ICFR Chainsaw Safety And Operating Manual - page 50
ICFR – Chainsaw Safety and Operating Handbook
44
Ensure that the chain lubricant never runs out before
thefuel.Alwaysrefillthelubricanttanktothetop.
The chain lubrication system can only function if:
•
Thelubricanttankisfilled.
•
The pump is in working order.
•
The channels, inlet hole and the bar groove are
clean.
Chain lubrication must be checked before work
commences and at regular intervals during cutting.
The easiest way to carry out this check is to hold the
bar tip over a light background (tree stump, sawdust,
etc.) with the chain running. Chain lubrication is
correct if an increasing trace of lubricant can be seen
against this background.
The amount of chain lubrication required differs
according to the application. Long guide bars, large
stem diameters, hard and dry wood as well as thick
bark need more chain lubrication, while short guide
bars, soft and damp wood need less. To meet these
different requirements, most professional saws are
equippedwithvariable-flowpumps.Someheavy-duty
production saws have an additional manual pump to
provide the extra lubrication required in certain cutting
situations.
If the bar begins to smoke whilst cutting (not to be
confused with steam) and/or the chain snags in the
bar groove, the reason is overheating. This may be
caused by:
•
Inadequate lubrication
•
A dull or incorrectly sharpened chain
•
An over-tensioned chain.
Many a chain shows signs of advanced wear on
the sliding faces and joints due to a lack of proper
lubrication even though the cutters are still in good
condition.
The quality of the lubricant is vitally important for the
efficiencyofchainlubricationandthusthelifeofthe
cutting attachment.
In addition to good lubricating properties, chain
lubricant must have the following characteristics:
•
Good adhesive properties to ensure that the
minimum of lubricant is thrown off the cutting
attachment by centrifugal forces.
•
Ahighflashpointtoensurethatitcannotbeignited
by the heat generated during cutting.
•
Wear protection to ensure that wear on the chain
and guide bar is reduced to a minimum.
14.1.9
S
hArpening
The sharpening procedure is basically the same for
allchainsbutdifferentfilinganglesandsettingsare
necessary for different chain types.
14.1.9.1 w
hen
to
sharpen
A properly sharpened chain pulls itself into the cut
when only slight pressure is applied. If the chain has to
be forced into the cut by applying excessive pressure,
the cutters are dull or have been damaged. Frequently,
more chainsaw power is used to compensate for
poor sharpening, instead of better training and
discipline regarding chain maintenance.
Anotherclearindicationofadullchainisfinesawdust
being pulled from the cut instead of coarse, thick chips.
Working with a dull chain means loss of power, high
fuel consumption and a higher rate of wear on the
cutting attachment and engine. It can also lead to
operator fatigue which in turn increases the risk of
accidents.
14.1.9.2 p
reparing
saw
chain
for
sharpening
The chain must be examined carefully for damage.
Any damaged links, particularly cutters with badly
nicked or chipped cutting edges, must be replaced.
The cutter with the shortest top plate must be found
as it is this cutter that is used as the master for
sharpening.
Figure 58: Shortest top plate