Petroleum-based bar oil has been the standard for chainsaws. Lightweight oil is used in winter and heavier oil in summer. Manufacturers of chainsaws make bar and chain oils specially blended for their machines to extend their lifespan, but if they are not available, the owner’s manual suggests alternatives.
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.
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.”
The reason a special type of chainsaw bar oil exists is that chainsaw chains and bars need a lubricant with certain qualities to keep those parts running smoothly. Motor oil will work to keep your chainsaw from burning up if you don’t have any standard bar oil on hand. Hydraulic oil is similar to motor oil and you can use it as a chainsaw bar oil substitute when you have nothing else available.
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.
what oil do chainsaws use Related Question:
Can you use regular motor oil in a chainsaw?
What Not To Use. Whether you use bar and chain oil, traditional motor oil or a vegetable oil-based lubricant, always make sure you’re using fresh oil when you fill your chain saw’s bar oil reservoir. Never use waste oil that you drained from your car or boat.
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.
Can I use any oil for chainsaw bar?
Generally, chainsaws can handle a wide range of lubricants. Vegetable and canola oils work well, and automobile motor oil will too, as long as you observe the SAE ratings and use the appropriate oil weight for the season. Always use fresh, never used, oils.
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 viscosity is chainsaw bar 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 vegetable oil in a 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.
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.
What is special about chainsaw 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.
Do Electric chainsaws need bar oil?
Electric chain saws derive their power from an electric source, so they don’t need fuel to run. Most gas chain saws require a premixed gas-and-oil fuel to operate properly. Electric chain saws don’t require this added oil, but the bar and chain do need to be properly lubricated.
Can I use 2 stroke oil for chainsaw?
Is 2 stroke oil the same as chainsaw oil? Yes, 2-stroke oil is the same as chainsaw oil. However, a chainsaw engine could also be designed for a 4-stroke oil.
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 .
Can you use sunflower oil in a chainsaw?
If using a saw to cut meat, then vegetable oil is the obvious choice so the meat tastes good (you can use sunflower, canola, palm oil etc).
Can I use WD40 as chainsaw oil?
No. You should never use WD40 as chain lubricant since WD-40 is NOT a true lubricant. WD40 is primarily a solvent or rust dissolver.
How often should I oil my chainsaw?
It is recommended that you grease the bearing in the tip of the bar each time you refuel. Make sure to grease the tip at the end of the day as well to help prevent moisture from entering the bearing as the bar cools.
Do all chainsaws need 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.