Long Term Repair and Maintenance Cost of some Professional Chainsaws

Abstract

A sample of 44 professional chainsaws was used to determine service life and maintenance cost for this type of equipment. Data were sourced from a large workshop, catering for regional forest crews in north western Italy. Chainsaw service life exceeded 3000 hours, and spread over a period of 6 to 9 years. Under these conditions, maintenance cost averaged 820 €, or about 120 % of the investment cost. Annual usage was highest and maintenance cost lowest for mid-size chainsaws, in the 2 to 3.5 kW power class. Models at the two extreme ends (i.e. 3.5 kW) configured as specialist tools, which resulted in a lower usage and a higher maintenance cost per hour. The largest number of interventions (45% of the total) concerned the engine and the carburettor. The average chainsaw in the sample underwent 31 maintenance interventions over its service life. The cost per intervention varied between 7 and 50 €. Intervention cost was highest for engine work, and the lowest for overhaul. Overall, parts accounted for two-thirds of the cost, and labour for the remaining third. This study offers information about chainsaw service life and maintenance cost, obtained with scientific methods and hence suitable for general use.