How Do You Maintain Your STIHL Chainsaw?

Man wearing protective gear while wielding a Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw up to a branch with Peak Performance is pictured.How do you maintain your STIHL chainsaw for peak performance? A STIHL chainsaw tackles the toughest jobs on your ranch or property. It cuts through oak and cedar with incredible power. However, even the best machine needs regular care to run smoothly. Neglecting maintenance leads to hard starts, poor cutting, and potential safety hazards. You must keep your saw in top shape to ensure it works when you need it.

Keep It Clean

Sawdust and sap build up quickly. You should clean your saw after every use. Remove the sprocket cover and brush out the debris. If you leave this gunk, it clogs the oiler holes and overheats the bar. Check the air filter often. A dirty filter chokes the engine and ruins performance. Tap it against a hard surface or wash it according to the manual.

Sharpen the Chain

A dull chain is dangerous. It forces you to push down on the saw, which increases the risk of kickback. A sharp chain pulls itself into the wood and makes large wood chips. If your saw produces fine dust instead of chips, the chain is dull. You can file it yourself with a STIHL sharpening kit, or bring it to us for professional sharpening.

Watch Your Fuel

Fuel issues cause most engine failures. Modern ethanol gas goes bad quickly. It attracts moisture and gums up the carburetor. If you plan to store your saw for more than a month, drain the fuel tank completely. Better yet, use STIHL MotoMix. This premixed fuel stays fresh for years and protects your engine during storage.

Regular maintenance protects your investment and keeps you safe. Visit New Braunfels Feed & Supply for genuine STIHL parts, chains, and expert service.