For most owners of electric saws, it is no big secret that the oil used to lubricate the electric saw chain is one of the main consumables. However, not everyone pays due attention to the quality of the lubricant. And it is completely in vain, since the life of its further operation will depend on how well this product lubricates the working surface of the chain. Therefore, before pouring oil into an electric saw, you need to pay attention to its technical characteristics.
Why is it necessary to lubricate the chain on an electric saw?
Electric saw oil is used as a chain lubricant to neutralize frictional forces and reduce heat generation. As a result, fast and uninterrupted operation of the cutting blade is achieved. Sometimes it happens that at some stages of cutting it is necessary to make additional efforts to obtain the required cut, and this directly indicates an insufficient amount of lubricant or its not very good quality. In this case, it is recommended to immediately check the oil level in the reservoir or simply lubricate the chain to complete the current work.
Most new models of electric chain saws have a built-in automatic oil supply system to the surface of the cutting element, and manual lubrication is only necessary for older equipment.
What is it for?
Many owners of electric saws ask a reasonable question: why does this tool need oil? The answer is simple - this product is used as a chain lubricant to neutralize the existing significant friction force between individual parts. Due to the presence of oil, the fundamental elements of the device do not suffer from excessive heat when they come into contact together.
When using good oil and applied on time, the saw will work not only more efficiently and easily, but also longer. Equipment deprived of such maintenance is subject to very serious breakdowns. It is unlikely to last long.
On the modern market there are several options for oil designed for processing electric chain saws. These compositions can have a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic base. It should be understood that the latter contain both synthetic and mineral components. Another category of modern chain oils for electronic saws from various companies are products based on raw materials of plant origin. Obviously, each group of oils has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If we consider the characteristics of all oils based on the principles of stability and ability to perform well under fairly complex conditions, then, naturally, synthetic products come into first place. They are capable of ensuring the operation of electronic saws even in very cool weather (up to 40 degrees). But these types of oils also have one fundamental drawback that must be taken into account - they are not cheap. That's why many consumers are reluctant to purchase them in favor of more affordable options.
As for the favorite mineral oils, they are several times cheaper than synthetic options. But their operational properties are also very inferior to those of the compositions indicated above.
Semi-synthetic oils are a cross between synthetic and mineral products. These types of oils are produced for both electronic and gasoline devices.
Main components of the lubrication system
Typically, oil enters the chain lubrication system of an electric saw from a special tank, where it is periodically added. From there it is pushed out by a powerful oil pump, doing this at certain time intervals sufficient to expend the previous injection. The main task of the oil mechanism is to prevent the occurrence of such situations when the lubrication on the chain becomes insufficient, and as a result, severe overheating of the cutting part may occur due to sharply increased friction forces. As a result, the chain may become dull and fail. Therefore, the oil must be constantly monitored. Typically, the lubrication system of an electric saw consists of the following components:
- oil tank for chain lubrication;
- special oil filter;
- oil line, which is a small rubber hose that serves to supply oil from the tank;
- an oil pump that pumps lubricant from the tank to the cutting mechanism;
- a special gear with the help of which force is transmitted to the pump from the electric saw motor.
A tire could also be added to this list, since it has special holes for oil supply.
Operating principle of the chain lubrication system
As already mentioned, the main link in the lubrication system is the pump. It works like this. When the engine speed increases, the gear, which is located on the main shaft, begins the pump operation process through a transmission. At this moment, the pressure in the oil supply system increases, and it begins to move towards the tire. This movement ends where the saw housing comes into contact with the tire, in the very place where the longitudinal groove is located, to which the oil channel itself is directed when mounting the tire. This groove is required to supply lubricant to the tire at any tension level of the chain mechanism, i.e. Regardless of the position of the bar during operation of the electric saw, the groove will ensure the supply of lubricant to it. The next feed link is the chain itself. Its links have their own separate groove or hole through which the material is distributed along the length of the chain.
Electric saw chain automatic lubrication system
If the engine speed increases, the lubricant pumping speed also increases. Therefore, it is recommended to pour oil into the electric saw only when the engine is turned off.
Many modern models of electric saws, for example, Makita, have built-in pumps with additional skip adjustment, with which you can regulate the amount of lubricant supplied. In older modifications of saws this feature is usually missing. There, the oil supply is carried out in a constant and unchangeable mode or, as in the very first models, the user has to lubricate the chain manually. Those who own outdated copies need to know how to properly lubricate the chain mechanism by hand. It's not difficult at all:
- take any old container and fill it with oil;
- the chain mechanism is carefully immersed in this container.
These actions should be carried out periodically as the lubricant on the chain is used up.
Consequences of lack or excess of lubrication on the chain
For each mechanism whose operating mode is associated with lubricant based on machine oil, certain parameters must be observed. This primarily concerns the amount of oil required for its normal operation. The following problems may occur if there is not enough oil:
- circuit overheating;
- premature dulling of cutting teeth;
- chain jamming or breaking;
- additional time spent on cutting;
- increased sprocket wear;
- tire failure.
For an electric chain saw, it is recommended to fill the oil tank in the following proportion: one full filling of oil per full filling of the gas tank, i.e. 1:1. In some models, for example, Bosh, the lubrication system operates in a fully automatic mode and, if there is too much or little oil on the chain, the saw itself begins to regulate its supply. However, if a malfunction occurs and oil literally begins to pour from the chain mechanism, then its excess can lead to the following undesirable consequences:
- increased oil consumption;
- excessive contamination of the instrument body;
- wide emission of oil splashes from the chain.
As you can see, an excess of lubricant does not lead to critical consequences, but its overconsumption will definitely hit your pocket. Considering that the cost of high-quality lubricating oil is quite high, it is better to use it carefully.
How to choose?
If you want your electric saw to serve for a long time and not cause you any trouble, then you should choose high-quality oil for it. You should approach this issue very seriously, because the condition and performance of a not-so-cheap tool will depend on your choice.
When choosing a lubricant, several basic criteria should be taken into account.
- As mentioned above, it is permissible to use engine or transmission oil only if the tool manufacturer allows it. Open the instructions - there should be a clause about the permissibility of using such oils. Also, do not use only mineral formulations. Motor oil can not only lubricate the chain, but also clean various systems in the device.
General recommendations for choosing lubricant for electric saws
When choosing oil for lubricating an electric saw, each user asks the question, which option is more profitable and acceptable - special oil for chain mechanisms or regular machine oil? If you listen to the experts, then, of course, the first option is preferable, since the chain lubricating oil was specially designed taking into account the technical characteristics of the electric saw.
Technical characteristics mean a certain temperature regime and friction of the working parts of the lubrication mechanism.
Although regular motor oil is cheaper than special motor oil, it must be taken into account that it serves completely different purposes and cannot guarantee moderate wear of working parts . So you can gain a little in price now, but then you will have to overpay for the repair of prematurely worn out mechanisms.
Many experts recommend using a special brand of oil with the letter N to lubricate the electric saw. It is a little more expensive, but guarantees long-term and trouble-free operation of the chain. Its main advantages include:
- excellent biodegradability;
- increased adhesive capabilities;
- the presence in the composition of special additives that protect against premature wear.
By following these recommendations, you can significantly increase the service life of the chain mechanism of your electric saw. However, the final choice of lubricant always remains with the user.
Can I use motor oil?
Is it permissible to use motor oil as a saw lubricant? This is another common question among tool owners.
In fact, transmission and engine compounds can be used to lubricate the chain of certain models, but it should be kept in mind that such mineral compounds are best avoided.
It should be borne in mind that such compositions are suitable only for specific models of saws . The fact that the tool can be lubricated with motor or transmission oils must be indicated in the technical documentation attached to the equipment.
Do not lubricate the chain with such means under any circumstances unless authorized by the manufacturer. Do not forget that such compositions are not designed for the operating conditions of the circuit. They simply will not be able to fully protect the equipment. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and not resort to using these types of oils.
Ordinary vegetable oils are also not suitable for lubricating the chain mechanism . Of course, they will have a short-lived lubricating effect, but it is worth remembering that such compositions have a characteristic property - they dry out. Subsequently, this can lead to the chain moving in the mechanism very poorly, with delays. Because of this, the operation of the saw as a whole will noticeably deteriorate, so it is not recommended to experiment with vegetable oils in relation to this technique.
Review of brands from various manufacturers
Today there are many tempting offers on the market from a variety of manufacturers of specialty oils that can operate in high temperature conditions and still provide excellent gear lubrication performance. The most popular of them are presented in the following list.
- Forest Plus has high adhesive characteristics and can be used at ambient temperatures down to - 15°C. Subject to certain conditions, the shelf life of the oil is 3 years. Sold in 1-liter and five-liter packaging. Cost 1 l. – 330 rubles, 5 l. – 1140 rubles.
- Bio Plus products are made on a plant basis. When released into the soil, it quickly decomposes. The oil can be used at temperatures down to - 15°C. Packaging – 1 and 5 liter containers. Cost 1 l. — 360 rubles.
- Synth Plus is made on a synthetic base. Withstands increased loads and can be used at particularly low temperatures down to – 25°C. Packaging – 1 and 4 liter containers. Cost 1 l. – 790 rubles, 4l. – 2970 rubles.
- CHAMPION adhesive oil is designed to operate over a wide temperature range. Sold in 3 and 10 liter containers, which is very convenient for use in forestry. Cost 3l. – 490 rubles, 10 l. – 2200 rubles.
- The HUSQVARNA Vegoil product is one of the most economical solutions for the lubrication mechanism of an electric saw. According to the manufacturer, the consumption of this material is 40% less than others. Cost 1 l. – 390 rubles.
Using special oil to lubricate the chain mechanism of the electric saw will ensure its uninterrupted operation for a long time. This will allow work to be carried out quickly, efficiently and with a high level of safety, which will ultimately lead to significant savings on repairs and maintenance of the entire tool.
