Without the proper lubricant, the average amount of use that a guide bar, saw chain and sprocket should be able to provide would certainly be shortened.
Part of the chainsaw requiring regular maintenance is the bar-and-chain, which is lubricated by oil and is served by an oil tank - not to be confused with a petrol/oil fuel container. The right chain oil will equip the chainsaw for good service, clean operation and safe use for the operator and the environment. A typical composition of proprietary chainsaw oilwill be a highly refined blend of mineral oils that contain oxidation inhibitors and anti-wear corrosion with supplementary tackifier.
A general purpose (GP) grease is designed to meet a broad range of requirements. It is grease manufactured to medium consistency with a medium viscosity base oil and medium wear, washout and oxidation resistance properties. Essentially, it is a product designed to fit the largest possible cross-section of grease lubricated components in an operation.