Sharpening:

You must keep your chainsaw sharpened. You can easily do this with a chain saw sharpener.  You can tell your chain is dull in a couple of ways.  Is it biting through the wood? Chainsaws should grab the wood and pull itself through the cut.  When it fails to do this it is probably due to a dull chain.  Also a sharp chainsaw should throw out decent sized wood chips.  If you find your chainsaw is throwing out nothing more than saw dust you need to sharpen your chain.

A sharp chain makes cutting easier, and quicker.  It also decreases the chance of accidents.

Fuel System:

Make sure your fuel is always free of  moisture and other contaminates. Chainsaws use a mix of oil and gas.  The exact ratio for the mixture will depend on the model chainsaw you are using.  Make sure to label the gas can.  It can be confusing with other small yard appliances around all with different gas/oil ratios.  You do not want to use gas mixed for another appliance.

During high use times the fuel filter can become clogged.  This decreases the flow of fuel going to the saw.  Make sure you clean your fuel filter regularly and change it when needed, which may be up to once a week if you are using your saw a lot.

The Chain:

In addition to keeping your chain sharp there are other factors that need to be checked to make sure your chainsaw is running optimally and safely.  You want to check the chain for appropriate looseness.  If the chain is too tight or too loose it will cause problems.  When the saw is off the chain brake is released you should be able to manually feed the chain through the saw. Make sure you frequently check the bar retaining nuts as they can come loose with all the vibration.

Visually inspect your saw before each use.  Look for bent teeth, or bends or crimps in the bar.  Make sure the chain flows easily around the bar.

Check the bar and chain oil level frequently during use. There is no warning light when you are getting low, and you may be surprised how quickly go through it.  Add more before you see the smoke coming from your saw.

Air Filter:

Chainsaws are always used in dusty environments, it’s just part of the job.  Due to this you must clean the air filter after every use. Before you expose the air filter, thoroughly clean the outside of the saw and move it to an area away from sawdust or other materials that could fall into the carburetor. Remove the filter and clean it with an air compressor or as recommended in your owners’ manual. During periods of heavy use you should replace the air filter once a week.

Engine:

It is best to take your chainsaw to a professional chainsaw technician if you suspect there is an engine problem.  They have the tool and expertise to efficiently and correctly fix your chainsaw.

Out of Season Storage:

If you store your chainsaw for more than 30 days at a time, you need to follow special precautions to limit damage to your saw. Drain all fuel from the tank. Next, drain all fuel from the line and carburetor by starting the saw and running it until it stops. Drain all oil and remove the bar and chain. Store the chain in an airtight container that is fill with oil so that the entire chain is submerged. Apply a light coating of oil to the bar and wrap it in paper. Clean the exterior and interior of the saw. Remove the spark plug and apply a rust inhibitor into the combustion chamber. Replace spark plug and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute the inhibitor over the cylinder.

There’s nothing worse than needing to use your chainsaw and finding it doesn’t run.  You can keep your chainsaw running in good condition no matter what with a little maintenance during use and proper storage during the off season.