Electric Chainsaw Maintenance Guide

Did you know that as many as 1,000 Australians are injured while operating a chainsaw each year? The average injury usually requires 110 stitches and can cost up to $5,600.

These injuries are easy to avoid, especially with proper maintenance and upkeep. In any case, how can you ensure you're taking adequate care of your electric chainsaw? Is there a better option out there?

Luckily, we're here to help you learn more. So read on for your complete electric chainsaw maintenance guide.

Advantages of an Electric Chainsaw

You want to be sure you're using the right equipment for your yard, and it's hard to beat an electric chainsaw. Here are a few of the most significant advantages that come with using this tool.

1. Easy to Start and Operate

Electric chainsaws are easier to both start and operate. All you have to do is plug yours into an available power source and switch it on. Gone are the days of cord pulling and waiting for the motor to start up before you can begin operating.

You also don't have to worry about refilling your heavy gas chainsaw with the perfect oil and gas blend. With an electric one, you'll know it will operate whenever you need it most.

2. Lightweight

An electric chainsaw is naturally lighter than any other available. As a result, you're not having to worry about the extra weight that comes with gas or other fuels, making it a lot easier to operate than anything else on the market.

3. Produces Less Noise

They're also a lot less noisy than gas chainsaws. Not only do you not have to worry about annoying your neighbours, but you'll also have a much calmer environment to work in while cutting. With less noise pollution, you're also doing your hearing some favours for the future. 

4. Environmentally-Friendly

With petrol-powered chainsaws, you have to worry about the toxic fumes that come with them. An electric chainsaw has no emissions, though, making it safer for both you and the environment.

Electric Chainsaw Maintenance

What does the upkeep look like for electric chainsaw parts? Here are five of the biggest steps you'll have to take.

1. Refill Bar and Chain Oil

Remembering to replace the bar and chain oil for an electric chainsaw is vital as it's what helps the machine reduce friction. That means less wear and an easier time cutting things.

To do this, set the chainsaw on a level surface and unscrew the cap. Then, using a funnel, simply pour oil into the reservoir and replace the cap.

When doing this, ensure the oil level is at least halfway full and that you're using bar and chain oil rather than a motor.

2. Remove Debris

There are a few things you'll need to clean your electric chainsaw:

• Warm water
• Cleaner
• Wire brush
• Paintbrush

Before you do anything with your chainsaw, make sure you remove the chain and blade. If it's your first time doing this (or you just need a refresher), refer to your chainsaw's manual. You'll start by cleaning the guide bar and the bar groove with a bar groove cleaner to eliminate any dirt and other debris.

From there, you'll move to the chain, the powerhead, and then the spark arrestor. It's important to use both your paint and wire brushes to clean every nook and cranny, and then brush any excess away.

3. Replace Bar and Chain

Locate the chain tension adjustment points on your chainsaw (commonly located on the side cover and the front of the chainsaw). You'll turn the adjustment screw either clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen.

Your chainsaw probably came with a multipurpose tool. If you kept that, now's the time to pull it out. First, ensure you disengage the brake, and then all you'll have to do is unscrew the nuts and remove the sprocket cover with that tool or a socket wrench.

If you fail to disengage the brake, it could prevent the chain from turning, making replacing the cover a much more complicated process. The chain is easier to lift from the bar if you loosen the tension by turning the tensioning screw counterclockwise with your tool or with a flathead screwdriver.

From there, wind the chain around the sprocket and bar with the top links facing the nose. While supporting with one hand, use the other to replace the cover and tighten the nuts before adjusting the chain tension.

4. Adjust Chain Tension

Once the bar and chain have been replaced, you'll need to readjust your tool's chain tension. Using the tensioning points, you'll adjust to the point where the chain isn't sagging but still places itself back when pulled away from the bar. Remember, you should be able to rotate the chain freely around the bar.

When the tension is adjusted correctly, simply tighten the mounting nuts with your tool or socket wrench.

5. Sharpen Chain Teeth

For this, you'll need an electric chainsaw chain sharpener. To start, you'll clamp the chainsaw's bar to your work surface to prevent it from shifting while you sharpen it.

From there, you'll need a round file the same diameter as the chainsaw's teeth. This is your electric chainsaw sharpener, and all you have to do is place it in the notch on the front of the cutter and then push it forward. Once you're at the bottom, lift the file and repeat the process three to 10 times until they're nice and sharp.

Keep Your Electric Chainsaw at Its Best

Keeping your electric chainsaw at its best is essential for both its longevity and your safety. With the proper care and maintenance, you can be sure that both are guaranteed and that you won't have to worry about anything else along the way. 

Remember, we're here to help whenever you may need it. Visit our website to get your electric chainsaw replacement parts only at Jono & Johno.