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.

Classification of oils that are suitable for use

For work, you need to use only oils that contain useful antioxidant, anti-corrosion and stabilizing components that prevent premature failure of chainsaw parts. The working conditions of the saw set are quite difficult, so it is advisable to choose only high-quality oils for your tool. Leading manufacturers in this area are Shtil, Bosch, Husqvarna, Daewoo and others. Chinese manufacturers are not much inferior to the leaders in this area, as they have recently begun to monitor the quality of the product they produce. When choosing oil, it is advisable to focus on the climatic conditions in which the saw will operate.

You need to purchase oil for two-stroke engines, which is sold in specialized stores. There are 2 types:

• Mineral;
• Synthetic.

CHAMPION adhesive oil for chain lubrication
Synthetic oil is more expensive and this is what experts recommend using. Synthetic oil prevents the formation of carbon deposits and increases tool life.

When choosing, pay attention to the viscosity indicator, which may differ for the operation of the unit at different times of the year. For the summer period, it is best to use oils with a viscosity type of 15-40, and for the winter period - 10-30

Brand M8 or M10. It is advisable to always use the same brand, as this allows you to better study the features of the saw.

How to make the mixture correctly

Many experts use self-prepared mixtures

In this case, it is important to follow the instructions and maintain the proportions. Usually the oil is diluted with gasoline in a ratio of 1:50 or 1:40

Gasoline is used only by A-92 and A-95. It is better to use fresh gasoline to prevent damage. Use the oil only for two-stroke engines of API-TB and API-TC classes. The finished mixture cannot be stored for a long time. The ideal option is to prepare a certain amount and use it within a month.

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.

Groups of oils suitable for chainsaws

The operating procedure of a chainsaw is quite simple. The higher the speed, the more the pump rotor rotates and allows lubricant to flow to the saw set. The oil is poured into a special tank, from which it flows to the saw. This container will have to be filled with lubricant every time. In other words, with proper use, the saw will work perfectly for a long time.

In addition to understanding how this simple equipment functions, you can begin to select a special lubricant composition. Determining which substance is better is not easy. Typically, people rely on reviews from other customers and recommendations from manufacturers. Modern lubricants are divided into several groups. I'll make a table:

Typically, manufacturers of original formulations inflate the cost of lubricants, so you just need to know what characteristics different products have, and then use them for a specific chainsaw model. A video on the topic will complement what has been said:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Briggs&Stratton 5W30 SL/CF oil 1l

Briggs&Stratton oil (100007W) for four-stroke engines SAE 5W30. This is a synthetic winter oil specially designed for 4-stroke air-cooled engines. Due to its characteristics, synthetic oil is capable of operating at a high level for as long as possible. Compared to mineral oils, synthetic oils can be used over the widest temperature range, have better low temperature fluidity, better heat stability, better oxidation stability, low volatility, low carbon formation, and better wear control. Accordingly, such oil reduces the risk of equipment malfunctions, ensures uninterrupted operation, reduces maintenance costs, and extends engine life.

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.

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.

The design of a chainsaw carburetor and the features of its functioning

If the ignition system is responsible for igniting the combustible mixture, then the carburetor is needed in order to prepare this mixture burned in the cylinder

In terms of importance, the chainsaw carburetor ranks second after the internal combustion engine. The complexity of the mechanism in question is that it consists of many small elements, so very often, instead of diagnosing, cleaning and replacing parts, many people prefer to purchase a new carburetor

Repairing and cleaning the carburetor is discussed in detail in this material (link).

Chainsaws use membrane-type carburetors. They are called membrane ones, since they not only mix fuel with air and supply it to the combustion chamber, but also independently pump the gasoline-oil mixture from the gas tank. The membrane, which is a pump, is responsible for performing this process.

The principle of operation of the carburetor and its design are described in detail in this material. The carburetor design has adjusting screws, which allows you to independently adjust the mixture composition. These are three screws that can be used to adjust the mixture at idle, as well as at low and high speeds.

Carburetors of old chainsaws produced by companies such as Druzhba, Ural and others differ in design and operating principle from modern ones. Their main difference is that they do not have a membrane mechanism, and the fuel in them is supplied by gravity from a gas tank, located mainly in the upper part of the gas tool. The use of such carburetors ensured that the chainsaw was only used in a straight position and should not be tilted. For horizontal and vertical sawing with Druzhba and Ural chainsaws, it is necessary to change the position of the tire.

This is interesting!
Special companies are engaged in the production of membrane carburetors for chainsaws. The most famous manufacturers of carburetors for chainsaws, lawn mowers and other gasoline-powered tools are Zama, Walbro. Externally, these mechanisms may differ, but their operating principle is the same.

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.