First time users of vegetable oil for chain lubricant may notice some leaking from the oil port on the bar, near where the bar is bolted to the saw. Vegetable oil is harder to see – The first time I used vegetable oil in my chain saw, I had an accidental overflow – the oil was so clear I didn’t notice it filling towards the top of the reservoir. Although using vegetable oil to replace petroleum-based chain oil is a step forward from an environmental perspective, operating a chain saw still emits fumes from the 2-stroke gas mix.
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.
Before you grab some oil from your kitchen or supermarket, you may wish to bear in mind that there are manufactured bar and chain oil products that are environmentally friendly and they will biodegrade when left on the earth. The benefits of using vegetable oil on a chainsaw Environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable. The disadvantages of using vegetable oil on your cutter Occasional chainsaw users may find the cooking oil will dry up and hold the chain like glue (if you use a specially formulated ‘green oil’ then you should not have this problem.
I’ve used Stihl and other brands of veggie-based bar & chain oil with very good results. Like others said run petroleum bar oil through it before storage to prevent any plaque buildup issues. If you only use a jug of oil a year you’re best to spend your money on the Stihl Bio Plus bar oil.
chainsaw oil vs vegetable oil Related Question:
Can I use vegetable oil instead of chainsaw oil?
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 I use cooking oil in my chainsaw?
Kitchen oils are not necessarily designed for use on a chainsaw in the long term which could cause maintenance issues, so we’d recommend the use of a vege oil designed for your chain.
Is chainsaw oil the same as regular 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 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.
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.
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
Without lubricant, the speed at which the chain moves over the chainsaw bar can cause some serious friction. A slowed-down chain and excessive fuel burning mean there’s a lot of friction between your bar and chain, which means a lot of heat is being produced that could do major damage to your saw.
Is it OK to use motor oil instead of bar oil?
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.
What viscosity is bar and chain oil?
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 2 stroke oil as chainsaw oil?
Modern two stroke chainsaws do not require generic brand oils to operate at temperatures and rpms that are comparable to those of generic brand oils. Our recommendation is to use only high quality two stroke oil designed for air cooled high performance engines when using your modern two-cycle engine.
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.
Does a chainsaw need engine oil?
To run properly, all chainsaws need two types of oil for different jobs. The first is engine oil. The chainsaw shown here has a two-stroke engine, so it needs two-stroke engine oil mixed with the fuel to help cool and lubricate the moving parts inside the motor.
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 I use used motor oil for chainsaw bar oil?
If you find that you have no other option for chainsaw bar oil, motor oil can be used as a temporary measure. In addition to the fact that motor oil is not sticky enough to stay on the chain and bar, it also has a tendency to break. As a result, when you use a chainsaw, the motor oil will fly off as you cut.
Can you put 5w30 in chainsaw?
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.
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 .