Iwanp

Thanks for all the replies, upgraded chain ordered and will see how it performs.

In the meantime I will still be looking at buying a new chainsaw. If anyone has any recommendations or where can I get the best stihl prices? Thank you 

1 hour ago, bmp01 said:

My thoughts exactly.  Saws don't start struggling,  if it was ok to start then either the woods got bigger/harder or saw maintenance is lagging whats required. No 1 on the list will be "how sharps the chain ? ".

Pro saw will be lovely new and a good chain will last better than cheap one but you've still got to maintain it and sharpen chain,  might as well learn on the saw you have. 

Have you tried the sgs saw? Perhaps its the quality of the chain also, I clean it out everytime and sharpen the chain.

I need a lighter saw for logging tbh. 

I put a new chain on it and cut better for a short time, I don’t think its built to last like a stihl, and is quite heavy for what I use it. So will get a new bar and chain again for it, but use it for the bigger jobs rather than logging if that makes sense?

Thanks guys, I’ll look into them. When he mentioned plug into a computer I automatically thought it could possibly create more problems and cost than a non Mtronic, I’ve come across a few ms180, but might not be quite enough

£350 ish mark, I do cut a fair amount, nothing thats huge, just general tidying and log cutting on the farm.

M-tronic - are these the ones you plug into a computer? A local dealer did mention about plugging some to a computer. First I’ve heard.

Hi guys, I’m after some advice on what to go for before I buy a new chainsaw and find I made a mistake. I’ve had a ms230 for a few years but is now struggling and given up. Bought a cheap 62cc SGS saw to get me through whilst my 230 went for repair/service last year, and its already struggling to cut through logs.

I have quite a few logs to get through. I don't really use it to fell any trees, just cut the lengths for the splitter. Probably 15-20” would be maximum but with only a few.

any advice would be great! Cheers

Cheers for your help, will try checking further on it tomorrow. 

if it had sagged I’d be able to spot it when I took off the covers I guess? Did notice an old repair job, could have been like that since we got it but didn’t effect it with the old belts. 

3 minutes ago, PeteB said:

Really does look like engine cradle is goosed! Either hinges, rubbers or cradle itself! Gan you waggle bottom pulley on engine?

Both pulleys are solid (no play) no play in the hinges either. Cradle looks quite straight forward. Base plate and 4 engine mounting plates are straight

2 minutes ago, PeteB said:

Probably more like the rear hinge. Is their a bell housing and shaft on the rear of the engine block? Using a trolly jack, lift up the engine cradle until you can remove the belts then slowly drop the cradle down until it bottoms out then check hinges.

the bottom pulley is at the back of the engine. take it pulley attaches to the shaft.

Problem looks worse here though as engine is lifted our of drive

I’ll get some photos of the chipper side tomorrow, nothing seems out of place. The two engine pivot hinges seems fine. If it was the front pivot then that would explain it. I might see if I can replace them anyway. But don’t think it will solve it

1 hour ago, PeteB said:

Belts should also be (ideally) fitted as a matching set with them all as close to the same length. Your middle belt is not the same as the other two! Those two pulleys are not in line - either the back of the engine is tipped up or the back of your chipper tipped down meaning a bust chassis. Let us know where the issue is!

Yes only fitted them other two newer belts to be able to move it secure. We stripped the back of the chipper today thinking it might have dropped but all looks ok. Has had a repair at some point long before we bought it. The belt in the middle has worn much narrower than the new ones. Makes me wonder if its been like that all along, now that I put two new belts on its thrown them off as they fit tighter.

 We are going to try and put some spacer under the front engine mounting plates to see if it lifts it up inline better. 

Its very puzzling

Just now, Iwanp said:

Just now, Iwanp said:

Had a quick inspection today, we set the chassis level, as can be seen in one photo, the other photos show the cutting head side out of level. And the pulley on the cutting head side out of level. Might need to check if this has dropped at the back. 

Anyone experienced anything similar?

thanks for all the help so far guys

 

Had a quick inspection today, we set the chassis level, as can be seen in one photo, the other photos show the cutting head side out of level. And the pulley on the cutting head side out of level. Might need to check if this has dropped at the back. 

Anyone experienced anything similar?

thanks for all the help so far guys

5 minutes ago, PeteB said:

Ideally, belt pulleys do need to be as near as dammit, in line. Sounds like the engine cradle mounting is  out of alignment, possibly because the hinges are knackered. Is there anything that you can use as a reference between the cradle and the chassis? Is the pivot points okay? Hinge bolts present?

 

 

Would the gap from chassis to the cradle need to be the same at both  hinges? I will measure it tomorrow. Both hinge bolts are present with no play. Jacked up the cradle to check for any play movement but was solid.

Sorry to sound dumb, but by pivot point, would you mean the lever to lower the cradle to engage the drive belt? 

9 hours ago, struie said:

hi iwanp,give kim sparks a phone at danequip,they have kwikchip now,i have the 160,albeit i am waiting on spares from kim just now,but they are great for advice,and the pdf workshop manual etc,tel07733004710,or [email protected]   hope u get it sorted out mate.

Thats great, I'll try and get hold of them next week. 

hoping its not a big problem as its not had that much use since we bought it

Its the drive engaging lever's bracket thats bent, but can be fixed no problem.

I'll need to try and find where to adjust the engine to line them up better. Tried brand new belts and they came off after 10 minutes.

I'll try and get photos might explain it better. 

Thank for your reply 

Hi, hope someone can help me out. We have a kwikchip 160, its been working fine for a while.

recently been having problems with the drive engaging lever. Noticed the bracket had bent so roller wasn't in line with sump guard when in drive. Am I right in thinking its the drive belts that hold the enging up when in drive?

fitted new drive belts and after 10 minutes work all 3 belts came off. They did have good tension when in drive. 

Do the drive pulleys need to be 100% aligned to each other? How can you adjust alignement ? Searched all over for a manual with no luck.

Any info anybody has on this machine would be much appreciated!

TIA