18 · Saws

Chainsaw

Also called Chain saw · Gas chainsaw

A petrol chainsaw for felling, limbing, storm clean-up and cutting logs to size.

2-stroke petrol

Sizes & models we rent

14" batteryQuiet, no fuel — for small cuts16" battery18" cut petrol20" cut petrolLargest bar we rent
View in the rental catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A chainsaw drives a toothed chain around a bar, cutting through a log far faster than any blade that reciprocates.

We rent bars from 14 in up to 20 in, the largest we carry, including a quiet cordless 14 in with no fuel to mix for smaller cuts. The bar has to be longer than the wood is thick, which is usually what decides the size.

Storm and hurricane clean-up, felling and limbing trees, cutting logs and firewood, and land clearing.

Check the chain tension with the saw cold — the chain should snap back when pulled, but still turn freely by hand. And bring the saw to full throttle before the chain touches the wood; easing it in is how the bar grabs and kicks back.

Catalogue specifications

  • BRAND NEW BLADE FOR EACH RENTAL
  • 1 GALLON OF MIXED FUEL

Best uses

  • Storm and hurricane clean-up
  • Felling and limbing trees
  • Cutting logs and firewood
  • Land clearing

Troubleshooting

Cutting slowly and making dust, not chips

Checks to try, in order

  1. The chain is blunt — swap it.
  2. Check the chain isn't on backwards.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Bar is smoking or the chain looks dry

Checks to try, in order

  1. Top up the bar-and-chain oil.
  2. Clear a blocked oiler hole.
  3. Loosen a chain that's too tight.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Chain comes off the bar

Checks to try, in order

  1. Tension the chain correctly.
  2. Worn bar rails or sprocket need workshop replacement.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Chain moves at idle

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop using it — this is dangerous.

The idle speed or clutch needs workshop adjustment.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Wrong fuel mix
  • Flooded engine
  • Stop switch
  • Fouled spark plug

Checks to try, in order

  1. Confirm the fuel is 2-stroke mix (petrol with 2-stroke oil at the ratio on the tool's label). Straight petrol will seize the engine.
  2. Set the stop switch to RUN.
  3. Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible, then set the choke for a cold start.
  4. After the first 'pop', move the choke to half/off and pull again.
  5. If it's flooded (strong fuel smell): choke off, throttle fully open, pull several times to clear it.

If there's no compression or the rope won't pull, return it to the workshop — don't keep pulling.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Lacks power, bogs down or smokes heavilyShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Dirty air filter
  • Incorrect fuel mix
  • Blocked spark arrestor screen

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
  2. Too much oil in the mix causes heavy smoke — drain and refill with correctly mixed fuel.
  3. Let the tool do the cutting — forcing it bogs the engine down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never cut with the upper tip of the bar — that's the kickback zone.
  • Engage the chain brake when starting and when walking with the saw.
  • Wear chainsaw chaps, a helmet with face screen and ear defenders, gloves and boots.

For 2-stroke petrol

  • Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from where you'll start the tool.
  • Wear eye, ear and hand protection, and cut-resistant gear where the tool calls for it.
  • Keep bystanders well clear of the cutting area.

Videos & links

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