How To Store A Petrol Cutter In Winter
Modern chainsaws are equipped with a carburetor-type single-cylinder two-stroke engine.
Professional chainsaw with 2-stroke engine
The principle of operation of a monocylinder 2-stroke chainsaw engine:
- During the compression stroke, the fuel mixture prepared in the carburetor enters the crankcase;
- In the lowest position, the exhaust channels of the cylinder open through them, exhaust gases and part of the air-fuel mixture exit;
- The mixture from the crankcase is fed into the cylinder under the influence of the piston pressure, in which it burns;
- The resulting excess pressure moves the piston to its original position, which drives the main shaft of the engine.
The difficulty of operating a chainsaw in winter lies in the reaction to low temperatures of the materials from which its units and components are made, and working fluids of the fuel mixture and lubricant, as well as the formation of condensation on the units and mechanisms of the tool during temperature extremes. If your model is not designed for operation in severe frosts, i.E. Does not have constructive insulation and air heating system, it can only be operated indoors. And even then only with the correct maintenance and preparation of the engine and the proper condition of the material, it should have a normal temperature and humidity for cutting.
Tips for storing your chainsaw in winter
Significant seasonal changes in temperature and humidity determine one of the main tasks for owners of any diesel or carburetor household equipment, including chainsaws. It consists in ensuring normal conditions for storing tools and equipment equipped with internal combustion engines, or using it for its intended purpose in the cold season. The procedure for setting up and taking out of storage is regulated by the manufacturer and is almost always described in detail in the operating instructions. However, it is better to know in advance about some of the features of storing and operating a chainsaw in winter. This will ensure high efficiency and help extend tool life.
Mothballing
Most owners of chainsaws prefer not to work with gasoline-powered tools in winter, but put them on storage, without waiting for severe cold weather.
To prepare the chainsaw for winter storage, you must:
- Drain oil and fuel.
- Using a wire dipstick or a homemade hook, remove the filter tips from the fuel and oil tanks, which should be rinsed and, if necessary, replaced and reinstalled.
- Start the saw and let it idle for a while to completely remove fluids from the channels of the carburetor and the lubrication system.
- Remove the saw chain and bar and thoroughly clean them of wood residues, dust and dirt.
Removing the guide bar
Removing the spark plug
Bar and chain should be coated with protective lubricant before packing and stored in a cloth or paper soaked in oil. The tool and its main components must be protected from direct sunlight, which may cause fragility of some parts.
Chainsaw de-preservation: highlights
With the onset of spring, there is much more work in the household than in the winter season. This means that the time has come and for the chainsaw it needs to be re-preserved and prepared for the start of work. The procedure will be as follows:
- External examination of the tool for minor faults and their elimination.
- Check the condition of the spark plug, replace if necessary.
- Checking the fuel and air filters.
- Saw chain sharpening update.
- Installation of the saw bar and chain set with subsequent tension.
- Filling the oil tank and lubricating the points and friction surfaces.
- Preparing a fresh fuel mixture and filling it into the tank.
- Checking the chain brake.
- Checking the starter mechanism.
- Starting and controlling the operation of the chainsaw at idle speed.
Operating chainsaws in the cold season: highlights
There is always a task for a chainsaw in the household, so sending it on a winter vacation is not always rational. In such cases, the preservation of the instrument is not carried out in full, i.E. Without complete disassembly.
The removed tire and chainset of the chainsaw
If you plan to work with a chainsaw in the winter season, store it, and especially the fuel mixture, in a well-ventilated, dry and warm, at least unheated room, protected from external atmospheric influences.
Before starting work, make sure that the fuel has a sufficient temperature for ignition and that the oil in the tool lubrication system is of normal viscosity. Some chainsaw models are equipped with a hot air supply system to the carburetor with cylinder cooling fins, which reduces the risk of air filter freezing and prevents condensation from forming on the carburetor itself.
Checking the lubrication system before starting work
It is necessary to start the saw in the cold with the throttle closed, after checking the quality of the lubricant and the chain tension. After completing the work, you cannot immediately bring the tool into the room. This is guaranteed to lead to condensation, which will require you to remove, disassemble and clean it.
Freeing a stalled car with a chainsaw
Sharpening the saw chain
As is the case with the commissioning of new chainsaws, it is important to correctly adjust the saw headset of a tool that has been removed from storage. The chain should not bite the material and move in jerks. If it is overtightened, turning will be difficult, if it is loosened when cutting, significant vibration and runout will occur. You can determine the amount of tension by grasping the chain by the tooth near the end of the bar and pulling it back. When properly adjusted, about a third of the shank will remain in the groove in the guide bar and the chain will move freely.
Checking the saw chain tension
Only the right attitude to the tool can ensure its normal operation and long service life. Do not forget to put your chainsaw on winter storage and carry out all the necessary actions to start it up with the onset of spring and it will serve you as long as possible without causing any hassle.