At first glance, there’s nothing complicated in choosing the right tool for cutting wood materials. It is enough to determine the price group, outline a recognizable manufacturer and correlate the design of the model with the nature of the tasks planned for solution. And such an approach could justify itself 20-30 years ago, but not today, when there are many classifications and parameters for evaluating this technique. How to choose a chainsaw for a novice summer clerk or gardener? The first step is to understand in principle why this particular type of tool may be required.
Purpose and advantages of a gasoline saw
A power-driven chain saw is convenient for harvesting firewood, cutting thick tree branches, sawing logs, etc. This is a mobile tool that can be used away from a stationary workstation, as is the case with a circular saw. At the same time, gasoline models are, although traditional, but still a kind of chain equipment of this class. Electric saws are a more modern alternative to such a tool, so the question of how justified the purchase of a chainsaw will be initially decided.
As practice shows, a fuel chain tool is characterized by the following operational advantages:
- High performance. Even household models allow you to cut trees at the base of a thin trunk.
- Maintainability and reliability of the power filling.
- Autonomy. A fundamental advantage over an electric tool, thanks to which the user can perform work away from the outlet.
Of course, not without drawbacks. They are expressed in large mass, strong vibrations and exhausts. How to choose a good chainsaw so that these effects are reduced? Typically, a massive structure directly determines high power, noise, and vibration. For everyday tasks, you can purchase a compact model weighing 3-4 kg, but it will solve mainly simple tasks like sawing thin branches. As for high-performance models, then in this class, developers strive to combine power and ergonomics through innovative solutions. At the basic level of choice, it’s worthwhile to decide on the direction of use of the technology.
Amateur or professional model?
The section noted above between household and high-performance chainsaws can be presented as two types of tools - for home and professional purposes. However, this classification will be conditional, since the tasks to be solved in different areas often overlap. It’s worth starting the review from the initial level - how to choose a chainsaw for the home? Still, it should be a low-power device, which has small dimensions, a reliable design and, if possible, a complete set of modern security systems. In other words, it is an easy-to-use and convenient assistant, which even a user who is far from working with wood can cope with. If we talk about the tasks that can be solved with such a chainsaw, it will be sawing firewood, cutting knots, etc. Moreover, the working resource for engine hours in this case is small - about 500 hours. It will be possible to work about 40-45 minutes a day.
This is not to say that the professional segment is no longer for ordinary users. Powerful aggregates may well be interested in inveterate gardeners and farmers, who from time to time have to deal with felling trees, and with the preparation of building materials from a log. Accordingly, along with the power potential, the dimensions, weight and motor resource will be increased, which in this case will already be about 1000 hours. Which chainsaw is better to choose for solving complex and critical chain sawing tasks? Initially, it is worth leaning on the recommended duration of continuous operation. Models of this class are equipped with engines that ensure operability at the level of 1 to 6-7 hours a day. In fact, this is the operational format of the forester, whose list of direct responsibilities includes precisely the felling of trees. Now it is worthwhile to evaluate in more detail the optimal power indicators.
How to choose a chainsaw by power?
The power potential of chain saws with the advent of power tools for convenience began to be measured in kilowatts (kW). At the same time, traditional horsepower can be converted based on the calculation that 1 hp corresponds to 0.73 kW. What exactly reflects this parameter? Directly depends on it performance, composed of several operational factors - in particular, endurance, reliability and output traction. Roughly speaking, the higher the power, the longer and more efficient a particular unit will work, without causing serious problems in the form of breakdowns. How to choose a good chainsaw for the house by this criterion? For small jobs, a win-win option is up to 2 kW. Even this value will be much if the same operations with knots and seasonal preparation of firewood are planned. At the same time, do not forget that there may be advantages in reducing performance in the form of a compact case and a low level of vibration.
If it comes to large-scale work, during which it is necessary to trim the logs, prepare cubic meters of slabs or to refine park areas of a large area, then the optimal power range is 2-3 kW. This potential allows you to work without stopping for an average of 4-5 hours. But how to choose a chainsaw specifically for professional purposes related to woodworking? A full day with the processing of thick logs will be able to provide equipment with a capacity of at least 4 kW. The peak potential reaches 6-7 kW, but only specialists with extensive experience are allowed to physically handle such a tool.
Construction parameters
In this part, it is worth highlighting issues related to the size of the saw blade, the volume of the tank and the mass of equipment. It is very important to correctly determine the characteristics of the cut, which are directly determined by the length of the tire on which the chain is mounted. This value should be calculated on the basis of what maximum diameter the target blank will have, that is, a log. Again, in the household, minimal formats are more often used. On average, a range of 25-35 cm is considered as the optimal tire length for cutting branches and even trees with thin stems - this is also indicated by user reviews. But which chainsaw to choose for the house, if it is also planned to carry out the preparation of wood building materials? If we are talking about work at home without access to remote objects, then for the sake of saving time, it is worth initially choosing a technique that can serve thick workpieces. In such cases, a tire length of 50-60 cm is suitable.
In the process, the saw limitations associated with fuel consumption will certainly be noticeable. The larger the volume of the gas tank, the longer the sawing session will continue without interruption. In addition, this capacity is also associated with power. For example, household models are equipped with 40-50 cm 3 tanks. These are just versions with engines up to 2 kW. This tool is advantageous for its small size and optimized design, which is very convenient in complex work operations.
Professional units have a tank capacity of up to 100 cm 3 . Therefore, it will be a very heavy tool with low maneuverability. But how to choose a chainsaw so that all the above parameters are balanced? Practice shows that the key characteristic is the mass, which should be selected for individual physical data. Two main groups are distinguished - from 4 to 5 kg, and from 7 to 9 kg. There is no point in acquiring a heavy model for long operations if the operator cannot confidently manage it without outside help. Conversely, sometimes the difficult tasks of cutting thick trees can be solved by lightweight technology, using special approaches in the sawing process.
Helper Functionality
Especially for those who plan to work with the saw every day for several hours, it will be useful to pay attention to useful additions. Some of them increase the comfort of the process, while others have long been a guarantee of operator safety. How to choose a chainsaw with a set of really necessary functions and not overpay for extra features? For all, without exception, users of similar equipment, we can safely recommend an anti-vibration system. This is a damper gasket between the engine and the tool handles, due to which the transmission of oscillations along the saw structure is reduced. As a result, dangerous vibration is reduced, with prolonged exposure to which a whole complex of joint diseases can develop. In addition, small-scale household operations, during which decorative trimming is performed, will only benefit the tire without hesitation.
The most useful addition from a safety point of view is the chain brake. This is a mechanism with an instant reaction, which blocks the movement with the effect of a reverse impact (strong rebound of the unit towards the operator). Such systems are manual and automatic. The former are often chosen by professionals, and the latter are recommended for beginners as an additional and independent means of control.
Ergonomic nuances - what to consider?
In the case of the operation of the chainsaw, the convenience of control is extremely important, since the quality of work also depends on them. How to choose a good chainsaw in terms of comfortable interaction with the tool? For starters, you should again turn to the design of the unit. Much of the efficiency of working with a saw depends on the location of the engine, which is undeservedly given little attention. For example, models with a horizontal configuration should be chosen so that the power plant does not move along the axis of symmetry. Otherwise, there is a risk that the saw bar will go to the side without proper control. The best option is a longitudinal arrangement, in which, in principle, no displacement is assumed. In this case, the center of gravity of the whole structure will be balanced and will provide the possibility of even distribution of the load on both hands.
Another ergonomic nuance is associated with the "family" lack of gas technology as such - the noise of the work. If during short-term seasonal operation this factor is not of serious importance, then in production and in construction with the regular use of a loud instrument, negative effects on the auditory organs can also lead to diseases. The noise level in the range from 105 to 115 dB is considered a standard, but there are models in which the corresponding emphasis is placed on noise reduction. So, which brand of chainsaw to choose to eliminate the risks of serious hearing problems? The most favorable models in this regard are ECHO CS-3700ES and Efco 162. Their operating noise level is 98-100 dB. But it should also be taken into account that building headphones can provide effective noise isolation. Although completely relying on them is also not worth it. Many professionals, for example, point out the physical inconvenience of working with this accessory.
Models of Makita
The Japanese manufacturer is known for a high-quality tool that optimally combines the advantages of household and professional appliances. In the case of chainsaws, the developers of this brand focus on increasing the operational life of the element base and design. For example, to increase the durability of the power plant, a proprietary magnesium alloy in the form of a cast crankcase is used. There are a lot of modifications, so the question naturally arises as to how to choose a Makita chainsaw so that there is no disappointment in the process of use?
The most popular line of DCS, which presents both home and professional chainsaws. As for the domestic sphere, the DCS34-40 version is the most popular. It, in particular, is used for both gardening and sawing wood building materials. But which chainsaw to choose for a cottage, if you plan to work in difficult conditions and with large volumes? In this situation, it is worth paying attention to a special modification of the EA3203S40B, which can be positioned as semi-professional. Although it does not differ in increased power, it is provided with a wide range of options and switches. It is enough to note an electronic ignition system with a primer, a three-position switch of operating modes and a unique MPI technology that facilitates the restart of the tool.
Husqvarna Models
Representatives of the household and middle class in the market for chain saws abound. However, full-format equipment for specialized tasks is produced by units. It is for strong professional high-quality models that you should contact Husqvarna as one of the recognized leaders in the segment. Now you can move on to the question of which chainsaw to choose? Reviews of professionals highlight the 576XP-18 model, emphasizing its high power, performance and effective protection against vibration effect. However, the soundproofing of this unit is not the best way, so it’s hardly possible to do without headphones. In terms of performance, a 70-centimeter tire can be noted, due to which it is possible to confidently roll thick trunks. But, again, a mass of 6.6 kg imposes serious requirements on the physical characteristics of the user himself.
Stihl Models
Husqvarna’s direct competitor, which together with it forms the basis of the premium class chainsaws. To begin with, it is worth noting branded features that can attract exclusively in this line. Firstly, the designers offer energy-efficient 2-MIX engines, in which gas consumption is reduced by 20% and emissions by 70%. Secondly, it is possible to switch operating modes taking into account the “Winter / Summer” seasonality. In other words, the optimum setting is selected according to the temperature at which the "Calm" chainsaw will work. Which model to choose from this family?
The simplest cutting tasks in the household are effectively solved by “Calm-18 (180)” - a lightweight and convenient unit that a novice with no experience will cope with. Calm-21 (210) responds well to increased performance requirements. This is a medium-capacity technique that is enough for harvesting firewood for heating a country house (about 6 m 3 ). But what if you need an inexpensive, but productive and at the same time easy to use chainsaw for the home - which one to choose? Owner reviews as a balanced technical solution distinguish "Calm-25 (250)." This is not an industrial heavyweight like the Husqvarna 576XP-18, but not a weak brushcutter for decorative garden care. The unit can also be used to prepare lumber for construction, and for felling small trees if necessary.
Chinese build models
All of the above chainsaws are premium quality tools. Accordingly, the cost will be considerable - from 10-12 thousand rubles. for the middle class up to 45 thousand for the professional model Husqvarna 576XP-18. Of course, not every summer resident or gardener can afford to purchase such equipment to perform rare and uncomplicated cutting tasks. If financial resources are limited, then we choose a Chinese chainsaw worth 4-6 thousand. As a rule, this is an instrument of domestic brands, but assembled in the Middle Kingdom. Although the quality leaves much to be desired, at the basic level of operation, both in terms of power and in terms of functionality, such units show themselves well.
If we talk about specific models, the Patriot PT 3816 and "Caliber BP-1800" chain saws deserve attention. In the first case, a medium-sized technique is presented that is easily controlled and suitable for working with small trees. The model from the Caliber brand can be used both for work on a personal plot and for felling trees with a small trunk diameter. But how to choose a chainsaw for a house of Chinese assembly, if the bet is on productivity? The combination of high power and a small price tag made the DAEWOO DACS4516 famous. With a reserve of 2.3 kW, this unit costs only 6.5 thousand.
How to choose a saw headset for a chainsaw?
During long-term operation, tire and chain accessories will inevitably be required. This may be due to the elementary wear of the current working base, and with the reorientation of the tool to tasks of a different kind. Tires are recommended to be selected from the manufacturer who issued the saw. Immediately determine the appropriate length, groove size and chain pitch. , . , ? . – . , . 1,3 , .
Finally
There can be no unambiguous recommendations for choosing a chain saw for each case, since a lot depends on the conditions of the working process, the volume of cut, the characteristics of the workpieces, etc. Nevertheless, at the time of purchase it is useful to have at least a general idea of the existing assortment of chainsaws. Which brand to choose? A reliable option in terms of reliability and safety will be one of the Stihl or Husqvarna models. The same manufacturers should be contacted in cases where a high-performance unit is needed. If you plan to use an average chainsaw in terms of design, functionality and endurance, then Makita will be a good solution, and with it companies such as Partner, Champion and Echo. Those gardeners and summer residents who intend to cut knots and seasonal firewood in small batches, in the interest of economy, we can recommend the technique of Chinese assembly from the brands "Caliber", "Encore", Patriot, etc.