For tree service owners
How should I care for saws and climbing gear between jobs?
Short answer
Clean, inspect and store your saws and climbing gear after every job, and follow the maker's guidance for retiring worn items. Gear that is checked every day fails less often and lasts longer.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Saws: clean the air filter, check chain tension and the bar, and sharpen or swap the chain when it is dull. A dull chain is slower and more dangerous than a sharp one. Store fuel in approved containers and keep the bar covered.
Climbing gear: look over ropes for cuts, glazing and fuzzy wear. Check harness webbing, stitching, carabiners, lanyards and friction devices. If anything fails your inspection, take it out of service. Follow the manufacturer's inspection and retirement guidance rather than guessing.
Chippers and trucks need their own checks: fluids, belts, blades and lights. Give each machine an owner on the crew so nothing gets ignored.
Keep a simple log for each item. When something is flagged, tag it out of service until it is repaired or replaced, so a worn rope never goes back up a tree.
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