating oil in various containers

It is worth considering the fact that when using a chainsaw for a long time, a large amount of oil will be required, since it is quickly wiped off the surface of the tire. A variety of companies are involved in the production of chain lubricants.

Cordless pole saw Husqvarna 530iPT5

The Husqvarna 530iPT5 cordless pole saw is a pole saw for professionals with a telescopic pole up to 5 meters long and performance superior to gasoline analogues. Maximum efficiency and reliability with low weight, excellent ergonomics and quiet operation for use any time of the day, anywhere. The cordless pole saw allows you to cut branches and tree crowns at a height of up to 6 m from ground level. Telescopic tool bar. High sawing performance is ensured by an efficient cutting system with characteristics of 10″, H00, 1/4″, 1.3 mm and a generated chain speed of 20 m/s. At the same time, the vibration level is extremely low (1.0 / 1.2 m/s2), the noise level is only 83 dB(A), and the model weighs 5 kg (without battery). A lightweight, low-vibration cordless pole saw can make all the difference in tough jobs. They combine maximum performance with a high level of safety: convenient switching on and off.

What parts of a chainsaw need oil?

A modern chainsaw is represented by a complex mechanism, which consists of a large number of different elements. The following elements require lubrication:

1. A chain is an element on which blades for sawing wood are attached. It consists of a large number of individual elements movably connected to each other. When using the device, the surface may become very hot. In this case, the metal can rust due to high humidity, which significantly reduces its service life.
2. The engine is the part of the chainsaw through which rotation is transmitted to the bar. Modern engines also need a lubricant that can significantly extend their service life. Different lubricating products are used to lubricate the chain and engine, which is worth considering.

Pouring oil into a chainsaw

The operating instructions also indicate which parts of the chainsaw need lubrication.

Replacing the chainsaw bar and its fastening elements

To replace fastening elements, tires and chain fittings, it is necessary to disassemble the entire fastening mechanism. It doesn’t hurt to prepare in advance a rectangular piece of fabric or cardboard, as well as free space on the table for disassembling the tool and temporarily placing the removed parts.

Chainsaw bar mounting diagram

Replacing fastening elements and the chainsaw tire is necessary when:

That is why the saw bar and fastening elements are consumable parts - to replace them you only need one universal wrench, supplied with the tool. And, of course, knowledge of the algorithm for disassembling, assembling and adjusting the mechanism.

Chainsaw with tire removed

To disassemble the tire mount:

The sequence of actions when removing a chainsaw bar in the photo

After this, the chain must be put on a new bar and the latter must be installed in the groove to be installed. Next, the headset is engaged with the drive sprocket and closed with a lid. Immediately before starting work, do not forget to check the chain for slack and the quality of its tension.

The chainsaw is back in action

If the new bar is attached and the headset is installed correctly, the chainsaw is ready for use again. By the way, just in case, you should make sure of this by sawing several thin branches.

When to use special chain oil?

Manufacturers recommend using special oil to lubricate the chain in all cases of using a chainsaw. This recommendation is related to the following points:

1. The oil pump may fail. This is due to the special properties of the lubricant.
2. The use of waste or other oils for other purposes reduces the tool’s ability to perform at high speeds.
3. If the tire is heavily worn, you cannot install a new chain on it. This is due to increased surface wear. It is recommended to purchase at least four chains for frequent work.
4. It is strictly forbidden to work without oil poured into the tank. When refueling the chainsaw, the tire must be lubricated.

When using special oil to lubricate the chain, you need to pay attention to its quality, since the composition should not contain various impurities or debris. Otherwise, the oil pump may quickly fail.

Chainsaw chain lubrication

Almost all manufacturers of chainsaws and components produce lubricants. Chainsaw chain oil protects the metal from rapid wear and corrosion. In addition, chain oil stays on the surface for a long time even during long-term operation of the device.

Are there ways to extend the life of an existing sprocket?

The main ways to extend the working life of a chainsaw drive sprocket:

• use several chains (preferably three). This method is the most gentle and convenient for the chainsaw owner in that there is no need to constantly tighten a chain worn out by intensive work. Operating three chains in turn will save the life of the sprocket and delay its replacement;
• high-quality maintenance of the drive sprocket bearing. This part plays an important role in the functioning of both the drive sprocket and the engine. For lubrication, it is recommended to use a special lubricant. The sprocket bearing is not constantly engaged, but only at idle speed, and therefore requires periodic lubrication. You can use a tire nose lubricant, such as standard lubricant from Repsol or Husqvarna.

The main signs that the sprocket needs to be changed:

• The chain on your chainsaw has been replaced twice (one of the current operating rules for chainsaws and electric saws is that if you use the tool frequently and actively, after two chain changes you should replace the drive sprocket);
• the quality of sawing deteriorated, the chain began to need tightening more often;
• you have installed a new chain to which the old drive sprocket (this part is not universal, and also has its own pitch, in addition, the pitches of the drive and driven chain sprockets must match, otherwise the tool will not work);
• you are using a different tire, shorter or longer.

READ How to Change the Drive Sprocket on a Chainsaw

A little about lubrication of a chainsaw chain by working off

Used oil is oil that has already served its useful life in an engine or gearbox. It is often used to save money, including when servicing the chainsaw.

It is worth considering that working out can lead to rapid wear of the structure.

This can be associated with the following points:

1. Often the breakdown is associated with a large amount of metal shavings in the composition. It gets there during the operation of the engine and gearbox, then accumulates in the pan.
2. When metal shavings come into contact with a tire, they become like an abrasive. Due to this, the process of surface wear is significantly accelerated. The sprocket and bearing are worn out.
3. Mining also has a negative impact on the connection points of the moving elements of the chain. Due to severe wear, the likelihood of its breakage during operation increases.

Waste oil

The above information indicates that in all cases you need to use a special product that is designed for this purpose. Processing that was previously used in the engine or gearbox is not suitable for a chainsaw.

Petrol snow blower Husqvarna ST 430T

The Husqvarna ST 430T petrol snow blower is a high-performance and powerful snow blower, designed for demanding users who need a reliable and durable snow blower. Suitable for large areas. Designed for frequent use in any snow conditions with a snow cover of 15 - 60 cm. The design of the ST 430T snow blower ensures ease and convenience of operation even in extreme conditions. All structural elements - casing, screw, gearbox, deflector and impeller are additionally reinforced for maximum wear resistance. The tracks provide improved traction and flotation, while the robust design provides excellent machine stability, reliable operation and first-class results, regardless of snow conditions. The auger effectively collects snow into the ST 430T, after which it is thrown out by the impeller.

How should a chain oil lubrication system work?

To ensure reliable operation of the chainsaw, a special chain oil lubrication system is installed. An example is the following information:

1. Fuel tanks are selected by volume, taking into account that when the fuel is completely used up, some oil should remain. In addition, it is important to correctly set the carburetor so that fuel is not quickly produced.
2. With a slow decrease in oil at the time of use of the saw, the lubrication efficiency decreases several times, and the conductivity of the channels also decreases. Over time, a malfunction may appear that will be quite difficult to fix.
3. It is recommended to check the condition of the oil pump from time to time. If necessary, you can adjust the performance using a special screw.
4. You can check the correct operation of the pump yourself. To do this, the tire is brought to an illuminated surface. If oil splashes appear on it, then the design is working correctly. Lubricant consumption is adjusted depending on the specific situation.

Saw chain lubrication system

A sign that an insufficient amount of lubricant is getting into the cutting zone is strong heating and the appearance of smoke and an unpleasant odor when cutting wood. When heated strongly, the metal expands, causing the chain to become pinched in the groove. The effectiveness of the lubrication rate decreases when the tire gets into the ground. That is why, if the saw is not used carefully, it will quickly wear out. When chain oil comes into contact with the ground, it collects various substances, due to which the heating of the metal accelerates.

Petrol snow blower Husqvarna ST 224

The Husqvarna ST 224 petrol snow blower is designed for users who need a high-performance snow blower to clear the area around their home. It works regardless of snow cover, as the “powerful” design of the structure ensures high stability of the machine. The Husqvarna ST 224 is designed for occasional use in all snow conditions with up to 30 cm of snow cover. The efficient two-stage system shreds and throws snow perfectly. Adjustable handle height for comfortable use. The variator ensures uninterrupted operation. LED headlights, electric starter for operation in all weather conditions. Two-stage system Snow is fed under the casing by an auger and then thrown out by an impeller through a bell. Power steering Possibility to disable differential lock and select drive wheel (power steering) o.

Universality problems

Universal oil for lubricating chainsaw chains has relatively unattractive performance properties. It is worth considering that even lubricant manufacturers do not indicate their 100% versatility.

An incorrect choice leads to the fact that the wear of the structure increases by approximately 10% and the working life of the saw set is reduced.

The information above indicates that there are no universal options for oils. That is why when choosing, you need to pay attention to operational properties, in particular, temperature conditions.

General description of the lubricant composition

Husqvarna two-stroke engine oil is a mineral product. It contains components that prevent excessive formation of smoke and fumes, and also improve the quality of lubrication. The ash content is reduced, which also reduces the degree of soot formation in the engine.

The product is sold in containers of 1 and 0.1 liters. For a liter of product, you will need to pay 600 rubles and more. All Husqvarna oils are divided into two groups:

• chain lubricant;
• composition for the preparation of fuel mixtures.

Taking this division into account, you should choose the right product. It is not recommended to replace one type of lubricant with another, since the products have different capabilities and properties.

Performance properties

When producing branded and standard oils, standards related to viscosity or density, as well as the concentration of foreign impurities, are taken into account. Among the features we note the following points:

1. Organic and mineral compositions practically do not differ in their performance qualities. This is due to the fact that the lubricant flies off the surface of the tire quite quickly. There is no point in overpaying significantly for the purchase of expensive lubricants, since the difference is insignificant.
2. The protective properties of mineral compositions are significantly higher than those of natural ones. That is why it is recommended to use such oils for one-time work.
3. If there are only a few days between jobs, then it is recommended to use organic compounds. They are much cheaper than mineral ones and are characterized by high efficiency in use.

If you are using lubricant for the first time, you should hold the saw at medium speed for several minutes and check whether it is suitable for your specific model. Such oils are also characterized by the temperature at which they can maintain their performance characteristics.

Video: How to Lubricate the Chainsaw Tire Sprocket

But the fact is that the manufacturers recommend it, and it cannot be hidden. So, go back to the manufacturers and start with the popular brand Calm.

Stihl adhesive oils

The following adhesive oils are listed on the company's website for various operating temperatures and have good lubricity:

HUSQVARNA oils

The company offers its customers Husqvarna Bio Advanced oil for use in normal and extreme conditions. The oil is made from plant components and is environmentally friendly, supplied in liter and five liter containers.

As a cost-effective solution, Vegoil has an oil that, according to the manufacturer, reduces consumption by 40% compared to others. Supplied in liter containers.

The company also makes a bearing lubricant that recommends lubricating the drive sprocket and sprocket bearings.

Less common, but popular among chainsaw owners are:

You can become familiar with some chain oils by watching the video below, in which a salesman for a large chain of tools commented on the use of adhesive oils from various manufacturers.

How to replace the original expensive oil and is it worth it?

In cases where the original cannot be used, you can replace it with motor oil. Cheap automotive oils, such as automobile or diesel lubricants, are not suitable for long-term use due to reduced adhesive properties.

Some owners, despite the recommendations, still use analogues, preferring to change the bar and chain more often, but everyone must decide. Such oil cannot have a negative effect on the lubrication system, which means that the difference is only in protecting the tire from chain friction.

Choosing engine oil

Saw chain oil is not always used as an all-purpose option. Often, the option for the engine from which the tire receives rotation is also filled. When choosing it, the following points are taken into account:

1. You should give preference exclusively to the options recommended by the saw manufacturer.
2. Mineral lubricants are more popular, as they are more effective in use.
3. Products from well-known manufacturers are characterized by higher performance characteristics.
4. The recommended temperature regime must also be taken into account. Some versions cannot be operated at too low a temperature, as this leads to an increase in viscosity. Too high a viscosity causes structural damage when operating at high speeds.

Various brands of chainsaw oils

If you do not add lubricant to the engine in a timely manner, it can quickly wear out or even fail.

Advantages of higher class oil pumps

The maintainability of dismountable pumps is sufficient to restore the operation of the unit at home.

The pump drive gears of budget chainsaws are mostly polymer. Advanced in terms of technical equipment, proprietary models with adjustable performance are equipped with drive mechanisms made of non-ferrous metals. The cost of such systems is compensated by economical, up to 50%, consumption of working fluid.

The main signs that the sprocket needs to be changed:

• The chain on your chainsaw has been replaced twice (one of the current operating rules for chainsaws and electric saws is that if you use the tool frequently and actively, after two chain changes you should replace the drive sprocket);
• the quality of sawing deteriorated, the chain began to need tightening more often;
• you have installed a new chain to which the old drive sprocket (this part is not universal, and also has its own pitch, in addition, the pitches of the drive and driven chain sprockets must match, otherwise the tool will not work);
• you are using a different tire, shorter or longer.

READ How to Properly Sawing with a Circular Saw Video

Self-selection criteria

Problems often arise due to the fact that it is impossible to find a suitable branded oil. Many experts recommend choosing an analogue from well-known manufacturers that will ensure long-term operation of the device. Among the features of choosing a chain lubricant, we note the following points:

1. There are budget and expensive analogues on sale. The price may depend on a variety of parameters, for example, resistance to heat.
2. The constant use of products from one brand allows you to open up all the possibilities of a lubricant. Having selected a high-quality product from a well-known manufacturer, you can purchase it regularly.
3. You cannot purchase lubricant with bright sediment and fractional separation. Moreover, such an offer is often much cheaper than branded options.
4. If a product of a little-known brand is purchased, then consumer reviews are studied before doing so. On the Internet you can find quite a large number of different blogs and services where you can find reviews. Of course, not everyone needs to be believed, as some will be placed as part of an advertising campaign. Do not forget that good oil will not be cheap.
5. It is forbidden to mix mineral and organic oil, as their performance characteristics are significantly reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to drain the old substance, after which only a new one can be poured.

The operation of the lubrication system must be monitored in a timely manner. If you choose the wrong oil, the service life of the saw is reduced several times.

How to Lubricate the Sprocket on a Chainsaw Bar

Practical advice on hands

Chainsaw. a very useful thing in the house. In the end, it quickly and relatively easily solves many problems in housing construction, gardening and landscaping. Chainsaws. a rather capricious instrument, but with proper treatment it is an indispensable assistant. Who has one vulnerability: the guide. It bears the majority of the operational workload. And that means knowing why tires are more likely than other chainsaw parts to fail and how to properly replace them when necessary can help you save money and time with seasonal or project tools.

Chainsaw suspension

The tire and its fastening elements are considered consumables. Wear of this device occurs under load, as well as as a result of improper operation. You can immediately identify the presence of faults in this area. The tire will not be able to provide normal tension , lubrication and smooth running of the chain, and its fastening. fixing the saw axis relative to the tool body.

Proper lubrication of electric saws, chainsaws, or how to extend the life of the tire.

electric saw chainsaw

lubricate
the tire
properly.

How to maintain a chainsaw saw bar?

In this video you will find instructions for caring for a chainsaw saw bar.

Husqvarna. Several simple and at the same time

Fastening the saw blade

Do not use a saw with a faulty guide bar. Therefore, at the first sign of unit failure, you need to turn off the engine and find out what happened. Successfully eliminating the cause of the failure will help you learn about the design features of the bar and its attachment to your chainsaw.

The bar determines the axis and length of the saw, guiding the chain. But the basis of the mechanism is still the fastening. It is installed in a groove between the inner plate on the motor housing and the outer plate located on the chain set housing. The tire and body are secured with a bolted connection. This part of the mount is called the “motor assembly,” and its shape and design vary depending on the model of chainsaw. Tire holder and separate cover.

Studs for fastening tires

The drive links of the saw chain are mounted in a guide groove on the edge of the bar and engage with a drive sprocket connected to the power take-off shaft. When the locking bolts are loosened, the tire can move. adjust manually or, as on professional chain saws, automatically. Finally, there is a stop at the front of the tire mount. It serves to securely secure the saw axis when the moving chain comes into contact with wood.

Adjusting oil density to external temperature factors

The performance characteristics of the lubricant decrease when it is used when the ambient temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius and below. Also, at low temperatures, the pump responsible for supplying oil does not work properly. The solution to this problem is often mixing the thickened composition with kerosene. Such an additive provides the required density of the substance, but it is still recommended to reduce the applied load. If the ambient temperature is too low, you need to monitor the effectiveness of lubrication of the main elements. This recommendation can also be attributed to the fact that the liquid in the wood begins to freeze, increasing the hardness and reducing the degree of workability. Too high a load causes rapid wear. An increase in viscosity makes engine operation more difficult. This is why many manufacturers indicate the conditions under which a chainsaw can be used.

Impression of the availability of official information on the topic

Very often, manufacturers do not indicate all the consumer or technical characteristics of the product, so to obtain the necessary data you have to use the search on your own for a long time or communicate with the engineers of the development company. For this review, all the necessary information was found on the company's official website. When the manufacturer does not hide anything, this is, as a rule, a sign of a quality product, and in our case it is present. The only thing worth noting is that navigation on the site is not very convenient. It is easier to find the required document from the outside through a search engine than from internal links.

The danger of using counterfeit oil

Cheap lubricants are inferior in properties to branded products. At the same time, manufacturers of expensive versions indicate that the saw should be used with the least load. In addition, you should consider:

1. Counterfeiters accelerate the wear and tear of the material. Moreover, if the structure is severely worn, it cannot be repaired under warranty, since non-recommended oil was poured during operation.
2. Rapid wear can cause the engine or tire to fail quickly. A fuel-powered engine is a combination of various moving elements. In order to reduce their wear, a certain amount of a special lubricant is added to the design, which also provides the required cooling. During operation, due to heating and slow wear of the metal, the properties of the oil change significantly. That is why from time to time it is necessary to completely replace it.

In order to eliminate the possibility of counterfeiters, it is recommended to purchase lubricant for chainsaws in specialized stores. Only in this case can you count on the fact that the information on the packaging will correspond to the real one.

Practical tips for repairing a chainsaw tire yourself

A chainsaw is a very useful thing on the farm. After all, it quickly and relatively easily solves a lot of problems in home construction, gardening and landscaping. Chainsaws are a rather capricious tool, but when handled correctly they are an indispensable assistant. Which has one weak point: the guide rail. It bears most of the operational loads. This means that knowledge of why tires fail more often than other parts of chainsaws and how to properly replace them if necessary will again and again help you save money and time during seasonal or project work with the tool.

Storage Features

It is recommended to store new and used chains in oil baths. This recommendation is due to the fact that prolonged exposure to humidity may cause severe corrosion on the surface. You can also use waste or motor oils for storage, since in this case it is important to protect the metal from corrosion.

Used oil storage

In conclusion, we note that only if the basic recommendations are followed, long-term operation of the structure can be ensured. The cost of a tire or chain, as well as the engine, is very high; if improperly lubricated, they can become completely unusable in just a few hours of operation. Therefore, you can save a lot by purchasing the right lubricant for the chain and engine.

Devices for diluting the fuel mixture

Of course, you can use a canister, syringe or measuring bottle, but there are more convenient options. It is worth noting here that, for example, Stihl oils are available in 2 types of packaging - with and without a dispenser. With a small difference in price, a bottle with a dispenser greatly simplifies the process of preparing the mixture. There are also many different canisters with a dispenser, with separate compartments for oil and gasoline. All these devices reduce the preparation time for starting and operating the chainsaw.

Stihl canister with compartments for oil and gasoline

This canister has two compartments for storing oil and gasoline separately. The gasoline container has a volume of 5 liters, and the oil container has a volume of 3 liters. Often, many owners of gas-powered tools with two-stroke engines carry oil in this canister in one compartment and a ready-made fuel mixture in the other.

Husqvarna canister with compartments for oil and fuel mixture.

Husqvarn canisters have a special feature: the oil container can be detached from the main one and used separately.