Husqvarna 51 Chainsaw Chain Maintenance (5 Pro Tips)
The Versatile Husqvarna 51: Keeping Its Bite Sharp
The Husqvarna 51 chainsaw. Just the name conjures images of felling trees, bucking logs, and transforming raw timber into manageable firewood. It’s a workhorse, a reliable partner in countless wood processing endeavors. But like any finely tuned machine, the Husqvarna 51 requires proper care and maintenance to perform at its best, and the heart of its cutting power lies in its chain. A dull or poorly maintained chain not only slows down your work but also increases the risk of kickback and other safety hazards. That’s why I’m going to share my top 5 pro tips for Husqvarna 51 chainsaw chain maintenance, gleaned from years of experience in the woods and workshops.
These tips aren’t just theoretical; they’re based on practical experience. I remember one particularly brutal winter when I was prepping firewood for a community heating project. My chainsaw chain was constantly dulling due to the frozen wood and embedded dirt. It was a frustrating and time-consuming experience, but it forced me to refine my sharpening techniques and develop a consistent maintenance routine. That experience, and many others like it, form the foundation of the advice I’m about to share.
Tip 1: Mastering the Art of Sharpening
Sharpening is arguably the most crucial aspect of chainsaw chain maintenance. A sharp chain cuts efficiently, reducing strain on the saw, the operator, and the wood. A dull chain, on the other hand, requires more force, leading to increased vibration, fatigue, and potential damage to the saw’s engine.
Key Concepts:
- Chain Anatomy: Understanding the different parts of the chain – the cutters (teeth), the depth gauges (rakers), and the tie straps – is essential for effective sharpening.
- Sharpening Angle: Maintaining the correct sharpening angle is critical for optimal cutting performance. The recommended angle for Husqvarna chains is usually around 30 degrees for the top plate cutting angle and 60 degrees for the side plate angle. Your chain’s packaging or the Husqvarna manual will have the exact angles.
- Depth Gauge (Raker) Setting: The depth gauges control how deeply the cutters bite into the wood. If the depth gauges are too high, the chain will not cut effectively. If they are too low, the chain will grab and cause excessive vibration.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a chainsaw sharpening kit that includes a round file (typically 5/32″ or 4.0mm for a Husqvarna 51 chain), a flat file, a depth gauge tool, a file guide, and a vise or chain clamp to secure the chain.
- Secure the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw on a stable surface and engage the chain brake. Use a vise or chain clamp to hold the chain firmly in place. This prevents the chain from moving while you’re sharpening, ensuring a more consistent and accurate sharpening.
- Sharpening the Cutters:
- Insert the round file into the cutter, aligning it with the existing angle of the cutter. Use the file guide to help maintain the correct angle (30 degrees for the top plate cutting angle and 60 degrees for the side plate angle).
- File each cutter with smooth, even strokes, moving the file from the inside of the cutter towards the outside. Apply consistent pressure and maintain the correct angle.
- Count the number of strokes you make on each cutter. This will help you ensure that you sharpen each cutter equally. An unevenly sharpened chain will cause the saw to cut crookedly.
- Sharpen each cutter on one side of the chain, then rotate the chainsaw and repeat the process on the other side.
- Lowering the Depth Gauges (Rakers):
- After sharpening the cutters several times, you’ll need to lower the depth gauges. Place the depth gauge tool over the depth gauge. The tool will indicate how much material needs to be removed.
- Use the flat file to carefully file down the depth gauge until it is flush with the top of the depth gauge tool.
- Round off the front of the depth gauge slightly to prevent it from catching on the wood.
- Check Your Work: After sharpening, visually inspect each cutter to ensure that it is sharp and has a consistent shape. Run your finger (carefully!) along the cutting edge to check for sharpness.
Personal Experience:
I’ve found that using a file guide is particularly helpful when sharpening in the field. It helps me maintain the correct angle, even when I’m working in awkward positions. Also, I always carry a small magnifying glass with me to inspect the cutters after sharpening. This helps me identify any imperfections that I might have missed with the naked eye.
Tool Specifications:
- Round File: 5/32″ (4.0mm) diameter for standard Husqvarna 51 chain.
- Flat File: 8″ to 10″ length, single-cut or double-cut.
- Depth Gauge Tool: Specific to your chain pitch (usually .325″ or 3/8″).
- File Guide: Adjustable file guide to maintain correct angles.
Case Study:
I once worked on a project where we were felling a large number of oak trees. The soil was sandy, and the chains were constantly dulling. By implementing a rigorous sharpening schedule, sharpening each chain after every two tanks of fuel, we were able to maintain optimal cutting performance and minimize downtime. We also used a depth gauge tool to ensure that the depth gauges were properly set. This significantly reduced the amount of vibration and kickback, making the work safer and more efficient.
Strategic Advantage:
A sharp chain reduces the amount of effort required to cut through wood, which translates to less fatigue for the operator and reduced wear and tear on the chainsaw. It also improves cutting accuracy, making it easier to fell trees and buck logs with precision.
Tip 2: Chain Tension: Finding the Sweet Spot
Proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient chainsaw operation. Too loose, and the chain can derail, causing damage to the saw and potentially injuring the operator. Too tight, and the chain can overheat, leading to premature wear and tear.
Key Concepts:
- Thermal Expansion: Chains expand as they heat up during use. Therefore, it’s essential to adjust the chain tension while the chain is warm.
- Chain Slack: The ideal chain tension allows for a small amount of slack on the underside of the bar. You should be able to pull the chain away from the bar slightly, about the thickness of a dime.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Loosen the Bar Nuts: Use the wrench that came with your chainsaw to loosen the bar nuts that secure the chain bar to the saw. Don’t remove the nuts completely; just loosen them enough to allow the bar to move freely.
- Adjust the Tensioning Screw: Locate the chain tensioning screw on the side of the chainsaw. Use a screwdriver or the wrench to turn the screw clockwise to tighten the chain or counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Check the Tension: Pull the chain away from the bar on the underside. The chain should pull away slightly, about the thickness of a dime. If the chain is too tight, it will be difficult to pull away from the bar. If it’s too loose, it will sag excessively.
- Tighten the Bar Nuts: Once you’ve achieved the correct chain tension, tighten the bar nuts securely. Make sure the bar is properly aligned before tightening the nuts.
- Recheck the Tension: After tightening the bar nuts, recheck the chain tension to ensure that it hasn’t changed.
Personal Experience:
I once had a chain derail while I was felling a tree because the chain was too loose. Fortunately, I wasn’t injured, but it was a close call. Since then, I’ve always been meticulous about checking the chain tension before each use. I also make it a habit to recheck the tension after the first few cuts, as the chain tends to stretch slightly when it’s new.
Measurements:
- Chain Slack: Approximately 1/8″ to 1/4″ (3mm to 6mm) on the underside of the bar.
Case Study:
A small logging operation I consulted with was experiencing frequent chain breakages. After investigating, I discovered that the operators were over-tightening the chains, causing them to overheat and weaken. By educating the operators about the importance of proper chain tension and demonstrating the correct adjustment procedure, we were able to significantly reduce the number of chain breakages.
Strategic Advantage:
Proper chain tension ensures that the chain runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the bar and the engine. It also minimizes the risk of chain derailment, which can be dangerous and cause damage to the saw.
Tip 3: Lubrication: The Lifeblood of Your Chain
Proper lubrication is essential for minimizing friction and wear on the chain and bar. Without adequate lubrication, the chain will overheat, causing it to stretch, dull quickly, and eventually break. The bar will also wear prematurely, leading to reduced cutting performance and increased vibration.
Key Concepts:
- Bar and Chain Oil: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws. These oils contain additives that help them adhere to the chain and bar, even at high speeds.
- Oil Pump: The oil pump is responsible for delivering oil to the chain and bar. Make sure the oil pump is functioning correctly and that the oil reservoir is filled to the proper level.
- Oil Flow Adjustment: Some chainsaws have an adjustable oil flow. Adjust the oil flow according to the type of wood you’re cutting and the ambient temperature. Hardwoods and warmer temperatures require more oil.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check the Oil Level: Before each use, check the oil level in the oil reservoir. Fill the reservoir with bar and chain oil to the recommended level.
- Check the Oil Pump: Start the chainsaw and hold it over a piece of cardboard or a light-colored surface. Observe the oil flow from the chain. The oil should be ejected from the chain in a steady stream. If the oil flow is weak or nonexistent, the oil pump may be clogged or malfunctioning.
- Adjust the Oil Flow (If Applicable): If your chainsaw has an adjustable oil flow, adjust it according to the type of wood you’re cutting and the ambient temperature. Increase the oil flow for hardwoods and warmer temperatures. Decrease the oil flow for softwoods and cooler temperatures.
- Clean the Oil Ports: Periodically clean the oil ports on the bar to ensure that oil can flow freely to the chain. Use a small wire or a toothpick to remove any debris from the oil ports.
Personal Experience:
I once neglected to check the oil level in my chainsaw and ran it dry. The chain overheated and stretched, and the bar was damaged. It was a costly mistake that taught me the importance of regular lubrication. Now, I always make it a habit to check the oil level before each use and to clean the oil ports regularly.
Material Specs:
- Bar and Chain Oil: Viscosity grade ISO VG 100 or higher.
- Oil Consumption: Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the fuel consumption.
Case Study:
A tree service company was experiencing high chain and bar replacement costs. After analyzing their maintenance practices, I discovered that they were using a low-quality bar and chain oil. By switching to a high-quality oil and implementing a regular lubrication schedule, they were able to significantly reduce their chain and bar replacement costs.
Strategic Advantage:
Proper lubrication extends the life of the chain and bar, reduces wear and tear on the engine, and improves cutting performance. It also minimizes the risk of chain breakage and bar damage, which can be dangerous and costly.
Tip 4: Bar Maintenance: More Than Just a Piece of Metal
The chainsaw bar is more than just a piece of metal that guides the chain. It’s a critical component of the cutting system, and proper maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Key Concepts:
- Bar Rails: The bar rails are the grooves on the bar that guide the chain. Over time, the bar rails can wear down, causing the chain to wobble and cut crookedly.
- Bar Groove: The bar groove is the slot in the bar that holds the chain. The bar groove can become clogged with sawdust and debris, which can restrict oil flow and cause the chain to overheat.
- Bar Burrs: Burrs are small pieces of metal that can form on the edges of the bar rails. Burrs can damage the chain and reduce cutting performance.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Clean the Bar Groove: Periodically clean the bar groove with a scraper or a screwdriver to remove any sawdust and debris.
- Dress the Bar Rails: Use a bar dresser or a flat file to remove any burrs or unevenness from the bar rails. Hold the dresser or file at a slight angle to the bar and move it along the rails in a smooth, even motion.
- Check the Bar for Wear: Inspect the bar for signs of wear, such as uneven rails, a widened bar groove, or a bent bar. If the bar is worn or damaged, replace it.
- Flip the Bar: Regularly flip the bar over to distribute wear evenly on both sides. This will help extend the life of the bar.
Personal Experience:
I once had a chainsaw bar that was so worn that the chain kept derailing. I tried to repair the bar, but it was beyond saving. I learned the hard way that it’s important to replace a worn bar before it causes further damage to the chainsaw.
Tool Specifications:
- Bar Dresser: A specialized tool for dressing the bar rails.
- Flat File: 8″ to 10″ length, single-cut or double-cut.
Case Study:
A firewood business was experiencing high bar replacement costs. After observing their maintenance practices, I noticed that they were not regularly cleaning and dressing the bars. By implementing a regular bar maintenance schedule, they were able to significantly reduce their bar replacement costs.
Strategic Advantage:
Proper bar maintenance ensures that the chain runs smoothly and efficiently, reduces wear and tear on the chain, and improves cutting performance. It also extends the life of the bar, saving you money on replacement costs.
Tip 5: Chain Selection and Storage: Choosing Wisely and Storing Correctly
Choosing the right chain for the job and storing it properly are essential for maximizing its lifespan and performance.
Key Concepts:
- Chain Pitch: The chain pitch is the distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain, divided by two. The pitch must match the sprocket and bar on your chainsaw. Common chain pitches are .325″, 3/8″, and .404″.
- Chain Gauge: The chain gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. The gauge must match the bar on your chainsaw. Common chain gauges are .050″, .058″, and .063″.
- Chain Type: Different chain types are designed for different applications. For example, some chains are designed for cutting hardwoods, while others are designed for cutting softwoods.
- Proper Storage: Storing your chain properly will prevent rust and corrosion and extend its lifespan.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose the Right Chain: Select a chain that is appropriate for the type of wood you’ll be cutting and the size of your chainsaw. Consult your chainsaw owner’s manual or a chainsaw dealer for recommendations.
- Clean the Chain: After each use, clean the chain with a solvent to remove any sawdust, sap, or oil.
- Oil the Chain: After cleaning the chain, oil it with bar and chain oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Store the Chain Properly: Store the chain in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Consider storing the chain in a sealed container to protect it from moisture and dust.
Personal Experience:
I once purchased a chain that was the wrong pitch for my chainsaw. I tried to use it anyway, but it wouldn’t fit properly and damaged the sprocket. I learned that it’s important to check the chain pitch and gauge before purchasing a new chain.
Measurements:
- Chain Pitch: Measure the distance between three consecutive rivets and divide by two.
- Chain Gauge: Measure the thickness of the drive links with a caliper.
Case Study:
A landscaping company was experiencing high chain replacement costs. After investigating their maintenance practices, I discovered that they were storing their chains in a damp shed. By implementing a proper chain storage system, they were able to significantly reduce their chain replacement costs.
Strategic Advantage:
Choosing the right chain for the job and storing it properly will maximize its lifespan, improve cutting performance, and save you money on replacement costs.
Additional Insights:
- Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: “Green” wood refers to freshly cut wood with high moisture content. It’s heavier and harder to split than seasoned wood. “Seasoned” wood has been dried for several months, reducing its moisture content and making it easier to burn.
- Felling Techniques: When felling a tree, always assess the lean of the tree, the wind direction, and any obstacles in the area. Use proper felling techniques, such as making a notch cut and a back cut, to control the direction of the fall.
- Debarking Logs: Debarking logs before sawing or splitting them can help prevent the growth of mold and fungi and improve the drying process.
- Splitting Firewood: Use a log splitter to split firewood safely and efficiently. Choose a log splitter that is appropriate for the size and type of wood you’ll be splitting. Hydraulic splitters are generally more powerful and efficient than manual splitters.
- Firewood Stacking: Stack firewood in a way that allows for good air circulation. This will help the wood dry more quickly and prevent the growth of mold and fungi.
By following these five pro tips, you can keep your Husqvarna 51 chainsaw chain in top condition, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Remember that regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of your chainsaw and minimizing the risk of accidents. So, take the time to sharpen, tension, lubricate, maintain, and store your chain properly, and you’ll be rewarded with years of reliable service from your Husqvarna 51.
Next Steps:
- Gather the necessary tools and materials for chainsaw chain maintenance.
- Inspect your chainsaw chain for signs of wear or damage.
- Sharpen your chainsaw chain using the step-by-step guide provided in this article.
- Adjust the chain tension to the proper level.
- Lubricate the chain and bar with high-quality bar and chain oil.
- Clean and dress the bar rails.
- Store your chainsaw chain properly to prevent rust and corrosion.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Husqvarna 51 chainsaw chain maintenance. Happy cutting!
