Maintain Your Equipment
As a firefighter, it is essential to keep all your equipment in good working order to ensure it can operate at full capacity when an emergency occurs. Chainsaws, like any other piece of equipment, can break and wear over time, but regular maintenance can limit these issues. Having a good working knowledge of your chainsaw will also allow you to troubleshoot issues and resolve them quickly.
Here are some essential firefighter chainsaw maintenance steps.
Chainsaw Maintenance Tips You Need to Follow
As a fire emergency responder, you need to keep your equipment at the ready, all the time. Having fully capable equipment readily available can be the difference between life and death. Chainsaws are no exception.
Here are a few basic chainsaw maintenance steps you should take regularly to ensure your chainsaw remains operational and in a state of readiness:
- Keep Saw Chain Sharp
- Top Off Gas and Oil
- Blow Out Air Filter
- Wipe Off Excess Oil
- Start Saws During Weekly and Monthly Truck Checks
- Store Saw with Protector Over the Bar and Chain
- Tighten All Bolts and Nuts
- Ensure the Chain Brake Is in Proper Working Condition
While there is no overarching schedule for chainsaw maintenance, it is recommended that routine maintenance inspections and actions be taken before and after each use and that more in-depth maintenance repairs be performed at regular intervals. However, most chainsaws come with an operator’s manual that details the regular maintenance required and at what timing intervals for that specific manufacturer.
For all chainsaws, it is important that the chainsaw, the bar, and the chain are all kept clean and dry after each use to ensure the chain remains sharp, lubricated, and free of any debris or resin. Proper storage of your chainsaw must also be a priority. Apart from storing your chainsaw in a protective cover, it should ideally be stored in a dry location with ample ventilation so it remains dry and clean. The better you care for and maintain your chainsaw, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.
How to Troubleshoot Chainsaw Problems & Solve Them
Like any other piece of equipment, chainsaws will undoubtedly wear, break, or have operational issues at some point. Instead of wasting valuable resources purchasing a new chainsaw, there are basic troubleshooting steps you can take to investigate, repair, and solve common chainsaw problems.
Just like a fire, chainsaws require three main components to operate correctly: fuel, a spark, and air. These should be your main areas of investigation when troubleshooting your chainsaw’s issues. Two common chainsaw problems include 1) the chainsaw not starting and 2) the chainsaw not cutting.
If your chainsaw will not start, take the following actions:
- Check to See if the STOP Switch Is ON
- If the Chainsaw Is Cold, Choke It: If the Chainsaw Is Warm, Do NOT Choke It
- Check to See That the Filter Is Clean
A chainsaw not starting may indicate:
- A Carburetor Problem
- The Saw Is Flooded and You Should Let It Sit
- A Bad Spark Plug
- The Chainsaw Is Out of Gas
If your chainsaw will not cut, it may indicate:
- The Chain Is Dull and Needs to Be Sharpened
- The Chain Is on Backwards
- The Chain Is Not Properly Lubricated
- You Are Cutting an Incompatible Material
- The Chain Brake Is On
Address any chainsaw operation issues promptly to prevent them from worsening or expanding. Performing regular inspections and maintenance on your chainsaw will limit issues and increase its lifespan. Firefighters are responsible for keeping their equipment in working condition at all times. Properly caring for your chainsaw will ensure it is ready to be used whenever an emergency occurs.
In addition to his leadership role at Ward Fire Equipment,
John May has more than 30 years of experience in the Fire Service. John is a Level I & II Fire instructor in the State of NY.
