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.

What oil should I use?

It is widely believed that high-quality branded chain saw oil should only be used in the gasoline-oil mixture of the engine. Nevertheless, choosing a lubricating oil is not a difficult matter. Anything will do, as long as it goes where it needs to go.

But applying lube to the chain is half the battle. It needs to stay on the metal and remain on the lower edge, which is used to saw the wood. For this purpose, substances with increased adhesion are used, that is, the ability to stick to a surface and stay on it. Oil with weak adhesion will fly off the rapidly rotating chain, splashing everything around to no avail. Of course, some part will remain, but it is unknown whether this will be enough to prevent the circuit from overheating during intensive work.

Important! When using a chainsaw all-season, you need to take into account the dependence of the oil supply conditions on the time of year and air temperature.

Mineral materials that provide chain and bar lubrication at above-zero temperatures crystallize and thicken in the cold. This leads to the fact that lubricant will be supplied with difficulty and the load on the oil pump will increase. Its service life is reduced and it may fail prematurely. In winter, you need to choose synthetic materials with special additives that provide reliable lubrication in frosts down to -40 ℃. In mild frosts and temperatures around zero, semi-synthetics are used.

Estimates of the use of different oils for lubricating chainsaws boil down to the fact that the wrong choice can increase the load on the engine by up to 10%. The service life of the chain and saw bar itself is further reduced.

Due to the recent emphasis on the environment, branded oil products are increasingly being made from biodegradable substances. But during long-term operation, the consumption of chain lube can be measured in liters. And for people who care about nature, this will be another reason to choose an environmentally friendly product. If you care what your area is splashed with and what marks remain on the wood after cutting.

Useful tips

It is important to keep in mind that as the engine speed increases, the rate of pumping of the lubricant also increases noticeably. That is why it is necessary to pour the oil mixture into an electric saw only when the engine is turned off.

Lubricating compounds for electric saw chains should be purchased exclusively at specialized retail outlets. Only such products are of high quality and effective. You should not purchase goods at markets or street shops. Most likely, they will sell you a fake, which will not only be useless, but will also lead to damage to the instrument.

There are a lot of oils on sale. But the best option is oil with good adhesive properties. Such products contain special additives. Thanks to the latter, the composition does not shake off or flow off the chain of the electric saw as it actively rotates. Only such a remedy will be effective and will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the instrument.

How to choose oil for an electric saw, learn from the video below.

When and how to fill

It’s clear where to add chain oil. There is a separate container for this. In most chainsaws, the size of this container is calculated taking into account the volume of the saw's gas tank. When both tanks are filled to capacity, they empty at approximately the same time. Therefore, it is recommended to fill the full volume of the oil tank at the same time as filling the fuel tank. Then you won’t have to be distracted by topping up twice.

Before starting work, it is useful to check whether oil will flow to the chain. To do this, just point the end of the tire onto a flat surface. Some of the grease will fly off the edge of the tire. Droplets falling on the surface indicate normal operation of the system.

At high negative temperatures, summer oil thickens and its lubricity deteriorates. Therefore, it is worth using brands designed for winter conditions. If this is not possible, then it is worth spending time diluting the existing oil to reduce its thickness. It is best to dilute with kerosene in a ratio of 1 to 4.

Some models provide adjustment of the feed rate in the lubrication system. It is useful for adjustments in case of changing the type of lubricant.

Note! You cannot fill the tank with a mixture of oils of different types - mineral and synthetic.

If you run out of oil from one manufacturer, and the same type is available, but from another company, then mixing them is allowed, subject to immediate use. You should not leave such a mixture for a long time.

Oil is not supplied to the chain, electric saw repair, oil pump replacement

Even the most reliable tool has its own degree of wear, and minor or minor repairs are required from time to time.

Chainsaw fuel system: 1 – fuel filter, 2 – carburetor, 3 – manual pre-priming pump.

If the carburetor is adjusted correctly, fuel will be consumed in the permissible amount. Otherwise, it will end too quickly.

A slow decrease in fuel while the saw is in use is normal. If it is missing, the chain is not lubricated correctly, so working with the chainsaw must be smooth. It is necessary not only to be able to fix breakdowns, but also to identify them yourself.

You can change the fuel supply manually. The correct operation of the lubrication system is determined by holding the tire up. If oil splashes appear, then everything is set up correctly.

Sprocket Lubricant

At the end of the chainsaw bar there is a driven sprocket, which ensures rotation of the chain. It also needs to be lubricated periodically. For this purpose, thick materials are used. You can use STIHL universal lubricant. Domestic lithol-based lubricants are also suitable. There is a special hole on the tire for lubricating the sprocket. You need to pump lubricant into it using a grease nipple or syringe.

Please note that if you frequently work with the toe of the tire, for example, when making grooves, the load on the sprocket increases and it needs to be lubricated more often.

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.

Main manufacturers

Leading manufacturers of chainsaws produce consumables and lubricants for them, including those specifically for chains and tires. All other things being equal, preference should be given to the products of the manufacturer of the chainsaw itself. But the quality of the best brands is such that using lubricants from another manufacturer will not have a negative impact on performance.

The most famous brands are the German company STIHL, the Swedish Husqvarna and the Japanese Makita. They provide a fairly wide selection of adhesive oils, including the following:

• mineral Stihl ForestPlus is designed to work at temperatures down to -15 ℃. Standard packaging – 1 and 5 l. For long-term work, it has recently been produced in 20-liter containers;
• The highly environmentally friendly Stihl BioPlus is produced on a plant basis. Once in the soil, it quickly decomposes without polluting it. The operating temperature is also up to -15℃. Packaging – 1 and 3 l;
• For low temperatures, semi-synthetic Stihl SynthPlus is suitable, operating down to -25 °.
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable Bio and Bio Advanced. Presented as a universal all-season oil. Bio Advanced option - improved oxidation resistance and up to 10% better lubricating properties;
• Makita. Biotop oil;
• Champion adhesive oil.

Among the Russian brands specifically for chains there is “ZUBR ZMPM-M”. There are also other, less well-known manufacturers whose lubricating oil is noticeably lower in price.

Determining the required level

For confident operation, it is important to know not only what kind of oil to pour into the chainsaw to lubricate the chain, but also what its level should be in the tank. As a rule, the manufacturer of electric models puts special marks on the containers and gives appropriate recommendations in the technical documentation.

For gasoline analogues, the device looks simpler. In most modern models, the volumes of gas and oil tanks are proportional to each other. This means that as you work, they will be consumed at the same rate. Therefore, it is better to fill them to the top immediately before use, so that during intense work there is no need to refuel one or the other.

If the oil for a chainsaw or its gasoline variant is consumed excessively, the only drawback will be cost overrun. Another thing is lack of lubrication. The result may be serious consequences of the following nature:

• Tire failure.
• Rapid wear of the guide groove.
• Jamming and grinding of the drive sprocket.
• Boring, dropping or breaking the chain.

Repairing a chainsaw Source ytimg.com

How to replace expensive oil

The disadvantage of special branded chain lubricants is their high price. Buying a liter of another expensive oil is not burdensome. And if there is work to be done that requires several liters, or even tens of liters, thoughts about saving will probably arise. The main thing is not to go to extremes when considering options. You can save on oil to such an extent that you will have to change the chain several times, or even the tire itself or the oil pump.

There are three replacement options. Firstly, you can use specialized products from little-known manufacturers to lubricate the chain. But we still need to look for such oils. In addition, there is a risk of stumbling upon a low-quality product.

Application of oils for automobile engines. They can be used as a temporary replacement, but they cannot boast of high adhesion, so the quality of their work will be clearly worse than special ones. For this reason, it is not recommended to use spindle and diesel oils - the worst in terms of adhesion.

And we definitely need to talk about one more option - working out. This is the name of oil that has spent its life in the engine and is drained from it when replaced.

In fact, this is not an option at all. Metal particles are always present in the waste. And if they may not damage the chain itself, then they certainly will not damage the oil pump and the entire lubrication system. On forums on the Internet you can find a “killer” argument in favor of testing - that the Soviet chainsaw “Druzhba” did not have chain lubrication at all and worked. So you can pour whatever you want - and it will do. Well, “Shtil” will also work with a working off or even with a non-lubricated chain. The question is how long it will work and how many chains will have to be replaced during this period.

A warning to those whose chainsaw is under warranty. Warranty workshop technicians are able to identify cases of poor-quality chain lubrication. Especially when using mining. Repairs under warranty will be rejected immediately.

Features of lubricants for chainsaws

Most oils are susceptible to combustion because they contain hydrocarbons.
Mineral oil is actually a product of petroleum distillation. However, four-stroke engines have special mechanisms that prevent lubricant from penetrating into the cylinders. The reverse process, when the engine “eats oil,” leads to increased smoke formation and is considered a malfunction. In a two-stroke engine, everything happens the other way around - the oil must penetrate the combustion chamber and turn into smoke from the exhaust system. This led to a number of fairly stringent requirements for good chainsaw oil:

1. Maximum complete combustion . The less smoke and soot produced when oil burns, the cleaner the channels through which exhaust gases pass will be. A very important requirement for manufacturers of oil for two-stroke engines is its environmental friendliness. A large amount of smoke and soot coming from the exhaust pipe can not only harm the environment. It is inhaled to one degree or another by the operator operating the tool. Therefore, oil that burns completely, with a minimum amount of smoke, is preferable for modern models of chainsaws.
2. Purity and absence of impurities . The chainsaw carburetor is miniature in size. The channels through which the fuel mixture moves are so narrow that various foreign inclusions can partially block or even clog them.
3. Combustion of the oil-gasoline mixture should occur with minimal soot formation . Otherwise, during regular operation, the working cylinder becomes coked: the resulting carbon deposits cover the walls of the combustion chamber and the piston, leading to wear of the cylinder bore. Operating such a motor becomes not only undesirable, but even dangerous.
4. Oil should not only lubricate, but also clean interacting
5. . This applies to a greater extent to synthetic fluids, whose performance characteristics are among the best on the market.

Manufacturers make colored oil for two-stroke engines. Dissolving in gasoline, it colors it pale pink or red. This way the operator can easily check whether he (or someone from his team) has forgotten to prepare the mixture in the required proportion

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.

Champion 2-stroke

Two-stroke mineral motor oil made in Russia. Its use allows you to reduce the heating of the unit during operation. Due to good viscosity indicators, it extends the service life of parts and tools as a whole. Despite the low cost, the product is manufactured in compliance with quality standards.

Properties:

• perfectly lubricates the chain;
• economical consumption;
• protects against wear;
• mineral composition;
• not suitable for sub-zero temperatures.

The average price of a liter canister is 350 rubles.

What is needed to fix the problem?

Repairing a chainsaw does not require a large arsenal of household tools. First of all, this:

• screwdrivers. Cross and flat to remove the casing, chain or other components that are fastened with flat bolts and will definitely be needed to properly repair the chainsaw;
• a set of spanners and wrenches of different sizes. They will be needed when disassembling the engine and other moving parts. Repairing such parts sometimes involves dry cleaning, so they will be needed to scrape off excess dirt;
• key for removing spark plug;
• a diagram of the chainsaw itself in order to know how certain components work and how to properly maintain them.

Signs of a chainsaw engine malfunction

If you experience at least one of the symptoms listed below:

• chainsaw won't start
• chainsaw starts and stalls
• the engine does not gain power
• The engine stalls when running or runs rough

then we can say that there is a malfunction in the chainsaw engine. Below we will take a closer look at possible breakdowns and their causes.

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.

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.

Chain tension mechanism

One of the simplest mechanisms of a chainsaw is the chain tensioner. It consists of a pin connected to a screw. The screw is driven by a special tool - a screwdriver or hex key. Rotation of the screw helps move the pin in a special groove in the tool. Along with the moving pin, the bar moves, causing tension on the chain.

The adjusting screw on chainsaws from different manufacturers can be located in different places - on the side, bottom or at the end of the tool. The quality of chain tension must be checked regularly, since a weakened chain can come off the bar groove, which will lead to tragic consequences for the sawyer. You should also not allow the chain to be over-tightened, as it will work under load and will break at one point, which can also result in serious injury. More information about chainsaw chains and tires can be found here.

Having examined the detailed design of the chainsaw, it will not be difficult to repair it yourself. You need to understand that a chainsaw is a tool that is used not only for sawing wood. The use of different attachments allows you to significantly expand the functionality of the tool. At the same time, do not forget that even the most expensive and high-quality models of tools also break down, so they need regular diagnostics, maintenance and repair.

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.

Anchor

Mineral-based oil with adhesive additives that positively affect the functionality of the tool used. Lubrication helps reduce friction where the chain meets the bar and sprocket. The product is completely biodegradable after use.

Properties:

• increases the service life of the chainsaw;
• reduces wear rates;
• is consumed moderately;
• excellent adhesive properties.

Price 1 liter - 250 rub.

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.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mkS8MlVgeSM

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.

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.