[ChainPoint] Reduced Down Time

Mon Feb 22 23:28:31 EST 2010

Hello Everyone!

Reducing your Down Time is a concern of any equipment operator, especially
the Chain Saw. We are preparing a eVideo module on RDT but you can look over
some of the highlights in the article below and also in your own copy of the
Forest Applications Training, Inc.  eBook.  Check it out while on special at
the eStore.

I am in Clackamas, OR at Oregon Cutting Systems for a preview of some new
products. I hope to have some news next week for you. Till Then..

Good Sawing,

Tim Ard

Forest Applications Training, Inc.

Phone: 770.222.2511

http://www.forestapps.com  

We have an eStore for items  discussed in our programs... eStore
<http://www.forestapps.com/e-book/eStore.htm>  

RDT Aware...

By Tim Ard, Forest Applications Training, Inc. 

I learned years ago- it's not the cost of a part or repair of a piece of
equipment that's expensive.  It's the Downtime! If the equipment's not ready
when you need to be- it's unprofitable and often times unsafe. 

Adopt Forest Applications Training's RDT program and in less than 10 minutes
Reduce Down Time for your chain saw. 

RDT- is a simple plan for staying ahead of downtime and costly repairs that
any operator can master. 

RDT starts with understanding these five areas of the chainsaw:

.         Safety Features

.         Air Filter

.         Visual overview

.         Starter

.         Saw chain, guide bar and Sprocket

We cover more detail on some of these areas with weekly and shop routines
but the initial or main purpose of this exercise is for the operator to
perform a quick check of discovery before beginning or ending the work day.
If mastered, this RDT system will alert you to problems and or wear trends
on your equipment that will improve your sawing experience and Reduce Your
Down Time dollars. 

1.	Safety Features

Three features should always be present and working. 

Throttle interlock- this feature is incorporated so your hand must be in
proper position, the driver's seat so to speak, before the throttle can be
depressed and the engine speed increased.

Chain catch - this is a soft metal or polymer tab or roller designed to
shorten the chain and slow its rotation should it derail from the guide bar.
This will most likely occur if you operate a chain saw long enough; brush or
loose chain causes the saw chain to jump the guide bar rail. 

Chain Brake - this is a well known safety feature of today's chain saw. The
brake can be activated by the front hand guard assembly or some by inertia
created by a reactive force of the saw guide bar and chain rotation. This
brake can be used when starting and maneuvering with the saw, limiting
chances of operator contact with a spinning saw chain. Anytime a hand is
taken off the saw the brake can and should be applied. . 

2.	Air Filter

I call it the chain saw nose. If it gets plugged, just as our nose when
congested, it starves the engine for air and in return power. A huge volume
of air is ingested by a chain saw when turning high revolutions. The filter
handles every bit of this volume through its pores. The filter maintenance
is the largest difference between the saw filter and us.  Even with all the
increase in volume and congestion it can't blow its own nose. You've got to
clean it. 

3.	Visual overview

Seeing is believing- when it comes to chain saw operations. Look over nuts,
screws, bolts, fasteners, cracks, leaks, etc that can be a problem in your
future work. Wear is progressive on most properly maintained equipment.
Let's make note of these areas to identify it and do something about it.

4.	Starter

Ever tried to push start a chain saw? Simply will not work will it. So, we
must keep a check on the starter system to make sure it's operative. Look at
the rope for length, frays or tears that can reduce its chance of working
when you get to the work site. Also make sure the spring recoils the rope
completely and seats the grip against the starter housing so it doesn't flop
around.  Nothing is worse than driving or walking way out to the site and
then have the rope break on the first pull.

5.	Saw chain, guide bar and Sprocket

The working side of the chain saw. This is the business end and the side
that requires most of our attention. Make sure you understand when a chain
is not performing as it should. Learn the five areas of the saw tooth and
what each part does for your safety and production. Look for any cracks,
bends and wear on the saw chain loop.

The guide bar rails should be cleaned out and make sure all debris is
removed from the rail groove. Left too long, the chips and oil become hard
and clog the oil from making its way around the guide bar for sufficient
chain lubrication. The bar rails and chain operate at sometimes 450 degrees
or more so it's like baking cookies too long. Burnt!

Bar rails become flattened from the chain riding and hammering on the
surface. You can remove this with a flat file or even better a guide bar
dresser. You can often extend guide bar life by flipping the guide bar over
to even top and bottom rail wear each time you clean and dress the bar.  

There are two sprockets on most saws today. One on the crankshaft/drive drum
and one on the guide bar tip. Both of these are high wear areas. Check them
often for wear and cracks etc. Check your manufacture's manuals for
replacement suggestions. Wear on the drive sprocket is excessive at .020" on
many units. Bar tips should not be sharp pointed as this indicates wear that
requires replacement.

Another good practice to maximize bar, chain and sprocket life is to rotate
a group of saw chains on the saws guide bar and sprocket. If you run one
chain until worn out, then add a new chain to the worn guide bar and
sprocket, you often miss-match the gears of the chain loop drives, the bar
and crank drive sprockets. If you rotate three chain loops through the
combination the wear is equaled out somewhat. This can be a long term cost
savings that few take advantage of.  

The Forest Applications RDT system is outlined in detail on our eBook.
Download your copy now at the www.forestapps.com  eStore for only $9.99
while on special. This is a special download version. Does not include video
clips or print ability. This version is strictly for computer/eBook reading
in Adobe PDF version. 

If you have questions on the RDT system or other Forest Applications
Training programs. Send them to info at forestapps.com or call our office PH
770.222.2511 

Good Sawing!

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.forestapps.com/pipermail/chainpoint_forestapps.com/attachments/20100222/e4168c9f/attachment-0001.html>