A chainsaw is a necessary thing if you have your own country house or at least a summer house. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of these devices. How to choose a chainsaw that will be reliable and of high quality? What models are on sale and what to consider when choosing?
Household or professional?
First you need to decide for what purpose this unit is needed. For example, household models are quite enough if you conduct one-time work on your site. They do not have high power, and with their help you can easily prepare firewood, cut down trees. When deciding which one to choose a chainsaw for the home, proceed from its functional features, namely light weight, ease of use and low price.
The second group of saws was semi-professional. They are widely used in repair and construction works, as well as in logging. Their main minus is the impossibility of long-term operation, since most often models are in demand for trimming knots in the cutting area. Professional saws include powerful units that can work up to 16 hours at any time of the year in any weather. The so-called shaft chainsaws are used at sawmills and are made from especially durable materials.
Model for the house: the main thing is safety and functionality
How to choose a chainsaw if you plan to use it several times a year on your site? I must say that a single classification of saws does not exist, so most buyers when choosing come from the opinions of friends and the advice of store experts. The main thing is to determine the operating mode of the device so that it can withstand loads. The second point is the presence of an inertial brake, which will make the sawing process safe and convenient. To choose a quality model, you need to consider several points.
First: cut speed
How to choose a chainsaw for a summer residence? The first thing you should pay attention to is the speed of sawing a tree. Simplicity and ease of use depend on how worn the chainsaw headset is. So, due to a dull chain, the overall efficiency of the cut will be lower, respectively, the risk of breakdowns is high. To ensure stable operation of the saw at the same speed, you need to monitor the regular editing of the chain - this must be done every time after using the saw. Performance also depends on the pitch of the chain, the shape of the cutting tooth and the correct selection of the engine.
Second: security
Working with a chainsaw is not an easy process, and the biggest danger lies in the effect of a back strike, when the tool is sharply thrown back to the operator. How to choose a chainsaw to use it safely? Choose models with an inertial brake with a drive-guard, which is located under the left hand. It is a lever that protects the device from “kicks”.
Third: vibration protection
Long work with any vibrating mechanism sooner or later affects the diseases of the joints and ligaments. Since it is not easy to choose a chainsaw correctly, you can turn to store specialists for advice. They will say that it is best to take models with anti-vibration protection.
Simple saws are equipped with a set of rubber gaskets located between the handles and the body of the product. More modern models are created on the basis of the principle of two masses, when the engine is located away from the fuel tank and the handle. If these systems do not exist, serious circulatory disorders can occur during operation.The most reliable in this regard is the STIHL chainsaw.
Fourth: weight and power
Household chainsaws are simple models that are well suited for suburban areas. As a rule, they are distinguished by simplicity and ease of operation, low power, and the optimal ratio of price and quality. Before choosing a semi-professional chainsaw, you need to consider that they can work with a greater load, while using them for harvesting wood at a high level will not work.
Fifth: choose a chain
For household saws, you can choose low profile chains in increments of 0.325 inches. The feature of these elements in the minimum level of vibration, but on the other hand, their significant disadvantage is low productivity. Powerful professional-grade saws are equipped with 3/8 × 0.404 inch pitch chains, which feature an increased level of vibration, showing high performance. With the help of such equipment thick-tree trees can be felled and sawed.
How to choose a chain for a chainsaw? Remember that ordinary ones quickly fail, become dull, especially if work was carried out with dirty or damp wood. It is best to choose special chains that are reinforced with hard alloys.
Sixth: we select additional accessories
A chainsaw headset is a combination of a tire, chain, sprocket (drive sprocket). When deciding which chainsaw to choose, pay attention to the fact that the saw itself and its components are made by one company so that there are no differences in the thickness of the drive sprocket and the chain pitch.
As for tires, they can be of several types:
- Narrow flat, which are placed on household saw models in combination with a low-profile chain. The main advantage of such a tire is the absence of a back strike, which reduces the risk of injury.
- Lightweight: these tires are made of steel and are two plates with polyamide in between. This design allows you to reduce the total weight of the unit, while improving the quality of work performed.
- With interchangeable heads: these tires are placed on professional saws of high power, which have a very large load.
When deciding how to choose a good chainsaw, remember that the longer the tire, the easier it will be to work with a thick tree. In this case, the device must also have the appropriate power, otherwise, fast sawing will not be possible.
Choosing a model for the house: Husqvarna
This brand offers a wide range of saws, among which each buyer will be able to choose an attribute for himself. How to choose a chainsaw to solve everyday issues? Pay attention to economical models. Several devices are attracting attention here. Thus, the Husqvarna 236 is a versatile and simple model that is well suited to perform the most common household tasks. Easy to start and use, and an innovative engine increases torque, saving up to 20% of fuel. The level of emissions meets modern environmental safety requirements. Such a model will cost about 6,000 rubles.
How to choose a chain chainsaw that will allow you to perform small work on the site, for example, cut branches or cut firewood? For only 7290 rubles you can buy the Husqvarna 240: this saw is easy to use, has an easy engine start system, and the presence of built-in technical solutions serves as a guarantee of convenience and power. This model attracts attention by the presence of the following options:
- Air Injection Air Purification System;
- combined engine shutter control;
- anti-vibration system LowVib®;
- fuel priming pump;
- chain brake.
Husqvarna 140 is a modern, efficient and lightweight tool that private users will appreciate. The patented X-Torq® technology contributes to fuel economy and reduces emissions of harmful substances into nature.A fuel pump and an auto-return switch simplify and facilitate starting the engine. Such a model is worth just above 9,500 rubles. The distinctive features of the model include the presence of effective anti-vibration elements that reduce vibration and protect hands and hands from the negative effects of this process.
Husqvarna 321 EL is a low-noise unit that has increased ergonomics. The narrow smooth case is a guarantee of simplicity and usability of a chainsaw. The electric motor is protected by a special electronic system from overload. Such a model can be safely chosen for simple work on the site, for example, pruning trees or carpentry. Such a chainsaw will cost about 11,500 rubles. By the way, this is the perfect choice for those who are looking for how to choose a semi-professional chainsaw of high quality at an affordable price.
The Husqvarna 455 e-series Rancher chainsaw is ideal for use in everyday life, while it is characterized by power, durability, and quick start. Special technologies enhance ergonomics and ease of use. Such a model costs 21,990 rubles. Its distinctive features include:
- X-Torq® technology, which saves fuel consumption and reduces the amount of harmful emissions into nature;
- AutoTune ™ system providing optimal engine performance, its stable and continuous operation;
- Air Injection Air Purification System;
- anti-vibration system LowVib®.
Husqvarna for professionals
Which chainsaw to choose for professional work? The HUSQVARNA T435 is a compact design featuring excellent balance in terms of power and weight. The saw accelerates quickly even at low revs. The air filter is attached as conveniently as possible so that it can be quickly removed if necessary. This greatly facilitates the process of cleaning and replacing it. The chain tensioner is located on the side, so it can be pulled easily and quickly. A specially designed guard allows you to protect your hands, while you can have full control over the work process.
Another powerful chainsaw is the HUSQVARNA 365H, which has high arms. With it, you can fell trees even in severe frosts in deep snow. The competent design of the handles is the key to simple maneuvering, while all harmful exhausts go to the side.
In addition, the high handle allows you to work in full growth, providing greater productivity. We can also note the crankcase made of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, due to which it is characterized by high strength. Such a device will cost about 40,000 rubles. Another model for professionals - HUSQVARNA 372 XP® - belongs to the middle price category. It costs from 29,000 rubles and is equipped with all the technologies and systems that are used for other models of this brand.
Stihl: for home ...
Under this brand, a large number of chainsaw models are produced for a variety of purposes. If you want to choose a chainsaw for the home, pay attention to a series of lightweight and convenient gas-powered units that allow you to cut firewood and take care of the land. STIHL offers lightweight, productive, compact and easy-to-operate models that can work even at maximum loads. Thanks to the special design of the saw chain, high-quality lubrication of the links is ensured, and therefore you can easily cope with wood of any density. Also pleasing is the ergonomics of the handle, the balance of the center of gravity and the ease of operation.
What "Calm" chainsaw to choose for home and garden? Experts advise taking a closer look at the MS 170 model: this small but powerful device will allow you to prepare firewood or carry out construction from wood. It costs only 6,990 rubles, while for such little money you get a reliable gas-powered saw.Equipped with Zoom anti-vibration system, it is easy and safe to operate. A special compensator provides constant power, providing low fuel consumption and equally low emissions of harmful substances into nature.
Another popular budget model is the MS 180 C-BE, which is equipped with the ErgoStart launch system. Replacing the chain is quick and easy, while this saw is suitable for felling trees with a diameter of up to 30 cm. There is a model from 11,990 rubles. A separate lever controls cold and hot start, operation and shutdown. Thanks to this, it is easy and simple to operate the saw, and the Ematic chain lubrication system regulates the oil supply exactly to the point where lubrication is necessary. How to choose a chain for the "Calm" chainsaw? It is necessary to take into account the type of gasoline-powered tool.
... for agriculture ...
For applications in this area, more reliable and versatile models from STIHL are suitable. So, the MS 271 saw is multifunctional, which is characterized by low fuel consumption and minimal amount of emissions into the environment. This model is equipped with a durable air filter that has a pre-cleaning function. A professional anti-vibration system provides easy and safe operation. Such a model costs about 23,000 rubles, has excellent power, four-channel technology, which can significantly increase efficiency. The protective mechanism during operation is the QuickStop chain brake. By the way, the life of the air filter in this device is 5 years, so the device will last you a long time.
... for professional activities and not only
If you need a chainsaw for use in forestry, pay attention to the productive models from STIHL. The main difference between professional models is in a well-balanced center of gravity with minimal weight. That is why the saws of this series are distinguished by their convenience and high productivity.
MS 661 attracts the attention of these petrol-powered units. Thanks to modern 2-MIX technology, the saw can operate under extreme loads. Therefore, if you are looking for a machine that will help you efficiently harvest large-sized wood, pay attention to this particular model. It costs from 44,190 rubles.
Many buyers can hardly answer the question of which company to choose a chainsaw. STIHL is also ready for such demanding users to offer the best option - Carving gasoline saws. In addition to lightness and maneuverability, they are characterized by low vibration. A feature of this model is the ability to create complex contours and patterns.
Partner
Ease of control, compactness, functionality - all these qualities must meet a modern chainsaw. Which brand to choose? Above, we described the most popular models of the HUSQVARNA and STIHL brands. However, do not ignore the less popular, but still well-known brands of Partner and Oleo-Mac.
In the Partner Series, the easy-to-use P340S is the focus of attention. It easily copes with cutting average logs and firewood in diameter, and the safety of the work process is ensured by the chain brake. Partner P350S has more power, so it is suitable for complex cuts. The engine starts easily and simply thanks to the additional spring in the starter.
Partner P360S is compact in design and powerful enough, so with its help it is quite possible to carry out serious work on the preparation of firewood. The gas engine in it is combined with electronic ignition. Another powerful model - Partner P842 - is equipped with EcoBoost technology, which allows to reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the environment and reduce the amount of fuel consumed. In this model, everything is thought out - from the ergonomics of the handles to a minimum weight of 5 kg. The cheapest models of this brand cost from 4900 rubles.
Oleo-mac
The products of this brand are popular in Europe as the most suitable gas-powered saws for landscaping. Chainsaws are designed to be used in the household, for example, for felling small trees or pruning knots. The presence of a knee shaft based on forged steel and a nickel coating serves as a guarantee of high quality and long service life. The oil pump operates as the chain rotates and minimizes oil leakage.
It is important that step-by-step instructions on how to use the device are given on the saw body, so even beginners will cope with the work. A practical and simple solution is the presence of a single multifunctional control lever. The fuel tank is made of transparent materials, which ensures fuel level control. Manufacturers and the anti-vibration system, which reduces the level of vibration and makes the use of the unit more convenient and comfortable, have not ignored.
Thanks to the use of modern technologies in the production, each Oleo-Mac saw is a reliable device that allows you to make work on the site simple and convenient, requiring little effort. The presence of the ICE DEVICE system promotes the possibility of using the saw in the winter, while ice will not form on the air filter. Of the professional models, the Oleo-Mac 962 chainsaw can be distinguished, which operates at high speeds and is characterized by reliable operation. With such a unit, you can easily cope even with large trees. The price category of these models is from 50 00 rubles.
ECHO
This is a fairly new brand producing chainsaws. Made in Japan, they are of high quality and reliable operation. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of a special saw for trimming trees, in addition, the weight of the CS-2600 ES model is only 2.9 kg! Popular with users and models of brands Craftsman, McCulloch, Homelite and Champion. What to choose, it's up to you!