Unfortunately I couldn’t make the re-cert course so my USFS sawyer certification has expired which means I can’t clear the blowdowns in the forest. 🙁 However, knowing they’re there and having a friend with a tree that needs to come down inspired me to pull out my Echo CS-400 saw this weekend. Sometimes I wish I had a 20″ bar but so far the 18″ has been sufficient.
I wish I could remember where I picked up the 1-gal gas can I have but I haven’t found it at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. It’s nice because the spill-proof nozzle is finger-operated instead of having to pull down on the nozzle to release the fuel. Of course what I really want for the saw is a mini piggy which carries both fuel and chain oil. I grabbed the old can and added some fuel, Stabil, and 2-cycle oil. Then I filled up the chain oil.
After adjusting the chain tension and checking the air filter I fired her up and she purred like a kitten. It only took two pulls (one with the choke and one without) to get her started. I was feeling a little lazy and didn’t really want to bend over to cut a log so I grabbed a small one and locked it down in my Jawhorse. She sliced through like warm butter. In just a few minutes I was covered in sawdust. It’s a great feeling. 🙂
Sorry, I didn’t realize I had the white balance set to fluorescent so it’s blue. 🙁
I’m hoping the USFS will let me slide on my cert so I can get back in the woods to clear the trees that are blocking the trail and driving me nuts. Keepin’ my fingers crossed!
Makes me want to get out and do some trail clearing!
You may or may not know, so I figured I’d share… if there’s a concern about bar oil fling-off in sensitive areas, canola oil is an excellent alternative. However, it may cause some clogging issues if the saw is stored long periods. If that’s the case, Green Earth Tech makes a bio bar oil that can be found at wal-mart; it’s stable and is better in hot cutting b/c it’s tacky.
That cs-400 is a terrific little saw, one of my favorites. Again, apologies if you already know this, but Echo’s saws are typically tuned verry lean (for emissions reasons) which affects the saw’s performance & longevity. Most any Echo shop/small engine shop can easily remove the limiting cap and richen up the mix a tad, or if you’re a DIY-er, a web search will show how. Tuned properly, that saw will cut even better!
Eric, I don’t think fling-off is a concern but I wasn’t even aware of the bio options. Thanks for sharing!
I’m also glad to hear you love the CS-400. I don’t mind any saw tips you have. Thanks again! I’ll have to hit Google now. 😉