Harbor Freight 40v Atlas Chainsaw Fixes

The Harbor Freight Atlas chainsaw is a good one but on occasion the chain will come off the bar for no apparent reason. Looking at the reviews others have had this happen as well. Here I provide two ways to remedy the situation. One is how to adjust the bar and tighten the chain. The other is replacing the bar and chain altogether. Hope this helps. Please like and subscribe.
Harbor Freight Atlas 40v Chainsaw 56938
Home Depot Power Care 14" Y52 Bar and Chain Combo.

[@FieldWorxoverlandadventures]

I bought the atlas 40 V chainsaw and it is awesome, I’ve used it twice now but I cut over 70 trees all different diameters, I go into the back country quite a bit and my last two trips because of the wildfires timber has fallen and blocked the areas I go into, I spent two entire days cutting timber in that chainsaw was awesome I bought the batteries that are 40/80 split And they seem to last quite a long time, I was able to get chains at my local small engine repair store they just matched up chains but I recommend this little chainsaw it works very well and especially for my situation and having extra batteries on hand really helps I purchased four batteries. The chain does fall off possibly because of chain stretch and I’m still running the same blade after all this timber I have cut I don’t know yet if my aftermarket chains will be better, I recommend just checking it while you’re using it if the chain does come off.

[@JoshuaDomoslai]

I have a 16” atlas. My first issue I ran into so far is it’s leaking bar oil badly out the bottom after only cutting a couple things in the backyard. Saw a few videos all with the same exact issues on all sorts of different brand electric chainsaws (they all seem pretty much the same for the most part) and the bottom of the bottle the grommet they used was so cheap it turned into goo and the oil was puking out. Find a new grommet or some good quality rtv gasket seal to seal it up.

[@thurlravenscroft2572]

Great video! I bought the 80v version and swapped the chain and bar with a 20" husqvarna farm tough bar and chain. I had to modify the bar a little so the oil hole would line up, but it works great!

[@dfau1t]

Thanks for the video. It helped me get my saw back up and running after the chain fell off.

[@fredgarv79]

But, did you think the new chain cut better than the stock chain? I recently wanted to buy one of these but my local store was out of them, so I called a second local store and they only had one that had been used, so I called a third local store and he couldn't find one, but then found on that was an open box one so I got it for $65. He said the store, or Atlas were kind of phasing out the 40V for the 80V so therefore hard to find. My chain was very tight but it works great so far but I'd love to know if you think swapping them out like you did is worth it if you can keep the original chain tight enough so it doesn't fall off? Does the longer gap between cutters make a difference?

[@turnertruckandtractor]

I could never get the original chain to stay consistently on no matter the tension. Yes the newer chain cuts a little bit more aggressively.

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I was just looking for a video on how to install the chain because mine randomly came off. Thanks for the tips on how to prevent it.

[@musiclaw1486]

I bought the ATLAS 16" 40V chain saw a few weeks ago and it has already proven to be absolutely awesome and worthwhile. I highly recommend the 40V 5Ahr/80V 2.5Ahr battery for it's extended run time, and the Rapid Charger (5 Amp) for it's quicker charge time. The Standard Charger is 2 Amps and takes about 2.5 hrs to charge the extended capacity battery. In use, the battery seems to have a quick self resetting thermal feature. If the saw unexpectedly stops while there are still 3 or 4 green led indicators (visible when pressing the display switch), simply remove the battery and give it a moment to reset and then reinsert into the saw. This has always worked for me. I did purchase 2 of the batteries and was impressed on how much I was able to cut using one battery. I also bought the 80v Blower and it is also outstanding!

[@turnertruckandtractor]

Glad it has worked out so well for you. Those larger batteries are a nice upgrade.

[@musiclaw1486]

@@turnertruckandtractor Another comment is that I subsequently added the ATLAS 10" Pole Chainsaw and ATLAS Pole Hedge Trimmer. Both are 40V and each works really well. Each uses the identical Battery/Trigger control Pole Section and Extension Pole section. Thus, you get backup by having both and you can combine the center extension rods if you absolutely needed an additional 2 feet of reach. I have yet to try this. The 10" Pole Saw's Oil Filler Cap has a tiny center hole which does annoyingly leak oil, so don't fill it beyond Medium, and always empty it when done using it.

[@turnertruckandtractor]

@@musiclaw1486 So right. I also have the pole saw and it has paid for itself! I use it more often than the saw. Agree drain bar oil out of either before long term storage.

[@edpetrikk2027]

Good video ..Thanks 👍

[@cincinnatiking8008]

The chain just kept coming off, but the last time it came off it bent one of the links. I ended up returning it. I'm going to get one from a different manufacturer like DeWalt.

[@baw1978]

I have a question. My atlas saw will go one revolution with chain and die. Any ideas?

[@turnertruckandtractor]

I have not experienced that so I don't have anything first hand but assuming a charged battery and nothing is over heated I would check for a chain that is pinching or is getting pinched by debris around the sprockets or cover. The chain brake is another area to inspect and double check. Good luck with it and if you solve it please comment how you fixed it.

[@oldmantrucking13]

i've had a similar problem and my bar got pinched (me not paying attention) while cutting a decent diameter pine tree that fell over driveway. the groove in the bar that the backside of the chain runs in got pinched tighter and the motor had to work really hard to move chain around. After a few seconds it would stop until it reset then only run a few seconds again. i ground the tip of a cheap screwdriver to slide snug in the bar where its under the side cover near the drive sprocket. Then i tapped it just enough to move it through the 2-3 inches where it pinched with a small hammer. Had to do this 4 or 5 times through the pinched area till it freed up the movement of the chain. Don't open it more than necessary as this holds the chain strait, open it to much and the chain will lean like a worn out bar and drastically shorten chain life. This may or may not be your problem, but something to check.

[@jaytrauger813]

Do you know what size nut goes on bar cover

[@turnertruckandtractor]

I believe it is M8x1.25 thread. Takes a 13mm socket. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@jaytrauger813]

@@turnertruckandtractor thank you

[@marktriplett4687]

just curious...why did you go with a 14" replacement instead of another 16" chain that the saw was originally???

[@turnertruckandtractor]

Good question. The new chain is slightly wider than the stock one. By using a shorter length I figured it would help keep the load on the motor around the same. I’m probably overthinking thing this. Secondly that’s what they had at the store. I have had the opportunity to use it more and zero issues.

[@marktriplett4687]

@Turner Truck and Tractor I actually went to Harbor freight and purchased one just like this yesterday and tried it out on my property today cutting trails out for my sxs and I absolutely love this chainsaw

[@ArturZagaj-Izraelita]

Po co ci taki wielki samochód?