What kind of oil to lubricate the chainsaw chain

What parts of a chainsaw need oil

The quality of the lubricant directly determines the life of the engine. Despite the small working volume, chainsaw motors are used relatively heavily. The inertial loads on the parts of the crank mechanism are proportional to the square of the revolutions. Since most gasoline tools most often run at “full throttle”, chainsaw oil must retain its properties at high shear rates, avoid dry friction in the crankshaft bearings and piston group.

In addition to the engine, the tire also needs lubrication: the sliding chain inevitably wears it out. Forced oil supply from a separate reservoir saves resource both for the tire and for the chain itself. The oil used for lubrication should, if possible, be as viscous and sticky as possible in order to better adhere to the chain and tire, and not fly apart. In addition, according to the requirements of environmentalists, such oils are usually biodegradable.

Oil for chainsaws ROLF Garden 2T

The oil is produced on a synthetic base, which ensures the highest quality. Therefore, ROLF Garden 2T has low smoke, burns completely and with extremely low carbon deposits. At the same time, it reliably protects the engine from wear, since it has a balanced additive package. Long-term operation of the engine on ROLF Garden 2T eliminates the rapid contamination of the muffler with carbon deposits and products of incomplete combustion of oil, which reduce the power of the chainsaw.

The oil was developed specifically for garden equipment, where the main lubrication method is a ready-made fuel mixture. When creating ROLF Garden 2T, this was taken into account, and the product received excellent stability when mixed with gasoline. The ready-made composition during storage excludes stratification, clogging of the carburetor channels. The oil does not reduce the octane number of gasoline, eliminates the risk of detonation under load.

Due to its low freezing point, ROLF Garden 2T is excellent for winter work, which maintains the efficiency of engine lubrication with the fuel mixture. The oil burns well in the engine, reducing the risk of spark plug failure. Thus, the amount of maintenance required for the chainsaw can be kept to a minimum.

The quality of the oil is confirmed by the approvals of the largest chainsaw manufacturers. In addition, ROLF Lubricants GmbH offers a simple and effective anti-counterfeiting system: all the company’s products are packaged only in tin containers. As practice shows, counterfeit in such conditions practically does not occur on the market: packaging in plastic is more profitable for counterfeiters.

Chainsaw oil

Chainsaw engine oil must meet a number of requirements. First of all, this is high thermal stability and antiwear properties: when using a chainsaw, especially in summer, the engine can heat up to high temperatures. Since the exhaust goes directly into the work area, minimal smoke is desirable. Taking these points into account, ROLF Lubricants GmbH creates a special oil for gasoline-powered tools and garden equipment with two-stroke engines.

How to determine the ratio of gasoline to oil

The mixing ratio of oil and gasoline is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions and is usually duplicated on the gas tank cap. However, it should be borne in mind that on old saws, the ratio concerned low-quality mineral oils, which is why the lubricant had to be added to gasoline in an increased volume.

Modern synthetic oils for two-stroke engines are able to reliably lubricate the engine already at a ratio of 50: 1, while earlier the norm was 25: 1 and even 20: 1. An increase in the concentration of synthetics in the fuel mixture will not reduce engine wear, but smoke and carbon formation will increase Finally, operating costs will also rise. oil will have to be purchased more often.

Physicochemical characteristics

Density at 15 ° С, kg / m 3 876.8
Kinematic viscosity at 100 ° С, mm 2 / s 10.76
Kinematic viscosity at 40 ° С, mm 2 / s 81.36
Viscosity index 118
Flash point in an open crucible, ° С 158
Pour point, ° С -37
Quality classes JASO FD / ISO-L-EGD, JASO FB / API TC
Tolerances Husqvarna HVA 242, HVA 346, STIHL

Fuel mixture preparation rules

The fuel mixture for chainsaws must be prepared in a clean container to prevent clogging of the carburetor and damage to the engine from mechanical impurities. The measured volume of oil is poured first. this way you can spend less time mixing until smooth. When filling with gasoline, it combines well with oil.

It is most convenient to prepare the mixture in the same quantity. For example, 1 liter of gasoline will require 20 milliliters of oil. The same measure can be used for any other multiples of the volume.

It is advisable to use the prepared composition as quickly as possible. This is due to the inevitable aging of gasoline: a mixture that has been stored for a long time can impair the starting of the chainsaw. The smoke of combustion may also increase; detonation is likely at high loads. At the same time, the risk of mixture stratification, due to which the storage of benzene-oil mixtures was not previously recommended, is not relevant for modern two-stroke oils.

Danger of using counterfeit oil

The performance properties of cheaper counterfeit oils are inferior to proprietary developments in basic parameters. The problem is that, relying on the perceived quality of the product, users operate their chainsaw equipment at full loads.

The use of surrogate oils initiates accelerated wear of the material part, in some cases it is the basis for the cancellation of factory warranty obligations by the service departments.

The consequences of unjustified savings

Many owners of budget chainsaws equipped with simple lubrication systems with constant performance are worried about increased oil consumption. The average price of a quality product is three times less than the cost of its motor counterpart, however, the use of various oil substitutes is not uncommon.

Spindle, diesel and motor oil used in different proportions are not suitable for full lubrication of the headset in terms of their working properties.

It is not difficult to calculate how much you can save on using a surrogate. Unfortunately, the profit made cannot compensate for the accelerated wear and tear of the old headset and the cost of purchasing a new headset.

The constant use of substitutes reduces the service life of an expensive saw headset by 30-40%. Wear is significantly accelerated if you pour into the lubrication system of a chainsaw that has exhausted its resource.

None of the formulations suggested by users are suitable for full lubrication and cooling of the chain or pouring into the gearbox. Not the best replacement option. winter motor oil M8, which, in conditions of a general shortage, was used to refuel Druzhba chainsaws and their prototypes.

Self-selection criteria

The problem of how to replace branded chain oil, which is not commercially available, is relevant for many peripheral regions. According to experts, a full-fledged analogue is products of well-known brands STIHL and Husqvarna, identical in basic characteristics. Motor and chain oils from these manufacturers have proven themselves in all respects from the best side.

Taking into account the possibilities of the offered assortment, the consumer can make a choice in favor of a more expensive chain oil or its budget analogue. In addition to branded products, the list includes Enkor, Nanotech Standard and Nanotech Premium oils, which retain their working properties at temperatures up to 30 ° C.

Mineral oil versions are represented by the brands Makita and Makita Oregon, identical lubricating characteristics for organic chain oils Makita Biotop, STIHL Bio Plus, which are sold in packaging from 1 to 25 liters.

Most professional sawers prefer one brand of branded lubricants. Continuous use of one brand of oil allows you to explore its capabilities and use them with maximum efficiency.

Versatility problems

Performance evaluations of so-called multipurpose oils should be viewed critically. In reality, this is not a very good publicity stunt. To date, no manufacturer who respects its reputation has received information about the start of production of 100% universal oil.

Practice has proven that the wrong choice of chain lubrication increases the load on the engine by 7-10% and also reduces the working life of the saw set.

Price features of the offered assortments

European chain oils of a high price group are recommended for the operation of professional chainsaw equipment operating in difficult and even extreme conditions.

Domestic chain oils are mostly produced from their raw materials, imported additives and using modern technologies.

In terms of quality and operational characteristics, the Russian assortment is not inferior to similar products of European brands, but it costs much less.

Chinese saw headsets of the middle class are inferior to European counterparts in terms of wear resistance and durability of operation. This imbalance is partially eliminated by the use of chain oils recommended by the manufacturer, developed by Chinese specialists.

According to the suppliers of consumables, the presence of special additives in Chinese chain oils has a positive effect on the performance of standard tires and saw chains, as well as chainsaw equipment in general.

All of the above applies only to the products of large companies. The advantages of using chain oils for small private businesses have not been proven in practice.

Advantages of automatic systems

Less oil-consuming chainsaws equipped with automatic lubrication systems. Depending on the engine speed, the oil supply is metered by a variable displacement pump.

At idle speed, oil is practically not consumed. Models with automatic lubrication cut material consumption by almost half.

Adjustment of oil density to external temperature factors

The use of chain oil at low temperatures up to 20 ° C negatively affects the performance of the oil pump and the durability of its drive.

In the absence of the required material, the problem is solved by diluting the oil thickened in the cold. Dehydrated kerosene is the best solvent.

Such an additive will provide full lubrication of the headset, but it is recommended to significantly limit heavy loads when the saw is operating on diluted oil.

Chainsaw chain oil: which, where and when to use?

The chainsaw headset works in difficult conditions that negatively affect its durability. Chainsaw chain oil supplied to the working area prevents overheating of working parts, promotes efficient cutting of hardwood. The smooth running of the chain removes some of the load from the power unit.

Chainsaw designers recognize the need for complete lubrication of the headset, therefore, in the compact designs of modern chainsaws there is a place for a consumable oil tank and oil pump, with a fixed or adjustable performance.

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.

Chainsaw chain oil. which one to use

You are a recent owner of a chainsaw, and you still do not know which chain oil is best to use. Lack of this knowledge can have a detrimental effect on the tool, since the type and quality of the lubricant determines how long the tire and the tool chain will maintain their performance.

After reading this article, you will fill the knowledge gap, because we will consider the use of oils, of various manufacturers and brands, to reduce friction between the parts of the saw headset. And also we will figure out what additional lubricants are used to service the chainsaw in order to maximize its service life.

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.

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.

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.

How to Lubricate the Chain on the EGO Power Chain Saw

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.

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.

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.

cheap chainsaw chain oil

Why is it not worth using mining to lubricate the chainsaw chain

The most common mistake when operating a chainsaw is using used engine oil to lubricate the chain. Say, what’s the difference? This is not an engine that can wedge in. In general, the argument is logical, because the lubricant in this case is used exclusively for cooling the chain and its easier slipping along the guide rail.

Questionable savings

However, the main problem of mining is that it may contain any debris such as metal shavings or sand that got into the drain tank when unscrewing the crankcase plug. Since the pump delivers lubricant to the saw chain, its receiver can become clogged with the aforementioned slag, which is fraught with a whole range of problems. Firstly, due to a lack of oil, the tire and chain will start to overheat, which will lead to stretching of the chain and tire wear. Secondly, the pump itself may be covered, the replacement of which usually costs a pretty penny (about a third of the cost of a new similar tool).

Agree, dubious savings. Yes, mining can be pre-filtered and then extraneous abrasive fractions will not get into the oil pump in any way. But “used” oil, as a rule, contains gasoline, which significantly lowers the viscosity of the oil and generally destroys its molecular structure.

lubricate, chainsaw, chain

On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with an excessively fluid lubricant for the chain, because, unlike thick lubricant, it penetrates everywhere and everywhere, reaching the most inaccessible areas. However, the reverse side of the coin is that it is extremely poorly adhered to the surface, and at high saw speeds, it actually does not participate in contact with rubbing surfaces.

lubricate, chainsaw, chain

Cohesion at the molecular level

That is why only a special adhesive oil for saw chains should be used to lubricate the cutting part of the chainsaw. Adhesive, which is why it is called adhesive, that it has increased adhesion to metal and lubricates not only the upper part of the chainsaw tire, but also the lower one. In addition, a special anti-friction fluid is evenly distributed over the entire working surface of the tool, and not only in the place where the oil pump is supplied, and provides good sliding even when working with hardwood, when sawing which (for example, oak), the cutting tool is subjected to truly extreme loads.

We are used to the fact that the products of the German company Liqui Moly are associated with cars and motor vehicles. But in the line of this manufacturer there is a series of oils for garden utensils. Including for chainsaws. For lubrication of the saw headset of the tool, a renowned manufacturer offers the mineral transmission oil Bio Sage-Kettenoil.