Repairing Your Electric Pole Saw: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to fix a electric pole saw

Electric pole saws are a handy tool for cutting high-up branches and keeping your trees in check. They come in various types, including gas, electric, and manual. When troubleshooting issues with your electric pole saw, common problems include the engine running but the chain not cutting, the chain falling off the guide bar, and the pole saw not starting. To fix these issues, you may need to adjust the chain tension, replace a damaged chain, or access the oiler to ensure proper lubrication. Online resources and customer support services can provide step-by-step repair guides and replacement parts to help you diagnose and address specific issues with your electric pole saw.

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Fixing a broken tensioner

If the chain on your electric pole saw has come off the guide bar, it could be due to a broken tensioner. A broken tensioner will cause you to lose the ability to control the tension of the chain. To fix this, start by removing the chain cover and then the tensioner itself. Inspect the screw and tension gear—it will be fairly noticeable if the tensioner is broken. If the tensioner is indeed broken, refer to your user manual for the proper replacement part number.

If you need to replace the tensioner, first remove the chain cover, chain, and bar. Next, remove the tensioner and replace it with the new one, following the instructions in your user manual. Make sure to also inspect the bar for any signs of wear or damage. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, which allows the chain to move straight. Over time, this groove can wear down and widen, causing the chain to tip side to side. If the bar is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced.

It's important to regularly clean the clamping surfaces of your pole saw to prevent kickback, which can cause the tensioner screw to shear. Kickback can also be caused by overly aggressive depth guides, heavy-handed cutting with the top of the bar in log piles, and oil accumulation on the bar sides and clamping surfaces.

To prevent the chain from coming off the guide bar, ensure that the chain is tensioned correctly. When the pole saw is not in use, the chain should sit snugly on the bar so that when pulled, it raises around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch off the bar. During use, the chain heats up and loosens, so it's important to stop every 20 to 30 minutes to check the chain tension and make adjustments if needed.

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Repairing a damaged chain

If the chain on your electric pole saw is damaged, it will slow down or stop the saw from cutting as efficiently as it usually would. Regular inspection and maintenance of the chain can help prevent damage to the machine and possible injury to the operator.

To inspect the chain, start by removing the chain cover, chain, and bar. Check the rails around the perimeter of the bar for any debris. The most common form of wear is the groove of the bar wearing down, allowing the chain to tip side to side during use. If the chain has come off the bar, it could be a result of a damaged chain or a chain that is too loose.

If the chain is damaged and getting stuck inside the bar, or not rotating or cutting properly, it will likely need to be replaced. Some chains can be repaired with a flat file, but if the chain has broken teeth or does not fit back into the rails, it will need to be replaced.

To prevent damage to the chain, ensure that the chain tension is correct. The tension may fluctuate due to heat created from use, so it is important to check the tension regularly, especially during long periods of use. When the pole saw is not in use, the chain should sit on the bar fairly snugly, so that when pulled, it will raise around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch off the bar. A chain that is too tight can cause damage to the crankshaft or other parts, while a chain that is too loose can come free from the bar, damaging the drive links.

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Replacing a broken clutch

If the engine of your electric pole saw is running but the chain is not cutting, it could be because the clutch is broken. The clutch is attached to the crankshaft and engages the chain to start rotating once a certain rotational speed is reached. The clutch allows the engine to run without always rotating the chain. When the engine is revved up, the clutch engages the clutch drum, which rotates the driveshaft that connects to the sprocket and forces the chain to turn. If the clutch is broken, the clutch may not engage at all.

A broken clutch is easy to replace once the engine housing has been disassembled to allow access to the clutch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace a broken clutch on your electric pole saw:

  • Before beginning any repairs, ensure the pole saw is turned off and unplugged to prevent accidental start-up.
  • Remove the spark plug, which is located on the engine housing, and feed a piece of scrap starter rope into the combustion chamber. This will stop the piston from moving while you remove the clutch, providing a safer disassembly process.
  • Disassemble the engine housing to access the clutch. Refer to your electric pole saw's user manual for specific instructions on how to disassemble the engine housing and locate the clutch.
  • With the engine housing open and the clutch accessible, proceed to remove the broken clutch. Pay attention to how the clutch is attached and any components connected to it, as you will need to reassemble them in the same way with the new clutch.
  • Obtain the proper replacement clutch for your electric pole saw model. Refer to your user manual for the correct replacement part number. It is important to use an identical replacement part to ensure proper fit and functionality.
  • Install the new clutch by positioning it in the same way as the previous one. Ensure any connected components are securely attached and that the clutch is properly engaged with the clutch drum and sprocket.
  • Reassemble the engine housing, ensuring all components are securely fastened and aligned correctly. Refer to your user manual for specific instructions on how to properly reassemble the housing.
  • Once the engine housing is reassembled, reconnect the spark plug if it was removed earlier. Ensure that the spark plug is tightened securely, as a loose spark plug can cause operational issues.
  • Finally, test your electric pole saw to ensure it is functioning correctly. Start the saw and observe if the chain rotates properly when the engine is revved up.

By following these steps, you can safely replace a broken clutch on your electric pole saw, restoring its cutting functionality. Remember to always refer to your user manual for specific instructions and safety precautions pertaining to your particular model.

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Oiling the chain

Before applying oil, turn off the pole saw and disconnect it from its power source. If your pole saw is electric, unplug it or remove the battery. For a safe practice, wear gloves to protect your hands from oil spills and contact with the sharp chain.

Next, locate the oil reservoir cap, usually positioned near the guide bar, and check the oil level. If the level is low, it's time to refill it with bar and chain oil. Always use oil specifically designed for chainsaws, as regular motor oil is too thin and won't provide adequate lubrication. To refill the oil reservoir, unscrew the cap and carefully pour the oil into the tank, ensuring not to overfill as excess oil can leak during operation.

If your pole saw requires manual oiling, apply a small amount of bar and chain oil directly onto the chain and guide bar using an oil can or squeeze bottle. Spread the oil evenly along the length of the chain, ensuring that all parts are well lubricated. Before cutting, run the pole saw for a few seconds and observe the chain to ensure the oil is being distributed properly. A properly oiled chain should appear slightly glossy and leave a thin film of oil when tested on a piece of paper or wood.

Regularly check and refill the oil reservoir, ensure proper oil distribution, and keep the lubrication system clean. Additionally, maintain the chain tension correctly, as a chain that is too tight can cause damage to the crankshaft or other associated parts. Stop in 20- to 30-minute intervals during extended use to check and adjust the tension as needed.

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Stopping the chain from turning

If the chain on your electric pole saw will not stop turning, even when the throttle is released, it is likely that the engine is idling too fast. The clutch uses centrifugal force to engage the chains. This means that the crankshaft will spin inside the clutch without the clutch catching and starting to spin until a certain speed is achieved. When this speed is reached, the clutch engages and forces the chain to rotate. Therefore, when the throttle is not engaged, the engine should idle at a slow enough speed so that the clutch does not engage and start driving the chain. If the chain rotates while the engine is idling, adjust the carburetor on your engine to slow down the idle speed. Refer to your user manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the idle speed.

If you have adjusted the idle speed and the chain continues to rotate after the throttle has been released, there is likely an issue with the clutch. If the clutch becomes dirty or the springs break, the mechanism that engages and disengages the clutch may not work, which can cause the chains to continue rotating. A broken clutch is easy to replace once the engine housing has been disassembled to allow access to the clutch. It is a good idea to remove the spark plug and feed a piece of scrap starter rope into the combustion chamber to stop the piston from moving while the clutch is removed. Refer to your user manual for the proper replacement part number if your clutch is broken.

Another reason for the chain not stopping could be that the chain brake is stuck. If you disengage the chain brake but the saw blade will not rotate, it is likely that the chain brake mechanism is locked or broken and still holding the blade, even though the brake handle is in the 'off' position. The chain brake can lock if the clutch cover is removed while the brake is engaged. Always remember to disengage the chain brake before removing the cover. Failing to do so can result in difficulty replacing the clutch cover and disengaging the chain brake once the cover has been replaced.

Finally, a damaged bar or chain may cause the chain to come loose from the bar and can be dangerous when operating the machine. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, and the chain has teeth that run slightly inside the bar rails to keep the chain moving straight. To inspect your bar, remove the chain cover, chain, and bar. The rails around the perimeter of the bar should be clear of any debris. As the bar wears down, the groove gets wider, allowing the chain to tip side to side while in use. The bar may need to be replaced altogether.

Frequently asked questions

First, try to diagnose the problem by identifying the symptoms. You can then find the right replacement part and repair your pole saw.

Check the tension of the chain. If the chain is tensioned too tightly, loosen it. If the chain is damaged, you will likely need to replace it.

Check if the tensioner is broken, the chain is damaged, or the chain is too loose. If the tensioner is broken, you will need to replace it. If the chain is damaged or too loose, adjust the tension accordingly.

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