By now, there have been developed different types of chainsaws which include gas-powered chainsaws, battery-powered chainsaws, electric chainsaws, etc. All these chainsaws offer a similar job; however, the source of power remains different for all these types of chainsaws. Two-stroke gas-powered engines utilize mixed gas to provide a sprocket with the necessary power to spin the chain on the bar; this mechanism makes it possible for users to cut wood and complete other jobs.
The word “mixed gas” indicates that gas is not only the requirement for a chainsaw to deliver the job; instead, it needs an appropriate amount of oil to be mixed with gas – this combination enables the internal combustion engine to produce the required power conveniently.
Based on my experience, I found the mixing ratio of oil to gas almost perfect at 50:1 for most of the chainsaws; it may be 40:1 for some chainsaws. It is prepared by adding 3.2oz or 2.6oz engine oil in one gallon of gasoline. Later on, it is added to the tank considering the need of use and capacity of the tank.
Therefore, without making any further ado, lets discuss if all the chainsaws take mixed gas or not.
Table of Contents
Which Types of Chainsaws Require Mixed Gas?
All chainsaws do not take mixed gas to operate – there are only gas-powered chainsaws that require a mixture of gas and oil to work properly.
Other types of chainsaws such as battery-powered chainsaws and electric chainsaws utilize the power of battery and electricity respectively to complete the job.
However, all types of chainsaws require oil for the lubrication of parts. Whether you are using a gas-powered chainsaw or any other type of chainsaw, you need to lubricate the parts of your chainsaw; especially, its bar and the chain.
How Does the Engine Type Affect the Fuel Mixture for Chainsaws?
The followings are the details of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine gas chainsaws that take mixed gas to work properly.
1. Gas-Powered Chainsaw with 2-Stroke Engine
2-stroke engines have gone obsolete – but the power generated by these engines remains matchless. There is a huge list of chainsaws that have a 2-stroke gas-powered engine. Having a chainsaw with a 2-stroke engine brings you the responsibility of providing it with mixed gas.
Usually, the oil is mixed with gas to make the engine work properly without any malfunction. The carburetor of a chainsaw provides an internal combustion engine with an appropriate amount of mixed gas. So, it is very important too to consider the functionality of the carburetor of your chainsaw.
Because a 2-stroke engine completes the power cycle in 2-stroke – this is a massive reason which adds in the quantity of unburnt fuel, and ultimately, emissions are more frequent in chainsaws that have 2-stroke engines.
So, it can be stated that 2-stroke engines are somehow environmentally damaging. Meanwhile, depending upon the requirement of the chainsaw, oil is mixed with gas in different proportions which might be 30:1, 40:1 or 50:1.
2. Gas-Powered Chainsaw with 4-Stroke Engine
Chainsaws with a 4-stroke engine are good choices for users who are careful about the safety of the environment. There remains no unburnt fuel in the internal combustion engine – as a result, the exhaust of the chainsaw exits truly very less emissions which are not harmful to the environment.
Most of the chainsaws have 2-stroke engines, but there are some models manufactured by Stihl which have 4-stroke chainsaws. No doubt, 4-stroke engines are safer for the environment; however, they do not offer the power output offered by 2-stroke engines.
This engine also requires a proper amount of mixed gas. Depending upon the requirements of the engine, you need to add an appropriate ratio of oil to gas. The ratio may vary from one power tool to another power tool. To know better about the requirements of that specific chainsaw, it is recommended to go through the user manual that comes with it.
But, the chainsaw with a 4-stroke engine that has been streamlined by Stihl still requires the pre-mixing of gas with oil. So, if you are looking for a chainsaw that does not require pre-mixing of gas and oil, unfortunately, you are expecting it a bit earlier.
Which Type of Oil Should be Mixed with Gas?
This is very important to ascertain which type of oil should be mixed with gas to enjoy the best efficiency out of your chainsaw. A wrong ratio of oil with gas can truly ruin your chainsaw, and you may end up with an uncompleted job.
When it comes to the type of oil which is to be mixed with the gas, you must not compromise on the quality of the oil. The oil you are mixing with the gas should be of high-octane number; otherwise, it may damage the internal combustion engine of your chainsaw.
Being an experienced logger, it is a thing of my personal experience and observation that most of the chainsaw users use an oil that has an octane number of 89. Meanwhile, if you use oil with an octane number higher than 91, it will also not benefit you.
So, it can be stated that the octane number of the oil you are using with gas should be 89 octane number. Hand in hand, you should also know how to mix chainsaw gas, it will help you complete the task sooner and more efficiently.
“Do all chainsaws take mixed gas”, I hope the question has been answered in detail. Following the instructions about the octane number of fuel, you can considerably add value to the overall performance of your chainsaw.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner, you may have some simple questions regarding chainsaws in your mind; one of the most common questions that beginners have in their mind is about the chainsaws that take mixed gas – so, all chainsaws do not take mixed gas.
Only those chainsaws which are powered by gas require oil with the gas. Other chainsaws have different sources of power. I have explained everything about the chainsaws that require mixed gas. It is recommended to use fuel that has a good octane number to ensure the safety of your chainsaw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do you have to mix gas for chainsaw?
It depends upon the type of chainsaw you are using. If you are using a gas-powered chainsaw, you need to mix oil with the gas. It helps the internal combustion engine works smoothly without facing any lagging issues.
Q2. What type of gas does chainsaw take?
Chainsaws use unleaded gasoline as a fuel mixed with oil with the octane number 89. If you use oil with an octane number lesser than 89, it may increase the temperature of the engine and lead it to the malfunctioning.