A chainsaw needs regular servicing to perform at its best and last for a long time. Here’s a guide to the things you can take care of yourself.

Correct chain tensioning

Make sure the chainsaw chain is correctly tensioned. A slack chain may jump off the guide bar, injure you and damage the chainsaw. Overly tight chain tension can cause premature wear of the guide bar. A properly tensioned chain should not hang under the guide bar. The chain tension is correct when the chain is in contact with the underside of the guide bar and you still can pull it around easily by hand.

Always let the chain cool before adjusting the chain tension. As it cools off, the chain will shrink.

Chain lubrication

Poor lubrication is a major cause of premature wear. We recommend that you check and refill the chain oil every time you refuel. Husqvarna chain oil has been developed to provide good lubrication for our cutting systems.

• Start the chainsaw
• Hold the saw over a stump and rev up the engine

Chain lubrication is working if there is a line of oil left on the stump

Bar maintenance

Most chainsaw bar problems are related to incorrect chain tensioning, poor lubrication or faulty working techniques. The area exposed to most wear is the underside of the bar, where most of the cutting is done.

• Turn the guide bar every time the chain is changed so that it will wear evenly.
• Clean the guide bar groove and oil inlet regularly.
  
  File away burrs from the bar rails.

Replace the bar

Check the bar regularly for wear and burrs on the rails. Replace the bar if:

• The bar groove is not deep enough to hold the drive link. Check at the most worn part on the rail.
• The chain is not kept straight up in the groove.

Sharp chain and correct depth gauge setting

Keeping your chain well maintained and sharp is key. That’s why we’ve dedicated a full article to sharpening your chain.