Although there would be no damage on initial contact with dirt, any exposure to dirt during cutting can dull your machine’s cutting chain. While cutting through a log, the rotating chain is bound to hit the dirt once it cuts through the log. Due to a fast-rotating chain, a chainsaw would be extremely messy for use in dirt.
It is recommended to avoid using a chainsaw in the dirt to prevent the blade from dulling with flying debris, prevent the chains from wearing out or losing lubrication, and avoid dirt from entering the motor. While using a chainsaw in the dirt will not guarantee damage upon initial contact in every cutting session, the risk of damage because of consistent exposure should prevent you from using it in these conditions. If the wood is too large or heavy to prop up, using other tools to accompany your chainsaw and monitoring your cut can save your chainsaw and get the job done.
In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch. A overly loose or tight chain also wears out the drive sprocket and causes rapid chain and bar wear. To determine if your chain is properly tensioned, pull up on the chain.
Read on for an in-depth look at how dirt dulls a chainsaw chain, plus some handy tips on keeping dirt out of your chain. It dulls your cutters, wears out your chain links, and stretches your chain. Unless you’re a professional who’s been using a chainsaw for years, getting dirt in your chain is inevitable.
how to keep chainsaw out of dirt Related Question:
Will dirt mess up a chainsaw?
Dirt contains various hard particles that are harder than the chain’s steel. As a result, it can dull the sharp chain cutters and affect its performance.
What should you not do with a chainsaw?
Don’t Cut on the Ground When Using a Chainsaw Cutting on or near the ground puts you at risk for sinking the bar into the dirt. When learning how to use a chainsaw safely, one of the first things you should do is make sure to make your cuts off the ground.
Why does my chainsaw blunt so quickly?
Dirt Causes A Chainsaw To Dull If you’re cutting through logs and your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut through could nick dirt or even worse, rocks on the floor causing your chainsaw to jerk, thus dulling.
Does charred wood dull a chainsaw?
Re: Cutting burnt wood From my limited experience, it dulls chain fast. If you have a lot to do, then Bailey’s sells chain to cut in dirty conditions.
Can I use wd40 to clean chainsaw?
Step 4: Clean the Chain We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, use a wire brush to remove all the grime (repeat several times) and wipe with a paper towel to make sure all the dirt is gone.
How often should I clean my chainsaw?
For homeowners, this means you’ll need to clean your filter twice a year on average. Professionals may need to do it weekly, and sometimes even more frequently. The best time to clean or replace the air filter on a chainsaw for most people is at the start of the cutting season.
Can you dig a trench with a chainsaw?
Yes! Chainsaws are great for digging trenches but there are some downsides so make sure you weigh all of your options before deciding what method will work best for this project.
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Kickback is the most common and poses the greatest hazard. Kickback occurs when the rotating chain is stopped suddenly by contact with a more solid area throwing the saw rapidly backward toward the operator.
Does dirt dull a chainsaw?
Nobody plans to run their chain saw into dirt. But when you cut close to the ground, you’re just begging for a quick dip into dirt, rocks and crud. All it takes is a second in the dirt to dull the cutters. In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch.
Can a chainsaw cut roots in dirt?
Chainsaws are strong equipment that dirt won’t damage or lose its chain. Keep in mind that some timber might be left beneath the earth. Large roots can also be taken out by cutting vertically into the ground and then pulling out with a shovel or pickaxe.
Should you run a chainsaw at full throttle?
Engine Protection Generally, two-stroke chainsaw engines are built to conveniently run at full throttle without an engine breakdown. Therefore, running at any throttle speed below the full throttle is not advised.
How often should you flip the bar on your chainsaw?
Some professional loggers would advocate that you should flip your chainsaw bar at the end of every use, particularly when you are cleaning up. Others suggest a more relaxed approach advising that you flip the chainsaw bar only when you are changing your chainsaw blade.
How long should a chainsaw chain stay sharp?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
Why does my chainsaw cut curves?
Two main reasons will cause the chain to cut on a curve. The most common reason is from improper hand filing. If one side of the teeth is more heavily damaged, sharpening them down will make them smaller than the other side.
What is the best thing to clean a chainsaw with?
In a well-ventilated area, take a bucket and mix one cup of ammonia with one gallon of water. Place the chainsaw chain in this solution and let it soak for 15 minutes. Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves for protection. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub each section of the chain until it’s free of debris.