How to correctly measure the length of a chainsaw tire

How to measure a chainsaw guide bar

Bus length. Pay attention!

What not least catches the eye when choosing chainsaws is the size of the tires: specifically, it depends on them how large the size of the logs can be cut.

The length of the chainsaw bar is one of the most important parameters affecting the convenience, speed and safety of work. This feature must be consistent with the operating power of the chainsaw engine, which is why at least some harsh manufacturer in the technical data sheet of its own products shows the recommended tire length parameter.

Step 0.404

Saws with such a pitch are installed only on professional units with a power of at least 5.5 hp. With a saw with a pitch of 0.404 inches, you can cut trees of any thickness, and the units for this cutting element have a large torque, which greatly facilitates the work of a person.

It is important to know that the pitch of the chain always corresponds to the pitch of the sprockets, both driven and driven. It follows from this that if the documentation for the device indicates that it works with a chain with a pitch of 0.404, then you should not put the chain on the chainsaw with a pitch of 3/8

Before installing a chain with a different pitch, you need to purchase a complete kit, including both the bar and both sprockets: the master and the follower.

Brief summary

A chainsaw balanced among themselves, a chain and a carefully selected tire will allow you to work perfectly and quietly, without spending extra physical and material resources. And you should always be aware that the choice of the components of the chainsaw process, including the choice of tires, depends on the type of wood species being processed, the criterion of work, the professional abilities of the master. all this is purely personal and comes with experience.

Device and principle of operation

For self-troubleshooting, the owner will need a good knowledge of the chainsaw device. It is a device powered by a single-cylinder internal combustion engine. The fuel fluid is gasoline. The saw mechanism is set in motion by a single-stage chain transmission, for safety it is closed by a cover.

The main structural elements are the air purification system, chain mechanism, engine, tensioner, ignition elements, flywheel and clutch. Many small parts connect the main components and contribute to the reliable operation of the device.

The properties of the automatic centrifugal clutch depend on the number of revolutions of the power unit. Low rotation speed does not transfer rotation to the drum. Only when a large number of revolutions are reached does the centrifugal force exceed the force of the springs, causing the drum to rotate. The chain and sprocket located in front start to move.

Buying and operating a chainsaw

When buying a saw, the natural desire of every customer is to check the functionality of the tool. This seemingly simple process has its own pitfalls. It’s all about the design features of chainsaws.

Pay special attention: any chainsaw must not be started without a pre-installed and adjusted saw headset (bars, sprockets and chains). Otherwise, with such a start, the clutch immediately “takes off”

So do not rush to pull the cable. read the instructions carefully (by the way, if an imported saw entered our market by official means, the instruction must be in Russian).

After buying a chainsaw, it is imperative to “run in” it for 40-50 minutes at low speeds (this roughly corresponds to running out of a fuel tank), then turn off the engine and additionally check the chain tension. Next, you need to make a few cuts, applying little effort, and only then proceed to work “in full.” Each new chain (or bar) should be run in for a few minutes. All this is done so that the “sprocket”, the bar and the chain are well warmed up, and the oil gets on all lubricated parts of the saw headset.

In about 90% of cases, the cause of saw failure is a careless attitude to the saw headset, and in particular, poor chain maintenance. In other words, when the chain is sharpened, it does the work; when it is blunt, you have to work, plus the additional increased load on the engine. In addition to the obvious inconveniences, such an increase in load leads to a significant decrease in the tool life.

After the obligatory pre-start check of the saw headset and refueling with fuel and oil, the saw is ready for use. To start it quickly, you need to pull out the “suction”, completely take out the slack of the starting cable and start with a strong jerk (with a sluggish tension, you risk filling the candle, which will somewhat complicate subsequent start attempts). If done correctly, the saw starts the first time.

Chainsaw service life

There is no precise and clear definition of the term “resource of work” that would be equally used by all manufacturers and sellers. For example, there is a “everyday” definition. the time before sending the tool to the landfill. Other definitions are more “scientific” and conservative: time to first engine overhaul or 40% compression reduction. As you can see, it is difficult to expect an exact figure even in these cases, and it is practically unrealistic.

Therefore, no matter what numbers you hear, it is recommended to pay main attention to the presence of a branded service.

The main advice for operating a chainsaw (as, indeed, any other tool) is this: the main attention should be paid to the correct choice of operating modes and to avoid significant overloads. The “Formula of Love” works here as well: as you are with the instrument, so is it with you

Buying a tire is not easy

When buying a tire that is good from a unique model, there is a great possibility that the ancient chain with the newest tire will not fit together in any way. The best option is to try on all three main components. the tire / chain pair and, in fact, the gasoline tool itself. how to sharpen a chainsaw chain manually without removing it from the tire how to properly lubricate the chain. An insignificant difference, from time to time not even noticeable to the eye, just one link may turn out to be critical for the entire assembly: the chain either does not wear at all, or it sags.

Subsequent point: different chainsaws are designed for different widths of tire grooves, respectively, and the drive links are designed for implementation with different tires. The wide grooves of the chainsaw are invented for a chain capable of withstanding significant loads, characterized by the highest quality of performance and efficiency of work. How to properly tension the chainsaw chain. Before tensioning the Husqvarna chainsaw chain. When choosing a chain, in principle, check the probable width for a given model of chainsaw.

Consumer demand leaders

In the process of natural selection, the first lines of the sales ratings were taken by the products of the leading European and Asian manufacturers of chainsaw equipment. Maximum demand for components of STIHL, Husqvarna, Makita, and a number of others.

In all respects, the Oregon tire has proven itself excellently, which in various modifications complements the removable saw equipment of the middle and higher price levels.

Causes of uneven cut

In amateur chainsaw practice, there are many questions related to the departure of the cut in one direction or another. Such a malfunction creates significant inconveniences when using a chainsaw in wood construction technologies.

The reason for this phenomenon is in the deformation of the tire that is hardly noticeable to the eye, improper sharpening or uneven wear of the cutting links of the chain. If professional fine-tuning of the chain did not give a positive result, the problem is eliminated by replacing the entire set.

It happens that users of chainsaws have confusion about the designation of tire and chain sizes. This confusion leads to purchases of the wrong headset for the saw, and as a result, wasted money. In this article we will try to point out typical mistakes and help you not to make them.

Most of the errors are due to the fact that traditionally the parameters of the saw headset are indicated in inches. For people accustomed to using the metric system, this is not convenient. This is the reason for most of the errors: in Russia, for the convenience of memorization, it turned out that the characteristics of the saw headset use parameters expressed both in inches and in millimeters at the same time, which, in general, is not correct.

How to measure the length of a chainsaw bar

All types of chainsaws, regardless of their class, have a similar design. One of their most important elements are cutting elements, which are presented in the form of a chain and a bar. The tire, like the chain, wears out over time and therefore must be replaced, but when is it necessary to do this? When it’s time to change a tire, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a tire.

Selection recommendations

When choosing a new device, you should pay special attention to the material of manufacture. It is almost impossible to assess its quality visually, so make sure that the product has the mark and the name of the manufacturer. When choosing, you should pay attention to also important, but secondary parameters:

Shank. Most manufacturers produce components that can only be installed under their own models of chainsaws. If you buy a device from the manufacturer Husquarna, but plan to install it on a STIHL chainsaw, then first make sure that it will fit.

If the bar and chain are correctly selected for the chainsaw, this will allow you to achieve the maximum performance of the tool, which is very important when performing work on sawing wood of various diameters and species. Do not forget to also flip the bar in the opposite direction each time you sharpen the chain to ensure even wear of the part.

Household, semi-professional and professional hand-held chainsaw equipment, regardless of cost and performance, has an identical design. The cutting headset, which includes a chainsaw bar and a saw chain, belongs to the category of replacement equipment.

The decision on which tire to put on the chainsaw is made by the owner, taking into account many factors. First of all, this is the compatibility of the seat and the channels for supplying lubricant to the working area, the engine power, the specifics of the upcoming work.

Specific assistance in choosing a tire on your own can be provided by the recommendations of experienced specialists or information on the instructions for use.

In particular, a long saw head is preferable for felling and sawing large diameter trees, a short one for tree crown and preparation for the installation of construction timber.

How to eliminate possible risks of acquiring a tire counterfeit?

The information field contains signs by which it is easy to distinguish the original branded chainsaw from the most reliable fake. As for tires, their advantages and disadvantages are manifested directly in operation.

In the domestic market of household appliances, about 15% of the total sales of chainsaw components are of unknown origin, third-rate counterfeit, which develops a standard resource at best by half.

It is economically unprofitable and unsafe to operate a chainsaw complete with a fake tire and chain. A significant part of traumatic situations is created when using tire and chain counterfeit.

Design features of household and professional tires

The design of modern saw sets is constantly being improved. As a result of a partial modernization, the so-called narrow tire was developed.

Structurally, such models are distinguished by the shape of the tip, which prevents kickback when the headset enters the cut. Domestic-class petrol saws are mostly equipped with narrow tires. The wide toe is a characteristic feature of the tire, designed for cutting work of increased complexity, as well as professional chainsaws.

How To Measure A Tire

Classification

When choosing a tire, it is important to consider their types, which are classified into the following options:

• Narrow flat. They are intended for use in household-grade chainsaws, as they are capable of working in tandem only with low-profile chains. The advantage of such devices is to minimize injury risk due to the absence of “kickback”. This is very important for beginners who are not yet familiar with the sawing process and this effect.
• Lightweight. Consists of two steel plates, which are connected to each other using a special material. This allows you to significantly reduce the weight of the material, which is very important sometimes when performing complex work.
• Product with a replaceable head. Such units are intended for use on professional chainsaws.

It is very important to consider the type of devices when choosing them. However, this is not the only important point to pay attention to.

Dimensional characteristics

The guide groove of the bar of a household chainsaw, has a width of 1.1 or 1.3 mm. The same figure for professional models is 1.5-1.6 mm. The discrepancy between the thickness of the chain shank and the width of the groove can initiate overheating of the headset and its premature failure. Alternatively, the chain may exit the groove or break.

Similar consequences can occur if the pitch of the chain and the crown of the drive mechanism does not match. In many models of chainsaws, replacing the drive sprocket is associated with time-consuming dismantling of the clutch assembly. In some cases, equipment of a service and repair level is required.

The most demanded sprocket and saw chain pitch for saws up to 3 HP 0.325 in. For professional chainsaw equipment, the use of a 3/8 inch pitch is characteristic.

The driven tire sprocket is not centrally lubricated. This disadvantage is compensated by the high quality of the bearing, which must be smeared every 8-10 hours of operation. Full replacement of the driven tire sprocket is possible only in an equipped workshop.