Saw Maintenance

[ffchewy17]

looking for some info/help on preparing a new saw maintenance program for my FD. We currently do not have an PM schedule for saws. I am trying to implement a program for bi-annual PM on all the departments saws. I will be doing all the repairs, I do have experience in full saw rebuilds. I'm looking for any general forms that shops/builders use to get an idea from customers what's wrong with saws. The dept is throwing out saws that have scored Pistons from straight gas/ air leaks/ over heating. The current maintenance group has no idea on how to clean cylinders with transfer or even replace coils, fuel lines, pistons, crankcase bearings or that it's even possible. The maintenance crew recently threw out (3) 461 and (2) 1260 with just scored Pistons, they didn't even try to fix them, they hit the dumpster before I could stop them.... I'm still pissed. Also trying to put together a 4-hour basic saw maintenance class for 800 personnel, any class curriculum that anyone could share would be great.

Current saw list-
(81) Partner/Husqvarna K950/K960
(24) Husqvarna K1260
(14) Stihl 461R
(28) Vent Master Husky 575xp
(52) Stihl 044/441

I have the Maintenance Manual/IPl for the saws. The 52 Stihl 044/441 are used for strictly wood cutting and are issued to all the units during hurricanes/disaster so they sit most of the year. The cut-off saws are used on all the Tower Trucks/Heavy Rescues and get a good amount of use, same with the 461R and Vent Masters.
Anything particular to look for in the 575xp? 044/441? Would the VP SEF be good to run through the 044/441 before they are put back on the shelf? I always idle my personal saws dry with VP SEF for long term storage.

I have experience with the 461, WWS 390xp, and Dolmar 7900, that's what I use personally at home.
Thank you.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Wow, that's alot of saws! Sounds like you are dealing with a huge learning curve with those that are using the saws.
A saw in the hands of a good operator can cut hundreds of cords and thousands of board feet.
It's a shame that so many saws come to such a short life. Probably due mostly to the 'Paul Bunyan Complex.'
It sounds like they are wrecking them faster than you can fix them, so I don't know what to say.

 

[ffchewy17]

A lot of the issues are environmental... Running most of these saws in smoky atmosphere, close to high heat conditions, cutting multiple materials at the same time, no chance of an adequate warm up on scene. Pretty much get the saw started and start cutting immediately; and long durations cuts. I'm ok if a saw gets fried doing its job, there life saving tools, I'm just trying to help speed up the repair/ maintenance process.

 

[Rockjock]

One option is to hire an onsite mechanic. The local fire departments in my area have a contract with us. Makes it much easier for them. We have access to the fire halls and we support all the PM's with them. All saws get OEM parts only and filled with Aspen or Motomix. We also will randomly fire them all up to make sure all is as it should be.

 

[ffchewy17]

We use two local Stihl dealers, and one husky dealer now. They just have a hard time keeping up with all the saws and not a quick turnaround. Also some mantinence is currently done in house at the stations; changing air filters, replacing belts, spark plugs, mainly small stuff. All of the line saws get started each day on the units, the tower trucks run 7 saws apiece and the Heavy Rescues carry 10 per unit.

 

[Scablands]

Thought about buying premix fuel in drum quantities? Would help eliminate straight gassing / bad mix ratio and reduce carburetor maintenance.

 

[Rockjock]

We use two local Stihl dealers, and one husky dealer now. They just have a hard time keeping up with all the saws and not a quick turnaround. Also some mantinence is currently done in house at the stations; changing air filters, replacing belts, spark plugs, mainly small stuff. All of the line saws get started each day on the units, the tower trucks run 7 saws apiece and the Heavy Rescues carry 10 per unit.

If the dealers are having a hard time keeping up then get new dealers. In your case it is a priority. We have commercial and home owners and the commercial guy get put ahead of the line

 

[ffchewy17]

Appreciate the info

 

[7sleeper]

Of course I am aware that your department is way out of line what I do, but maybe there is an idea or two that might help. I am a fan of prevention instead of repairing. Personally all my equipment get a quick dismantle BEFORE the first starting. I do the following:

Take off the starter and give it a liberal spraying with Teflon spray.
Take out the spark plug and coat it lightly with copper antisieze.
Give all electric components a quick spray down with a spray can grease or spray silicon to keep the moisture out "forever".
Give all plastic mechanical parts first a teflon spray and then a silicon spray to keep the parts easily moving.

Of course all minor compared to your problems. Sounds like a pretty ambitious project! Good luck!

7

 

[ffchewy17]

Thanks 7sleeper... I'm definitely in agreement with the preventive mantinence (PM) that's how this whole thing got started. I