Petrol Chainsaw for Sale: Anatomy of a Petrol Chainsaw
Chainsaws are robust and powerful tools that will get any tree felling, branch trimming, or firewood cutting job done quickly and effortlessly. If you are interested in owning a chainsaw, but would better like to understand all the workings that go towards making this powerful cutting machine operate, then we have got you covered. In this guide to the anatomy of a petrol chainsaw, we explain the function of all the main parts of a petrol chainsaw. When you are looking for a high-quality and affordable petrol chainsaw for sale, B&S Commercial Power is the unbeaten choice.
Anatomy of a Petrol Chainsaw Explained:
Understanding how a petrol chainsaw works is not only beneficial for using the chainsaw, but it can also assist you to keep your chainsaw adequately maintained. In addition, if something goes wrong and you need to have your chainsaw repaired, you will have a better grasp on which part of your chainsaw is facing problems. To help you better understand how a chainsaw works, we have explained each of the 24 components of a petrol chainsaw.
1) Front and Rear Handle:
On a chainsaw, you will find two handles, the front and rear handle. The double handles are to ensure you have maximum grip and control over the chainsaw, that you can operate it safely, and that it is comfortable to use for extended periods. One hand must always be on the rear handle to operate the chainsaw.
2) Front Handle Guard:
Positioned in front of the front handle is the front handle guard. The front handle guard is designed to prevent your hand from slipping into the chainsaw chain while it is in operation. This safety feature is essential, especially if there is a kickback when using the chainsaw that results in your hand slipping or jolting forward.
3) Throttle:
Located on the underside of the rear handle is the chainsaw throttle. The throttle will regulate the amount of fuel that is sent to the combustion cylinders in the engine, and thus controls the speed of the chain around the guide bar.
4) Throttle Interlock:
The throttle interlock is situated on the top of the rear handle. In order for the throttle to function, the throttle interlock must be engaged first. The throttle interlock ensures that you do not accidentally accelerate the throttle, causing the chainsaw chain to move at a higher speed than needed or safe to use.
5) Guide Bar:
The guide bar is a long, flat, and rounded piece of metal that the chain rotates around. The guide bar guides the chain to keep the chain in place and ensure straight cutting. The length of your guide bar will determine the max length of your cuts in the wood.
6) Chain:
The chain is where the cutting magic happens on a chainsaw. The chainsaw chain is moved around the guide bar and will allow you to cut into the wood. A chainsaw chain is comprised of five parts: cutters, guides, drive links, tie straps, and rivets. The cutters will cut the wood, the guides are what are determines the depth of your cut, the drive links keep the chain attached to the guide bar, and the tie straps and the rivets keep the chain connected.
7) Chain Catcher:
The chain catcher is located on the bottom of the chainsaw at the base of the guide bar. The chain catcher is a safety feature that is essential for chainsaws. If the chain snaps whilst in use, the chain catcher is designed to catch the broken chain. This prevents any injuries that may occur by being hit by the snapped chain.
8) Chain Brake:
The chain brake is designed to stop the chain from rotating around the guide bar if there is a sudden kickback. Kickback can thrust you off balance, which can be dangerous if you are holding a chainsaw that is still on. Chain brakes can either be manual or automatic, depending on the brand and model of your petrol chainsaw.
9) Chain Tensioner:
The tension of your chain is essential for the performance of your chainsaw. Tension that is too tight will not cut the wood properly and place stress on your chainsaw, whereas a tension that is too loose can become detached from the guide bar and cause injury if your chain brake has not been manually activated.
The chain tensioner allows you to adjust the tension of your chain. The chain tensioner is usually located on the right-hand side of the chainsaw, and can either be under the cover or an external feature. You would use a specific chainsaw tensioner tool to manually adjust the tension.
10) Engine:
The engine is the powerhouse behind the chainsaw. Within the engine is all the parts that work together to power the chainsaw. These include the carburettor, combustion cylinder, piston, spark plug, flywheel, and more.
11) Fuel Tank:
The fuel tank is where you will pour your petrol into your chainsaw. The tank stores the petrol until your chainsaw needs it to operate.
12) Pull Cord:
The pull cord has a plastic handle with a rope attached and allows you to start your chainsaw. The cord will run through the chainsaw and be connected to a piston in the engine. As you pull the cord, the piston will start turning the crankshaft in the engine, which then turns on the flywheel. The chainsaw chain will then start rotating around the guide bar.
13) Carburettor:
The fuel from the fuel tank is pulled into the carburettor in the chainsaw engine. In the carburettor, the fuel is mixed with the correct quantity of air. The carburettor then sends the fuel and air mixture into the cylinder.
14) Choke Valve:
The choke valve controls the flow rate of air and fuel into the carburettor. The choke valve will open wider if more fuel or air is needed or restrict the amount of fuel and air. The choke valve will help you get the chainsaw started.
15) Combustion Cylinder:
As the fuel-air mixture gets into the combustion cylinder from the carburettor, the mixture will be ignited by the spark plug. This causes a release of energy, which moves the pistons in the cylinder. Most chainsaws operate with a two-stroke cylinder. Connected to the pistons in the cylinder is a rod and crank, which moves with the pistons and spins the chain around the guide bar.
16) Clutch:
The clutch is essentially the connection between the engine and the chain. The clutch controls the movement of the chain. The clutch will disengage the chain when the engine is in idle and re-engage the chain when you want to cut.
17) Spark Plug:
The spark plug ignites the fuel in the cylinder. Spark plugs commonly wear down; therefore, you will need to check this regularly to keep your chainsaw operating correctly.
18) Flywheel:
The flywheel is a circular metal disc that is attached to the engine. When the engine is on, the flywheel spins. The flywheel assists with controlling the speed of the engine and keeps the engine cool so that overheating does not occur.
19) Decompression Valve:
The decompression valve assists the starting of the engine when you pull the pull cord. The decompression valve is designed to release compression for the cylinders during the starting process, making it a smoother and easier start.
20) Lubricant Tank:
Chainsaw lubricant is important for the chainsaw chain and guide bar. Without lubricant, the friction between the metal of the rotating chain and the guide bar can cause it to overheat. Continuous friction will wear down your chain at a faster rate, causing you to constantly keep needing to replace your chain. The lubricant tank will store the specialised chainsaw lubricant.
21) Air Filter:
The air filter performs the important role of protecting the engine. Chainsaw engines need both fuel and air to work, and as you are cutting wood, there will be sawdust flying into the air. The air filter ensures that only clean, debris-free air is being pumped into your chainsaw engine.
22) Muffler:
The muffler is designed to reduce the noise that the chainsaw makes. Petrol chainsaws are especially noisy when in operation, but the muffler does assist in preventing the chainsaw from being excessively noisy. The muffler can help drastically reduce the risks of being exposed to a constant high level of noise.
23) High/Low Adjustment:
The high/low adjustment controls the idling speed of the chainsaw. It is usually marked with an “H” and an “L” that can be manually adjusted. The adjustments will control the maximum and minimum revs per minute (RPM).
24) Anti-vibration System:
An anti-vibration system reduces the amount of vibration of the chainsaw. The anti-vibration system usually includes springs that will absorb some of the movement of the chainsaw. This will help reduce excess strain whilst you are operating the chainsaw.
Petrol Chainsaw for Sale at B&S Commercial Power:
If you are ready to get your hands on a petrol chainsaw for sale, B&S Commercial Power has you covered. You can easily find a petrol chainsaw for sale on our online store or at our Cape Town-based shop. We only offer high-quality, affordable, and powerful petrol chainsaws for sale to ensure that we provide you with the highest standard of chainsaw options.
With B&S Commercial Power, it is effortless finding the best-suited petrol chainsaw for sale for your cutting jobs. Our range of Stihl and Husqvarna petrol chainsaws for sale are designed to offer you an unbeaten choice. To assist you find the best petrol chainsaw for your cutting needs, we have listed three of our available chainsaws and their different performances.
Husqvarna 120 Mark II Chainsaw with 14 Inch Cutter Bar: This robust petrol chainsaw for sale is suitable for all-round use, making it an excellent choice for homeowners with various cutting needs. It is lightweight, easy to use, and packs a punch in power that will make cutting through branches and logs speedy and enjoyable.
Stihl MS250 Chainsaw: From clearing gnarled bushes in your garden to trimming trees to cutting logs for firewood, this Stihl petrol chainsaw for sale has a wide range of uses. The numerous features of this petrol chainsaw for sale make it easy and safe to use.
Stihl MS382 Chainsaw: If you are looking for a robust petrol chainsaw for sale for commercial use, you cannot go wrong with the Stihl MS382 Chainsaw. This chainsaw is capable of cutting low to medium-density stands. The additional feature of a tool-free fuel cap allows for quick and simple refuelling, allowing you to get the job done faster.
Understand how a petrol chainsaw works with our guide to the anatomy of a petrol chainsaw and confidently start using your new petrol chainsaw for sale from B&S Commercial Power.