What Affects Chainsaw Lifespan/Expectancy?
Not all chainsaws are created equal and the lifespan will depend on a variety of factors:
Brand/Manufacturer
When buying a car you’re influenced by the manufacture and brand. Many people would choose a Porsche over a Honda civic. But which one do you think has a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs? (Hint: It’s not the Porsche)
The same rules applies to chainsaws.
The manufacture you choose will have an impact on each saws lifespan.
Because each brand creates different saws with different materials, different needs, etc… you’re going to get different life expectancies.
Chainsaw Styles/Models
Similar to different manufacturers, there are many different styles and models when it comes to chainsaws.
Usage Time
Nothing lasts forever.
Every product, good, piece of machinery, or equipment will wear down faster the more you use it.
So when it comes to you chainsaw, heavy use will lead to a shorter life.
Maintenance and Repair
The most important factor is maintenance.
Usually, one thing fails before the whole saw does…
More often than not, it’s the chain or bar. Luckily, these parts can easily be replaced.
But repairing, maintaining, and replacing broken parts to your saw is essential for a longer lifespan.
Other maintenance tips like lubricating the chain and bar, dusting, and cleaning the saw will help as well.
Take good care of your chainsaw and it will take good care of you.
Gas and Oil Quality
Fill your saw with crap and it will run like crap.
Fuel quality matters.
It’s a contractors secret that you don’t fill saws up with regular gas from the pump. That fuel contains ethanol which will eat away at the saw and it’s part.
Using a high quality pre-mixed gas and oil fuel like VP Small Engine Fuel will help keep your saw running longer. It also doesn’t contain any ethanol!
Storage
When you’re finished using your saw, don’t just leave it outside or toss it in the shed.
Here’s a few storage tips:
How Long Do Chainsaws Last?
There is no real set time or length on a chainsaw lifespan.
It ultimately comes down to the factors listed above (especially maintenance).
That being said, you can expect a quality chainsaw to last you at least 10 years or more.
But if you take care of it, I know people who have saws that have lasted 20-30 years and even longer.
Maintenance Tips to Improve Chainsaw Life Expectancy
How Long do STIHL Chainsaws Last?
Information we found online suggests that Stihl Pro Chainsaws have a run time of about 2,000 hours.
Let’s say you use the chainsaw every single day for one hour straight… (which is not a likely scenario)
That means the saw would last you for a minimum of 5.5 years before dying.
Keep in mind this time is rated for professional chainsaws and not for regular homeowner saws. These saws are designed and made for professional landscapers, arborists, and heavy usage…
For regular homeowner saws which are designed for occasional usage, the run time might be about half that of professional grade saws.
How Long do Chains Last? When Should I Replace them?
There’s a difference between sharpening a chain and replacing it.
Sharpening the chain should be done every time the teeth get worn down.
You can sharpen a chain about 3-5 times during it’s lifespan.
Chain replacement will depend on the age and damage to your chain.
It ultimately comes down to how often you use your chainsaw.
You should replace your chain when you see signs of:
