How to choose a good chainsaw for gardening: advice from competent experts. Which chainsaw is best to buy for your home and garden? Review of manufacturing companies Which chainsaw is better

What characteristics should a good chainsaw have, which brand should you choose? If you live in a private house or own a summer cottage, then having a chainsaw becomes especially important. How to choose a chainsaw? Which chainsaw should I buy for my home or dacha? Let's take a closer look and compare the brands most in demand in the construction market.

Before you make your final choice, you need to figure out what goals you set for yourself. How often the saw will be used, what loads are expected. Even the factor who exactly will work with her (man or woman) also matters. Which chainsaw is the best? For example, for seasonal firewood collection, trimming branches or small trees, you may need a not very powerful model. If you plan to cut timber when building a gazebo or bathhouse, then a more powerful unit will be needed.

Semi-professional middle-class model Tatra Garden MS 235, photo:

Chainsaw for the dacha - which one to choose?

This tool is divided into three categories: household, semi-professional, professional saws.

Household chainsaws

Such models are designed for periodic operation - approximately 20-30 hours monthly. They are small in size and weight, and are great for preparing logs and firewood for the stove or fireplace. They can be used to saw boards during construction or trim tree branches. Such units are also called amateur units; they have low power (1.5-2 kW) and are equipped with low-profile chains that have a low vibration level. These tools are characterized by low productivity, but are easy to use and will optimally solve your garden or small construction tasks.

Household model ECHO 260, photo:

Semi-professional chainsaws

This is a class of more powerful models (2-3 kW), they have more weight than household ones, and are designed for construction work, cutting down trees and thick branches. If you plan to do construction (roofing, flooring), then a semi-professional gasoline saw will come in handy. It should be taken into account that long-term loads (2-4 hours) are not recommended for such a tool.

Semi-professional model Stihl MS 230, photo:

Professional chainsaws

This category includes the most powerful tools when work reaches industrial volumes. They can operate continuously for more than 8 hours, their productivity exceeds 2.5 kW, the most durable models are 2.7-6 kW. It makes sense to purchase such units if you are building a large log house, bathhouse, or gazebo yourself. If you plan to work with thick tree trunks, then a professional saw is just what you need.

Professional models Stihl MS 880, Husqvarna 3120 XP, photo:

Which chainsaw to buy for your home is up to you to choose. If there is serious construction work ahead, you will need a semi-professional or professional tool. A lightweight, so-called household model will help solve your country or garden needs.

Characteristics, general indicators of chainsaws

The power of the tool is the most important aspect on which the speed and depth of cutting the material depends. The power should correspond to the weight of the tool - this makes it more convenient to work, and the result of your efforts will be of the highest quality. The more powerful the saw, the heavier it will be in weight, and accordingly, the more effort the work process will require from you.

Let's look at the structure of the saw, as well as the main working elements responsible for its performance. According to their own design features The gasoline saw is a classic mechanism. The heart of the unit is a two-stroke engine internal combustion. There is no gearbox as such. A single-stage chain drive makes the saw chain work, thereby carrying out the work process. In addition to these main factors, modern saws have a system for cleaning the air entering the carburetor, a starter, a tensioning mechanism for the chain, a tire, a fuel tank, an ignition coil, a muffler, and others.

Chainsaw tires

One of the main indicators is the length of the bar - the longer it is, the larger the working area the saw can cover. The ratio of bus length and power must be balanced. Otherwise, with low power, you will make additional efforts, which will negatively affect engine performance (wear). Always read the included instructions; the maximum permissible tire length is always indicated in the passport. In semi-professional, household saws, bars up to 40 cm in length are usually used, in professional models - up to 75 cm.

There are tires three types: narrow, lightweight, long. Narrow tires are installed on household, so-called low-power saws, suitable for small jobs. They, as a rule, come with a low-profile chain, and there is practically no kickback in such units.

Lightweight tires are made of steel. However, to make the working process more comfortable and the saw itself to be light (for example, when working at height - on a tree or roof), a layer of polyamide is laid between the steel blades of such a tire.

Long tires are used when cutting tree trunks large diameter. Saw bars with replaceable heads are also designed for professional high-power chainsaws, designed for many hours of work.

Chainsaw chain

This is also an important factor that cannot be ignored when choosing a tool. The distance between the saw teeth is responsible for the chain pitch and determines it. The smallest pitch for household low-power saws is 0.325 inches. Such a chain is designed for a light load; with more active work it will quickly become dull. More powerful units have chains with a pitch of 0.404 inches - with this indicator, increased vibration is observed, and productivity increases. But it should be borne in mind that they are not designed to work with wood that is too hard or frozen. Larger pitch values ​​are used by powerful professional tools; such chains have carbide (reinforced) soldering.

Chainsaw kickback protection

Kickback is one of the most dangerous factors when working with a gasoline saw. When the saw bar (especially its end) comes into contact with a hard surface of the material, the saw is often thrown abruptly to the side. Here it is important to hold the tool and quickly stop the movement of the chain; the inertial brake is responsible for this action. The brake drive is a lever that has two positions. When an impact occurs, your hand presses against this lever, thereby activating the inertia brake. Pay attention to this nuance Special attention when choosing a saw model.

Chainsaw anti-vibration protection

The presence of vibration protection is important if you plan to work with the unit often and for a long time. During the work process this tool vibrates in the hands, thereby causing circulatory disorders, resulting in joint diseases. If you decide to buy a high-power gasoline saw, then the presence of anti-vibration protection should be especially important.

Household saws, especially those with rubber gaskets (between the handles and the body), have very low vibration. Powerful units are characterized by strong vibration - this is understandable. In modern semi-professional and professional models, the engine and gas tank are located at a distance from each other - this is necessary to evenly distribute their mass relative to the entire structure. When choosing a saw, do not be lazy to turn it on when purchasing, hold the working tool in your hands - this way you can assess the approximate degree of vibration.

Tools without protection are suitable for short-term, simple gardening or construction work. In all other cases, it is better to choose a unit with protection. It happens that women choose an “assistant” to work on their summer cottage. This is exactly the option when it is preferable to choose a low-power tool with low weight and low vibration.

Chainsaw engine

As mentioned above, all models of gasoline saws have a two-stroke carburetor engine, which has two tanks for filling fuel and oil. The fuel tank is approximately 2 times larger than the lubricant tank. This ratio is calculated so that the production of liquids occurs at approximately the same time. Domestic tools can use 76 gasoline and motorcycle oil. When choosing a foreign brand unit, it is better to use higher quality gasoline and appropriate oils.

For the future, you should know that if you purchased a tool from a separate manufacturer, then all spare parts and components for your saw should now only be of this brand!

Professional model Stihl MS 260, photo:

How to choose a chainsaw based on price and quality?

So which instrument is still worth choosing from the variety offered? Chainsaw for the home - what is it? The answer can also be found on thematic Internet forums. Real reviews buyers may influence your choice. For example, if you are considering a range of saws from domestic manufacturer, then Taiga-245 can be a relatively inexpensive, universal option. The price is approximately 4200 rubles. The high-power Ural-2TE model, intended for professional work, will cost you from 18-19,000 rubles.

If we consider the unit from the point of view of “price-quality”, then tools from the famous brands Makita and Husqvarna are ideally suited for all types of work (large or light). For example, Makita DCS 340 or DCS 341 will become best choice summer resident, thanks to its compact dimensions along with high productivity. High-quality internal “filling” will ensure comfortable, long-term use of this unit.

Universal saws Husqvarna 340/350 can cope with any task, while they have reliable anti-vibration protection and quiet operation. The price of a saw of this level varies from 13,500 to 20,000 rubles. The most durable, but most expensive units are representatives brands Jonsered, Stihl. Regardless of whether it is a lightweight version or a powerful professional one, the cost of the saw can reach 25-30,000 rubles.

It doesn’t matter which model you choose, any one needs to be configured, adjusted, so to speak, “run in” before operation. Initially, the tool should operate at low speeds (at least 40 minutes). Pay attention to the Russian translation (it must be required) in the operating instructions if this is an imported model.

Although the Russian market is mostly filled with products from European brands, budget brands also find their buyers. Let's do a little analysis of gasoline units from the most frequently purchased companies and compare which chainsaw is the best from the consumer's point of view:

1. Stihl is the undisputed leader among manufacturers of gasoline units. The very first saw in the world equipped electric motor, was created by Stihl. Today, this German brand successfully produces models of all series - professional, household, so-called farm. There is a special category - for rescue work. These are really high-quality products, but when purchasing, choose a reliable, trusted intermediary company, as many fakes have been spotted on the market. The price of Stihl brand tools varies from 16,000 rubles (household saws) to 35,000 (semi-professional models), over 50,000 there are already powerful professional units.
2. Husqvarna is a Swedish company that has been producing its products since 1689 (then it all started with the production of muskets). Today it is the world's largest company producing equipment for the home and garden. Husqvarna produces gasoline saws in all three categories; it is noteworthy that even the most “inexpensive” (compared to the rest of the series) models are of the highest quality and have a lot of positive reviews among consumers. The price of a Husqvarna saw starts at 13,500 rubles for household models, about 25,000 rubles. universal tools cost, and from 30,000 rubles. a professional range of products is launched.
3. Dolmar is a German brand that is part of the Japanese concern Makita. Today this company produces instruments under the names Dolmar, Makita, as well as Cub Cadet for MTD. If we consider tools in the semi-professional and professional segments, with prices starting from 25,000 rubles, then in our market you can more often see Makita products. Moreover, the chainsaws themselves and their components are manufactured by German enterprises. However, household units, the cost of which starts from 10,000 rubles, are produced in factories in China.
4. Champion is a young Chinese manufacturer producing garden equipment (lawn mowers, cultivators, petrol trimmers), as well as chainsaws. If you are considering a budget option specifically for a summer house or small-scale construction work, choosing Champion equipment will be a good decision. The cost of household units from this company varies, not exceeding 20,000 rubles.
5. Patriot is an American brand that produces a wide range of gardening and construction equipment. The company's policy is to produce budget products without loss of quality. Prices start at 7,000 rubles, with the most expensive saw model costing you about 15,000 rubles. All equipment is made in China. Despite user complaints that can easily be found on the Internet, Patriot gas saws can be considered excellent gardening equipment. There is no point in demanding more from them, since there is no high price quite justified modest opportunities of this budget instrument.
6. Partner is equipment produced in China, but the company is part of the Swedish concern Husqvarna. Today Partner produces budget household chainsaws, the price of which ranges from 6 to 15,000 rubles. Tools from this manufacturer are characterized by positive user reviews, despite their low cost.
7. Hyundai is a company from South Korea that is better known to us as a car manufacturer. Along with this, this brand is a manufacturer of a variety of gardening equipment. Gasoline saws have a relatively low price (10-20,000 rubles), while users note good quality motors. It is also worth mentioning the “minus” of the products – the weak plastic case.

For domestic needs, you can also consider models from the manufacturer Carver, which have a fairly budget price (5,000-15,000 rubles) and acceptable quality.

The German company Huter, along with the production of electrical equipment, also produces a limited range of gasoline saws in the economy segment (5,000-8,000 rubles). Huter equipment is produced by Chinese enterprises.

How to choose a chainsaw for your garden?

It is not possible to give a specific answer, if only because each of us has different requests, different amounts of expected work. When choosing best saw should be based on individual needs. For periodic gardening or cutting wooden planks It is worth considering a number of household tools that are small in size. For regular construction or gardening work Pay attention to the farmer (semi-professional) model range.

If you have in cash, feel free to choose a unit from leading brands such as Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl. This is the best option, both in terms of functionality, performance, and consumer reviews.

Makita offers good budget saws. You can choose a simple, inexpensive tool from the manufacturers Patriot, Huter, Carver, Champion. With careful handling and proper care, they will serve you faithfully for a long time.

Chainsaw attachments

A chainsaw was originally designed to cut wood, but it is often used as auxiliary tool. It's all about the attachments, with the help of which this truly irreplaceable tool becomes a device for drilling wells, pumping water, cutting metal, and other work.

Debarker nozzle, photo:

The use of attachments allows you to expand the potential of a regular saw. A membrane-type carburetor, technical features of a centrifugal clutch (automatic clutch/disengagement) in the presence of a reliable engine open up new possibilities for using familiar tools.

Drill attachment, photo:

The following can be connected to the saw output shaft:

1. A petrol cutter attachment, with its help you can cut bricks, tiles of various thicknesses, metal objects, even stone.
2. Debarker (disc or drum) - will help to cut grooves in timber during the construction of log houses, make a rounded surface flat, cut a groove in a log in any direction (longitudinal or transverse). A drum debarker will help remove bark from a log, remove excess knots, branches, and growths.
3. The pump, with which it is possible to pump water, can be used when watering a garden or draining a flooded room. This attachment has a bracket with grooves for connecting to the saw, as well as a pulley that causes the pump turbine to rotate.
4. Drill – it should be taken into account that when connecting this attachment to a chainsaw, the rotation speed of the auger (spiral part) will be slightly lower than that of a standard motor drill.
5. Winch - can be used when moving heavy objects (for example, large tree trunks), towing or pulling cars, boats. It should be taken into account that the potential traction force of the winch directly depends on the power of the saw. In addition to the nozzle, a branch block, anchors, rafter straps, and hooks are also used.
6. Boat motor - the chain saw boom is replaced with a gearbox with a gear ratio of 2:1, and a propeller is installed. This reconstruction will allow you to move on water at an approximate speed of 20 km/h, and gasoline consumption will be about 1 l/h.

When improving your unit, do not forget that amateur, semi-professional tools are not designed for continuous operation for up to several hours. The device will need to be given periodic rest.

Petrol cutter attachment, photo:

Which chainsaw is better to buy - reviews

For household (and not only) use, I would recommend ECHO chainsaws (purebred Japanese). Quite reliable. The air purification system is excellent (better than Husqvarna or Shtil). But which modification is better is up to you to decide; household use is different for everyone. If you are thinking about choosing ECHO, first find out about the availability of spare parts. With ECHO spare parts there are problems with delivery (time-wise).

Konoplev Sergey

If you need to constantly fell wood, then Shtil is just what you need, a time-tested, reliable saw. If you rarely use it, prepare a small amount of firewood, and the diameter is no more than 250-300 mm, aspen, birch, then the best choice would be a saw like Stihl MS 180/30 - “lopper”. They are very light and economical. If price is important to you, then I can advise you to buy a saw from the domestic manufacturer Taiga. I have the Taiga 250 model. It has been in service for more than 7 years. Used moderately, not very often, but not rarely. In winter and summer. If you run it in correctly and set it up correctly, there are no problems, during this time I replaced the cylinder head gasket and purchased an imported chain. A forester friend advised me to buy it, he just said that I needed to buy a tire, a chain from Shtil or other imported equipment - everything would be fine. I kept the original tire and bought a Canadian chain. This saw has one drawback: it’s heavy, 8 kg, but it’s more than compensated for by the price; it cost me $100. Reliable in operation, starts well, more powerful than analogues, 80 petrol, our native one. The choice is yours, whatever you consider the main criterion, then choose.

I know only one chainsaw - from Husqvarna. He built a bathhouse and temporary hut from timber - there is no better assistant. Unpretentious. Easy. This company has a lot service centers. I didn’t have to turn to specialists, but this fact calms my nerves.

https://forum.rmnt.ru/threads/pomogite-vybrat-benzopilu.87694/

When thinking about which chainsaw to buy, pay attention to the country where it was produced; the brand name is secondary. Don't write off all Chinese saws as being of poor quality. At detailed study models among them can also be found decent options for homework.

Before choosing a chainsaw, visit the store, hold the tool - remember the weight, because you will have to not only hold it, but also perform working actions. Think before choosing a heavy professional model, calculate whether you can handle it. It may be worth choosing an amateur unit from a well-established manufacturer.

What should a quality chainsaw be like? Which brand should you choose? What power of the tool is required specifically for your tasks? We hope now it will be easier for you to decide and make the right decision.

As a rule, when buying a chainsaw, many questions arise regarding its choice. People do not always understand what criteria should be used to guide the assessment, so first it is worth considering the areas of application of this tool and the main characteristics. Before choosing a chainsaw for your garden or home, as well as which company and brand to choose, read our recommendations.

Types of chainsaws

There are several types of chainsaws:

Household. Saws of this type are most often used for cutting tree trunks and preparing firewood. They are not designed for long-term operation; they are characterized by low power. Small dimensions and weight have a positive effect on ease of use.

Semi-professional. A more powerful type of chainsaw, suitable for a wide range of work: repair and construction, cutting down trees. But the level of strength of the mechanism does not allow them to be used for a long time; breaks in work are necessary.

Professional. This type of chainsaw compares favorably with the previous ones due to its wide functionality and high power, allowing you to work with the tool for 8 hours without a break. Wear-resistant materials from which the tools are made of this type, make the service life indicator from 1300 to 2000 operating hours realistic. The most common chainsaws today are the brands Stihl (Calm) and Husqvarna (Husqvarna).

The service life of a chainsaw is a concept that means the time that has passed from the moment of purchasing the tool to the first repair. This concept also includes a reduction in compression by 40%.

In order for the saw to serve you as long as possible, you should perform several simple rules: choose the correct operating mode during operation and avoid overloading. For efficient operation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the saw set and chain, because when working with a dull saw, you increase the load on the central motor and, as a result, increase the likelihood of breakdown.

The speed of work is also affected by the chain pitch, the profile of the cutting teeth and the suitability of the tool model to the conditions of its use.

What is the kickback problem

When the surface being cut comes into contact with the end of the saw bar, a backlash occurs: the moment when the chainsaw jerks sharply towards the working person. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to use the inertial brake drive - this is the lever located at the left hand. At the moment of impact, the hand collides with the lever and the chain stops.

Anti-vibration system

An anti-vibration system is needed to prevent joint injuries and related diseases. To reduce the negative consequences, in the modern design of a chainsaw, all its blocks are made separately from each other.

Note! Another aspect of comfortable use of a tool is the power-to-weight ratio. In this regard, you should choose the right model for a particular application.

Next, you should consider the types of tires and types of chains that are parts of the saw set. A household level tool is characterized by a thin, narrow bar and low-profile chain, which makes it the safest to use. More powerful units use lightweight types of tires - this is necessary to reduce weight and, as a result, the risk of injury. It is also necessary that the length of the bar matches the power of the saw.

The chains, in turn, vary depending on the pitch length. With a short stride length, vibration is minimized, but performance is reduced, and vice versa, with long length Both vibration and tool performance become stronger.

The saw set includes a sprocket, sprocket, chain and bar, and all these components must be from the same company.

Note! The decisive factor in the efficiency of using a chainsaw is its power, which mainly depends on the correct ratio of the saw pitch and the engine cylinder volume. In each individual model, this ratio is different and depends on the area of ​​application of the particular tool.

The engine design of all chainsaws is generally identical - they are all two-stroke and carburetor. Also, all models are equipped with two gas tanks, the volumes of which may vary depending on the version: a tank for gasoline and oil. It is also recommended to add branded oil to gasoline, and it itself must have an octane number of at least 92.

Note! For any model of chainsaw, it is recommended to use simple unused motor oil as a lubricant, although there is also a special one created specifically for this purpose.

Check before purchase

Before starting the tool, it needs to be configured and adjusted, so read the instructions carefully and seek the help of a specialist. After this, start the tool and let it work just like that - this is necessary so that its parts get used to each other and are lubricated. The starting mechanism itself is quite simple: you need to check the saw mechanism, pull out the choke and remove the slack in the starting cable, then pull the cable firmly - after which the tool is completely ready for use.

Video

Review of Partner and Stihl chainsaws:

Anyone knows what a chainsaw is, but only very few know how to choose it correctly. Chainsaws are divided into 3 types - household, semi-professional and professional. Of course there is also electric saws, but for the reason that they do not run on gasoline, we will not consider them. Each type is only suitable for certain tasks, so it's especially important to know which chainsaw is best for you and why. How to choose a good and inexpensive chainsaw for your home? You will find the answer to this question in our article.

First of all, you need to decide what you need a chainsaw for, how and for what purposes you will use it. If you plan to use your chosen chainsaw often and put a lot of stress on the tool, it makes sense to purchase a better and more reliable device than typical budget Chinese ones. And if you need a chainsaw only because regular work is long and hard, and there are several branches or small trees blocking the sun on the site, a household option is also suitable for you. What is the difference between professional units and non-professional ones? First of all, the working power, which is less, the lower the class of equipment. An amateur tool is best suited for a small summer cottage, and a good professional saw can be used to cut down wood, which is what lumberjacks do.

Any chainsaw has a certain wear life. For a regular household saw, the average value is 500 hours, but for more serious devices a better degree of protection is provided. Cheap household chainsaws are equipped with low-profile chains - a low-profile axle has lower performance and is more susceptible to wear, but working with it is much easier and safer than with a bulky design. You can work with an amateur saw for no more than 50-60 minutes without breaks, but long-term use can break the tool or even break the chain, which is unsafe in any case. The power of a simple chainsaw usually varies between 1-2 kW.
At the same time, this design has a number of objective advantages - a manual non-professional chainsaw weighs little, your hands don’t get tired from it as much as from a more powerful brother, but the forest, of course, with household option you won't go down. In addition, if you operate a light chainsaw in extreme conditions, you will spend more on consumables than if you immediately bought a professional unit. Look after yourself good model you can in our . But for a dacha or small garden A hobby chainsaw works best. Perfect to perform with redecorating, it is also suitable for small construction work. What's more, a low-profile chain tends to reduce vibration during operation, which will only make your job easier. In general, with such a chainsaw you can not only take care of the site, but also let your imagination run wild; you will be limited only by the power of the design. The next class of chainsaws - semi-professional - is very different from the basic one. It cannot be said that the prefix “semi” makes such models something in between, between beginner and professional. A semi-professional saw is closer to a professional one, with one exception - such chainsaws are not designed for long-term, daily loads. The vast majority of semi-professional models are designed for 1000 hours of operation, and the power of such a chainsaw is, on average, 2-3 kW, and the weight is from 5 to 7 kilograms.

A semi-professional tool is well suited for construction work - it can cut trees with a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimeters, but your hands get tired much faster when working with a saw than with an amateur saw, not least because it weighs one and a half to two times more than usual. With a semi-professional unit, you can fell wood on a moderate scale - with daily use, the low-profile chain will quickly wear out, but it will definitely withstand 4-5 hours of not the most complex sawing per day. Sharpening chains is also important for work, so we recommend that you read our recommendations on that. Such a saw would be a top option for a person who already has his own plot of land, but does not yet have a house on it - a semi-professional tool does an excellent job with all types of woodwork; with its help you can raise a bathhouse or other building from scratch.
Be sure that when correct operation such a tool will serve you faithfully for a long time even after construction is completed. Concerning professional equipment- most likely, if you come to the store to buy a heavy chainsaw, you know in advance all the characteristics and safety rules. But, if you are a beginner in the difficult field of a lumberjack, we will help you choose the right chainsaw. A professional chainsaw can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced user. This species is most often seen in films and videos, as it has an impressive size and produces a lot of noise. It is unlikely that you will be able to use the capabilities of a heavy chainsaw to the maximum, even when building a bathhouse or house from scratch. Professional units have the highest productivity of all chainsaws - These are purchased by construction and forestry enterprises for industrial needs.
The power of a heavy chainsaw ranges from 2.5 to 6 kW; its mandatory attribute is a high-profile sawing chain. A professional chainsaw usually costs several times more than a household chainsaw. You should not assume that the highest power here is the key to high-quality and correctly performed work. When operating a chainsaw with a high-profile chain, you should carefully observe safety precautions. The teeth of the chains in such saws are reinforced with inserts made of hard alloys, which greatly increases their wear resistance. However, if you have never held a chainsaw in your hands, you will not be able to cope with this monster. Professional chainsaws consume a lot of fuel, and consumption increases in direct proportion to the power of the equipment.
Heavy chainsaws are often used for felling forests, because their power allows them to cut trees even in the most difficult areas, and their high resistance to wear and service life of up to 2000 hours allow the unit to be used daily in extreme mode for 10-12 hours. Protective uniforms are required when working with forests - at least a protective helmet and gloves. If you don’t have enough strength to hold your beast, the chainsaw can bounce off the log right at you, and no one has canceled the sawdust flying in all directions, not to mention the “accidental” break of the chain due to overheating. The heavy saw weighs from 5 kg, so only an experienced lumberjack can work with it - a beginner will not have enough strength and skills to do this.

Extra options

Like any motorized device, a chainsaw requires a break-in before starting to operate. In the vast majority of cases, a chainsaw is based on a two-stroke engine, careful care of which will extend the life of the device and keep you healthy. How to choose a chainsaw based on price and quality? In addition to power and service life, any chainsaw has several secondary characteristics, each of which must be taken into account when purchasing. For example, the range of work that your chainsaw can handle depends on the type of tire and its length.
Tires come in three types: narrow, lightweight and with replaceable heads. Most often, the type of tire corresponds to the class of the chainsaw. A narrow and flat tire guarantees minimal risk of injury during operation and is usually installed on amateur chainsaws complete with a low-profile chain; the likelihood of a kickback (rebound of the chainsaw) is also minimized. Lightweight steel tires consist of two steel plates held together by a polymer core. The weight of a saw with a narrow bar will be lighter than with any other, and therefore it will be easier to work with this one - an excellent choice for a summer resident. But tires with replaceable heads are large in size, have the highest performance and, as you probably already guessed, are installed on professional units. On a short-length bar, the chain develops the highest speed, little fuel is wasted, but you won’t be able to cut a thick tree trunk with this one. The length of the tire must correspond to the engine power, otherwise the result may not be what you expect.
The accompanying instructions indicate the maximum possible bus length, exceeding which threatens to significantly reduce the efficiency of the device. With a long bar, productivity will be higher, thick trees can be cut, and the cutting furrows will be deeper. In addition to the size and composition of the tire, an important attribute is the chain that is attached to this tire. For all chains there is a single standard that determines cutting speed and ability to work with hard material, and more specifically with link pitches of 0.325, 3/8 and 0.404 inches. The very first option, 0.325 inches, is found in low profile chains. We have already looked at the features of low-profile chains; there is nothing new here. Powerful semi-professional and professional. the units have a chain pitch of 3/8 and 0.404 inches. Such a chain will last a long time and is not afraid of difficult conditions. Of course, even such chains are not universal, and just like any part of the structure, they are subject to wear.

To work with the most complex materials, there are chains whose teeth are made of hard alloys or coated with a special high-strength coating. Most modern chainsaws are equipped with kickback protection, either via a brake lever or a protective shield. It is important to understand that a chainsaw is a tool, working with which carries health risks, and therefore requires increased caution. It is not so important which brand of chainsaw to choose. The main thing is, do not neglect the rules, follow the instructions in the instructions and do not buy a chainsaw that is not suitable for your needs. physical parameters and tasks, and if you have already reached the point of purchasing, use the tips from our article

A chainsaw is one of the indispensable tools for cottages and private homes. It can be used for collecting firewood, cutting tree limbs, building a house, and caring for hedges. In order for a tool to work well and for a long time, you need to pay attention to a number of characteristics when purchasing. There is a wide variety of such equipment on the construction market, which raises the problem of choice. Studying the ratings of chainsaws and customer reviews will help you finally decide on a purchase.

Types and main indicators of chainsaws

Conventionally, all saws are divided into household, semi-professional and professional.

1. Household tools are used in the construction of outbuildings, for cutting boards, preparing firewood and much more. Most often, a household saw has low power and weight, and is designed for 20-25 hours of operation per month.
2. Semi-professional chainsaws are designed for longer loads. With their help, houses are built, trees are felled, and branches are cut at sawmills. The duration of their work can be more than 2-3 hours a day.
3. The professional tool has a power that exceeds 2.5 kW and can work without interruption for 8 hours. It is designed for a load of about 10 hours a day and is used in industry for cutting wood. The service life of such chainsaws is three times higher than that of household models.

Tool power and weight

When choosing a chainsaw for your home, you should first of all pay attention to its power, which will determine cutting speed and depth:

• for work on garden plot a power of 1.5-2 kW will be sufficient;
• if heavy loads on the tool are expected, then it is better to choose a model with a power of 2-6 kW.

When choosing a saw, you should also pay attention to the power-to-weight ratio. This is very important for comfortable and quality work tool.

Saw motor and chain

All chainsaws are equipped with a carburetor two-stroke engine with two tanks. One fuel tank has a volume of 0.3-1 liter, the second for oil is half as much. Thanks to this ratio, gasoline and oil in the engine run out at the same time.

For tools foreign manufacturers High quality gasoline and branded oils are required. Domestic chainsaws can operate on regular motorcycle oil and seventy-sixth gasoline.

Chain pitch determines the distance between the saw teeth, so special attention is paid to it when purchasing.

1. Models for household use have a minimum pitch of 0.325 inches.
2. More powerful saws are equipped with 0.404-inch pitch chains. They are characterized by high productivity, but at the same time, high vibration. They are used for bucking and felling trees.
3. Only powerful devices with high torque are equipped with wider pitch chains.

Tires and tool safety

The cutting depth of the chainsaw depends on the length of this indicator. Household saws for home and garden are equipped with tires up to 40 cm long, professional tools – up to 75 cm.

In addition, attention must be paid to the ratio of power and tire length. Insufficient tool power can lead to rapid wear and engine failure, as well as high fuel consumption.

When the end of the bar comes into contact with the material being processed, the tool is sharply thrown back, resulting in a backlash, which is one of the dangerous moments in the work. To prevent injury, you should quickly stop the chain. This can be done using a lever located in front of the operator’s left hand.

The saw is stopped by an inertial brake, the drive of which is located in the guard. The lever responsible for turning it on has two positions. During operation, the hand rests on the lever and, if necessary, activates the inertial brake. Therefore, when choosing a saw, you need to pay special attention to the quality of its work.

Chainsaw rating

When choosing a tool for your home, special attention should be paid to it technical specifications and additional options.

Powerful chainsaw KRÜGER (Germany) 4.5 hp.

They demonstrate the best ratio of quality and price. Despite their impeccable functionality, they are accessible to most consumers. Among the main options is the system soft start, the presence of a tire cover that ensures maximum operator safety.

The manufacturer also pleases with the complete set of chainsaws KRUGER . It has everything to carry out Maintenance, two chains, filling case. Increased power allows you to perform a wide range of work for a long time. The Kruger chainsaw is used in construction, collecting firewood, and clearing the site. Saws from the German brand Kruger meet the highest requirements for reliability and safety.

Husqvarna - chainsaws from the Swedish manufacturer

A professional tool from a well-known manufacturer always tops the ranking of the best chainsaws. The equipment produced under this brand has an economical engine and is adapted for operation in Russian conditions.

The models are manufactured using the latest technology, which significantly reduces emissions and saves up to 20% fuel. The powerful engine of the Husqvarna chainsaw is equipped with an air-purifying system that does not require maintenance for a long time.

Oleo – Mac household chainsaws

Thanks to reasonable price and excellent characteristics high places in the ranking the instrument ranks from Italian manufacturer. The equipment, produced for more than forty years, is small in size and light in weight. It is very convenient to use as a lopper. When developing models from this company, technologies were used that are used to produce higher-class tools.

Popular Stihl chainsaws

Produced German manufacturers The equipment is suitable for work both on site and in small logging sites. The tool is considered a model of reliability and occupies one of the first places in the ranking. Lightweight and optimally balanced chainsaws equipped with 14-16 inch tires. With their help you can cope with any work in the garden. Maximum comfort when working with the tool is ensured by a well-thought-out control system with only one lever.

Hyundai chainsaws – reliability and ease of operation

The instrument of the popular South Korean manufacturer is in demand all over the world. It is easy to use, reliable, productive and has an affordable price.

The EASY - START starting system and the powerful engine of the unit will allow you to easily cope with work in gardening or farming, on personal plot or when building a house. And the light weight of the chainsaw will allow its owner to work with it tirelessly for quite a long time.

Makita chainsaws - optimal price-quality ratio

The equipment of this manufacturer has proven itself in many areas of activity, therefore it always has a high rating. Equipped inertia brake the units have reduced vibration and are able to operate for a long time. Special system electronic ignition and fuel pump The latest modification allows you to start the engine of the tool even after a long period of inactivity in the cold season.

Echo chainsaws – reliability and unpretentiousness

This Japanese brand has received a well-deserved high rating and recognition on Russian market. The reliable and unpretentious tool weighs only about four kilograms, which allows you to work with it even with one hand. Starting its engine is made easier due to the special pulley design. In addition, the unit is equipped with a quick cleaning system air filter, which makes its maintenance much easier.

Chainsaw Partner – a great helper in the garden

Tools from the Swedish manufacturer always have high ratings and positive customer reviews. Units of this brand equipped with a 1.96 liter engine. With, automatic lubrication system and chain brake. They are convenient for working in the garden, home and plot.

This rating of worthy chainsaw models will help potential owners make the right choice of tool. After all, there is often a huge assortment of chainsaws on the market, which confuses buyers.

When carrying out various works, gardeners and summer residents are faced with the need to use a chainsaw. The right choice of tool can be made by independently understanding what is offered on the market and taking into account your needs.

Types of chainsaws - their capabilities and purpose

It’s possible to choose a chainsaw relying only on the opinions of your neighbors and friends, but it’s better to figure it out yourself. I want the chainsaw to serve without breakdowns for as long as possible. Each product has its own service life; for internal combustion engines it is determined by operating hours. The design of the simplest chainsaws includes about 500 operating hours; more complex chainsaws can work twice as long. The longer the service life, the more powerful the engine - from 1 hp. at the most simple models up to 8.7 for a professional instrument.

According to the increase in power and product class, their ability to work without interruption increases. certain time. For simple tool this figure is 1 hour and increases to 8 hours for the most complex ones. But as the capabilities of chainsaws increase, so does the price. The desire to choose the best model, from the buyer’s point of view, is sometimes completely unreasonable. You should consider why you are purchasing a chainsaw. After all, for short-term work on a summer cottage, an expensive, powerful chainsaw is most often completely unnecessary.

In order to purchase good chainsaw, without spending extra money, you should clearly imagine how long it will work in the country or in the garden, what complexity of work is expected. It is by these indicators that chainsaws are classified:

• household ones - the simplest and most inexpensive, they can be used to trim trees, cut firewood, and perform other simple short-term work;
• farm or semi-professional - for more complex work over a fairly significant period of time;
• professional - main purpose - logging.

The amateur class of chainsaws is the least powerful - up to 2 kW. This series includes units intended for periodic use - up to 1 hour a day. If the house has already been built, then to carry out minor repair work and they are quite suitable for garden care. Vibration during operation of such models is insignificant due to the use of low-profile chains. They are light in weight and do not tire your hands. In terms of cost - the most budgetary.

Semi-professional level tools are similar in characteristics to professional ones, but have a shorter working life. Designed for medium-intensity work, but quite productive. You can work up to 6 hours a day with short breaks. They can be used not only for garden care, but also used in the construction of a summer house. These are mid-priced chainsaws.

Professional chainsaws are designed for long hours of continuous work. They have the longest motor life and performance, they are well balanced, which makes your hands less tired. On professional level One-handed chainsaws have also been made. Their purpose is to care for the crown. The design requires the use of only one hand, which is easy due to the well-located center of gravity. They are very light and compact compared to heavy professional chainsaws. Prices, as for all professional tools, are high.

Power indicators - how much will be needed on the farm

Power is the main indicator that affects the ability to cut wood, the depth of cutting and its speed. Therefore, when you decide to purchase a chainsaw, you should have a good idea of ​​the loads it will work with. It is possible that the power will not be enough if you plan to use it frequently, sawing thick logs. Conversely, buying an overly powerful unit may be unnecessary, and it is also expensive. And it’s quite difficult to handle a heavy saw.

For infrequent use, for a summer house and garden, an amateur saw with low power is quite suitable. Semi-professional ones have an average power of 2.5 kW. It is enough to be 40 cm thick. For large construction projects where a lot will be needed, they will also prove to be an indispensable assistant. Their weight is 5–6 kg, and it is not difficult to handle them, even if you pick them up for the first time. And it’s convenient to work in the garden with such a saw: you can not only cut down a tree, but also trim branches. However, there is no possibility of long-term continuous operation.

Professional class chainsaws are the most powerful: 2.7–6 kW. Unlike semi-professional ones, they can withstand many hours of daily workload. Capable of operating up to 2 thousand hours, which is a big plus. Therefore, they are used mainly for felling trees. For household needs, such a saw is hardly necessary, unless you are planning to build a log house or independently prepare firewood in large volumes. For those who have no experience, it is difficult to cope with due to heavy weight, heavy load on the hands.

Tire - how it affects the capabilities of the tool

In addition to the purpose of the instrument and its power, the headset is of no small importance. There are three types of tires used on chainsaws:

1. 1. Narrow – designed for use on household chainsaws. They are equipped with a low-profile chain, which eliminates the phenomenon of kickback. This reduces the likelihood of injury.
2. 2. Lightweight - made of two steel plates with polyamide packed between them. This design lightens the weight of the unit and makes it easy for them to work at heights.
3. 3. For professional saws – they have replaceable heads, which makes it possible to work for many hours.

A parameter such as the length of the tires plays a role in the ease of use and capabilities of the tool. It must correspond to the power of the device. It is more convenient to cut thick logs with a long bar, but if there is not enough power, you will not be able to cut quickly. If there is insufficient power, a long tire will lead to unnecessary waste of gasoline and rapid engine failure. Each model is designed to fit a specific tire length, and this should be taken into account. A shorter one can be set. There are brands of the same power, but with tires of different lengths.

If you plan to cut a tree of small thickness, would be better suited short bar - sawing speed will be higher.

Chain - dependence of sawing speed on pitch

To decide on the purchase of a chainsaw, you should know about its capabilities, which depend on the chain pitch. The speed of cutting wood, as well as what species it can handle, depends on this parameter. The chain from all manufacturers has three identical steps. It should be borne in mind that when purchasing a product from a certain manufacturer, you will always have to purchase a chain from this company. The pitch may be the same, but the rest of the headset is different.

Hobbyist chainsaws are equipped with a low-profile chain with a pitch of 0.325 inches. It produces low vibration and is most suitable for short-term use. With prolonged use, it will instantly become dull. It should be taken into account that the smaller the pitch, the smoother the chain moves in the tree, the cleaner the cut. Due to the small distance between the teeth, their number is greater, which explains the advantages.

The 3/8 inch or 0.404 pitch is used on farm saws and professional saws. With such a chain you can cut thick logs and work for a long time. They have a wide cut, which is why they have high productivity. The larger the pitch, the more powerful the engine must be. Despite all their advantages, they quickly become dull if you cut frozen wood or get caught in dirt. For sawing in such conditions, buy a chain with carbide tips.

Buyers often ask which chain cuts faster and does not require pressure during operation. It all depends, first of all, on her condition. When working with a dull chain, cutting speed is out of the question. Moreover, the tire, sprockets, and engine wear out. The condition of the circuit should be constantly monitored. The length of the tire and, accordingly, the chain must correspond to the engine power. The most common lengths for semi-professional instruments are 35 and 40 cm.

Safety – protection against kickback and vibration

Kickback is the phenomenon when, during operation, the tire hits a tree at the very end. The saw then bounces onto the worker, which can result in injury. You should definitely ask whether the chainsaw has appropriate protection. The most commonly used brake protection is in the form of a lever. When working, it is close to the hand. When an impact occurs, the hand automatically presses the lever and the chain instantly stops. Another way of protection is using a special shield. It is installed so that hands cannot touch the working elements during cutting.

Some chainsaws do not have anti-vibration protection. If you work a little, you can buy one. It is not suitable for prolonged use: strong vibration can lead to joint diseases. When purchasing, be sure to hold the working tool in your hands to feel the vibration level. On household models sometimes rubber gaskets are installed, which greatly increases ease of use. Many household-grade tools do not have such protection.

Manufacturing companies - popular on the Russian market

Owners of chainsaws have different opinions about their manufacturers. It is difficult to say clearly which company to choose. Their products differ in price, quality and purpose. You should definitely find out about the availability of service, because anything can happen even when buying the coolest model. Trade offers mainly products of European companies. Among all manufacturers, consumers primarily highlight Stihl (Germany), Husqvarna (Sweden).

Their products are different high quality and long-term service. Both companies produce chainsaws of all classes, even the most budget options have overwhelmingly positive reviews. The cost of high-quality products, of course, is high, as are the spare parts for them. The Oleo-Mac company (Italy) is little known in Russia, but produces very high quality products. Echo chainsaws (Japan) are in demand among consumers: lightweight, compact, and of good quality.

The middle range in terms of cost and quality is represented by Al-ko, Makita. Their products will also serve well for occasional use on suburban area and for permanent use on construction sites. If you plan to use the unit occasionally, buy Chinese-made products: Champion, Patriot, Partner, Carver, Huter. Despite the prejudices regarding Chinese products, they can last a long time if used correctly.

Russian manufacturers are traditionally represented on the market with Ural and Druzhba saws. "Ural" is a professional chainsaw designed to perform the most complex and heavy work in the forest and at home. It is highly productive, but has a large mass - almost 12 kg. “Friendship” weighs only 4.5 kg. This is a good choice for work in the country: preparing firewood, cutting down a tree, removing dry branches.

Buying a chainsaw - how not to make a mistake with the choice

Even having decided on the model, people don’t know, and yet more people don’t understand where to buy a chainsaw. Buying from the market is risky because there is no guarantee of quality, and there is no question of service. It is a very big risk to purchase a fake, especially from well-known European companies, because the prices for a “company” on the market are lower than in stores. Purchasing free classifieds on websites is also an extremely risky business - there is no guarantee at all, even that the saw will start.

It’s better to go to a regular construction store, or even better, a specialized one. IN construction stores often unreasonably inflated prices, small range, unclear guarantees. This is not their main product, hence this approach. It’s a different matter for stores specializing in the sale of chainsaws or products of some company. There is a wide range of products and qualified consultants. They have their own service network, provide a guarantee and, of course, you won’t buy fakes there.

We talked about what to look for when choosing a saw. And now about what you should ignore if you don’t have extra money. After all, even in a company store they try to sell goods at a higher price, praising the additional capabilities of some modification. This will do nothing but waste money - chainsaws with or without bells and whistles work the same.

The seller may praise a model in which the chain tensions automatically. But if you think about it, is it really difficult to tighten it with a key once a day? Or easier launch? With proper care, any chainsaw will start well, otherwise no easy start will help.

As for the approach to choosing a price niche, there are several options:

1. 1. You have a certain amount, and you want to select a model for it whose parameters you know. This is a possible option; it will work in a good store, but at the same time there is a risk of buying an illiquid product.
2. 2. Selection from a model range of well-known companies - best option. They produce products at a wide range of prices, but even their cheapest product remains expensive.

So, you have chosen a company, decided on the class of the tool, the price niche, taken into account the desired parameters and became the happy owner of a brand new chainsaw. Now do not forget to carefully read, study the instructions and look at them from time to time. This will be useful not only for safety at work, but will maximize the service life of the tool.