A dull chain will cause you to overwork the saw. Improper chain tension can cause the chain to break and lack of bar oil will cause the bar to wear more quickly and can cause the chain to derail causing serious injury. Additionally, the saw should be adjusted so that the chain does not move when the saw is idling.
Running Too Lean (air+fuel)
Smoking is an indication that your carburetor isn't getting enough fuel and too much air. This condition is dangerous for your engine because overheating can cause the piston rings to fail and self-destruct.
Information we found online suggests that Stihl Pro Chainsaws have a run time of about 2,000 hours. That means the saw would last you for a minimum of 5.5 years before dying. Keep in mind this time is rated for professional chainsaws and not for regular homeowner saws.
Don't Cut Into Dirt
All it takes is a second in the dirt to dull the cutters. In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch. Plus, dirt wears the sprocket at the bar tip.
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn't get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
If your chain dulls quickly, then it could be a couple of things. Check your user's manual to ensure that you are using the right sized file for your chain. Alternatively, you could be applying too much pressure when you file. This will create cutting edges that are too thin and dull quickly.
The chain may not have the proper amount of tension. If the adjustment screw is too loose, the chain may not make good contact with the wood. If the chain is too tight, the chain may not rotate at the proper speed, causing the chain not to cut properly. To adjust the chain, tighten or loosen the adjustment screw.
A fuel line blockage or a small crack in the fuel line can let air into the fuel line, and can cause fuel to leak, preventing your engine from running at full power. To replace the fuel lines, simply disconnect them from the fuel filter and the carburetor, and replace them with new ones.
You should be cleaning your chainsaw after every use to ensure that there is no build up in the bar or chain. This prolongs the lifespan of your chainsaw and maintains it's good performance. Also, completing a basic clean at the end of each use can help you check that no damage has occurred to your chainsaw.
Sharpen before replacing
In general maintenance of a chainsaw is important because it can help prolong the lifespan of the different parts of your machine, as well as the machine itself.
Before you refuel your Petrol Chainsaw, allow the engine to cool for 5 minutes. Petrol vapour can easily be ignited by a spark or even a hot surface while refuelling your Chainsaw. Never smoke when handling fuel.
If your chainsaw still starts and then stops working, check the air filter. Clean or replace the air filter if it is dirty or damaged. Another reason that your chainsaw starts and then stops working could be that the spark arrestor is dirty or clogged. If this is the case, clean it with a wire brush.
My instruction manual says not to run the product at full throttle for the first 2 to 3 tanks of fuel mix. Why is this? This can cause internal engine damage. STIHL recommends that you do not run your engine at wide open throttle without a load.
Restricted Fuel Lines
The fuel line may be clogged from stale fuel deposits, more reasons to cause your chainsaw to cut out when applying throttle. If a fuel line is cracked, it will leak gasoline and draw air from outside into the fuel line. If the line is leaking fuel, it needs to be replaced.
Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing. If your cutters are worn unevenly after a few sharpenings, a professional can regrind them to uniform shape. If you use the same chain for a few years, then buy a new one, the new one won't mesh smoothly with the sprocket and bar.
Under the bar, cutting teeth bite into and abrade the wood. With heavy wear and tear, the chain will dull quickly. It is important to sharpen your chainsaw because a dull chainsaw forces you to press harder on the saw, a dangerous move. So, sharpening your chainsaw should be incorporated into your routine.
Does Cutting Wet Wood Dull a Chainsaw? Using your chainsaw to cut through wet wood will not dull the chain any faster than using it for other types of wood.
The right sharpening angle depends on the saw chain and the wood that you want to cut. The sharpening angle will generally be between 25° and 35° – the harder the wood, the greater the angle. To maintain the correct angle, we recommend that you use a sharpening grid or a filing gauge as an aid.