Just like every kind of saw, pole saws can get dull over time, and they require regular maintenance. The more you use the pole saw, and the tougher the wood being cut, the faster the blade will dull and the more often it will need maintenance. Let’s talk about what exactly a pole saw is and how you can keep it in prime condition for as long as possible.
Pole Saws
What you need to know is that there are varieties of pole saws out there. The most basic pole saws are manual in nature; they feature a long pole with a sharp blade at the front, which you use to manually move back and forth to saw wood.
This is not what we are here to discuss today. We are here to talk about maintaining your power pole saw — a pole with a power saw at the front.
To be specific, most powered pole saws come in the form of a long pole with a chainsaw located at the front. These can be electric, battery- or gas-powered. Today we want to talk about how to maintain this specific type of pole sole, the chainsaw variety.
Pole Saw Maintenance Tips
Let’s go over the most important pole saw maintenance tips to ensure maximum performance and efficiency, while also ensuring your safety.
Before Using the Pole Saw
There are a few things that you want to do before you turn your pole saw on for use. These pre-flight checks, so to speak, are very important, especially for your safety.
- Always ensure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are very tight. You don’t want anything coming loose during use. Loose components can be safety hazards
- Always check the chain on your pole saw before use. If it appears to have any broken links or other forms of damage, you will first need to make repairs to the chain or replace the whole chain
- Ensure that both the trigger and the trigger lock move normally and function. You don’t want to start the saw only to find out that the trigger gets stuck in the on position
- If you are using a gas-powered pole saw, make sure that the air filter is clean. If need be, replace the air filter with a new one. The air filter is an important component of any gas powered pole saw, and it needs to be kept in immaculate condition
- Always make sure that there are no fuel leaks from the gas tank and the engine, as well as ensuring that there are no oil leaks
After Using the Pole Saw
There are some maintenance tips that you should adhere to after each use.
- Use a damp rag to clean the exterior of the pole saw from top to bottom. Remove any dirt and particles you can find. Make sure to clean the protective cover that surrounds the blade
- Return the pole saw to its proper storage location. Below, we have a small section on how to properly store your pole saw
Weekly Maintenance
When it comes to pole saws, here are some maintenance tips that you should adhere to after every few jobs, so about once per week.
- Always check to see if the pole saw has enough oil. Check the oil level and refill the oil as needed
- Make sure that all cables and connections are solid. This means that the wires should be in top condition. Here, you will also want to check the starter cord for wear
- You may also want to look for damage on the elements which dampen vibrations. If these become damaged, your pole saw will vibrate a lot more
- Remove the spark plug and clean it. Then, adjust the gap according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pole saw
Monthly Maintenance
Finally, here are some monthly checks and procedures to follow to help keep your pole saw in the best shape.
- Make sure that the fuel filter does not have any clogs. If the fuel filter has clogs, it will need to be replaced
- If you use the pole saw on a daily basis, such as for a landscaping or arborist job, you will want to replace the spark plugs on a monthly basis
- You should aim to sharpen your pole saw at least once per month, just to keep the blade in peak condition so it can make quick work out of any branches in its path
Storing Your Pole Saw: Tips
Just like maintenance, if you want the best results time after time, you will also need to store the pole saw properly. Improper storage can lead to degradation and damage that can end up costing you more money. Here are some pole saw storage tips for you to follow.
- Always store your pole saw in a relatively cool and dry place. Extreme temperatures can affect the longevity and maintenance schedule of the saw, so keep it in a location that has a moderate temperature. Excessive moisture can also create issues, so keep it in a dry location
- Make sure to store the pole saw securely. Don’t just leave it laying around on a table where it can be knocked down, and don’t let it hang somewhere it might easily fall. Pole saws can be sensitive to impacts, so be sure to take the proper storage precautions
- Try to store the pole saw away from things that should be kept immaculately clean. The chain oil may seep off the chain a little bit, in which case anything under the chain will get messy. Put an old rag under the saw to keep your floor clean.
Conclusion
As you can see, pole saw maintenance is quite basic and easy. You want to follow all possible maintenance procedures, and if you ignore any of the above tips for too long, you’ll end up with an unusable pole saw sooner rather than later.