Chainsaws & Pole Saws FAQS

What oil do I use with my chainsaw?

Our units use a standard bar and chain oil. You can purchase this from your local hardware store—no specific brand name is required.

Why is my chainsaw leaking oil?

All chainsaws will slowly “leak” oil in storage (mostly from it seeping off the chain). To prevent excessive leakage, store with as little oil left in the reservoir as possible, the chainsaws flat with a rag beneath them, and the pole saws upright with the motor head at the top. During first use, users should only fill the reservoir to roughly half full and check periodically to see if it needs to be refilled. Eventually, you will become accustomed to the amount of oil required for each job. This procedure will make it easier to store the unit as oil free as possible and reduce oil run off.

How large of a branch/log can I cut?

If you are looking to cut logs with one pass, the log needs to be about 2" smaller than the bar. However, there are many techniques to use a chainsaw for larger cuts.

What is the run time?

The run time of a chainsaw is measured in cuts per charge. The number of cuts per charge or “run time” that you receive would depend on the load acting on the saw (i.e., the thickness and type of wood being cut) as the chainsaw would use more battery power on tougher and thicker objects being cut.

How do I know if my chain is tensioned enough?

A correctly tensioned chain should only pull away from the bar enough to fit a dime (10¢) between the teeth and the bar. Chains should be tensioned before use. Check intermittently throughout each chore to make sure the chain is kept properly tensioned. ***DO NOT TENSION A CHAIN AFTER YOU HAVE FINSHED USING THE TOOL. HOT METAL EXPANDS. IF THE CHAIN IS TENSIONED WHEN HOT, THEN ALLOWED TO COOL, THE CONTRACTING METAL COULD POTENTIALLY DAMAGE THE CHAIN, THE BAR AND EVEN THE UNIT. WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT USE (OR AT LEAST UNTIL COOLED) BEFORE TENSIONING***

Can I use another brand of chain?

Yes. However, it must match the specifications of the original chain (gauge, pitch, and drive links). These specifications my be found inside your owner’s manual.

What file size do I use to sharpen the chain?

Our chains may be sharpened using a 5/32” round file.

Why isn’t my chain cutting?

If the wood is burning and/or smoking, this indicates that the chain is on backwards. Another reason could be that the chain is dull and needs to be sharpened or replaced. Replace the chain if: • The length of the cutting edges is less than 5 mm. • There is too much space between the drive links and the rivets. • The cut speed is slow • Sharpening the chain many times does not increase the cutting speed—this means the chain is worn.

Why does my chain keep falling off?

Chainsaw chains can come off due to multiple reasons such as worn-down bars, worn-down sprockets, and wrongly set chain tension. Please check the chain tension and condition of all parts prior to using. If anything is worn or damaged, replace the parts before using again. Replace the bar if: • the groove is not fit with the height of the drive links (which must never touch the bottom). • the inside of the guide bar is worn and causes the chain lean to one side.

Why isn’t my chainsaw turning on?

For chainsaws with an active chain brake, please ensure that it has not been accidentally engaged. If it has, simply pull it towards you and try starting the saw again. If the saw still won't start or your saw doesn't have an active chain brake, please make sure that the battery is fully charged and has been properly engaged in the saw prior to starting.

What is a pole saw?

Pole saws are basically stretched chainsaws with the controls and the motor head separated by a long pole. They tend to have shorter bars and chains than full size chainsaws and are primarily used for pruning and light lopping. Users should take basic, common safety precautions and follow proper operating procedure when using the units to avoid injury.

How should I hold my pole saw?

Always hold the unit firmly with both hands. Keep your left hand on the pole shaft and your right hand on the rear handle, so your body is to the left of the chain line. Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or any stance that places your body or arm across the chain line. Ensure that you maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the motor is running. For best balance when using a pole saw, do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Practicing proper footing and balance ensures that you'll have the best control of the tool in unexpected situations. For further details, refer to your owner’s manual.

What safety precautions should be taken?

Only use pole saws for their intended purpose. Pole saws are great for pruning and trimming hard-to-reach branches. Think about where the branch being cut may fall—do not stand under the branch being cut. Try to keep the tree between yourself and the branch being trimmed (as a kind of shield from falling debris). Keep bystanders at least 50’ from the tree being worked-on. Always take your time. Start by removing long, heavy branches in stages, cutting off small sections to reduce the impact of any falling debris. Cut lower branches first so debris can fall more easily and not get stuck, causing a future hazard.

How thick of a branch can I cut?

Pole saws are typically used on branches less than 6” in diameter.

Can the pole saw be used for hedges?

Though the pole saw is capable of trimming hedges, a pole hedger would be more appropriate for the job and would leave a cleaner look.

Can you remove the poles and use this as a chainsaw?

No. This unit cannot be converted between a pole saw and chainsaw. However, some models allow you to remove the middle extension pole to shorten the unit by a few feet.

I know the handle cannot be removed, but can the pole saw be used on items near the ground?

Though not advised, this depends on the user's ability to maintain control at an awkward angle. The pole hedger trimmer is ideal for high level and hard to reach branches—it's not ergonomically suited for low cutting and extreme caution should be taken.