What oil to pour into the chainsaw for the chain

Use for lubricating the transmission oil chain

pour, chainsaw, chain

This option will certainly be better than using engine oil, since the transmission is simply thicker. However, it also does not possess the required adhesion. Therefore, the lower part of the tire, although it will be slightly better lubricated, is still not good enough.

Can I use engine oil to lubricate the chain?

Engine oil, in comparison with special oil, does not have the necessary adhesion, and is also too liquid, so the lower part of the tire will be poorly lubricated with it, which will lead to rapid wear of both the tire and the chain. Therefore, this option must be abandoned.

Chain lubrication workout

This option is the most disgusting. Exhaust is essentially the same engine oil, but it contains microscopic metal particles, which it absorbed when working in the engine. These particles can clog the oil channel, and they also get clogged between the chain links and the actual tire and chain, and work there like an abrasive, because of which the tire and chain simply wear out, and the chains even break. Therefore, we also say “no” to working off.

What oil to use to lubricate the chainsaw chain?

For the correct operation of the chainsaw, two types of oils are used. one for preparing the fuel mixture, and the second for lubricating the chain. In this article, we will look at the second type, namely which oil to use to lubricate the chain. Using the wrong oil will cause premature wear on the bar and chain, so you need to take it seriously.

Immediately, I note that the oil is used for this task is special, and it is necessary to use it. I’ll explain why below. Also, many in this context are interested in whether it is possible to use other types of oils, including working out from a car engine, and if not, then why. I will open this topic too.

How the chainsaw chain is lubricated?

To understand further information, it is advisable to understand how the chain is generally lubricated, if you do not already know this.

Every modern chainsaw has an oil pump. The oil poured into a special tank for lubricating the chain begins to swing by this pump immediately after starting and is poured through the oil channel to the oil intake hole on the tire. Through it, oil enters the groove of the tire and is carried by the chain along the entire working length of the tire, both along its top and bottom.

The main load when sawing falls on the lower part of the bar, since it is this that is applied to the material to be cut. However, the oil first hits the top of the tire, passes through its entire length, and then through the rounding at the end of the tire, it enters the bottom. Naturally, when passing such a turn, part of the oil simply flies out of the tire and chain due to inertia. Therefore, it is important that it fly off as little as possible, so that the lower part of the tire is well lubricated and there is as little friction as possible between the chain and the tire.

Therefore, knowing this information, we can conclude that the oil for lubricating the chain must be thick enough and have good adhesion (in other words, stickiness) so that it will fly out less on the rounding of the tire, and also it should not contain any particles so that it can freely pass through the oil channel without clogging it, and so that these particles do not create unnecessary friction.

All these properties are possessed by special oils for chain lubrication. They are quite thick, contain special adhesive additives, and naturally do not contain any particles. In addition, they form a kind of film between the chain and the bus, so that the chain with the bus does not essentially touch each other.

The properties of these oils may vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. Those that are more expensive usually have more adhesion. But in any case, any specialized chain oil will be better than any other designed for other purposes.

Now with this information, you can answer questions about the use of other oils.

Well, now I hope you understand why you should use a specially designed oil to lubricate the chain. And if you are also worried about nature, you can use a special variety of it, which decomposes after use, since it is made not from oil, but from plant material.

That’s all I wanted to say on this issue. Thank you for your attention and see you in other articles on the site.

Choosing oil with a different type of engine for a chainsaw

Diagram of the interaction of fuel and air flow of a chainsaw carburetor.

In order to lubricate the motors of a tool with a two-stroke engine, a combustion solution of fuel is used, since oil is not used in the fuel composition. If we take into account the differences between the types of oils used in different engines, for example, four-stroke or two-stroke, then there is a difference in the methods of their consumption.

The high-quality operation of a chainsaw with a four-stroke engine is due to the absence of oils in the combustion chamber, therefore, different types of motors have different requirements. For example, two-stroke motors are usually filled with oil, which, when burned, does not result in carbon deposits.

A chainsaw with a four-stroke engine can work for a long time as a result of lubrication with oil, which does not have special requirements for its complete combustion. You can select additives without taking into account the ash content, the level of which should be more than 2%.

If the chainsaw is equipped with a two-stroke engine, which runs on oils suitable for four-stroke engines, as a result, ash settles on the walls in the combustion chamber. Ash can remain on the surface of the piston, and an abrasive powder is also formed that acts on the saw piston like sandpaper.

The erasure of parts of the structure of the toolkit is carried out and the term of its use is reduced. The presence of settled soot at the end of the use of the oil is harmful to the tool, which can lose the quality of work due to the loss of power from its motor.

If soot is deposited in the exhaust vents, then their cross-sectional area is reduced, which is associated with difficulties during exhaust gas emission and power loss. If ash is deposited on the piston of the cylinder, as well as on its head, then detonation and drip ignition occurs. All this leads to a decrease in the power of the saw, which reduces its useful life.

For chainsaws, two types of oil are made, one of which is suitable for creating a fuel mixture. In this case, gasoline of brand 92 is taken in a ratio of 50 parts of gasoline to 1 part of oil (Super 95) used when operating a two-stroke engine, respectively. Different manufacturers of chainsaws produce oil for them under different brands, of which there are a sufficient number. So, 5 liters of gasoline are usually mixed with 100 ml of the substance. If you use one that is not suitable for the model of the tool used, this will lead to damage to the saw and quick wear.

Unsuitable oil poured into the saw can simply settle in the cylinder on its walls if it entered the combustion chamber, but did not have time to burn out. This approach to using a chainsaw will slowly shorten the life of the tool or its grass trimmer. If the total life of the chainsaw is 400 hours, then this indicator can be reduced to 200 hours.

The saw chain should be lubricated with a special adhesive oil, which must be poured into the saw tank provided for this purpose. After turning on the saw, it is pumped up by a special pump in automatic mode, after which the chain is lubricated.

The chainsaw can, which includes two containers, can be poured into 6 liters of fuel mixture and 2.5 liters of oil. Changing this ratio, pour in 5 liters of a fuel mixture and 3 liters of adhesive oil, the consumption of which will be 1 liter for a fuel mixture with a volume of 1.6-2.4 liters.

What oil is required to be poured into the chainsaw to lubricate the chain?

Chainsaws, as a rule, have a two-stroke or four-stroke engine and two tanks, one of which is filled with fuel, that is, gasoline, and the second should be filled with oil, which lubricates the saw chain. The volume of the gasoline tank can include 0.3-1.0 liters of the consistency of fuel with oil, and the oil tank has a volume that is actually 2 times smaller.

Recycled chain oil is not recommended.

How to use a chainsaw?

A ratio of the volumes of oil and fuel is used, in which the lubricant will be consumed when lubricating the chain at the same time, namely after 30-45 minutes of time that has been worked out, provided the chainsaw is fully loaded. If the engine is two-stroke, then it most requires the use of a pre-prepared fuel mixture to lubricate the chain.

Chainsaw electronic ignition circuit.

The specificity of saw operation is determined by seasonality. When a two-stroke motor is operating, its cycle differs from that of a four-stroke engine of the instrument. The use of a mixture of gasoline and oil to lubricate some structural elements of the chainsaw, for example a piston or shaft, is one of the highlights. Otherwise, an attempt associated with the use of a tool that works only on gasoline, and not on oil, will not lead to a positive result, but only to damage the tool.

You can use a domestic tool with the use of gasoline of grade 76 simultaneously with oil, the ratio of which to fuel is taken equal to 1/25, that is, in an amount of 4%. If you use a saw model from foreign manufacturers, you will need a brand of gasoline 92 with branded oils.

These oils are created by manufacturers of chainsaws, while the ratio in the required consistencies is 2.5%, 1:40. Two-stroke engines can be installed on foreign-made chainsaws, but it must be borne in mind that refined gasoline is required, without the presence of impurities.

Chainsaw electronic ignition circuit.

The choice of oil per motor is possible, the number of cycles of which can reach 8.5 thousand / min. In chainsaws from foreign manufacturers, cycles are provided that can reach power in the range from 11 to 14 thousand / min. The use of these lubricants reduces the presence of the saw’s motor resource by 7-10%, which boils down to the following: the use of Zhiguli oils is suitable for all types of household and special chainsaws.

If the tool is used at low temperatures, then even the correct choice of the constituent lubricants does not bring the quality of the oil mixed with fuel to a positive result, that is, crystallization and an increase in viscosity occur. With all this, the tool must be adapted to the application, taking into account the maximum engine warm-up.

If you follow the recommendations, the chainsaw should be warmed up before use, especially if the storage place was a cold room that is not heated. This will prevent a negative result if condensation occurs in the saw mechanism.

What kind of oil to fill the chainsaw tank correctly?

When lubricating the chain links of the chainsaw, the composition is poured into a special container. Its use helps to reduce the frictional force that occurs between the bar and the chain links. The use of special oils with a viscous consistency to lubricate the chainsaw chain will give positive results, ensure a long service life of the equipment. In the absence of this substance, car oil is suitable.

Choose the right oil that allows you to properly lubricate the chain, depending on the time of year when it will be used. So, in the summer, mineral oils are best suited, the disadvantage of which is the crystallization of the structure of the substance at low temperatures. Therefore, in winter, experts recommend using oils with special additives that are synthetic, which makes them less viscous. This facilitates the use of the saw at low temperatures, in other words, up to 40 ° C.

The use of semi-synthetics seems to be a more suitable option when using the saw at a moderate temperature, fluctuating in the range of 30. 25 ° С.

It is strongly not recommended to fill the tank with recycled machine oils for lubricating the chainsaw chain.

Such oils can be highly oxidized, and this is due to the presence of impurities in them, which can cause damage to the chainsaw. At the same time, sometimes during the operation of saws, gear or engine oils are poured into them, which is acceptable.

Motor oils, suitable not only for two-stroke, but also for four-stroke engines, are made on the basis of base oil and additional substances, that is, additives that can be different. Various solvents can be used as additives to improve the mixing process of oils and fuels, their pumpability, and a possible atomization method.

How to dilute oil in fuel correctly?

Dilute oil in gasoline, observing a certain sequence. Previously, it is poured into a canister or other container, after which a suitable gasoline used in a particular chainsaw is added to the same container. The volume of gasoline should be approximately half of the required amount of fuel.

After thoroughly shaking the mixture and stirring it, add the second part of the prepared fuel there. Pour the mixture into the container of the fuel tank after thoroughly shaking the mixture in the original container. Pour the mixture carefully, trying not to spill it.

It is not recommended to fill fuel up to the very top of the tank. Usually some free space is left at the top of the tank. The 0.5 liter fuel tank delivers 2 kW of tool power, or 2.7 HP. Fuel is consumed in the amount of 1.2 l / h, so the fuel mixture can be enough to work for 30-40 minutes with the maximum load on the tool. The more the power of the chainsaw, the smaller the volume of its fuel tank.

It is recommended to lubricate the chainsaw chain only with special oils, the quality of which is guaranteed by the manufacturer of the tool itself. Chainsaw manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of special oils with m of adhesive additives that provide high-quality lubrication of the chain due to the long-term retention of the lubricating composition on it.

It is better not to skimp on the purchase of oil, purchasing it in cheaper types, but immediately take an adhesive one so that the saw chains and the tool itself do not fail. This can reduce the damage done, since the cost of the oil pump, chainsaw and tires is significantly less after they break.

Other disadvantages of using oil that is not adhesive is that it leaks from the tank of an inoperative tool. Due to the mismatch of the viscosity of the unsuitable lubricant with the standards during the pumping process, it does not come in the amount that is necessary, that is, more or less. As a result, it will be wrong to use oils and fuels in equal amounts.

Conditions for the use of oils in chainsaws

Chainsaws operating at high temperatures can function efficiently due to oils equipped with iron additives. Their main property is to provide lubrication at elevated temperatures.

Important! Experienced craftsmen do not recommend using a tool that works at idle speed for a long time.

With this operation of the motor, its running-in is not carried out. The use of a chainsaw with a four-stroke engine with a suitable oil, with its complete combustion, is not associated with special requirements.

solvents in two-stroke oils can be 20%. The result of their application can be negative, since the quality of chain lubrication decreases with increasing temperature. If the chainsaw is equipped with a two-stroke engine, then the oil should not be used with the maximum number of additives, as they contribute to an increase in the viscosity.

Recommendations for the use of special oils for chainsaws

The saw bar and chain should be lubricated with a special oil, other types of this substance are not suitable for this purpose. If applied, the oil pump can be damaged as it is self-lubricating for high quality performance. Using waste, including filtered, oil compositions in a chainsaw means disrupting the tool’s ability to high speed.

The chain requires proper storage, which is associated with immersion in oil. If the saw bar is worn out, do not put a new chain on it. It is important to have a chain in stock, and it is best to purchase several chains at once. The optimal number of chains in stock is 4 pieces, which allows working with them in turn and periodically sharpening each of them. This ensures a reduced level of wear on each of the components, i.e. tire, chain and drive sprocket.

Professionals recommend not to sharpen the chain, but to correct it with the help of special devices that allow you to sharpen the chain. Refills are made every 2 or 3 fillings of the fuel mixture into the saw tank.

How to Lubricate Chainsaw Chains

One intended work with the tool requires the preparation of a certain amount of fuel mixture. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to work with a chainsaw without oil in the tank. When refueling the saw with fuel, you should immediately provide for its required amount, which should be lubricated with the bar and chain. The main thing is that its composition is purified, free of impurities, water, sand, debris, etc.

The filling of the tanks should be carried out simultaneously, that is, the oil is poured together with the fuel mixture into different tanks. Take into account the air temperature. If the temperature is below 20 ° C, then it must be diluted with dehydrated kerosene, taking into account the ratio of 4: 1, that is, 1 part of kerosene is added to 4 parts. If there is an adjustment for the oil supply, it is made maximum.

What oil is used in a chainsaw?

Experienced experts recommend using one fraction of the fuel mixture for two weeks.

The life of a chainsaw is determined by the type of lubricant used when working with equipment. The two-stroke saw and the fuel tank are used in accordance with the instructions. Often, a fuel mixture is made by mixing gasoline and oil, which are combined in a specific ratio. This information must be indicated by the manufacturer in the relevant instructions.

If the inventory is of domestic manufacture, then gasoline with the AI-76 brand is usually used, as well as ordinary motorcycle oil. The proportions in which gasoline and oil are taken are 1/25. If foreign-made chainsaws are used, then the requirements will be different. They are reduced to the use of gasoline with an octane number equal to 95 and 92, at the same time a special oil is used that is suitable for these grades of fuel.

Mixes oil with fuel in a ratio of 1/40. It is suitable to use metered canisters, which greatly simplify the process of making the fuel mixture. The use of foreign-made tools requires an appropriate refueling with motorcycle oils.

It should be borne in mind that certain types of foreign-made lubricants can be used by working with chainsaws, the cycle of which is 8.5 thousand per minute. Basically, a tool with an oscillation cycle in the range of 11-14 thousand / min is used. The use of foreign oils in such saws is the reason for a decrease in the motor resource by an average of 8%. If the chainsaw is operating at full power, then the lubricant is consumed half an hour after it is turned on.

Experienced professionals recommend using one fraction of the fuel mixture for two weeks, because otherwise a chemical reaction occurs. With all this, oil can lose all properties, and gasoline is capable of oxidation. As a result, parts are clogged, the motor overheats and the CPG is jammed. The type of oil to be filled into the instrument must be carefully controlled.

How to make the correct chain lubricant mixture

If you use “native” oil for a chainsaw, then the required proportion is indicated on the package, usually 1:50 to gasoline. When another product is used, then it is better to dilute the mixture 1:40, in other words, it is necessary to divide 1 liter of oil by 40 and add the result obtained to 1 liter of gasoline.

For self-preparation of the mixture, you need to use A-92 and A-95 gasoline, if the octane number is lower, this can lead to engine breakdown. If gasoline has stood in a canister or other container for a long time, it is considered stale and loses its properties. Chainsaw on poor fuel will not be able to work powerfully and efficiently.

Experts advise choosing an oil for most chainsaws that are used in our regions, with API-TB and API-TC classes designed for two-stroke engines. You should not save on ingredients, but buy high-quality oils from well-known manufacturers and accurately observe the proportions for preparing the mixture.

If you add more oil to the mixture, it will lead to the formation of deposits in the candles and pistons. Excess gasoline will contribute to the appearance of seizure marks on the pistons and the rapid failure of the chainsaw engine. Before preparing the mixture, you must carefully read the instructions for this model of equipment.

It is not recommended to store ready-made mixtures for a long time, maximum 1 month; it cannot be kept open or in the sun. Water or dust trapped in the mixture can damage the carburetor, as the installed filter will not be able to completely clean the fuel.

Chain saw oil

  • Mineral
  • Synthetic

Experts advise using synthetic chainsaw oil, but it is always more expensive at a price. The main advantage of this type of lubricant is that during the operation of the equipment, carbon deposits do not form in the cylinder, and this prolongs the service life of the equipment.

If mineral oil has been used for 100 working hours, then it is better to continue using it, since carbon deposits could accumulate during operation. A synthetic product has the ability to cleanse and wash away the deposited layer from the cylinder walls, and this will damage the equipment.

Fuel mixture preparation container

You can also use simpler containers that are always at hand, for example, plastic bottles or glass, but static electricity appears in such objects. It is imperative to make sure that dust or moisture, solid particles do not get into the container, if all proportions are observed, then you need to mix everything well.

When the mixture is finally ready, it can be poured into the tank without carefully developing the fuel and so that it is not completely filled. Depending on the use of the chainsaw, you need to either completely use all the lubricant or drain it into a container and then refill it as needed, but no later than 30 days.

It is good to use various additives recommended by equipment manufacturers so that the fuel is of better quality. There are a lot of additives on sale and you can choose the one suitable for your chainsaw.

Chainsaw chain oil: which to use and how much to pour

For owners of private houses and summer cottages, a chainsaw is an indispensable technique. With its help, you can quickly and easily perform various tasks. sawing wood, building wooden structures and pruning old trees. In order for such a technique to serve for a long time and reliably, it is necessary to correctly follow the rules for operating a chainsaw.

One of these rules is the preparation of a fuel mixture for a chain of petrol tools. How to do it correctly and what should be the composition of the fuel, we will try to find out in our article.

Operation of the chain lubrication system, types of oils

It is necessary to periodically check the oil level in the tank and the operation of the lubrication system. If you look at the rotating chain with an illuminated surface, if there is oil splashing, the system is working properly and is set correctly. If the cutting attachment heats up quickly, this indicates a minimum level of lubricant in the chain, so it can get pinched during operation.

There are a lot of types of oils, they can be different in price, environmentally friendly, sold in containers of different volumes. You can consider several options for products.

  • The budget option is Nanotek Standard, you can work with it at temperatures up to 20 o C, Nanotek Premium up to 30 o C. Also, this category can include a product from Enkor, with a capacity of 1 liter.
  • Mineral oils with attachment Bio. Makita Biotop, STIHL Bio Plus.
  • Oils recommended by chainsaw manufacturers. Makita Biotop, Makita, Oregon.
  • In containers of large volumes. Enkor oil 3-5 liters, STIHL 5 liters, Oregon 5 and 25 liters.

The main task of creating a mixture for chain lubrication is uninterrupted operation of the engine, complete combustion of fuel, so that as a result, smoke, soot or scuffs cannot form. Observance of the necessary proportions, correct operation and high-quality ingredients will help to use the chainsaw for various household tasks as long as possible.

Danger of using counterfeit oil

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

  • Counterfeiters accelerate material wear. At the same time, in case of severe wear, the structure cannot be handed over for repair under warranty, since non-recommended oil was poured during operation.
  • Rapid wear can cause the engine or tire to fail quickly. The fuel-fueled 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 structure, 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 carry out a complete replacement.

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 need lubrication:

  • The chain is the element on which the blades for sawing wood are attached. It consists of a large number of individual elements, movably connected to each other. At the time of using the device, the surface may become very hot. At the same time, due to high humidity, the metal can rust, due to which the operational life is significantly reduced.
  • The engine is the part of the chainsaw, due to which rotation is transmitted to the tire. Modern engines also require a lubricant that can significantly extend their service life. Different lubricating products are used to lubricate the chain and the motor, which should be considered.

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

When to Use Special Chain Oil?

Manufacturers recommend the use of a special chain oil whenever the chainsaw is used. This recommendation is related to the points below:

  • The oil pump may be damaged. This is due to the special properties of the lubricant.
  • The use of waste or other oils for other purposes reduces the ability of the tool to high revs.
  • If the tire is heavily worn, do not put a new chain on it. This is due to increased surface wear. It is recommended to purchase at least four chains with frequent work.
  • It is strictly forbidden to work without the oil being poured into the tank. At the time of refueling the chainsaw with fuel, the tire must be lubricated.

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

Almost all manufacturers of chainsaws and accessories are engaged in the production of lubricants. Chainsaw chain oil protects metal from rapid wear and corrosion. In addition, the chain oil stays on the surface for a long time even with prolonged operation of the device.

Chain oil

Almost all chainsaws come with an instruction manual. In such a manual it is indicated that in all cases it is necessary to fill in chain oil with a high adhesion effect.

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

Adhesive oil is required for the chain to function for the following reasons:

  • At the time of operation of the device, the chain moves at high speed. If oil with a low adhesion index is used, then during operation it will be scattered by inertia. You can check this yourself, for which it is enough to add ordinary lubricants to the surface and add gas.
  • The oil must be highly lubricating. At a high speed of movement of the tire, it can become very hot, due to which the metal used in the manufacture becomes soft and less wear-resistant.

It should be borne in mind that with prolonged use of the chainsaw, a large amount of oil will be required, since it is quickly wiped off the tire surface. Various companies are involved in the production of chain lubricants.

Performance properties

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

  • Organic and mineral compositions practically do not differ in their performance. This is due to the fact that grease flies off the tire surface rather quickly. It is not worth overpaying significantly for the purchase of expensive lubricants, since the difference is insignificant.
  • The protective properties of mineral compounds are significantly higher than those of natural ones. That is why it is recommended to use such oils for one-time work.
  • If there are only a few days between works, then it is recommended to use organic compounds. They are much cheaper than mineral ones, while they are characterized by high efficiency in application.

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

Versatility problems

A general purpose chain saw oil has a relatively unattractive performance. It should be borne in mind that even manufacturers of lubricants do not indicate their 100% versatility.

The wrong choice leads to the fact that the wear of the structure increases by about 10% and the working life of the saw set is reduced.

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

How a chain oil system should work?

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

  • Fuel tanks are selected in terms of volume, taking into account the fact that a little oil should remain at full fuel consumption. In addition, it is important to properly tune the carburetor so that fuel is not used up quickly.
  • With a slow decrease in oil at the time of using the saw, the lubrication efficiency decreases several times, the conductivity of the channels also decreases. Over time, a malfunction may appear, which will be quite difficult to fix.
  • 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.
  • You can check the correct operation of the pump yourself. For this, the tire is brought to the illuminated surface. If oil splashes appear on it, then the structure is working correctly. Grease consumption is adjustable depending on the specific situation.

A sign that an insufficient amount of lubricant gets into the cutting zone is strong heating and the appearance of smoke, an unpleasant odor at the time of cutting wood. When heated, the metal expands, which causes the chain to be pinched in the groove. The effectiveness of the degree of lubrication decreases when the tire hits the ground. That is why, if the saw is used carelessly, it wears out quickly. When in contact with the ground, the chain oil collects various substances on itself, due to which the heating of the metal is accelerated.

Adjustment of oil density to external temperature factors

The performance of the grease decreases during its operation at the time the ambient temperature drops to 20 degrees Celsius and below. Also, at low temperatures, the pump, which is responsible for the oil supply, does not work correctly. 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 load applied. If the ambient temperature is too low, it is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the 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 and an increase in viscosity makes the engine more difficult to operate. That is why many manufacturers indicate in what conditions a chainsaw can be used.

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

In situations where it is not possible to use original ones, they can be replaced with oil for car engines. Cheap automobile oils such as autol or diesel lubrication options, due to low adhesion properties, are unsuitable for long-term use.

Use Vegetable Oil to Replace Chainsaw Bar Oil

Some owners, despite the recommendations, still use analogs, preferring to change the tire and chain more often, but here everyone decides for himself. Such oil cannot have any negative effects on the chainsaw lubrication system, which means the difference is only in the quality of the tire protection against chain friction.

For more details about replacement options, we recommend reading here.

Husqvarna oils

The company offers its customers Husqvarna Bio Advanced oil for use in normal and extreme conditions. The oil is produced from plant components and is safe for the environment, it is supplied in one liter and five liter containers.

As an economical solution, the company has Vegoil oil, according to the manufacturer, its consumption is reduced by 40% compared to others. Supplied in a liter container.

The company also produces bearing grease, which it recommends for lubricating the bearings of the drive sprocket and the sprocket on the saw bar.

We recommend reading an interesting article about all Husqvarna oils.

You can also get acquainted with some oils for chains by watching the video below, in it a seller of a large network of tools, Комментарии и мнения владельцев on the use of adhesive oils from various manufacturers.

Chainsaw sprocket lubricant

To increase the service life and reduce friction on the drive sprocket, the manufacturer equips this mechanism with a needle bearing, which must be lubricated periodically. Can be lubricated with STIHL Multipurpose Grease.

If you do not want to overpay, it is better to use an inexpensive, but no less high-quality option, Litol or Litol 24 grease. Due to its viscosity, Litol will easily replace the original.

It is possible to lubricate the sprocket of the chainsaw tire with the same lubricants as the leading one, using a special filler for this. This allows the lubricant to be pressed in through the technological holes in the tire to the sprocket bearing.

Expert oil comparison

As a result of comparative tests, 3 winners were determined:

  • Caliber. cheap, good adhesion, biodegradability.
  • Oregon. average price, good adhesion, time-tested brand.
  • STIHL. expensive, time-tested brand, affordable price, a lot of fake.

Here everyone chooses what is closer to their liking and the possibility of biodegradability or the price. Editor’s Choice. Oregon is a middle ground between quality and price.

What oil to use to lubricate the chainsaw chain

Adhesion is a measure of the adhesion of a material, in this case oil, to the metal surface of the bar and chain.

What is it for? The fact is that the chain moves along the tire at a high speed, and if oil is used as a lubricant, which has low adhesion, then most of it, by inertia, flies off the end of the tire and lubrication of its lower part does not occur. This phenomenon can be observed with a small experiment.

The photo shows how the chain guides are lubricated with oil (orange) in the tire.

Start the chainsaw, point the end of the tire towards a bright surface and add maximum gas. As a result, oil stains will appear on it, which are proof of the theory. Also, we definitely recommend reading an interesting article on how to start a chainsaw.

STIHL adhesive oils

The company’s website contains the following adhesive oils designed for various operating temperatures and having a good lubricating performance:

  • ForestPlus adhesive oil. recommended for use at temperatures up to. 15 ° C, shelf life under storage conditions is 3 years. Supplied in 1 liter or 5 liter containers;
  • BioPlus. its peculiarity is a vegetable base, which allows it to decompose quickly when it gets into the soil. It is used up to minus 15, it is supplied in three, five and one liter containers;
  • The latest SynthPlus oil is characterized by its ability to maintain performance at minus 25 ° C.

We also recommend reading an interesting article about all STIHL oils.

Other manufacturers

Less common manufacturers of adhesive oils specifically designed for lubricating saw chains, but popular with chainsaw owners, are:

  • Carver;
  • Adhesive Champion, sold in containers up to 10 liters, which is convenient for use in forestry;
  • Makita Biotop;
  • Caliber;
  • Fubag;
  • Oregon;
  • Makita.

STIHL MS 170 chainsaw: Filling up the chain oil for the saw chain and fuel mixture

Manufacturers of adhesive oils

Almost all manufacturers of chainsaws are engaged in the production of consumables for them, explaining that these products are most suitable for use in conjunction with their saws. There is no information about how true this is, but based on the experience of operating and repairing chainsaws, it can be noted that there are no significant differences in the service life of parts or at least visible wear.

But the fact is the fact, the manufacturers recommend and cannot be hidden. So, back to the manufacturers, and start with the popular STIHL brand.

Main manufacturers

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

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

  • mineral STIHL ForestPlus is designed to work at temperatures up to 15 ℃. Standard packing. 1 and 5 liters. For long-term work, it has recently been produced in a 20-liter container;
  • the highly sustainable STIHL BioPlus is plant-based. Once in the soil, it quickly decomposes without contaminating it. The working temperature is also up to 15 ℃. Packing. 1 and 3 liters;
  • semi-synthetic STIHL SynthPlus suitable for low temperatures, working usable up to 25 °.
  • Eco-friendly, biodegradable Bio and Bio Advanced. It is presented as a universal multigrade oil. Bio Advanced option. improved oxidation resistance and up to 10% better lubricating properties;
  • Makita. Biotop oil;
  • adhesive oil Champion.

Of the Russian brands, especially for chains, there is Zubr ZMPM-M. There are other, less well-known manufacturers, whose lubricating oil is noticeably lower in price.

Chainsaw chain oil selection rules

All modern chainsaws have a separate oil circuit for lubricating the cutting elements of the chain.

The quality of the saws largely depends on their condition and working conditions. Therefore, companies that produce accessories for chainsaws create special brands of oils that provide reliable surface lubrication.

How to replace expensive oil

Special branded chain lubricants have the disadvantage of their high price. It is not burdensome to buy a liter of other expensive oil. And if work is coming that requires several liters, or even tens of liters, thoughts of saving will surely 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, specialized products of little-known manufacturers can be used for chain lubrication. But such oils still need to be looked for. 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 adhesion.

And I must definitely say about one more option. working off. This is the name of the oil that has worked out its life in the engine and is drained from it when it is replaced.

In fact, this is not an option at all. Metal particles are always present in mining. 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 working off. that the Soviet Druzhba chainsaw did not have chain lubrication at all and worked. So you can pour anything. and so it will do. Well, STIHL 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 changed during this period.

Caution to those who have a chainsaw within the warranty period. Masters of warranty workshops are able to identify cases of use of low-quality chain lubrication. Especially when using mining. Repairs under warranty will be denied immediately.

Sprocket grease

At the end of the chainsaw bar, there is a driven sprocket that rotates the chain. It also needs to be lubricated periodically. For this, thick materials are used. STIHL multipurpose grease can be used. Domestic lithol-based lubricants are also suitable. There is a special hole on the sprocket lubrication tire. You need to pump grease into it with a grease can or a syringe.

It should be noted that with frequent use of the tire toe, for example, when cutting grooves, the load on the sprocket increases and it needs to be lubricated more often.

When and how to fill

Where to fill the chain oil is clear. 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 full, they empty at about 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 don’t have to be distracted by topping up twice.

Before starting work, it is useful to check if oil will flow to the chain. To do this, it is enough to direct the end of the tire onto a flat surface. Some of the grease will fly off the edge of the tire. Droplets on the surface indicate that the system is operating normally.

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 taking the time to dilute the existing oil to reduce its thickness. It is best to dilute with kerosene in a ratio of 1 to 4.

Some models have an adjustable feed rate in the lubrication system. It is useful for correcting in the event of a change in the type of grease.

Note! Do not fill the tank with a mixture of different types of oils. mineral and synthetic.

If the oil from one manufacturer has run out, and the same type is available, but from a different company, then their mixing is allowed, provided that they are used immediately. Leaving such a mixture for a long time is not worth it.

What kind of oil should you use

It is widely believed that quality branded chainsaw oil should only be used in the engine’s gasoline-oil mixture. However, the choice of oil for lubrication is a simple matter. Anyone will do, as long as it gets to the right place.

But adding lubricant to the chain is half the battle. It is necessary that it hold on to the metal and remain on the lower edge, with which the tree is sawn. For this purpose, substances with increased adhesion are used, that is, the ability to adhere to the surface and adhere to it. Oil with poor adhesion will fly off the rapidly rotating chain, splattering around uselessly. Of course, some part will remain, but it is not known whether this will be enough so that during intensive work the circuit does not overheat.

Important! During all-season operation with a chainsaw, it is necessary to take into account the dependence of the oil supply conditions on the season and air temperature.

Mineral materials that provide chain and bar lubrication at freezing temperatures crystallize and thicken in the cold. This leads to the fact that the lubrication will be difficult to supply and the load on the oil pump will increase. Its service life is shortened and it may fail prematurely. In winter, it is necessary to choose synthetic materials with special additives that provide reliable lubrication in frosts down to 40 ℃. At low frosts and temperatures near zero, semi-synthetics are used.

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

Due to the fact that in recent years great importance has been attached to ecology, more and more branded oil products are made on the basis of decomposable substances. But during long-term operation, the consumption of chain lubrication can be measured in liters. And for people who are not indifferent to nature, this will be another reason to choose an environmentally friendly product. If you do not care what your area is sprayed with and what marks remain on the wood after cutting.

Oil does not flow to the chain, what are the reasons

It is not always during operation that you can immediately see that no oil is supplied to the chainsaw chain. Signs of lack of lubrication:

  • the level in the tank does not drop;
  • cutting is difficult, accompanied by the smell of burnt wood;
  • oil droplets do not fly off the tip of the chainsaw tire.

Having found a malfunction of the oil system, you need to establish its cause. There are few of them. clogging, broken hose or malfunction of the oil pump.

Most often, the oil supply channel is clogged with dirt and sawdust. Air blowing or fine wire cleaning is sufficient to correct the fault. The oil reservoir has its own internal filter. When using normal oil, clogging is unlikely, and when filling, it is quite possible. Have to clean up.

The oil hose may be damaged or completely cut off. You can temporarily seal the damaged area, but it will be safer to replace it with a new one.

And the most serious problem is the breakdown of the oil pump. The reasons may be different. the teeth of the worm gear are worn out, the plunger has jammed, and others. Removing the pump and replacing a damaged part yourself will not be easy. It is safer and easier to contact the service center.