Best Practices; Daily Inspections; Replacement Schedule; Use Sharp Chain - Oregon Harvester Handbook

Best Practices

Daily Inspections

Check your safety devices at least once per shift :
• Chain shot guard
• Chain catcher
• Shields on snow holes
• Windows
• Cutting system
Run chain and guide bar in sets to equalize wear across the
cutting system .

Replacement Schedule

.404" Pitch
• 1-2-10 (1 drive sprocket, 2 guide bars, 10 loops of saw chain) .
3/4" Pitch
• 1-2-6 (1 drive sprocket, 2 guide bars, 6 loops of saw chain) .

Use Sharp Chain

Replace saw chain at least once or more per shift . Maintaining
sharp chain on the cutting system will pay off in many ways:
• Sharp chain cuts faster .
• Less energy (pressure and time) overall is used to complete
a cut, so wear on the entire cutting system is reduced .
A slightly dull chain can be lightly sharpened instead of needing to
be ground back significantly . It is best to lightly sharpen a slightly
dull chain often to provide more and faster cuts .
Replace the saw chain at least once per shift . This can vary
significantly with the type of timber being cut, the terrain, and
other environmental factors .
If the cuts are getting slower, it's worth the time to get out of the
cab and exchange the chain for a sharp one .
Operational Recommendations
Mechanical Timber Harvesting Handbook
14