Chainsaw Terminology: A MowShop Guide Chainsaws are indispensable tools. Both first-time and experienced chainsaw owners will benefit from technical knowledge about chainsaws which helps in purchasing informed choices and efficient maintenance. This manual provides explanations of essential chainsaw terminology from start to finish. A Air Filter: The sawdust that chainsaws generate often ends up blocking their air filters. An effective maintenance routine requires frequent cleaning for peak operational performance. The presence of a dirty filter in a chainsaw can result in sputtering or total engine failure. Keeping spare filters is wise because they are affordable backup options. Anti-Vibration System (AVS): AVS uses springs and dampers to isolate handles from the engine to reduce wrist, arm, and shoulder strain. Long cutting sessions become easier to handle and fatigue levels decrease through this feature. Automatic Chain Oiling: The automatic chain oiling system included with most chainsaws ensures proper lubrication of both the chain and guide bar. The automatic chain oiling system prevents rust and overheating which extends your tool’s usable life. The smooth operation of your tool requires that you keep sawdust from obstructing the oil lines and lubrication holes. B Bumper Spikes (Felling Dogs): The small spiked bars located at the guide bar’s base ensure stability during cutting tasks by grabbing onto the wood. These components usually consist of metal or plastic materials because they serve well in tree felling operations. C Centrifugal Clutch: The clutch stops the chain from moving when the engine runs at idle to prevent unnecessary activity. The clutch activates only when the engine reaches a specific speed threshold to reduce strain and enable smoother operation. Chain: A chainsaw chain wraps around the guide bar and includes cutter links, drive links, and tie straps. A sharp chain ensures cutting efficiency but if you find sharpening difficult take it to a professional service centre. Chain Brake: The top handle features an essential safety mechanism. The chain brake protects the user from potential injuries by stopping chain movement during kickback events. Chain Catcher: The chain catcher serves as a small hook that secures chains that break away or separate from the guide bar to increase safety. Chain Tensioning: Maintaining the right chain tension is essential to ensure safe operation. Several chainsaws feature tool-free tensioning systems but others must be adjusted with a spanner or multi-tool. Always check tension before use. Chock: Chocks serve as wedges or blocks to guide tree falls and maintain log stability while cutting. Chocks come in wood, plastic or metal materials and feature tapered designs for versatile use. D Drive Link: The drive links which sit on the chain’s lower side fit into the guide bar’s groove. To ensure replacement chains work correctly you must count the drive links during the purchase process. G Gauge: The gauge represents the thickness of the chain’s drive links. It’s essential to match your chain’s gauge to the guide bar during replacement. Thicker chain gauges provide greater durability compared to thinner gauges which function better for lighter tasks. Guide Bar: The chain moves around this metal bar. Light tasks and pruning operations function best with shorter bars whereas longer bars perform effectively on thicker logs and tree trunks. H Hunting: Engine surges or hunting behavior typically signal fuel system problems. Preventing this issue requires consistent maintenance and keeping fuel lines free from debris. Our Chainsaw Maintenance Guide offers troubleshooting tips for owners. K Kickback: The guide bar moves suddenly upward against resistance. Kickback represents one of the primary dangers users face while operating chainsaws. Modern chainsaws include chain brakes and tip guards to reduce this risk. Proper training is essential for safe use. M Muffler: The component functions to decrease engine noise plus back pressure which enhances operator comfort with the chainsaw. O Oil Reservoir: The oil reservoir contains the lubricant for both the chain and guide bar. Perform regular inspections of the reservoir and replenish oil when necessary to maintain proper function and avoid damage. P Pitch: Pitch calculation involves dividing the space between three successive drive links by two. The proper pitch selection is vital for substituting chains. The mini-pitch chains receive preference because they generate less vibration and kickback during operation. S Safety Throttle: The rear handle switch prevents unintentional machine start-ups. The chain engages only when this button is pressed in combination with the throttle. Scabbard: The scabbard provides a plastic shield over the guide bar which protects the chain and prevents injuries when the chainsaw is stored or transported. T Tip Guard: Tip guards mounted at the guide bar end minimize kickback yet they can restrict specialized cutting methods such as boring cuts. W Wedge: Wedges operate in the same way as chocks by guiding tree falls and securing logs in place. Felling and splitting tasks require these essential accessories. Looking for a new chainsaw? Discover a selection of top-grade chainsaws available to locate the ideal equipment for your requirements.
