Logging winch drive chain lube?

[BWSwede]

I picked up a Farmi winch a month or so ago. It looks like I need to lub the drive chain. I understand that it is very important not to use just any ol' type of of oil or grease because it can run/seep down into the clutch, making it inoperable. I have looked at several hardware stores and motorcycle shops but I have not found anything that really stands out. So, what have you fellas with type of winch used to lube the chain?

Thanks in advance,
Blane

 

[Northland]

I would have thought motorcycle chain lube would be perfect. I use it on my snowblower to good effect

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto.. you can buy 'open chain and gear' lubes in a spray can.. real tacky stuff once the solvent evaps.

soundguy

 

[BWSwede]

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I was thinking that there was something out there better than motorcycle chain oil. I remember back in the day when I use to ride that I would get chain lube spattered under my fender. Maybe there are better formulas now.

Thanks again,
Blane

 

[Shmudda]

You want sticky lube for a chain, I use it all the time....try chain saw chain lube it works really good and is really sticky too as it doesnt fling off real easy.

Craig

 

[BWSwede]

Is "sticky lube" a description or a brand name?

Thanks,
Blane

 

[Soundguy]

If you hit a napa there is actually a can of " OPEN GEAR AND CHAIN LUBE "

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Go to a motorcycle shop/dealer. Get a good grade of M/C chain lube. If your chain is an O-ring chain, they'll have a specific lube for them too. Most street bikers want a lube that stays put and doesn't end up on their chrome. Dirt bikers want a lube that defies dirt and water.

 

[Shmudda]

Is "sticky lube" a description or a brand name?

Thanks,
Blane

Blane,

The term sticky lube is just a description. If you go and purchase any quality chain saw chain lube it will do you just fine in my opinion. Dont need to get fancy, just practical. A gallon will cost you about 5-7 bucks depending on where you buy it.

Craig

 

[Youare]

I have a Farmi 3PH winch that I purchased new almost 30 years ago. On my winch there is one grease fitting for the bearing on the input shaft. About 5 years ago I took the winch apart just to check on things.

Everthing looked good. I have a spray can of "sticky grease" it was a Lubriplate product that is used for gears and sprockets that are open so I gave it a shot. Periodically I would spray WD-40 on the chain which I think helped without the worry of affecting the clutch. As I remember the drive chain and clutch are situated so that any grease or oil could not get from one to the other easily.

Randy

 

[Northland]

In my opinion chainsaw bar oil is the wrong product for a snowblower chain. I go through a lot of chainsaw bar oil in both the winter and three season variety on my 65cc Husqvarna chainsaw.

The bar oil tank only lasts for two tanks of gas. It is used up very quickly as it isn't intended to adhere to the chain or bar; it just lubricates the high speed action.

The chainlube products are much stickier and adheres to the chain for a long time; at least that had been my experience.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd agree... the chain saw bar oil is thick and sticky.. but not tacky.. the chain lube is more of a spray grease.. not a thick oil.

soundguy

 

[Northland]

I'd agree... the chain saw bar oil is thick and sticky.. but not tacky.. the chain lube is more of a spray grease.. not a thick oil.

soundguy

"tacky"....dat's da word I should have used...thanks

 

[Hunchback]

I purchased a Farmi last month and the lube spec's are after every 50 working hours grease the drum chain lightly with spray type hardening chain grease (not oil). Wipe off excessive grease.

 

[Northland]

I purchased a Farmi last month and the lube spec's are after every 50 working hours grease the drum chain lightly with spray type hardening chain grease (not oil). Wipe off excessive grease.

Thanks for the confirmation hunchback. That Farmi must be a great tool/implement for skidding trees huh?

 

[rdbrumfield]

probably several different names for a tacky lube. in the nw we call it gear dope. comes in a spray can and is totally sticky. Use for chains and gears. Loggers and pile drivers use it for open teeth and chains on cranes and yarders.