The Forestry Forum

Hi, I own a Husqvarna 440 and it has very low power. The saw has not been used a lot. I have always mixed the fuel 50.1 with 2 stroke oil. I have just replaced the bar (18 inch Holzfforma). Can you tell me if the first thing is to check the compression and what PSI to look for on this machine? I own a MAC tools compression tester. Do you think this may need a piston and head replacement?

When I cut with the saw it a black markings through the cut even if it's a 5 inch diameter limb. It struggles and I have sharpened the chain, I initially thought that the bar may be bent.

What are your thoughts on this?

-Thanks

Have you tried a new chain?  Is there smoke coming from the cut or do you smell wood burning? How big are the wood chips coming out of the cut, what do the saw dust or chips look like.

Why did you replace the bar? Did you actually find the original to be bent? Are the black markings, burn marks? Is the drum showing signs of running hot? (Black and blue coloring)

Black marks?  Either the chain  is really dull or on backwards.  Steve

A few years back a firewood customer asked me to look at his saw.  He just used it now and then around his property and said it just wouldn't cut.  Sure, I said, just leave it by the shop door if I'm not home.  Sure enough the chain was on backwards, so I flipped it around, gave it a few strokes and gave it back to him.  I didn't tell him about the backwards thing to spare him the embarrassment but now I'm a chainsaw guru!