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Chainsaws are exposed to heavy loads during use. By maintaining your chainsaw properly you ensure that it continues to function optimally and lasts longer.
Maintain a chainsaw regularly
For optimum cutting performance and a long service life of your chainsaw we recommend that you maintain or clean the machine before and after each use. In addition you should perform additional maintenance work at regular intervals. Detailed information on all maintenance work and the intervals at which it should be performed can be found in the operating instructions for your machine. If in doubt consult a STIHL dealer.
Maintenance work before and after each use
- Before using the chainsaw check that the machine is functioning properly. To do this perform a visual inspection: are the chainsaw and controls in good condition? Are the guide rail saw chain chain catcher and other accessories correctly mounted?
- Check the throttle lever throttle lock choke control choke valve stop switch and combination control (if equipped).
- Check that the chain brake is working.
- Check the condition of the saw chain (sharpness and chain tension) and the saw bar.
- Is the chain properly lubricated?
- Check that the fuel tank and oil tank caps are properly closed.
- There must be no gasoline leaking from the chainsaw.
- After use clean the chainsaw and remove sawdust and dust.
Regular maintenance of your chainsaw in the long term
- Regularly clean the saw blade (the saw blade nose the oil supply opening and the oil channel but also the saw blade slot) the sprocket cover the cylinder ribs and the inside of the cover and the filter cover.
- We recommend turning the saw blade over and deburring it if necessary after replacing or sharpening the chain.
- Check the chain tension after installing a new saw chain and never work with an unlubricated chain.
Why is it necessary to maintain and clean a chainsaw?
To properly maintain your chainsaw you should clean it after each use. Resin contamination in combination with sawdust and saw chain oil can be particularly stubborn. The older the resin contamination the more difficult it is to remove – in the housing on the guide rail or on the pulley. We recommend that you remove any resin residue from the guide rail and the housing as soon as possible.STIHL universal cleaner suitable for cleaning a chainsaw.
In Brief: Maintenance of Battery and Petrol Electric Chainsaws
Maintenance and cleaning of an electric chainsaw
Building an electric chainsaw is easier than building a gas chainsaw. Therefore there are fewer maintenance steps. The most important steps are:
- Remove sawdust and dust (with a soft brush or STIHL resin solvent)
- Clean the gear area with a cloth orSTIHL resin solvent
- Clean the saw blade slot
- Remove the burr that has formed on the saw blade slot
- Clean the ventilation openings with a brush
You can deburr the saw blade with theSTIHL saw blade straightener.
Maintenance and cleaning of a battery chainsaw
For the maintenance of a battery chainsaw we recommend that you carry out the following steps in addition to the above work.
- Remove any dirt from the battery compartment and clean the compartment with a cloth.
- Clean the electrical contacts in the battery compartment with a paintbrush or soft brush.
Maintenance and cleaning of a petrol chainsaw
For a petrol chainsaw also perform the following steps:
- Check that the fuel tank and chain oil tank are properly closed and that there are no fuel or chain oil leaks.
- Clean the air filter and air filter housing regularly.
- Regularly check the spark plug for wear and remove soot.
Good to know:Regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your chainsaw functioning properly. It will also make your work safer. Dirty air filters and spark plugs can reduce operation cause wear and tear and in the advanced stages lead to difficult starting and loss of performance.
More tips for maintaining a STIHL chainsaw
How to file a chainsaw
Of course maintaining a chainsaw also includes filing the chain. This way you can be sure that everything will run smoothly. Watch the video tutorial:
How do you tension a chainsaw?
When maintaining and cleaning a chainsaw it may be necessary to remove and reassemble the guide bar or saw chain.
Summary: Maintaining a STIHL Chainsaw
- A chainsaw needs regular maintenance. Certain tasks are part of your routine before and after each use; others are performed at longer intervals.
- The operating instructions contain a detailed overview of all maintenance work and the maintenance intervals at which you should carry it out.
- STIHL recommends that certain maintenance work be carried out by a specialist dealer. Read the user manual for more information.
- In addition to maintenance it is also important to store the chainsaw properly. This will keep it working well for a long time.