Introduction
Contents
1. The Right Choice – STIHL Harvester Saw Chain..........2
2. Safety Precautions and General Information................3
3. STIHL Harvester Saw Chain ............................................. 5
4. Spare Parts .......................................................................... 9
Notes.......................................................................................10
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1. The Right Choice – STIHL Harvester Saw Chain
STIHL harvester chains are precision made in STIHL’s
Switzerland based factories. These chains are produced
on special machinery custom designed and built by
STIHL. STIHL has determined the ideal material mix for
every component of the chain. Meticulous production
processes and strict quality controls combined with
proper chain maintenance ensure less friction for smooth
operation and a long wear life.
This STIHL Harvester Chain Manual was created for and
is provided to STIHL Dealers and owners/operators of
harvester equipment utilizing STIHL chain in the cutting
attachment. This manual provides information, that when
followed, results in a properly sharpened and well
maintained harvester chain. Good cutting performance,
positively contributes to the service life of the cutting
attachment. However, the design and power of the drive
unit, the quality/condition of the harvester guide bar along
with working technique are also factors impacting
harvester performance.
STIHL OILOMATIC® System of Chain
Lubrication
Chain lubrication has a decisive influence on the service
life of a chain.
The patented OILOMATIC® principle of chain lubrication
extends the useful life of the chain, guide bar and chain
sprocket. Unlike conventional chains, each drive link of
STIHL OILOMATIC
channel which is angled upwards and backwards.
®
saw chain incorporates an oil
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2. Safety Precautions and General Information
2.1 Safety Precautions for working with
mechanical timber harvesting
machines
Saw chain breakage and thrown parts of chain, called
"chain shot" (chain shot is the term commonly used by
manufacturers as well as forestry professionals to
describe the parts of the chain that are thrown through
the air when a chain breaks).
These harvester machines impose a very heavy load on
the cutting attachment. For this reason it is necessary to
observe the notes and instructions on reducing the risk of
chain breakage and possible injury.
It is important you read and understand the instruction
manual before using your machine for the first time and
keep it in a safe place for future reference. Nonobservance of the safety precautions may result in
serious or even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable safety regulations, standards and
ordinances.
The following information is intended to supplement the
machine-specific instruction manual, but not replace it:
Position the guide bar and chain so that parts are not
thrown in the direction of the operator.
The timber harvester's cab should be equipped with
appropriate safety windows.
A chain speed of 40 m/s (131.23 ft./sec.) must not be
exceeded when using STIHL RAPID
Harvester saw chains (RMH, RMHS).
The area around the chain sprocket must be fitted
with a suitable guard.
Make sure that bystanders keep a minimum distance
of 70 m (230 ft.) from the harvester when it is in
cutting operations.
Inspect the chain regularly for damage – do not
continue working with a damaged chain – replace a
damaged chain or replace chipped cutters and other
damaged parts of the chain.
STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
replacement parts for repairs – do not install used
parts. Repairing the chain with used or non-OEM parts
could cause a premature failure resulting in severe
injury or death and possible damage to the machine
components.
™
Micro™
STIHL recommends that the complete saw chain
must be replaced after it has broken twice.
Always resharpen STIHL chains to factory
specifications.
Make sure the chain is always properly tensioned.
Replace the chain sprocket as soon as it shows any
visible signs of wear. A specific wear depth that can
be measuered to 0.6 mm (0.025 in.) indicates that the
sprocket needs replacement. It is recommended that
a sprocket should be replaced after the use of 10
chains.
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