Impact of Feed Force and Initial Chain Tension on Chipper Chain Wear in Gasoline-Powered Chainsaws

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of initial chain tension and feed force on the wear rate of chipper chain cutters in gasoline-powered chainsaws. Wear was assessed by measuring the tip radius as cutter dulling has a considerable influence on chainsaw performance. Tests were carried out for three feed force values: 15 N, 35 N, and 70 N, and for two initial tension settings—a tight chain and a slack chain. The tests also measured cutting efficiency per unit of kerf area. The experiments involved pine wood and were conducted on a specially designed test rig that maintained a constant feed force. The tip radius was determined by means of a microscope and computer image analysis software. Wear intensity over time was evaluated using the dulling coefficient. The results showed that the applied initial chain tension and feed force significantly affected the cutter wear rate, which was significantly higher at lower feed force values. The wear rate was also increased by lower initial chain tension, which can be explained by greater cutter deflection from the kerf plane.