A chain saw is an indispensable tool in a private home. The variant with a two-stroke engine on gasoline, although it enjoys enviable popularity, but its practicality is a big question. Here we have regular refueling, carburetor and filter system maintenance, as well as additional financial costs. Of course, the obvious advantage of gas saws is mobility, but in some cases it does not play a critical role.
Chain saws do not need refueling or specific and regular prophylaxis; moreover, the power tool’s life is noticeably higher than gasoline models. In addition, the user is free from the smoke, roar and vibration that are inherent in internal combustion engines. In addition, on sale you can find chain saws on batteries, so the issue of mobility is also solved.
Difficulty choosing
The current market for electric tools pleases with a huge variety of models, where even professionals sometimes experience serious doubts, not to mention newcomers to this matter. The choice is largely complicated by the dominance of consumer goods from the notorious Celestial Empire. Chinese no-name manufacturers tirelessly stamp out blatant hack and clog Russian markets with their products.
Of course, among a heap of cheap chain saws from little-known companies you can find quite worthy options, but this is only a rare exception, and not a rule. Therefore, it is better to trust trusted brands that care about their reputation, as well as for each client.
The best manufacturers of chain saws:
- "Makita."
- "Champion".
- Husqvarna.
- Bosch.
- Stihl.
- Hitachi
- Karcher.
Choosing a brand tool, you can be sure of the reliability of the product and its high quality. There is a serious struggle on the market for each client, and venerable manufacturers minimize the percentage of rejects on the lines or mediocre after-sales service, that is, something that can scare away the consumer. Yes, the products have a significantly higher price, unlike their Chinese counterparts, but the buyer clearly understands that he overpays for the guaranteed quality and reliability.
Among domestic manufacturers that produce quite decent inexpensive chain saws, only Interskol can be noted. Almost all products of such a plan under this brand are of high quality and without critical flaws. Of course, there are other domestic manufacturers like Zubr, Parma or Baikal, but the reviews on the chain saws of these brands are mostly 50 to 50, that is, this is the same “pig in a poke”. Choosing a similar tool, especially if you need high performance and increased reliability, it is better to pay extra and take the model more expensive from one of the above brands.
Let's try to identify a list of the best chain saws, which included the most intelligent models, distinguished by their quality component and the mass of positive feedback from users. The list is presented in the form of a rating for a more visual picture. All the equipment described below can be easily "felt" both in offline and online chain stores, as well as in branded points of sale.
The chain saw rating is as follows:
- Stihl MSE 250 CQ-16.
- Champion CSB360.
- Makita UC4530A.
- Hitachi CS45Y.
- Interskol PC-16 / 2000T.
Consider the participants in more detail.
Interskol PC-16 / 2000T
The model is included in our rating due to a well-designed security system. The manufacturer paid special attention to this moment. Here we have a reliable front guard, a competent position of the handle that virtually eliminates material getting into our hands, as well as a “smart” automatic and inertial brake: if you release any of the handles or when the saw bounces, the chain will immediately stop spinning.
A couple of kilowatts of power is enough for ordinary needs, but it is not recommended to heavily load the Interskol chain saw, because this technique is not designed for continuous flow. Sawing wood, pruning tree branches, or pruning boards is her main concern.
Tool Features
Consumers generally respond positively to this model. This reliable chain saw will be a great helper in a small yard without any claims to logging work. In addition, the tool is perfect for beginners in this matter thanks to a well-thought-out security system.
Advantages of the model:
- good power and good performance;
- well-organized security system;
- high-quality and reliable chain;
- comfortable ergonomic handles;
- attractive price tag.
Disadvantages:
Estimated cost - about 5500 rubles.
Hitachi CS45Y
The chain saw from the venerable manufacturer boasts good efficiency at 2 kW of power. The location of the main structural elements of the model may not be the best in terms of balance, but the case itself was distinguished by high-quality plastic and very comfortable handles with soft pads, so there are no questions about ergonomics per se.
The chain is adjusted without a key using a large lever that can be controlled even in thick gloves. It is also easy to change the performance of the oil pump, so that the equipment can be tailored to a specific brand and minimize underfilling or overspending.
Saw Features
Another obvious advantage that users did not fail to mention in their reviews is the cord length. Five meters is enough to properly turn around and not to kick the carrier that always interferes underfoot. And in some cases, you can do without the latter.
Pluses of model:
- high power along with excellent efficiency;
- thoughtful and very comfortable handles;
- Hassle-free keyless chain adjustment
- high-quality / reliable assembly.
Minuses:
- displaced center of gravity from the usual norm.
Estimated price - about 10,000 rubles.
Makita UC4530A
A couple of kilowatts of power is not the largest indicator for this type of tool, but the Makita chain saw uses them to the maximum, giving excellent efficiency. A well-balanced design does not annoy the user with vibration or noise, and thoughtful cooling reliably protects the main elements from overheating even in the most intense heat.
In addition, the saw has a very modest weight - only 4.4 kilograms, which is very small for a technique of this kind, so with it fatigue comes much later, and if necessary, the model fits perfectly into fragile female hands.
Saw Features
Consumers leave mostly positive reviews about the tool. It is extremely convenient, reliable and has good power. Among the shortcomings, users note not the simplest disassembly of the saw for cleaning, which cannot be done “on the knee”, as well as the lack of adjustment of the oil supply, which is sometimes fraught with increased lubricant consumption. Well, here you can also include a clearly short meter cord. Of course, the technique of such a plan involves the use of carrying, but when it hangs on weight - this is already too much.
Advantages of the model:
- excellent performance / efficiency;
- easy and convenient chain adjustment;
- light weight and perfect balance;
- efficient cooling system.
Disadvantages:
- short cord;
- oil pump without adjustment.
Estimated cost - about 11,000 rubles.
Champion CSB360
This model runs on a lithium-ion battery (36 V / 2.6 A * h), and the charger is already included in the kit, as well as in the total cost of the tool, which is very rare for this segment. A good half of manufacturers, in order to attract a buyer with an attractive price tag, remove not only the memory, but even the batteries themselves.
Saw received a proprietary chain "Oregon" 30-inch width with a tooth pitch of 3/8. It is immediately worth noting that there will be no problems with the replacement. The staff chain, although branded, but as an alternative, any analog of this form factor will do. There are no problems with the adjustment, and the whole process occurs without the participation of keys and screwdrivers.
Tool Features
Consumers respond very warmly about the model and its capabilities. The tool turned out to be reliable, efficient and plus everything - mobile (about 20 minutes of continuous battery operation). The only thing users sometimes complain about is the noise of the instrument and its decent weight. At first you can still somehow close your eyes, but under the weight of the saw your hands get tired even after five minutes of work. So this tool is suitable only for physically savvy users.
Pluses of model:
- equal efficiency independent of battery power;
- good ergonomic performance;
- universal chain size (many analogues);
- Attractive cost for a kit with battery and charger.
Minuses:
Estimated price - about 11,000 rubles.
Stihl MSE 250 CQ-16
This is one of the best options this segment can offer. The model received a 2.5-kilowatt soft-start engine, as well as an intelligent electronic temperature control sensor. A proprietary chain in tandem with a powerful motor can give excellent performance, only manage to remove chips.
Perhaps the only drawback that users sometimes complain about in their reviews is the adjustment mechanism. Here we have an old proven method, using a screwdriver and a bolt hidden in the back of the case. But as such, adjustment is not needed here: all the elements are securely seated in their places, and the adjustment is needed only when replacing the circuit.
As for ergonomics, there are no questions. The design is perfectly balanced, the handles are extremely comfortable, and the noise from the engine is minimal. The model turned out to be reliable, productive and fully justifies the funds invested in it.
Model Features
It should also be noted that this series more than once took all kinds of awards at exhibitions and received the highest ratings from subject magazines and professional reviewers. Of course, the cost of the instrument cannot be called democratic, but the exceptional quality has never been cheap. Therefore, the demanding buyer understands perfectly well why he pays such money, and what he will receive in the end. Buying this model in order to use it from case to case is not the most practical option, but for a serious flow - this is it: trouble-free, productive and convenient.
Saw Advantages:
- high efficiency;
- Excellent ergonomics
- exceptional build quality;
- almost silent work;
- nice looking appearance.
Disadvantages:
- old-fashioned tension adjustment - screwdriver and bolt.
Estimated cost - about 25,000 rubles.