Heat from summer thins oil, and cold from winter makes it thick. To prevent this, chainsaw manufacturers make bar oils matched to the air temperature and the saw in which it is operated. Although they don’t disclose the weight of their oil, the University of Missouri Extension recommends in lieu of using a bar oil, select SAE 30 weight oil in summer and SAE 10 in winter.
At Gardening Products Review, we highly recommend oil manufactured for this specific use. Chainsaw shown in this video tutorial is the Redback 40V 12″ Li-Ion Cordless Chainsaw. The bar & chain oil featured in this video is Husqvarna Bar & Chain Oil – 1 Gallon.
Most high quality or professional chain saws have sophisticated chain oilers that are more efficient and have the capability of controlling the amount of oil being used. FERIC STUDY The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada tested and reported on field trials of a vegetable-based oil for lubricating chain saws. Rottne harvester operators noticed a significant reduction in the oil mist that collects on the machines windows due both to the cleanliness of the Binol compared to petroleum-based oil and to the reduced consumption of oil.
Knowing the available chainsaw oil options, learning how to choose the right one and determining the right fuel/oil ratio can help ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly every time. Common Issues if Chainsaw Oil Is Bad. Chainsaw engine oil can go bad. Two-cycle oil is good for up to five years when sealed, and many manufacturers list the oil’s shelf life on the container. “One thing we do for our customers who buy a chainsaw that requires an oil/gas mix is we have them buy a gas can and we write the formula right on the can with a big black Sharpie. Then, the next time they need to make the mixture, they can dump in the right amount of oil and take the can to the gas station and pump in the right amount of gas.”
One of the most common points of confusion for new chainsaw users, is the difference between engine oil, and bar and chain oil. Bar and chain oil is a lubricant used to reduce friction caused by the metal-on-metal contact between a chainsaw’s bar and chain. There’s folks out there, that say regular old engine oil works great as a bar and chain oil.
what is chainsaw lubricant Related Question:
What kind of oil do you use for a chainsaw bar?
What viscosity is chainsaw bar oil? The viscosity of chainsaw bar oil can vary depending on the formula but 30W is standard. In cold weather, a thin 10W chainsaw oil may be advantageous, while very hot temperatures may require a much thicker 40W or 50W formula.
Can you use engine oil for chainsaw chain lubricant?
Instead manufacturer’s recommend summer and winter weights. If your manufacturer’s bar and chain oil is unavailable, you can use SAE 30 weight motor oil to lube your chain during the summer and SAE 10 weight during the winter, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil?
As a matter of fact, you can actually use regular 10w30 motor oil on a chainsaw as one of the alternatives in case you don’t have bar and chain oil. That’s because 10w30 oil has enough thickness and viscosity that will allow it to withstand the friction that is happening whenever you are using a chainsaw.
Is bar and chain oil the same as motor oil?
Bar and chain oil is stickier than regular motor oil, so it stays on the chain longer. Motor oil flings off the chain more quickly, so if you try Terry’s tip, be prepared to refill the oil on your chain saw more quickly than with regular bar and chain oil.
Can I use 5w30 for chainsaw bar?
Can I Use 5w30 for a Chainsaw Bar? Like 10w30 motor oil, you can use 5w30 oil. However, the thin and low-viscosity SAE5 weight oil will not cling to the chain and chainsaw bar very well in the summer. You may experience a lot of oil loss and a messy worksite if you choose this chainsaw bar oil alternative.
What is special about chainsaw oil?
Chainsaw bar oil has a certain level of “slickness” to it. This slickness keeps the chain spinning at a fast rate without getting slowed down by the friction that occurs when metal rubs against metal. So, if you want to use the “correct” type of bar oil in your chainsaw, consult the manual and use what it suggests.
Can you use 10w40 in a chainsaw?
You can but it’s not very good for the chain or the environment. The Husqvarna / Stihl stuff is much thicker and vegetable based so it doesn’t fling off the chain as easily or poison your garden! 10w30. Thicker.
What is bar oil equivalent to?
Canola oil It is thinner than regular vegetable oil, meaning it will tend to fly off the chainsaw more quickly – but it has a more suitable viscosity at lower temperatures so makes a good substitute for chainsaw oil when it is too cold to use vegetable oil.
Can you use vegetable oil chainsaw?
Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.
Can you use transmission fluid for chainsaw bar oil?
On occasion I’ve used tranny fluid to clean out old oil residue in old chainsaws . It works well . In addition to that tranny fluid seems to pump better on some saws with whimpy oilers in cold weather .
What kind of oil is chain oil?
The Standard. Petroleum-based bar oil has been the standard for chainsaws.
Can you use engine oil as bar oil?
It might be OK for a bit but I probably wouldn’t do it. You could look up your owner’s manual to see if they say anything. If you must use the chainsaw and have nothing else on hand, surely motor oil is better than nothing. I think bar oil is stickier than regular motor oil to prevent splattering as much.
Do you need bar and chain oil?
You want lubrication of the actual chain against the bar. You don’t want to chain to burn – which is what might happen if there’s too much friction. Without oil, it causes frictional force on the motor in the chainsaw as well.