What is the best chainsaw for the home. Chainsaw for summer cottages and at home - choose a good and inexpensive model

Anyone knows what a chainsaw is, but very few know how to choose the right one. Chainsaws are divided into 3 types - household, semi-professional and professional. Of course, there are 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 the selected chainsaw often and create a large load on the tool, it makes sense to purchase a device that is better and more reliable than typical budget Chinese ones. And if you need a chainsaw only because the usual work is long and hard, and on the site a few branches or small trees block the sun, a household option is also suitable for you. What is the difference between professional units and non-professional ones? First of all, the operating power, which is the smaller, the lower the class of equipment. An amateur tool is best suited for a small summer cottage, and a good professional saw can cut wood, which is what lumberjacks do.

Any chainsaw has a certain wear resource. For a regular household saw, the average is 500 hours, but for more serious devices, a better degree of protection is provided. Low-profile chainsaws are installed on cheap household chainsaws - a low-profile axle has less productivity and is more prone to wear, but it is much easier and safer to work with than with a bulky design. You can work with an amateur saw for no more than 50-60 minutes without interruption, while prolonged use is fraught with a tool breakage or even a chain break, 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 a little, hands do not get tired of it as much as from a more powerful fellow, but, of course, you won’t go to cut down a forest with a household option. In addition, if you operate a light chainsaw in extreme mode, 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 summer residence or small garden an amateur chainsaw is best. It is ideal for cosmetic repairs, it is well suited for small construction work. What's more, a low-profile chain tends to reduce vibration feedback when running, which will only make things easier for you. 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 structure. 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 elementary and professional. A semi-professional saw is closer to a professional one, with one exception - such chainsaws are not designed for long, 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 when working with a saw, your hands get tired much faster than in the case of 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 wear out quickly, but it will definitely withstand 4-5 hours of not the most difficult sawing per day. Sharpening chains is also important for work, so we recommend that you read our recommendations on how. Such a saw would be the top option for a person who already has his own plot, 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 another building from scratch.
Be sure that with proper operation, such a tool will serve you faithfully for a long time even after construction is completed. As for professional equipment - most likely, if you came to the store for a heavy chainsaw, then 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. In films and videos, this species is most often observed, as it has an impressive size and makes 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 a house from scratch. Professional units have the highest performance of all chainsaws - These are purchased by construction and timber companies for industrial needs.
The power of a heavy chainsaw ranges from 2.5 to 6 kW, its mandatory attribute is a high-profile saw chain. A professional chainsaw costs, as a rule, several times more expensive than a household one. Do not assume that the highest power here serves as a guarantee of high-quality and correctly performed work. When operating a chainsaw with a high profile chain, safety precautions should be carefully observed. The chain teeth in such saws are reinforced with hard alloy inserts, which greatly increases their wear resistance. However, if you have never held a chainsaw in your hands, you will not be able to deal 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 trees, because their power allows you to cut trees even in the most difficult areas, and high wear resistance and a resource of up to 2000 hours allow you to operate the unit daily in extreme mode and for 10-12 hours. Mandatory protective uniform when working with the forest - 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 nobody canceled the sawdust flying in all directions, not to mention the “accidental” chain break due to overheating. A heavy saw weighs from 5 kg, so only an experienced lumberjack can work with it - a beginner will not have enough strength and skills for this.

Extra options

Like any motorized device, a chainsaw requires a break-in before starting work. In the vast majority of cases, the 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 for price and quality? In addition to power and travel resource, any chainsaw has several secondary characteristics, each of which must be considered when buying. For example, the range of work that your chainsaw will be able to do depends on the type of tire and its length.
Tires come in three types: narrow, lightweight and with replaceable heads. Most often, the tire type corresponds to the chainsaw class. The narrow and flat tire guarantees minimal injury during operation and is usually installed on amateur chainsaws complete with a low profile chain, the likelihood of kickback (chainsaw kickback) 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 tire will be lighter than with any other, respectively, and 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 might have guessed, are installed on professional units. On a short-length tire, the chain develops the highest speed, little fuel is spent, but it will not work to cut a thick tree trunk with this. The length of the tire must necessarily correspond to the engine power, otherwise you may not get what you expect at the output.
The accompanying instructions indicate the maximum possible bus length, the excess of which threatens to significantly reduce the efficiency of the device. With a long bar, productivity will be higher, thicker trees can be cut, and sawing 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. All chains share the same standard for sawing speed and ability to handle tough material, specifically 0.325", 3/8", and 0.404" pitches. The very first option, 0.325 inches, is found on low profile chains. We have already considered the features of low-profile chains, there is nothing new here. Powerful semi-professional and prof. 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, like any part of the structure, they are subject to wear.

To work with the most difficult material, there are chains, the teeth of which are made of hard alloys, or coated with a special high-strength coating. In most modern chainsaws, kickback protection is provided, carried out using a brake lever or a protective screen. It is important to understand that a chainsaw is a tool that carries health risks, which means it requires extra care. It is not so important which brand of chainsaw to choose. Most importantly, do not neglect the rules, follow the instructions in the instructions and do not buy a chainsaw that is not suitable for your physical parameters and tasks, and if you have already reached the purchase, use the tips from our article

Choosing a good tool is not easy. Today, the experts of the publication decided to figure out which chainsaw is better if there are more models on the market than the requirements for this tool?

What are chainsaws and which brand to choose?

A chainsaw (motor saw) is a hand-held chain saw with an internal combustion engine, usually a two-stroke.

The design of the chainsaw consists of:

  • engine;

IMPORTANT! Modern chainsaws use a single-cylinder two-stroke carbureted engine as the engine. It has max speed - 13500 rpm, which automatically puts forward strict requirements for the oil added to the fuel mixture.

  • clutches;
  • ignition systems;
  • carburetor;
  • fuel system;
  • air purification systems;
  • starter;
  • tires;
  • chains;
  • chain brakes;
  • chain tension mechanism;
  • chain lubrication systems.

Types, characteristics and important functions

Chainsaw classification

Low power tools with minimal functionality. They are comfortable, lightweight and designed for 20 hours of use per month.

semi-professional

Used in repair and construction work, used when felling trees.

Professional

With high power (>2.5 kW) and a wide range of functions. They are used in the form of shaft saws. They work 8 hours without a break. The resource ranges from 1300 to 2000 hours.

One-handed

Used to care for the crowns of trees. Compact and lightweight. Design feature- the location of the handle is not at the back, but under the right hand - from above, exactly above the center of gravity.

IMPORTANT! The main technical characteristic of a chainsaw is power, which ranges from 1.5 kW to 7 kW.

Saw sets are distinguished by length. A long tire is more suitable for felling (cutting) large diameter trees; the short one has a higher speed, therefore it is suitable for harvesting firewood, processing boards, cutting knots or small trees.

The chain pitch can be:

  • 0.325" for amateur low power saws. Are characterized by the lowered vibration;
  • 3/8 inch and 0.404 inch are installed on powerful chainsaws: professional and semi-professional.

IMPORTANT! Working with a chainsaw is always a risk and an increased danger. We advise you not to neglect the elementary rules and means of protection.

Protection functions

Chainsaw overview

Let's compare which is better - a chainsaw or an electric saw? Distinctive features:


Photo 1 - Electric chain Saw Makita UC3530A

Electric saw advantages

  1. it is better to cut wood with an electric saw and cut thin boards, while the cut is smooth and even;
  2. emit min vibrations and little noise;
  3. easy to operate;
  4. much cheaper.

Cons of an electric saw

  1. powered by electricity, mandatory connection to the mains;
  2. with the active movement of the electric saw, it is necessary to monitor the cord so that it does not get underfoot and does not fall under the working chain of the saw;
  3. can only be used under favorable weather conditions.

Photo 2 - Chainsaw Stihl MS 180-14

Chainsaw Pros

  1. autonomy;
  2. can be used in any weather, but in severe frost it may not start.

Cons of a chainsaw

  1. engine lubrication must be maintained.

Nuances when working with a chainsaw

Carburetor - part of the engine that is responsible for mixing oxygen and fuel in the right proportions. Violation of the proportions leads either to excessive fuel consumption or to poor engine performance. The device of the carburetor in all saws is the same, Russian ones are no exception. But the Chinese are different.

Whether you have adjusted the speed correctly, the check will show:

  1. gently press the accelerator;
  2. if the engine speed immediately increased to max, it means that it works normally during acceleration.
  • And what should be the turnover?

The maximum are considered from 2800 to 15000. If something went wrong, turn the screw L 1/8 turn counterclockwise. The maximum number of motor rotations per minute is 11500 - 15000. At a higher speed, the ignition process is disrupted.

  • What compression should a chainsaw engine have?

Normal compression is considered to be 8-12 atmospheres (0.8-1.2 MPa). Below 8 and the engine will not produce the necessary power, and there will not be enough torque for the stable operation of the tool.

Candle selection

Candles differ in the geometric parameters of the body, diameter, thread length.

We recommend spark plugs from Shtil, Oregon, Brisk, NGK, Champion, Bosch.

IMPORTANT! To unscrew the candles, use a candle wrench, which is usually included with the chainsaw.

Cheap chainsaws: which company to choose a tool?

Stihl MS 361-16

Makita EA3203S-40

Champion 142-16

Usually, when buying a chainsaw for the home, budget options are considered. An inexpensive model can be chosen among well-known manufacturers - Makita, Husqvarna. There is definitely a cheap one among the Bosch and Partner models.

Don't ignore domestic manufacturer: Corvette and Interskol are not inferior in quality to foreign brands.

Chainsaw rating of the most popular in terms of reliability and quality in 2017
Name Manufacturer country Advantages
Makita Japan Leader in electric and petrol tools
Husqvarna Sweden Reliable, powerful and sustainable tools
Stihl Germany Lightweight and compact, suitable for both home and garden
echo Japan They have automatic chain lubrication, smooth speed adjustment; good at cutting trees
The best chainsaw models according to EtiDom
View Model Manufacturer country
household Champion 142-16 USA
household Champion 55-18 USA
household Makita EA3203S40B Japan
household Makita DCS 4610-40 Japan
household Makita DCS4610-35 Japan
semi-professional Sturm GC99456 Germany
semi-professional Energomash PT-99456 Russia
semi-professional Patriot Garden 5220 USA
Professional Husqvarna 365 Sweden
Professional Stihl MS 361 Germany

IMPORTANT! Pay attention to Hyundai (South Korea) and Huter (Germany).

Chainsaw Ural


Photo 3 -

First produced in 1935, the Ural chainsaw can still be bought today. Initially, she stood on the technical equipment of the army. Ural-2 is an improved model and 80% of logging in the country is still carried out using it.

Weight - 11.7 kg, chain pitch - 0.404 inches; groove width - 1.6 mm, total number of chain links - 64.

Chainsaw Stihl


Photo 4 -

Swiss chainsaws for domestic, agricultural and forestry, firewood, tree work and rescue operations.

Stihl saw chains are endowed with good guiding properties and high sawing performance.

All drive links of the chain with special small lubrication channels, where adhesive oil enters, which enters the chain joints and is evenly distributed over the sliding surface of the guide bar.


Photo 5 - Stihl MS 390

All cutting teeth are made of steel. The cutting edges of the teeth are treated by electrolytic chromium plating for additional wear resistance, which increases the intervals for sharpening the cutting teeth.

The wear resistance of the entire bearing surface of the saw chain is increased by induction hardening.

On the cutting teeth of almost all Stihl saw chains there is a marking that determines the degree of wear. It helps to navigate when sharpening and observe its angle.

Stihl chainsaw: characteristics of manufactured models
Model Description

Used for domestic purposes; compact and lightweight; equipped with an IntelliCarb system carburetor and compensator, which makes it possible to optimize the performance of the saw; two modifications are offered; the chain is an endless closed tape of 50 links.

Strong, powerful saw; refers to a professional tool; an indispensable assistant when cutting thick tree trunks; equipped with an anti-vibration system and a STIHL decompression valve; the presence of an inertial chain brake, carburetor heating; there is a regulation of the supply of chain lubrication.

Stihl MS 361-16
Dynamic saw with ideal specific gravity and 3.4 kW power; ultra-low vibration level; suitable for accurate cutting of forestry work, for thinning small timber, for construction work in a country house.

Light weight; economical fuel consumption; equipped with anti-vibration system, inertial chain brake; carburetor with a special compensator; used for harvesting firewood, building and sawing down small trees.

One of the most successful models with a unique electronic ignition system; the launch mechanism is easy and fast; there is a manual switch and an anti-vibration system.

Chainsaw Husqvarna


Photo 6 -

Husqvarna produces chainsaws of various models, both for professionals and just for amateurs, with high power and an advanced air filtration system.

Model Specifications
Model Description

Equipped with an economical 1.9 hp engine; starts easily even at sub-zero temperatures; engine displacement - 38.2 cm3; fuel tank capacity - 0.3 liters of gasoline; vibration is prevented by built-in shock absorbers and metal springs.

It has an accelerated supply of gasoline and a quick start of the engine; on the side there is the possibility of adjusting the chain tension; there is an anti-vibration device; engine power 2 hp, tank capacity - up to 0.4 liters of gasoline.

Professional model that is used on complex work ah (logging or construction site); weight 6 kg; engine power of 4.5 hp; there is a magnesium crankcase, which provides high speed; equipped with anti-vibration devices, air purification system and free engine start; the capacity of the transparent tank is 0.77 l.

Household model for sawing boards, trees, logs; weight 4.4 kg; powerful engine of 2 hp; tank capacity - 0.45 l; there is a built-in X-Torq system and soft handles; vibration is reduced by the LowVib device.

Semi-professional model that is used both in everyday life and when felling forests; fast starting of the engine under any climatic conditions; equipped with a double-acting chain brake, a special limiter; engine power 2.6 hp; engine size - 40.2 cm3; fuel tank capacity - 0.41 l.

Husqvarna chains


Photo 7 - Chain and bars Husqvarna 15″ 0.325″ 1.5 mm 64 stars H25

Husqvarna models provide different chain lengths, but chain pitch and performance must be considered. They are divided into household (low-profile) and professional (high-performance).

The installation of a professional chain for household saws is not recommended, as it greatly reduces
tool performance. High-performance chains are made from special seals that do not dull for a long time.

  • Which chainsaw is better - Stihl or Husqvarna?

Photo 8 -

Pluses

  1. ideal technical characteristics;
  2. low level of vibration;
  3. light weight of the connecting rod and crankshaft;
  4. at max loads - soft start and stable operation;
  5. increase in motor resource due to two working ledges;
  6. stable operation of the piston group; affordable price;
  7. It has effective system cooling;
  8. reaches working speed quickly;
  9. strong, reliable, trouble-free.

Cons

  1. noise level is significantly higher compared to Husqvarna;
  2. components are quite expensive.

Photo 9 - Husqvarna 357XP

Husqvarna pros

  1. despite its simplicity, a reliable saw;
  2. no problems with repairs;
  3. at max load - low noise and vibration;
  4. excellent noise reduction system;
  5. economical fuel consumption thanks to the innovative X-Torq system;
  6. high torque due to a powerful piston group and crankshaft;
  7. easy and smooth start;
  8. efficient cooling system;
  9. affordable price.

Cons

  1. more weight compared to Stihl;
  2. expensive accessories.

Chainsaw Taiga

Model Description


Reliable high power saw; actively used in everyday life and in forestry; has a rather significant weight of 8.95 kg excluding fuel; equipped two-stroke engine with a working volume of 75 cm3; gives an output power of 2600 watts at 7000 rpm; the internal combustion engine has a built-in cylinder Ø 50 mm in its design; dimensions - 900x280x300 mm; usually equipped with a saw set based on a 40 cm bar and chain with a pitch of 9.3 mm; It has a floatless membrane type carburetor.

Chainsaw Echo

The Japanese chainsaw Echo is the best answer to the legendary Calm.

Model Description

Professional chainsaw that is used for processing wood with any density; has a two-stroke engine with one cylinder; working volume 34 cm3; air cooling; power 2.16 hp; speed - 13500 rpm; at max load - fuel consumption 0.74 kg / h; automatic supply of oil to the chain; there is no feed intensity adjustment; manual starter with "easy start" system and primer; there is a protective shield between the chain and the handle; it is completed with the tire in a protective cover, a saw chain, a set of tools.

Professional tool for home use; equipped with a two-stroke engine with a working volume of 35.8 cm3; air cooling; power - 1, 46 kW; max rotation speed - 13500 rpm; it is started by electric ignition CDI and the system "Easy start" with a primer; automatic chain lubrication with oil; it is possible to adjust its supply; at max load fuel consumption - 1.12 l / h; equipped for safety with a protective shield in front of the handle and an inertial saw chain brake; using the side adjusting screw, the chain is tensioned, the weight of which is 3.6 kg; there is a chain catcher and a protective shield for the rear handle; on the muffler - a casing; in a complete set – a saw chain with a cover and the tire; small screwdriver and T-key(10x19 mm).

Chainsaw chain and other components

The chain is the most important and indispensable component of any chainsaw. It is on it that the load falls, because it wears out quickly.

The chain is selected according to the following parameters:

  1. tail thickness;
  2. cutting depth and profile height;
  3. chain length, tires and number of teeth;
  4. link type.

IMPORTANT! Chains are also classified according to the way the wood is cut.

What does longitudinal and transverse type of chains mean? Longitudinal chains are oriented for cutting wood along the fibers, and transverse type - for cutting across.

The pitch defines how the circuit works:

  • 0.325 inch - low-power household, non-professional circuits. Performance - 3-3.5 hp;
  • 0.375 inch win chain or 3/8 with 4hp;
  • 0.404 inch - designed for professionals, with a power of 5.5 hp.

Chainsaw chain oil

  • What oil is used in a chainsaw?

All chainsaws are equipped with a two- or four-stroke engine and two tanks, one of which is filled with gasoline, the second with oil for lubricating the saw chain. If the oil is chosen incorrectly, the oil pump can be damaged.

For lubrication, oil is chosen depending on the operation of the chainsaw. During the warm summer season, use mineral compositions, in other cases - synthetic or semi-synthetic oils, but always refined.

IMPORTANT! Do not use used oils to lubricate the chain. There is a high risk of clogging the fuel system and breaking the tool.

Some nuances when choosing a lubricant that should be considered:

  1. zoning should be minimal;
  2. resistance to low temperatures;
  3. density, liquid disperses faster;
  4. it is preferable to use a vegetable-based oil or adhesive oil.

Specialized oil producers:

  • Bio-Kettenol;
  • Divinol;
  • VegOil;
  • Ravenol;
  • shell;
  • Castrol;
  • Mobil.

What to fill in gasoline?

  1. AI-92 is usually used in modern devices: Makita, Partner, Husqvarna, Calm, Echo. You can fill in AI-95;
  2. AI-80 is suitable for domestic instruments Ural and Friendship.

IMPORTANT! Fuel consumption in any case should be kept to a minimum.

  • What proportion of oil and gasoline should be?

Clean fuel when using a two-stroke engine is purchased separately and mixed with oil in proportions of 1:50. It is structurally impossible to install an oil pump in such an engine, so pouring clean gasoline into a chainsaw is strictly prohibited!

IMPORTANT! The quantity and proportions are indicated in the instruction manual.

Domestic chainsaws work well with M-12TPU, M8-V, M8-V, TP, MGD-14M oils.
Foreign options: 2.5 liters of FI-80 gasoline per 100 g of oil. In foreign models, the minimum fuel consumption, and the proportions are 1:40 or 1:50.

Chainsaw chain sharpening

The cutting edge of the chain tooth is characterized by:

  1. width;
  2. thick;
  3. sharpening angle.

To sharpen the chain, you need a file and a holder with lines. With intensive work of the chainsaw, the chain is sharpened several times.

  • How to sharpen?
  1. pre-fix the tire;
  2. perform turning movements smoothly away from you, and constantly turn the file;
  3. first sharpen the teeth of the same direction;
  4. sharpen the rest of the teeth.
  • And what angle?

With a chainsaw, it is better to purchase a special template with which it is easy to set the optimal tooth angles and control the back angles of the upper and end blades, as well as the front angle of the edge.

The use of a template is especially important for estimating the value of the back angle of the upper blade, since this angle is very difficult to determine, and it must be maintained within a limited range - from 50 to 60 °.

The measurement of the sharpening angle is determined by the angle between the top cutting edge and a line perpendicular to the chain guide.

The chainsaw chain sharpening angle can be changed, depending on the type of work.

The greater the hardness of the wood, the lower its value should be. The optimal value of the angle is considered to be 10-12 ° for a longitudinal cut and 25-30 ° for a transverse cut.

Compact and budget chainsaw Huter BS-45M

Andrey Kravchenko:

Bought for gardening. It starts up quickly with a half turn, if you start it cold. There is vibration.

Cons: instructions and weight.

Valery Zhigunov:

I took it for harvesting firewood and for small jobs. If you need to break the throttle cable, you have to break the warranty seal, which is very inconvenient. For domestic use the best model.

Cons: Problems with candles.

Quiet and fast chainsaw Champion 137-16

Konstantin Loginov:

Good equipment - additional canvas, oil, keys. I sawed everything - branches, small trees, firewood. Great price for a toy like this. There were problems with the blocker: for it to work, you need to press hard.

Disadvantages: dust passes through the filter and settles on the carburetor.

Ivan Shumeiko:

If you take it for a summer residence (chopping some firewood and trimming trees), the chainsaw is excellent. Does not take up much space, economically consumes oil.

Disadvantages: chain blunted quickly, can not be stored in a cold room.

Ergonomic and durable

Vyacheslav Boyko:

Runs like a Swiss watch and is quiet. Oil consumes sparingly, the chain does not dry. You won't find a better tool for home use.

Cons: price.

Alexey Nikolaenko:

For serious tasks with a large volume is rather weak. If there was no Calm before, then you will not notice the shortcomings.

Disadvantages: jammed asterisk.

Comfortable PARTNER P340S

Mikhail Piotrovsky:

Good plastic, cuts for the third season, has not sharpened yet. Maintains chain/power/bar length balance. A mixture of 1:40 is not suitable, it is better to take 1:50.

Disadvantages: minimal equipment and poor vibration protection.

Alexander Voychuk:

It rumbles quietly at idle, but when sawing, the sound is tolerable. Sawed the old country house wooden house with nails. Not disappointed. Engine runs well, only stalled once in 3 years of use. After starting, do not immediately press on the gas, let it warm up for a minute.

Cons: no fuel level.

During 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 is possible to choose a chainsaw, relying only on the opinion of neighbors and acquaintances, but it is better to figure it all 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 engine hours. The design of the simplest chainsaws includes about 500 hours, more complex ones can work twice as long. The greater the motor resource, the more powerful the engine - from 1 hp. for the simplest models up to 8.7 for a professional tool.

According to the growth of power and product class, their ability to work without interruption for a certain time increases. For a simple instrument, this figure is 1 hour and grows to 8 hours for the most complex ones. But as the capabilities of chainsaws grow, so does the price. The desire to choose the best model, from the point of view of the buyer, is sometimes completely unreasonable. You should consider what a chainsaw is purchased for. Indeed, for a short work in a summer cottage, an expensive powerful chainsaw is most often completely unnecessary.

In order to purchase a 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 according to these indicators that chainsaws are classified:

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

The amateur class of chainsaws is the most low-power - up to 2 kW. This series includes units intended for occasional use - up to 1 hour per day. If the house has already been built, then they are quite suitable for minor repairs and garden maintenance. Vibration during operation for such models is negligible due to the use of low-profile chains. They are light weight and do not tire your hands. In terms of cost - the most budgetary.

Semi-professional tools are close to professional ones in terms of characteristics, but have a smaller working resource. Designed for work of medium intensity, 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 cottages. These are mid range chainsaws.

Professional chainsaws are designed for many hours of continuous work. They have the largest motor resource and performance, they are well balanced, which is why the hands get tired a little. One-handed chainsaws are also made at a professional level. Their purpose is to care for the crown. The design involves 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 with all professional tools, are high.

Power indicators - how much is needed on the farm

Power is the main indicator that affects the ability to cut a tree, the depth of sawing and its speed. Therefore, having decided to purchase a chainsaw, you should have a good idea of ​​what loads it will work with. It is possible that the power will not be enough if frequent use is planned, sawing thick logs. Conversely, buying an overly powerful unit may be unnecessary, and besides, it is expensive. Yes, and to cope with a heavy saw is quite difficult.

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

Professional-grade chainsaws are the most powerful: 2.7–6 kW. They, unlike semi-professionals, withstand many hours of daily stress. Able to work up to 2 thousand hours, which is a big plus. Therefore, they are used mainly for felling trees. For domestic needs, such a saw is hardly necessary, unless it is planned to build a log house or independent harvesting firewood in large quantities. For those who do not have experience, it is difficult to cope with it due to the large 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. Tires on chainsaws are used in three types:

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

In the ease of use and capabilities of the tool, such a parameter as the length of the tires plays a role. It must match the power of the device. It is more convenient to cut thick logs with a long tire, but if there is not enough power, then you will not be able to cut quickly. With insufficient power, a long tire will lead to unnecessary waste of gasoline and an early failure of the engine. Each model is designed for a tire of a certain length, and this should be taken into account. You can put a shorter one. There are brands of the same power, but with tires of different lengths.

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

Chain - sawing speed versus pitch

To decide on the purchase of a chainsaw, you should be aware of its capabilities, which depend on the chain pitch. The speed of sawing 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 buying 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.

Hobby chainsaws are equipped with a low profile chain with a pitch of 0.325 inches. It gives a weak vibration, most suitable for short-term use. With a long load, it will instantly become dull. It should be borne in mind 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.

3/8 inch or 0.404 pitch is used on farm and professional saws. Such a chain can cut thick logs, work for a long time. They have a wide saw cut, and therefore high productivity. The larger the pitch, the more powerful the engine must be. With all their virtues, they quickly become dull if they saw a frozen tree or dirt is captured. For sawing in such conditions, a carbide-tipped chain is bought.

Often, buyers ask the question of which chain cuts faster and does not require pressure during operation. It all depends, first of all, on her condition. Working with a blunt chain, cutting speed is out of the question. Moreover, the tire, sprockets, engine wear out. The condition of the chain should be constantly monitored. The tire and, accordingly, the chain along the length must correspond to the engine power. The most common length for a semi-professional tool is 35 and 40 cm.

Safety - protection against kickback and vibration

A kickback is a phenomenon when, during operation, the tire touches the tree at the very end. Then the saw bounces on the worker, which can lead to injury. Be sure to ask if the chainsaw has appropriate protection. The most commonly used protection-brake 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 stops instantly. Another way to protect yourself is with a special shield. It is installed so that the hands cannot touch the working elements during cutting.

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

Manufacturers - popular in the Russian market

Chainsaw owners speak differently about their manufacturers. It is difficult to say unequivocally which company to choose. Their products differ in price, quality and purpose. Be sure to check availability after-sales service, because anything can happen even with the purchase of the coolest model. Trade offers mainly products of European firms. Among all manufacturers, consumers primarily distinguish Stihl (Germany), Husqvarna (Sweden).

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

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

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 difficult work in the forest and at home. It is high-performance, but has a large mass - almost 12 kg. Only 4.5 kg weighs "Friendship". This is a good choice for work in the country: to prepare firewood, cut down a tree, remove dry branches.

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

Even having decided on the model, people do not know, and even more people do not understand where to buy a chainsaw. Buying on the market is risky, because there is no guarantee of quality, and there is no question of after-sales service. A very big risk is to acquire a fake, especially from well-known European companies, because the prices for a "firm" on the market are lower than in stores. Buying free ads on sites is also an extremely risky business - there is no guarantee at all, even that the saw will start.

It is better to go to a store, an ordinary building one, and even better - a specialized one. In construction stores, prices are often unreasonably high, a small assortment, and fuzzy guarantees. This is not their main product, and therefore such an approach. Another thing is stores specializing in the sale of chainsaws or products of some company. There is a wide range of goods, qualified consultants. They have their own service network, give a guarantee and, of course, you can’t buy fakes there.

We talked about what to look for when choosing a saw. And now about what should be ignored if there is no extra money. After all, even in a company store they try to sell goods at a higher price, praising the additional features of some kind of modification. It will do nothing but waste money - chainsaws with or without bells and whistles work the same way.

The seller can praise the model, in which the chain is tensioned automatically. And if you think about it, is it really difficult to pull up with a key once a day? Or easy start? 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, the parameters of which you know. This possible variant, in good store works, but at the same time there is a risk of buying an illiquid product.
  2. 2. Select from model range well-known firms the best option. They produce products of the widest range of prices, but even their cheapest product remains expensive.

So, you have chosen a company, decided on the class of the tool, with the price niche, took into account the desired parameters and became the proud 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 is useful not only for safety at work, but will maximize the life of the tool.

The chainsaw is one of the tools indispensable for summer cottages and private homes. It can be used for cutting firewood, cutting tree knots, building a house, maintaining hedges. In order for the tool to work well and for a long time, when buying, you need to pay attention to a number of characteristics. A wide variety of such equipment is presented on the construction market, which causes a choice problem. The study of chainsaw ratings 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 sawing boards, preparing firewood and much more. Most often, a household saw has a small power and weight, and is designed for 20-25 hours of work per month.
  2. Semi-professional chainsaws are designed for longer loads. With their help, houses are built, trees fall, branches are cut at sawmills. The duration of their work can be whiter 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 resource of such chainsaws is three times higher than the resource of household models.

Tool power and weight

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

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

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

Saw motor and chain

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

For instruments of foreign manufacturers, it is required High Quality gasoline and branded oils. Domestic chainsaws can run on ordinary motorcycle oil and seventy-sixth gasoline.

Chain pitch determines the distance between the teeth of the saw, so they pay special attention to it when buying.

  1. Home models have a minimum pitch of 0.325 inches.
  2. More powerful saws are equipped with chains with a pitch of 0.404 inches. They are distinguished by high performance, but at the same time, high vibration. They are used for cutting and felling trees.
  3. Chains with a wider pitch are equipped only with powerful devices with high torque.

Tires and tool safety

The depth of cut of the chainsaw depends on the length of this indicator. Household saws for home and summer cottages 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 engine wear and damage, as well as high fuel consumption.

When the end of the tire comes into contact with the material being processed, the tool is thrown back sharply, and a kickback is obtained, 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 inertial brake stops the saw, the drive of which is located in the shield. The lever responsible for its inclusion occupies two positions. During operation, the hand rests on the lever, and, if necessary, activates the inertial brake. Therefore, when choosing a saw, special attention must be paid to the quality of its work.

chainsaw rating

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

Powerful chainsaw KRÜGER (Germany) 4.5 hp

Demonstrate best ratio quality and price. Despite the impeccable functionality, they are available to most consumers. Among the main options are a soft start system, the presence of a cover for the tire, which ensures maximum operator safety.

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

Husqvarna - chainsaws from the Swedish manufacturer

A professional tool from a well-known manufacturer always tops the list 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 made using the latest technology, which significantly reduces exhaust and saves up to 20% fuel. The powerful engine of the Husqvarna chainsaw is equipped with an air-cleaning system that does not require maintenance for a long time.

Oleo Household Chainsaws - Mac

Thanks to reasonable price and excellent characteristics, high places in the ranking are occupied by a tool from an Italian manufacturer. Produced for more than forty years, the equipment has small size and low weight. It is very convenient to use as a delimber. When developing models of this company, technologies were used that are used to produce a tool of a higher class.

Popular Stihl chainsaws

The equipment produced by German manufacturers is suitable for work, both on the site and in small logging. The tool is considered a model of reliability and occupies one of the first places in the rating. 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 provided by a well-thought-out control system that has only one lever.

Hyundai chainsaws - reliability and ease of use

The tool of the popular South Korean manufacturer is in demand all over the world. It is easy to operate, reliable, productive and has an acceptable cost.

The EASY - START starting system and the powerful engine of the unit will make it easy to cope with work in gardening or farming, on a 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 - the best 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 low vibration and are able to work for a long time. A special electronic ignition system and the latest modification of the fuel pump allow 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 in the Russian market. A reliable and unpretentious tool has a mass of only about four kilograms, which allows you to work with it even with one hand. Starting its engine is facilitated by a special pulley design. In addition, the unit is equipped with a system fast cleaning air filter, which makes it much easier to maintain.

Chainsaw Partner - a great helper in the garden

The tools of the Swedish manufacturer always have a high rating and positive customer reviews. Units of this brand equipped with a 1.96 liter engine. with, automatic lubrication system and chain brake. They are suitable for working in the garden, at home and in the garden.

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

As a rule, when buying a chainsaw, a lot of questions arise about its choice. People do not always understand what criteria should be followed when evaluating, so for a start it is worth considering the scope of this tool and the main characteristics. Before choosing a chainsaw for giving and at home, as well as which company and brand to give preference to, read our recommendations.

Chainsaw types

Chainsaws come in several types:

Household. Saws of this type are most often used for cutting tree trunks, harvesting firewood. They are not designed for long work, they are characterized 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 jobs: repair and construction, sawing trees. But the level of strength of the mechanism does not allow using them for a long time, breaks in work are necessary.

Professional. This type of chainsaw compares favorably with the previous ones with its wide functionality and high power, which allows you to work with the tool for 8 hours without a break. The wear-resistant materials that make up this type of tool make a real life indicator of 1300 to 2000 hours. The most common chainsaws today are the brands Stihl (Calm) and Husqvarna (Husqvarna).

The life of a chainsaw is a concept that means the time elapsed from the moment the tool was purchased to the first repair. It also includes a 40% reduction in compression.

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

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 application.

What is the backlash problem

When the surface being cut and the end of the saw bar come into contact, a kickback 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 a 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 the occurrence of related diseases. To mitigate the negative effects, modern design chainsaws, all of its blocks are performed separately from each other.

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

Next, consider the types of tires and types of chains that are parts of the saw set. The consumer grade tool features a thin, narrow bar and low profile chain, making it the safest to use. In more powerful units, lightweight types of tires are used - this is necessary to reduce weight, and as a result, injury risk. It is also necessary that the length of the bar matches the power of the saw.

The chains, in turn, differ depending on the stride length. A short stride length minimizes vibration but reduces performance, and vice versa, a long stride length increases both vibration and tool performance.

The saw set includes a sprocket, sprocket, chain and bar, and all these components must be of 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 volume of the engine cylinder. In each individual model, this ratio is different and depends on the scope of a particular tool.

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

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

Pre-Purchase Check

Before starting the tool, it must be set up and adjusted, so read the instructions carefully and use the help of a specialist. After that, start the tool and let it work just like that - this is necessary so that its parts rub against each other and are lubricated. The launch mechanism itself is quite simple: you need to check the saw mechanism, pull out the choke and select the slack in the starting cable, then pull the cable strongly - after that the tool is completely ready for use.

Video

Overview of Partner and Stihl chainsaws: