Chainsaw Fuel and Oil

Buying guide

Premix or mix your own

Premixed 50:1 fuel costs more but removes mixing mistakes and stores well, so saws that sit between jobs start easily. If you mix your own, use fresh gas, a quality two-stroke oil and the ratio your saw maker specifies.

Store fuel in an approved, clearly labeled can, and keep mix separate from straight gas. A no-spill spout makes fueling cleaner and keeps gas off the saw and the ground. Refuel with the saw off and cooled, away from where you will restart it.

Bar oil and fuel handling

Fill bar and chain oil every time you fill fuel. A saw that runs dry of bar oil cooks the bar and chain in minutes. Use a dedicated bar oil rather than motor oil, and choose a winter grade when it gets cold.

Fuel cans should be clearly marked for mixed fuel and kept upright, out of the sun and away from ignition sources on the truck. Move at least the distance your crew requires away from the fueling spot before starting the saw, and wipe up spills before they reach the saw's muffler. Premixed fuel in sealed cans keeps longer than pump gas, which helps for saws that are used only now and then.