Propane Chain Saw

showcrop · Aug 10, 2014

The propane thread below made me think that with all the problems we have with gasoline in chain saws and weed wackers and such that aren't used much, some one should come out with a propane set up. It could have a back pack tank of say ten lbs cap. with a quick disconnect so you could use the same tank with multiple tools, and there would be a wetline available with it that your propane company could install for you, for refilling off your house or shop tank.

Ken Macfarlane · Aug 10, 2014

They sell propane weedeaters already.

Bret4207 · Aug 10, 2014

They already make them. But they have their own set of problems with lower BTU's, weight, lube, etc. Just as they make electric and hydraulically operated tools, there is a trade off between cost, weight, power source, ergonomic, etc.

Russ from MN · Aug 10, 2014

Those of us that use the proper gas and oil really
don't have any problems, so I think propane
engines are not the solution. A propane engine
would have to be 4-stroke (I think) and how would
that work when you hold the saw in all the
different positions. Can you operate a propane 4-
stroke engine in all positions? They work good and
are popular for ice augers because they are always
used in an upright position. And the lower
pollution, less smell and carbon monoxide is all
good when using inside a fish house, where many of
them are used.

IH2444 · Aug 10, 2014

Just use Star-Tron in your CS gas and no problems.

A diesel chain saw would be very manly.

Goose · Aug 10, 2014

What problems with gasoline in chain saws?

The owner's manuals for my Stihl chain saws recommend not using gasoline with over 10% ethanol. So, I just use the same E10 in my chain saws and weed whackers that I run in my vehicles. I've never had a problem with a chain saw that could be blamed on the gasoline.

Just like people will run a vehicle a million miles with zero maintenance, and then when a fuel filter plugs, or some such, it's gotta be the ethanol in the gasoline that caused it.

JOCCO · Aug 10, 2014

I too have seen a propane weed eater don"t know much about it. Chainsaws are a problem because of RPM are so high. Jonsered has a diesel chainsaw in the late 50"s but it to had issues and did not take holt. Some comanies are trying 4 stroke chainsaws like the other small weed eater 4 stroke engines. I think with rechargable batteries you will see more of that for people who don"t want gas engines in small items.

ss55 · Aug 10, 2014

When you don't need a large high powered chain saw, an electric chain saw powered through an extension cord or by a portable generator works pretty well. For small jobs an electric is often quicker and handier than fueling and then draining a gas saw.

JD Seller · Aug 10, 2014

Fellows keep using that ethanol in your small engines!!!! It keeps many a repair man in business. LOL

Ethanol will wipe out the fuel line after a few years. Even the lines supposed to be ethanol proof.

showcrop · Aug 10, 2014

(quoted from post at 07:44:35 08/10/14) What problems with gasoline in chain saws?

The owner's manuals for my Stihl chain saws recommend not using gasoline with over 10% ethanol. So, I just use the same E10 in my chain saws and weed whackers that I run in my vehicles. I've never had a problem with a chain saw that could be blamed on the gasoline.

Just like people will run a vehicle a million miles with zero maintenance, and then when a fuel filter plugs, or some such, it's gotta be the ethanol in the gasoline that caused it.

Goose, you must be absent here on a regular basis. The ethanol gas problem has been on the bi-weekly schedule here for over five years.

johnlobb · Aug 10, 2014

To have a 2 stroke powered by propane you would need oil injection. Some 2 stroke motorcycles and outboards have had oil injection.

Texasmark1 · Aug 10, 2014

A diesel chain saw. Who you going to get to lift it?

showcrop · Aug 10, 2014

(quoted from post at 12:52:25 08/10/14) A diesel chain saw. Who you going to get to lift it?

No problem here in northern New England we have the French loggers.

MarkB_MI · Aug 10, 2014

Let's see, I have two chainsaws (Stihl), a string trimmer (Stihl), a pole saw (Stihl) and a cheap Ryobi hedge trimmer. The age of this equipment ranges from two to twenty years old. Even though some of the tools only get used once a year, I have yet to have any sort of fuel system problem, let alone one I could pin on the particular fuel I used. And often my fuel is pretty old, since it can take me several months to use up a one gallon batch.

Now I have had problems with motorcycles and small four-stroke engine with gravity-feed fuel systems IF they sat with the gas turned on for a year or two. But that's not really the fault of the fuel; the best fuel you can buy (i.e. avgas) will evaporate given enough time.

It seems that propane trimmers are already available. But given the light weight and convenience of gasoline-powered equipment, propane-powered equipment would seem to be a hard sell.

Russ from MN · Aug 10, 2014

Wife and I were talking about it yesterday, we
have my Dad's old Stihl hand held brush cutter.
It's a fairly heavy duty weed eater with a gear
box on the bottom. It has a 8 inch saw blade on
the bottom and when it's sharp it will cut a 2
inch tree! The carburetor has never been apart and
the fuel system is all original, and it's about 30
years old. It has always had fuel without ethanol
and never had Stabil, a little Sea-foam once in
awhile! I don't use it very much but it always
starts and does the job.

Propane Chain Saw

showcrop

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Ken Macfarlane

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Bret4207

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Russ from MN

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IH2444

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Goose

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JOCCO

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ss55

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JD Seller

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showcrop

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johnlobb

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Texasmark1

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showcrop

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MarkB_MI

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Russ from MN

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