Trail Tools - Stihl MSA-220C Battery Chainsaw

 For my reference, some of the tools and equipment for trail work. What to carry in the pack for different primary tools. Checklist format for getting out the door quickly. In general, numbers increase from bottom of pack to top, for a backpack having a bottom zipper.

CHAINSAW - BATTERY - STIHL MSA-220C

1. Chainsaw body. Separated from bar and chain for easy fit in pack w/o bonking back of head.
2. Battery (2, AP300S). Stored in special cases "Westcoast Saw Leather Battery Pouch - Fits Stihl".
3. Wedges, plastic (2 minimum, 3 preferred, nice to have mix of long and short)
4. Bar and chain. Chainsaw bar (18 inch) with 1 chain on it in plastic scabbard.
5. Hatchet. For driving wedges and stripping bark and dirt from trees. In some cases, a 4-pound felling axe is appropriate. Prefer to go light unless complex trees anticipated.
6. Oil. MSR fuel container filled no less than 2/3 with eco-friendly oil. Replaced stupid locking cap with "MSR Replacement Fuel Bottle Cap"
7. Tourniquet.
8. First Aid Kit. With customization to include stop-bleed gauze patches and medicine.
9. Chainsaw chaps, PPE. I used to use chainsaw pants, but they were a bit restricting. Stihl brand.
10. Water. Varies by day and temperature, of course.
11. Shirts (2 spare, layered). For end of day on cold days.
12. Jacket. If not wearing at beginning, have in pack.
13. Gloves (1 spare). For end of day on cold days.
14. Safety glasses.
15. Chain (spare). Minimum 1 spare, prefer 2.
16. Wallet. Include sawyer certification card.
17. Fire Extinguisher (5 pound minimum). Required during fire season. See IFPL. In some cases this is not sufficient, and 5 gallons water required (42 pounds!). Here is where having partner to split the load really helps and/or tow cart behind bike.
18. Bar (spare, optional). Extra bar in scabbard in case of pinch that can't be fixed by wedges or handsaw. Though optional, it is highly recommended.
19. Round file (optional). For sharpening chain in the field. Optional if carrying spare chains.
20. Flat file (optional). For removing burrs on drive side of chain or possibly bar. Don't expect to be filing rakers in the field.
21. Flagging tape (optional). In case a cut is marked for future completion. I rarely carry this.
22. Incident report (optional). I'm more of mindset to photograph incident and get home to fill out the report.

Supplemental in pack (based on circumstances)

1. Silky Big Boy. Handsaw for swamp work or backup.
2. Reading glasses. Generally, not required but handy if filing chain.
3. Food. I rarely eat on the trail, but it's smart to carry a protein bar or similar.
4. Bike pump. If biking in only, of course.

Ear protection. Foam ear plugs and/or headset as courtesy for partner just in case.

1. Bear protection. Bear spray or whatever you are comfortable with, or not.
2. Whistle.

Attire

1. Boots, jeans, long sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves
2. Helmet (pfanner).
3. Heart rate monitor.
4. Cell phone. Have emergency contacts including sawyer partner. Helpful to text them in the morning so their contact is top of list.

MAINTENANCE

YouTube videos:

1. STIHL MSA 220C YouTube Video Guide to Disassembling, Cleaning, and Reassembling. Full disassembly. Worthwhile once or twice a year as a refresher so you don't screw up. Super handy reference especially for reassembly and indexed for specific points. Tip: Sequence of reassembly as per video is important - if you install the sprocket before the tension spring there will not be enough slack in the spring to install the tension screw.
2. STIHL msa 220c chainsaw maintenance. Worth repeating for technique on untangling chains starting at 8 minutes, otherwise only play first time you get a saw otherwise too basic.
3. STIHL MSA200C Chainsaw Electric Motor Repair. Interesting but not routine maintenance. Worthy if your motor is broken.

EXPENDABLE PARTS

In general, the Stihl dealership can point you to the right consumable parts, but common items to replace listed below.

1. Chain. Good to have 3-4 chains on hand, bring 1-2 spares in the field each day to eliminate need to sharpen in the field.
2. Guide Bar. Good to have 1 spare guide bar, bring 1 spare in the field each day in case of pinching.
3. Oil. Buy eco-friendly oil. Not only is it better for the environment, but inevitable to get oil on your hands while sawing, so best to be less gross / toxic on your hands. Some say it gunk's up more than petroleum-based oil, but my experience is that it's fine.