What Kind of Oil is Used for Battery Powered Chainsaw?

One of the most striking benefits of owning an electric chainsaw is the freedom from the hassle of mixing oil and gas before starting a gasoline chainsaw. It is also quieter in operation, doesn’t impact the environment, and is easier to maintain. However, all battery-powered chainsaws require bar and chain oil to stay lubricated. Without this oil, the guide bar and chain would get dry and not work properly. The cutting efficiency will reduce drastically without proper lubrication, and the chain can get snapped pretty quickly. This is why you need to make sure that your electric chainsaw has bar oil in it all the time and the oiler is working perfectly. In this article, we will discuss what kind of bar oil you must use in electric chainsaws and suggest the best bar and chain oils for some of the leading brands.

What kind of Oil is used for Battery Powered Chainsaw?

There is an ongoing debate about what kind of oil should be used in a chainsaw for bar and chain. Many people are of the view that you must only use specially manufactured bar oils in an electric chainsaw. Some suggest that using vegetable oil or motor oil is fine too. The use of vegetable oil has gained a lot of traction in recent years because of its safety with respect to the environment. To support the argument, The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (Feric) conducted research on the use of canola-based oil on the chainsaw, and the results were not too bad. However, the cost of vegetable-based oil is almost double the cost of mineral-based oil. No doubt the consumption rate is 30-40% less, but it is still a costly deal.

On the contrary, we also need to consider the long-term impact of using vegetable oil in the chainsaws. Synthetic and company-approved oils keep the guide bar and chain in better condition as compared to vegetable oils. They also don’t affect the engine’s overall condition and thus help you save a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.

Suggestion: Use a synthetic (mineral-based) bar and chain oil, approved by the manufacturer.

Will Weather Conditions impact my Choice of Oil?

The kind of chainsaw oil also depends upon the weather conditions. Experts suggest using a thick oil in summer and thinner oil in winter. It will increase the fluidity of the oil in the winter season. Thicker oil in summer will ensure that fluidity is not too much, and oil is not wasted.

How to fill oil in an Electric Chainsaw

You will have to find the bar oil opening on your chainsaw. It is usually located near the bar guide. Open its cap; grab a funnel and the oil. Fill till the maximum filling mark. Don’t overfill the oil as it can hurt the oiling system, and you will then have to service it.

What is Oil Refilling Frequency?

The bar and chain oil refilling frequency depend on two things. First, how much you use the chainsaw, and what is the refilling need of the chainsaw. This information varies from model to model and brand to brand. To find the exact volume and frequency, refer to the user manual. If you don’t have one, look it up on the official website of your chainsaw’s brand.

Best Bar Oils for Leading Brands

1. Husqvarna 593271903 Engine Oil, Grey–  Overall Best 

For all the people with a Husqvarna chainsaw, this oil is the best. It will help in extending the bar, chain, and sprocket life. With this oil, you don’t need to worry about changing the oil in winter and summer. It is an all-season oil.

2. Stihl 0781 516 5003 Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant–  Durable 

Stihl’s oil comes with a concentrated tackiness additive to help let it stay on the chain for a longer time. It helps in reducing oil consumption. If your use is more than an average tree feller, this oil is best for you. Not only you can use it for Stihl; it can work with other brands as well.

3. Makita 181119-A Bar Chain Oil–  Long Life 

Makita users can use this oil without any worries. It will help keep the chain properly lubricated during use and extend the guide bar’s life and the chain.

4. Greenworks GWBC0 Premium Bar and Chain Oil–  Ideal for Electric Chainsaw 

Greenworks is one of the best brands when it comes to electric chainsaws. They offer reliability, performance at the most economical prices. Why use cheap oil to reduce the efficiency of your machine? This oil will augment the performance of your chainsaw and make cutting wood easy for you.

5. Echo 6459007 Power Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil–  Very Economic 

All the users of Echo chainsaw must use this brand for the best performance. It comes in a pack of 1 gallon and is very economical.

Best Oils for Other Brands

The oils mentioned below are all-rounders. They are best for your chainsaw, regardless of the brand.

1. Oregon 54-026 Bar and Chain Oil–  Ideal for Chainsaw/Trimmers 

This oil from Oregon can be effectively used for gas and electric tools. Apart from chainsaws, you can use it for hedge trimmers and any tool that uses a chain or slide bar. Oregon is often regarded as the master oil for a majority of the tools. If you have this in your arsenal, you don’t need to find oil for other tools. The oil will help you increase efficiency and performance by delivering tackiness and preventing throw-off from the chain. It is loaded with a high-film strength that will protect the chain’s blades from wear and tear and result in better efficiency and long life.

2. Mag 1 Bar and Chain Oil–  Overall Best Affordable

Another state-of-the-art bar and chain oil come from Mag 1. It is best for people who frequently use their chainsaws and other tools with a guide bar and a chain. The 1-gallon packing will give you cost-saving and help increase the efficiency of your tool.

3. STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment–  Premium Formula for Bar & Chain 

It is loaded with an anti-wear and tear agent to reduce chain damage and increase the chain’s performance and life. The oil will ensure that no resin builds up on your chainsaw and give you smoother cuts. The tacking additive in it will reduce the oil throw-off and reduces oil consumption.