STIHL CHAINSAW TIPS IN WINTER
Tips on Chainsawing in the Winter
Whether you're cutting down trees after a storm, cutting firewood or clearing trails for your snowmobile, STIHL has some helpful tips to ensure you're operating your chainsaw safely and optimally this winter.
TIP 1: Keep Sprocket Cover Clean
Be sure to keep your sprocket cover clean to prevent snow and moisture from freezing with sawdust and oil.
Clean the chain brake more often, especially with chain saws that have the chain brake in the sprocket cover.
TIP 2: Keep The Saw Out Of The Snow And The Snow Out Of The Saw
When cutting in the snow, keep your chain saw out of the snow – especially when running! The chain saw can draw in water crystals and snow, which can clog your air filter. If you need to keep the saw running set, simply set it on a stump or lay it on the bar cover side. Always engage the chain brake first!
Remove snow from around the fuel tank opening before refueling, so snow doesn't fall in the tank; water and moisture in the fuel can cause unnecessary aggravation.
Keep the anti-vibration system free from snow and ice that could freeze and affect the dampening function, resulting in increased operator fatigue.
Wipe away any snow, ice or water droplets from around the throttle trigger and throttle trigger interlock to ensure they remain operational. Also keep the cooling air intake clean and free from snow, ice and sawdust to prevent your engine from overheating.
TIP 3: What Model of Chainsaw is Meant for the Cold?
STIHL’s chainsaws with the letter W in the model name have an electric heated handle that keeps the handles free of snow and ice, even in the extreme cold! These saws provide extra comfort in cold weather. The heated handles (W) can be engaged with a switch on the left handle as required.
TIP 4: Dress The Part
If you are cutting during the winter, make sure that any bulkier winter clothing does not get sucked up against the cooling air intake. This can restrict air flow and cause major engine failure!
For some STIHL sweaters and jackets click here.
Be aware that the ground might be frozen and slippery. You will need solid footwear with good traction. With all your winter tree work, take extreme care in the freezing weather.
TIP 5: Safety First, Always!
When cutting in the winter, wood is more likely to splinter, so using a helmet and eye protection is even more important! Get everything you need to stay safe here!
TIP 6: How to Cut Frozen Wood
Since frozen wood is harder than non-frozen wood, you may want to decrease the saw chain's filing angle by five degrees. Decreasing the chain's angle increases cutting performance in frozen woods and decreases the wear to your guide bar and saw chain.
TIP 7: Good Quality Gas
In order for your saw to run its best, especially in colder weather, it's important you fill the gas tank with premium fuel. Yes it's more expensive but the lower the ethanol content in the fuel the better. We wrote a great blog on the fuel issue in equipment. Click here to learn more!
STIHL felt so passionate about this issue that they developed a new ethanol free fuel mixture called MotoMix for two-stroke and 4-MIX equipment engines. Click here to check it out!
Stay safe out there and enjoy your STIHL saw this winter!