Tuesday, June 24, 2014

9 Best Chainsaw Repair Resources

It’s impossible to know everything about every single part and chainsaw model on the market (or off the market for that matter). Everyone needs some help once in a while to determine if their chainsaw is in need of a simple repair, or something more serious is going on. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional logger, or a master technician, these sites are great resources for asking questions about malfunctioning chainsaws.

#1 - ArboristSite.com Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://www.arboristsite.com/community/forums/chainsaw.9/

Arborists that finish up their day and need to keep talking about their jobs find their home at ArboristSite.com. The chainsaw forum is a great resource to find answers to questions about chainsaw repairs, suggestions on a new saw, or just talk about your favorite models. Check out their antique saw thread for some awesome pictures of chainsaws from the early days (and of course, you can add your own).

#2 - ArbTalk.co.uk Chainsaw Forum 
URL: http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/chainsaws/

If you’re an arborist in the UK, this is your online headquarters. While it’s also a great resource internationally, the repair advice on ArbTalk.co.uk is geared towards the chainsaw models and parts available in Europe.

#3 - Reddit.com r/mechanicadvice Subreddit 
URL: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/

While this isn’t solely a chainsaw repair resource, there are threads about small engine repair, and questions about lawn mowers, chainsaws, and gas powered tools are well received.

#4 - The Chainsaw Guy YouTube Channel 
URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/radougan120955

The Chainsaw Guy has one of the most impressive chainsaw collections we’ve ever seen and he has been showing off his collection on YouTube for years. With hundreds of videos featuring Stihls, Husqvarnas and more, you could spend hours just watching his videos and descriptions.

#5 - AcresInternet.com – Chainsaw Collectors Corner
URL: http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/673d78ec01557aea88256b00005457e6/d8d083a8d741e3db88256c9b00780d89?OpenDocument

Most chainsaw owners have been in a situation when they are repairing or purchasing a particular saw, but can’t find information on the chainsaw’s specifications. The Chainsaw Collectors Corner has thousands of chainsaws on file from various years, and while the site isn’t always 100% accurate, it’s a great starting point to figuring out what you’re dealing with.

#6 - The Forestry Forum Chainsaw Forum
URL: http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?board=9.0

The Chainsaw Forum on ForestryForum.com has over a hundred pages worth of chainsaw information that foresters will love. There are a lot of questions about large displacement, pro-grade chainsaws. If you’re a professional dealing with big cuts, this is the place for you.

#7 - ChainsawRepair.createaforum.com
URL: http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=d104fe48859ff406ec39cabee8f72658

This forum is specifically for chainsaw repair and is broken down by brand. Husqvarna, Stihl, Poulan, Jonsered, Echo, and Homelite are just a few of the sections on the forum, with many other brands represented as well. Check this site out and see if you’re brand has a section if you need a repair question answered.

#8 - Lawn Mower Forum Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small-engine-mower-repair/

Yes, this is a lawn mower forum, but there is a small engine repair section that’s a good resource for chainsaw owners, and you can ask a question about your lawn mower or other lawn equipment while you’re at it.

#9 - Hobby Talk Small Engine Repair Forum
URL: http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/forumdisplay.php?s=d68f4a924b0188ee70dd7ad165e032d2&f=107

The Small Engine Repair forum on HobbyTalk.com includes sections for 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and swapping and selling. The forum benefits from being a subsection of one of the most popular hobby websites online, and has a long history of threads that offer answers to questions about hundreds of different saws.

Do you have any websites that you visit to get your small engine repair advice? Let us know in the comments!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Legendary Stihl 028 Chainsaw

Let’s face it: most of us don’t need a chainsaw with a 70+ cc displacement and a 36” bar. What we do need is a reliable saw with enough power to take on tough jobs and stand the test of time. That’s the reason serious chainsaw users regard the Stihl 028 AV Super Wood Boss as one of the best saws ever made, and many chainsaw enthusiasts have one in their arsenal today.

Though Stihl released an updated (and now discontinued) Stihl MS280 for the 028, they were two different saws and many chainsaw users consider the 028 to be the superior model. Check out the specifications for the 028 and the more powerful 028 Super below.





Stihl 028 Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 are:

Displacement: 2.86 cubic inches (47 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.73 inches (44 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

Stihl 028 Super Specifications

The specifications of the Stihl 028 Super are:

Displacement: 3.14 cubic inches (51.5 cm3)
Cylinder Bore: 1.81 inches (46 mm)
Piston Stroke: 1.22 inches (31 mm)
Max. Engine Speed: 13,000 RPM
Fuel tank capacity: .5 L
Chain Lubrication: Automatic oil pump
Oil Tank Capacity: .3 L
Weight: 12.6 lbs

As with any discontinued chainsaw, finding factory OEM parts is nearly impossible, but luckily there are aftermarket options available. At HLSProParts.com, we carry a wide selection of Stihl 028 parts  that will allow you to refurbish an old saw, or simply tune up your trusty 028.

Some of the brands we carry include Hyway, Meteor, and Tecomec. Whether you need cylinder kits, piston kits, bearing cases, or just piston rings, we have parts that will have your saw running at full performance. Visit our store or contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to help you find the Stihl 028 parts you need.