Reactivating the chainsaw STIHL after winter break: a practical guide

As the operating season arrives, it is critical to rebalance your chainsaw STIHL to ensure optimal performance and safety.
1. Pre-restart cleaning and inspection
- Visual inspection of bar, chain, and brake: check for wear, tension, and proper fitting
- Remove swarf, resin and dust from the bar, cowl, air intakes and gear cover
- Clean the air filter, cylinder fins, and fuel and oil filler cap
2. Functional controls
- Check chain brake, throttle, engine stop, throttle lock
- Make sure the chain is well lubricated and tensioned properly
- For gasoline Chainsaws: sealed oil and fuel tank grommet, clean filter air, soot-free spark plug
3. Ordinary interventions
- Thorough cleaning of bar (groove, diverter, oil hole), filter caps, air intake, spool. Turn the bar at each sharpening
- After sharpening or replacing chain, resharpen and check tension .
4. Fuel and lubricants
- Uses ethanol-free blend (MotoMix®, HP Ultra) or regular blend with max.
- For gasoline Chainsaws, use quality chain oil (BioPlus recommended) and always fill along with fuel
5. First ignition post-winter.
- Operates in neutral, with chain brake on, to check for proper idling operation
- Starts the engine after any battery charging (for battery models), cleaning the battery compartment and contacts .
🎥 Watch the video: how to start and prepare the chainsaw
✅ Summary of operations
Phase | Main actions |
---|---|
Initial cleaning | Bar, chain, air filter, chips and resin |
Functional controls | Safety: brake, accelerator, tensioned chain |
Maintenance | Sharpen, lubricate, clean components |
Fuel/lubricants | MotoMix® / HP Ultra and BioPlus Chain Oil |
Ignition | Checking ignition and idling operation |
🧰 Service and technical support
Our technical service STIHL is always available for:
- Periodic checks and coupons
- Work on air filter, spark plug, carburetor
- Repairs, original parts, upgrades
Contact us for professional assistance-your instrument will be ready to face each season with efficiency and safety.