Thread: Stihl Chainsaw Decision

Another question for the informed regarding chain lubrication. Is it recommended that I only use Stihl branded oil for the chain, or can I use any propriety brand?

The reason for the question is that the local Stihl dealer is trying to steer me towards their product, with dire warnings that unless I use the Stihl product, that the pump may be affected. What do the professionals use?

Originally Posted by cava

The reason for the question is that the local Stihl dealer is trying to steer me towards their product, with dire warnings that unless I use the Stihl product, that the pump may be affected. What do the professionals use?

He is pulling your leg, I've been using Sthil saws since I was 15yrs old and have used numerous brands of bar oil and have never had any failures with the pumps.

Thank you. OK, next question what brand of oil, and where can I buy in 5-20 litre containers?

Originally Posted by cava

Another question for the informed regarding chain lubrication. Is it recommended that I only use Stihl branded oil for the chain, or can I use any propriety brand?

The reason for the question is that the local Stihl dealer is trying to steer me towards their product, with dire warnings that unless I use the Stihl product, that the pump may be affected. What do the professionals use?

Bollocks. It's just where the margin is.

I wouldn't get too hang up on brand of oil, as long as it is chain & bar oil and you can get it at the right price, that is all that really matters.

My current oil is a Briggs and Stratten one, only because it was cheaper than my local Stihl dealer. I usually price oil in advance so that when I'm travelling I can pick it up when I'm driving by.

Fuchs is usually good and supply quite a few outlets. http://www.fuchs.com.au/categories.asp?cID=25

Thanks Guys. Now to find the elusive cheapest price close to me.

I get my B&C oil from tru-blue oil. From memory it was $60 for 20 litres

Originally Posted by BobL

I get my B&C oil from tru-blue oil. From memory it was $60 for 20 litres

Hi Bob, out here in Sunny QLD, when slabbing this time of year I notice my B & C oil in my 660 is getting rather warm and looses viscosity. Have heard running a half and half mix useing gear oil 80W/90 is the go. Just wondered what your thoughts or anyone else's who is more experienced than yours truly.

Originally Posted by kiwiatgundy

Hi Bob, out here in Sunny QLD, when slabbing this time of year I notice my B & C oil in my 660 is getting rather warm and looses viscosity. Have heard running a half and half mix useing gear oil 80W/90 is the go. Just wondered what your thoughts or anyone else's who is more experienced than yours truly.

Knowing a bit about what is in used oils I personally wouldn't use any used oils ( unless they are professionally cleaned) on a chainsaw. If your B&C oil is too thin then the best thing to do is add tackier which your oil supplier should be able to get for you. Usually not much is needed The guys at TRU-BLUE add tackifier to my specification at no charge.

Because it was cheap I have used canola oil in the auxiliary oil tank of my chainsaw mills because it is delivered on the cutting side of the nose so it does not need to be tacky. Another reason for NOT using it in a saw is because it polymerises (goes hard) when it dries out and would gum up an chainsaw oiler. However, now that I can get B&C oil cheaper than canola I will stop using that and use the TRU-BLUE B&C oil.

Could you use ordinary 15W-40 motor oil, or similar? I have a few drums of this.

Originally Posted by cava

Could you use ordinary 15W-40 motor oil, or similar? I have a few drums of this.

Straight motor or gear oil is not tacky enough but you could use it if tackifier was added.

The days of using motor oil, used sump oil, lard and vegetable oils went out about 30 years ago when the old slow revving/chainspeed saws were gradually replaced with higher revving saws. The high chain speeds on modern saws require a much stickier oil. Viscosity and tackiness are not exactly the same. Viscosity is the degree to which a fluid restricts movement through it whereas tackiness is how well it sticks to something including itself (It's a combination of adhesion and cohesion). A tacky oil will produce short doughy or spaghetti like strings when a drop is placed between finger and thumb and then separated.

Thank you BobL.