Aside from being afraid of the cold, a chainsaw that is well prepared for the challenges of winter will give even more to its owner.
“A two-stroke engine operates at extremely high speeds. “The colder the weather, the better performance I will get because my engine will maintain its temperature correctly,” explains Martin Hébert, a technician who has specialized in the repair of chainsaws for 36 years and the creator of this saw. Facebook page Tutku Chain sawA site with 24,000 subscribers.
Before winter arrives in a few weeks, preventive measures can be put in place now to be ready for the first trip into the forest. “In winter, air density becomes higher, which brings humidity. Most saws have traps that send hot air to prevent the air filter and carburetor from freezing. If less air and more gas enter the engine, this causes the saws to not run at full speed and stall at idle,” underlines Martin Hébert.
In order for the hot air sent to the filtration system to be as clean as possible, it is recommended to install a winter protection kit, more commonly called an air separator. wheel. “This is a kit that blocks a third of the starter cover. “When you place your saw on the ground, snow, or branches, it helps minimize the reflection of snow into the air intake,” he explains.
Martin Hébert also recommends replacing a few inexpensive components (spark plug, starter rope and gas filter) that will optimize the saw’s performance before winter arrives.
There’s nothing worse than losing part of your day because of a minor inconvenience like a broken rope.
Martin Hébert
To optimize performance in extreme cold, it is recommended to replace the felt air filter with a nylon air filter. “It is less likely to form ice and allows more air into the engine than felt filters. » Martin Hébert also recommends cleaning the filter at the end of each working day. “Warm water with a little washing-up liquid is uncomplicated and does the trick. »
When you need to take a break to replace or sharpen the chain, it’s always a good idea to use a small screwdriver or small scraper to remove any oil and sawdust trapped under the cover in restricted areas. “Sawdust soaked in water can freeze and prevent the chain from turning. I must clear this; it eliminates a lot of small problems,” he recalls.
When it comes to gasoline, premium is preferred over regular due to its octane number. “In the super engine we find the octane number 91 or 92, which is perfect for engines with high compression ratios such as in chainsaws. Unfortunately, new regulations since the beginning of 2023 are minimal
10% ethanol in super. And the problem is ethanolHE 1 of the small engines. It is a moisture absorber, mixes poorly with oil and requires very high combustion rates to explode,” underlines Martin Hébert.
Another suggestion: Don’t use gasoline from a can that’s been sitting in the garage for a few months. “It would be better to get out of the winter season by filling your container with super in December. Studies show that regular gasoline loses almost 50% of its quality after a month in the container. “New petrol is always better for better starts,” surmises the technician, arguing that 95% of problems with faulty saws entrusted to him are petrol-related.
Regarding the mixture of oil and gasoline, Martin Hébert insists that it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. “If the manual says 50 to 1, you shouldn’t work at 40 to 1. We always use manufacturer’s oils. »
As for chain oils, a transparent quality oil that is suitable for operation in winter must be used. “Although it is an oil that is lighter than -15 degrees Celsius, its viscosity is sometimes too thick to carry the oil to the chain. In this case, my recommendation is to mix the oil with the diesel at a ratio of one third. There is nothing at stake for the saw; Even manufacturers recommend it,” notes Martin Hébert.
Carburetor adjustment
While professional saws have an electronic carburetor that automatically adjusts the volume of gas entering the engine, this is not the case with commercial saws; Some may need to be adjusted before winter due to increased humidity in the air.
“Since the air density is higher, we will have to increase the amount of gasoline entering the engine. You can adjust the air/fuel mixture via the carburetor screw. This is a very delicate operation; This requires an adjustment of 1/4, 1/8 turn. It’s not just anyone who can do this. To avoid getting the carburetor out of calibration, it is better to contact your dealer or a technician,” says the founder of Passion Chain Saw.
As for protective equipment, it still remains indispensable all year round. The technician notes that rubber safety boots are popular in winter as well as in spring, but waterproof leather boots can also be found on the market. Frozen wood is more likely to splinter, so it’s even more important to wear a helmet and safety glasses.
“For most loggers, we have to go to work every Monday morning. Therefore, protective equipment is essential. Good safety trousers, a helmet with a shell and visor and boots that protect against the impact of falls are all there for the price, but for $500 or $550 you will get a good thing, concludes Martin Hébert.
