Chainsaw Maintenance

Ventilation Chainsaw Maintenance

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1. Who is responsible for maintenance?
1. Company Officers
2. Company level users

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• What gets cleaned/inspected at the user level?
• Exterior
• Bar and chain
• Inside clutch cover
• Air filter
• Spark plug

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• When does the saw get clean?
• After each use
• Thorough cleaning/inspection monthly

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• Why does the user level clean the saw?
• It can save a life
• Familiarization with equipment
• Reduce repair/replacement costs

Items Needed

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1. Dirty Saw
2. Chainsaw tool
3. Towels
4. Degreaser
5. Cleaning brush
6. Air compressor with nozzle (optional)

Items Needed (cont’d)

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7. Eye Protection
8. Extrication gloves
9. EMS gloves
10. Hearing protection

DISASSMEBLY

Disassembly and cleaning of the Tempest 575X Ventmaster is similar to all other chainsaws on IFD

Loosen both clutch cover bolts with the chainsaw tool

Loose chain tension until slight sag in the chain from the bar

Remove Clutch cover bolts and clutch cover

Slide bar and chain to the rear and remove

Remove chain from bar and inspect both

According to IFD shops, if 4 or more carbide teeth are missing anywhere on the chain or if 2 consecutive teeth in a are missing, replace the chain

Spray bar with degreaser and wipe clean and feel for burrs along the edge for the bar

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NOTE: Rotate bar after each use, there is no up or down, the lettering on the bar can be upside down and should be every other time if the bar is rotated after every use.

Remove 2 screws holding sawdust guard on and remove the guard

Clean sawdust guard with chainsaw tool and spray with degreaser and wipe excess off until clean

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Inspect for torn or missing sawdust guard

Remove 1 screw holding chain guide and wipe clean

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Inspect for broken or missing chain guide

Scrape material out of clutch cover then spray with degreaser and wipe clean

Inspect for cracks in clutch cover and clean operation of the chain tension screw

Clean material off of frame and clutch/drive compartment with brush and saw tool prior to spraying with degreaser and wipe clean

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Use air compressor to clean in tight areas if available

Would you look at that.

It’s a beaut Clark!

Unsnap the 4 retaining clips to access the air filter

Remove the air filter by unscrewing the top screw

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Clean material off with a dry brush (or spray with air compressor inside outward)

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Contact shops for replacement if needed

Remove spark plug using the saw tool

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Inspect the electrode and tip for dark debris

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*Porcelain surrounding the tip should be light brown

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Replace if needed

Reassemble in opposite order of disassembly

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*Ensure NOT to overtighten screws

After reassembly, start the saw and run at varying speeds, including normal operating speed

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Clutch cover nuts should be TIGHT

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*Re-tighten the chain tension after turning off (chain will typically need to be tightened again)

Final Notes

1. Do not disassemble both saws from a Ladder at the same time
2. The more personnel cleaning, the faster it goes
3. Clean chainsaw as soon as possible after use
4. If using degreaser, use in a well ventilated area
5. Be sure to wear EMS gloves when using cleaning chemicals
6. Wear PPE when operating chainsaw
7. Ensure all fluids are filled before placing chainsaw back in service (DO NOT overtighten fill caps)
8. Shops now provide all pre-mixed fuel

Maintenance and cleaning of the ventilation chainsaw at user level can have a great impact on the fire ground. It is the responsibility of the company officer (and all company personnel) to ensure maintenance and cleaning is performed to standard.

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A well cut ventilation hole can help save the life of interior crews as well as possible victims. Take care of our equipment so it takes care of us.

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Saws are not the only tool used – ensure proper maintenance on all tools will ensure functionality and reliability on fireground operations.

Conclusion

• Course/Activity: September Monthly Training #1 Chainsaw Maintenance
• ISO Code: Should Populate to Company Level Training
• Location of Training: Location you trained, typically your firehouse
• Date/Hours: Date of the training and 2.5 hours
• Instructors: Person or Persons providing the training for the company
• Attendees: Enter everyone’s name, including those listed as the instructor, yes people can be listed as both attendee and instructor.
• Description of Training: Tell us what you did!

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• If you have a prepared training program that would benefit the department, send an email to Chief Steve Clegg steven.clegg@indy.gov the training will be reviewed and sent out department wide via monthly training if approved.��

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