Maintain a chainsaw (Unit Standard 43)

Course Description

From sharpening the chain to disassembling and reassembling the entire machine, this course will teach you everything you need to know about maintaining and repairing a chainsaw. Containing both theory and practical assessments, students will be brought up to current standard practices suitable for the forestry industry. This course is for people who wish to advance their knowledge of chainsaws, and is not suitable for beginners.  

Keep your chainsaw in top condition with this maintenance course

Topics

• Domonstrate knowledge of a chainsaw cutting unit.
• Chain components are identified by name and function in accordance with accepted indusrty practice.
• Cutter profiles are identified by name and compared in term of use and cutting speed in accordance with accepted indusrty experience.
• Sprocket sizes are explained in terms of their impact on saw performance.
• The term pitch and gauge are explaied in relation to a chainsaw chain in accordance with accepted industry practice.
• The reasons that cutting unit components must be matched and explained in accordance with accepted industry practice.
• Tool for sharpening a chainsaw chain are described in accordance with accepted indusrty practice.
•  Maintenance requirements of a spocket tip chainsaw bar are described in accordance with accepted industry practice.
• Causes of cutting unit faults are identified and corrective maintenance for each fault is explained in accordance with accepted industry practice. 
• Requirements for running in a new chain are explained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Consequences resulting from using a poorly maintained chain are described in terms of effects on operator, maintenance and production. 
• Sharpen a chainsaw chain. 
• An area for chainsaw sharpening is selected that is safe, level and clear of natural and operational hazards. 
• Chain is sharpened, on the saw, in accordance with accepted industry practice. 
• Sharpened chain is tested in accordance with accepted industry practice. 
• Check and maintain a chainsaw. 
• Routine checks and maintenance requirements, and their recommended frequency are listed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted industry practice. 
• Chainsaw is checked and maintained in accordance with accepted industry practice and manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Tools suitable for chainsaw maintenance are identified by name and used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Potential causes of chainsaw faults are identified and methods to rectify faults are explained in accordance with accepted industry practice and manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Chainsaw is reassembled to safe working condition in accordance with chainsaw manufacturer’s recommendations.

What you'll be able to do with this training

By the end of the day students will have improved their basic knowledge of chainsaws to the point they can find a fault, take the machine apart, fix it, and reassemble the parts in working order. An essential skill to have if you work with chainsaws or own one and want to keep it in top condition for years to come.

What you'll learn

This course will teach you the various parts of the chainsaw cutting unit, including the drive links, depth gauges and sprocket sizes. You’ll also learn how to sharpen the chain, using the best tools for the job in the safest way possible. Finally, you’ll learn how to maintain the chainsaw with regular checks and requirements, spotting and repairing any problems along the way.

Equipment required for the course - 1 Petrol Chainsaw and Full PPE including – High Viz, Safety glasses, Chainsaw Chaps or trousers, Ear protection (ear muffs) and Helmet.