1. Product Overview
The Oregon B70 PowerCut Saw Chain is engineered for professional woodcutters utilizing 3/8" pitch saws. This 20-inch chain features a .050" gauge and 70 drive links, designed to deliver high performance and durability. Its advanced design minimizes vibration and provides a smooth cutting experience.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when handling and operating chainsaw chains. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and protective legwear, when installing, maintaining, or operating a chainsaw.
- Read Chainsaw Manual: Refer to your chainsaw's instruction manual for specific safety procedures related to chain installation and operation.
- Chain Condition: Never operate a chainsaw with a dull, damaged, or improperly tensioned chain. Inspect the chain before each use.
- Proper Installation: Ensure the chain is installed correctly and tensioned according to your chainsaw manufacturer's specifications. An improperly installed chain can derail and cause injury.
- Lubrication: Ensure the chainsaw's oiling system is functioning correctly and the chain is adequately lubricated during operation to prevent overheating and premature wear.
3. Product Features
The Oregon B70 PowerCut chain incorporates several features designed for enhanced performance and longevity:
- LubriTec: This system is designed to keep your chain and guide bar consistently oiled, reducing friction and extending the lifespan of both components.
- Low-Vibration Full Chisel Cutters: These cutters are engineered for top performance, providing efficient and smooth cutting with reduced vibration.
- Offset Depth Gauges: Designed to prevent cutters from driving too deeply into the sidewall of the cut, resulting in a smoother cutting action.
- Blued Cutters: The cutters are treated with a bluing process, offering high-quality protection against corrosion and enhancing durability.
- Top-Plate Filing Indicators: These indicators are integrated into the chain design to facilitate easier and more accurate sharpening.
4. Compatibility
The Oregon B70 PowerCut Saw Chain is designed to fit a wide range of chainsaws. It is compatible with saws requiring a 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge, and 70 drive links. This chain is suitable for saw sizes between 50-100 cc.
Known compatible chainsaw brands include, but are not limited to:
- Echo (e.g., CS-1001, CS-450, CS-590, CS-620P, CS-8000)
- Husqvarna
- Craftsman
- Poulan
- John Deere
- Jonsered
- Remington
- Dolmar
- Homelite
- McCulloch
- Shindaiwa
- Makita
- Alpina
- Dayton
- Green Machine
- Lombard
- Mastercraft
- Olymypk
- Skil
- Stanley
- Tanaka
Always verify your chainsaw's specific chain requirements (pitch, gauge, and drive link count) before purchasing and installing a new chain.
5. Setup and Installation
Proper installation of the chainsaw chain is crucial for safe and effective operation. Refer to your chainsaw's owner's manual for detailed, model-specific instructions.
General Installation Steps:
- Ensure Safety: Disconnect the spark plug wire (gas chainsaws) or remove the battery pack (electric chainsaws) to prevent accidental starting. Engage the chain brake.
- Remove Bar Cover: Loosen the bar nuts and remove the clutch cover/side plate.
- Remove Old Chain (if applicable): Carefully remove the old chain and guide bar. Clean any sawdust or debris from the sprocket and bar groove.
- Install New Chain: Place the new Oregon B70 chain into the groove of the guide bar, ensuring the cutting edges are facing the correct direction (towards the nose of the bar on the top side).
- Fit Chain Around Sprocket: Loop the chain around the drive sprocket.
- Reattach Bar Cover: Position the guide bar studs through the holes in the bar. Replace the clutch cover/side plate and hand-tighten the bar nuts.
- Adjust Chain Tension: While holding the nose of the guide bar up, adjust the chain tensioning screw until the chain fits snugly against the bottom of the guide bar, but can still be pulled freely by hand. The drive links should not come out of the bar groove.
- Tighten Bar Nuts: Fully tighten the bar nuts. Recheck chain tension after tightening.
- Final Check: Reconnect the spark plug wire/battery. Briefly run the chainsaw at low speed to allow the chain to seat, then recheck and adjust tension if necessary. A new chain may stretch slightly during initial use.
6. Operating Considerations
While the B70 chain is a component, its proper use is integral to chainsaw operation.
- Maintain Sharpness: A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. A dull chain can cause kickback, excessive wear on the chainsaw, and poor cutting performance. Sharpen the chain regularly using appropriate filing tools and techniques, or have it professionally sharpened.
- Proper Lubrication: Ensure your chainsaw's automatic oiler is functioning correctly and the chain is receiving adequate lubrication during operation. This prevents premature wear and overheating.
- Correct Tension: Periodically check and adjust chain tension during operation, especially during the first hour of use with a new chain. Proper tension prevents the chain from derailing or binding.
- Avoid Contact with Obstacles: Do not allow the chain to come into contact with dirt, rocks, metal, or other hard objects, as this will dull or damage the chain cutters.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance extends the life of your Oregon B70 PowerCut chain and ensures safe operation.
7.1. Sharpening
The B70 chain features Top-Plate Filing Indicators to assist with accurate sharpening. Use a round file of the correct diameter (typically 7/32" for 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge chain) and a flat file for depth gauges. Maintain consistent angles and depth gauge settings as specified by Oregon or your chainsaw manual.
7.2. Cleaning
After each use, remove the chain and guide bar. Clean off sawdust, sap, and debris from the chain, bar groove, and sprocket. This prevents buildup that can impede chain movement and lubrication.
7.3. Inspection
Regularly inspect the chain for:
- Dullness: Check for rounded cutting edges or excessive wear.
- Damage: Look for cracked links, bent drive links, or missing rivets. Replace damaged chains immediately.
- Stretch: While some stretch is normal, excessive stretch indicates wear. If the chain can no longer be tensioned properly, it needs replacement.
8. Troubleshooting
Common issues related to chainsaw chains and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain not cutting efficiently / Sawdust instead of chips | Dull chain | Sharpen the chain or replace it. |
| Chain smoking / Overheating | Lack of lubrication; Improper tension; Dull chain | Check oiler, refill bar oil; Adjust chain tension; Sharpen/replace chain. |
| Chain jumping off bar | Improper tension (too loose); Worn guide bar; Worn sprocket | Adjust chain tension; Inspect and replace guide bar or sprocket if worn. |
| Chain binding in cut | Dull chain; Improper depth gauge setting; Incorrect cutting technique | Sharpen chain; Adjust depth gauges; Review cutting technique. |
9. Specifications
Key specifications for the Oregon B70 PowerCut Chainsaw Chain:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | B70 |
| Chain Length | 20 Inches |
| Pitch | 3/8" (0.38 Inches) |
| Gauge | .050" (0.05 Inches) |
| Drive Link Count | 70 |
| Chain Type | Full Chisel |
| Item Weight | 13 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.9 x 6.95 x 1.15 inches |
| Manufacturer | OREGON |
| Country of Origin | USA |
10. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information regarding your Oregon B70 PowerCut Chainsaw Chain, please refer to the packaging or contact Oregon customer support directly. Oregon is committed to providing quality products and support.
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries, please visit the official Oregon website or contact their customer service department.
Oregon Official Website: www.oregonproducts.com
