What is the best chainsaw for the home. Chainsaw for summer cottages and houses - choosing 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 is 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 create a heavy load on the tool, it makes sense to purchase a device that is better and more reliable than typical budget Chinese. And if you need a chainsaw only because it is usually long and hard to work with, and on the site several branches or small trees block the sun, the household option is also suitable for you. What is the difference between professional and non-professional units? First of all, the operating 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 cut wood, which is what lumberjacks do.

Any chainsaw has a certain wear life. For a regular household saw, the average is 500 hours, but for more serious devices, a better degree of protection is provided. Low-profile chains are installed on cheap household chainsaws - the low-profile axle has lower performance and is more prone to wear, but it is much easier and safer to work with it than with a bulky structure. You can work with an amateur saw for no more than 50-60 minutes without interruption, while long-term operation is fraught with breakage of the tool or even a break in the chain, which is unsafe in any case. The power of a simple chainsaw usually varies between 1-2 kW.
At the same time, such a 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 brother, but, of course, you will not go to the 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. You can look for a good model in ours. But for a summer cottage or a small garden, an amateur chainsaw is best suited. It is ideal to carry out cosmetic repairs with it, it is well suited for small construction work. What's more, the low-profile chain tends to reduce vibration feedback during operation, 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 allow your imagination to play out, 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 beginners and professional ones. A semi-professional saw is closer to a professional one, with one exception - such chainsaws are not designed for long, daily loads. The overwhelming majority of semi-professional models are designed for 1000 operating hours, 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, 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 cut wood, on a moderate scale - with daily use, a low-profile chain will quickly wear out, but it will definitely withstand 4-5 hours of not the most difficult sawing per day. Sharpening the chains is also important for the job, so we recommend that you read our recommendations on how. The top option for such a saw would be for a person who already has his own plot, but does not yet have a home on it - a semi-professional tool perfectly copes 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 the end of construction. 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 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 view 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 you are building a bathhouse or a house from scratch. Professional units have the highest performance 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 saw chain. A professional chainsaw is, as a rule, several times more expensive than a household one. Do not assume that the highest power here is the key to high-quality and properly performed work. When operating a chainsaw with a high-profile chain, safety precautions must be followed carefully. The chain teeth in such saws are reinforced with carbide inserts, 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 trees, because their power allows you to cut trees even in the most difficult areas, and their high resistance to wear and a resource of up to 2000 hours allow you to operate the unit daily in extreme mode and for 10-12 hours. Protective uniforms are required when working with the forest - at least a protective helmet and gloves. If you don’t have enough strength to keep your animal, the chainsaw can bounce off the log right into you, and the sawdust flying in all directions has not been canceled, not to mention the “accidental” chain break from 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, the chainsaw requires running in before starting work. In the vast majority of cases, a chainsaw is based on a two-stroke engine, careful care of which will prolong the life of the device and keep you healthy. How to choose a chainsaw for price and quality? In addition to power and stroke resource, any chainsaw has several secondary characteristics, each of which must be taken into account when buying. For example, a set of works depends on the type of tire and its length, which will be within the power of your chainsaw.
There are three types of tires: narrow, lightweight and with replaceable heads. Most often, the tire type corresponds to the class of the chainsaw. The narrow and flat tire guarantees minimal injury during operation and is usually installed on amateur chainsaws complete with a low-profile chain, the probability of kickback (chainsaw rebound) is also minimized. Lightweight steel bars are made up 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, have the highest performance and, as you probably already guessed, are installed on professional units. On a tire of short length, 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 bus must necessarily correspond to the power of the engine, otherwise you may get something completely different from what you expect.
The accompanying instructions indicate the maximum possible bus length, exceeding which threatens a significant drop in the efficiency of the device. With a long tire, productivity will be higher, thicker trees can be cut, and the 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 have a single standard for cutting speed and ability to handle tough material, more specifically with link spacing of 0.325, 3/8 and 0.404 inches. The very first version, 0.325 inches, is found in low profile chains. We have already covered the features of low-profile chains, nothing new here. Powerful semi-professional and prof. 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 harsh 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 difficult material, there are chains, the teeth of which are made of hard alloys, or coated with a special high-strength spraying. Most modern chainsaws are equipped with a rebound protection, carried out using a brake lever or a protective shield. It is important to understand that a chainsaw is a tool that carries health risks and therefore requires extra care. It doesn't matter which brand of chainsaw you choose. The main thing is, do not neglect the rules, follow the instructions in the instructions and do not buy a chainsaw that does not fit 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 chainsaws are there and which brand to choose?

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

The chainsaw design consists of:

• engine;

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

• clutches;
• ignition systems;
• carburetor;
• fuel system;
• air purification systems;
• starter;
• tires;
• chains;
• chain brakes;
• chain tensioning 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 operation per month.
Semi-professional	They are used for repair and construction works, used for felling trees.
Professional	With high power (\u003e 2.5 kW) and a wide range of functions. They are used as shaft saws. Work without a break for 8 hours. The resource ranges from 1300 to 2000 hours.
One-handed	Used to care for tree crowns. Compact and lightweight. The design feature is that the handle is located not behind, but under the right hand - on top, 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 their length. Long tire is more suitable for felling (cutting) trees of large diameter; 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 inch for amateur low power saws. They are characterized by reduced vibration;
• 3/8 "and 0.404" mounts on powerful chainsaws: professional and semi-professional.

IMPORTANT! Chainsaw operation is always a risk and an increased danger. We advise you not to neglect elementary rules and means of protection.

Protection functions

Chainsaws overview

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

Photo 1 - Electric chain saw Makita UC3530A

Pluses of an electric saw

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

Cons of an electric saw

1. powered by electricity, must be connected to the mains;
2. when actively moving the saw, it is necessary to monitor the cord so that it does not get tangled under your feet and does not fall under the operating saw chain;
3. can only be used under favorable weather conditions.

Photo 2 - Chainsaw Stihl MS 180-14

Pros of a chainsaw

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

Chainsaw cons

1. it is necessary to monitor the lubrication of the engine.

Nuances when working with a chainsaw

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

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

1. smoothly press the accelerator;
2. if the engine rpm immediately increased to max, it means that it operates normally during acceleration.

• What turns should be?

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

• What compression should a chainsaw engine have?

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

Candle selection

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

We recommend candles from manufacturers Shtil, Oregon, Brisk, NGK, Champion, Bosch.

IMPORTANT! To unscrew the spark plug, use a spark plug wrench, which is usually supplied with the chainsaw.

Cheap chainsaws: which company to choose the tool?

Stihl MS 361-16

Makita EA3203S-40

Champion 142-16

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

Do not ignore the domestic manufacturer: Corvette and Interskol are not inferior in quality to foreign brands.

Rating of the most popular chainsaws in terms of reliability and quality in 2017

Name	Manufacturer country	Benefits
Makita	Japan	Leader of electric and gasoline 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; do well in cutting trees

The best models of chainsaws according to the version of Etodom

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 -

The Ural chainsaw, released for the first time in 1935, 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 with its application.

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 household, agriculture and forestry, firewood, tree work and rescue operations.

Stihl saw chains have good guiding properties and high cutting performance.

All drive links of the chain with special small lubrication channels, where the 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 processed by the method of electrolytic chromium plating for additional wear resistance, which increases the sharpening intervals of the cutting teeth.

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

The cutting teeth of almost all Stihl saw chains are marked with a marking to determine the degree of wear. It helps you to navigate when sharpening and maintain its angle.

Chainsaw Calm: characteristics of the produced models

Model	Description
	Used for domestic purposes; compact and lightweight; equipped with an IntelliCarb carburetor and a compensator, which makes it possible to optimize the performance of the saw; two modifications are offered; the chain is an endless closed belt of 50 links.
	Strong, powerful saw; refers to a professional tool; irreplaceable assistant when cutting down thick tree trunks; equipped with an anti-vibration system and a STIHL decompression valve-compensator; the presence of an inertial chain brake, heating the carburetor; there is a regulation of the supply of chain lubrication.
Stihl MS 361-16	Dynamic saw with ideal specific gravity and power of 3.4 kW; ultra-low vibration level; suitable for precise cutting of forestry work, for thinning small standing forests, for construction work in a country house.
	Low weight; economical fuel consumption; equipped with anti-vibration system, inertial chain brake; carburetor with a special compensator; used for preparing firewood, building and sawing small trees.
	One of the most successful models with a unique electronic ignition system; the launch mechanism is light and fast; there is a manual activation and an anti-vibration system.

Chainsaw Husqvarna

Photo 6 -

Husqvarna manufactures chainsaws of different models, both for professionals and simply for amateurs, with high power and an advanced air filtration system.

Model characteristics

Model	Description
	Equipped with an economical 1.9 hp motor; starts easily even at sub-zero temperatures; engine volume - 38.2 cm3; fuel tank capacity - 0.3 liters of gasoline; vibration is prevented by built-in shock absorbers and metal springs.
	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.
	A professional model that is used in complex work (logging or construction); weight 6 kg; motor power of 4.5 hp; there is a crankcase made of magnesium, which provides high revs; equipped with anti-vibration devices, air purification system and free engine start; transparent tank capacity - 0.77 l.
	Household model for cutting 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, which is used both in everyday life and when felling forests; fast cranking up of the engine under any climatic conditions; equipped with a double-acting chain brake, a special stop; engine power 2.6 hp; engine displacement - 40.2 cm3; fuel tank capacity - 0.41 l.

Husqvarna chains

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

Husqvarna models offer different chain lengths, but chain pitch and performance should 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 - Calm or Husqvarna?

Photo 8 -

Pros of Stihl

1. ideal technical characteristics;
2. negligible vibration;
3. small weight of the connecting rod and crankshaft;
4. at max loads - smooth start-up and stable operation;
5. increase in service life due to two working protrusions;
6. stable work of the piston group; affordable price;
7. has an efficient cooling system;
8. goes to working speed quickly;
9. strong, reliable, trouble-free.

Cons of Stihl

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

Photo 9 - Husqvarna 357XP

Husqvarna pros

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

Cons of Husqvarna

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

Chainsaw Taiga

Model

Description

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

Chainsaw Echo

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

Model	Description
	Professional chainsaw that is used for processing wood of any density; has a two-stroke engine with one cylinder; working volume 34 cm3; air cooling; power 2.16 hp; speed of revolutions - 13,500 rpm; at max load - fuel consumption 0.74 kg / h; automatic supply of oil to the chain; there is no feed rate adjustment; manual starter with "easy start" system and primer; there is a protective shield between the chain and the handle; complete with a tire in a protective cover, a saw chain, a set of tools.
	Professional tool for household use; equipped with a two-stroke engine with a displacement of 35.8 cm3; air cooling; power - 1.46 kW; max rotation speed - 13500 rpm; triggered by CDI electric ignition and "Easy Start" system with 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 brake of the saw chain; with the help of the side adjusting screw, the chain is tensioned, the weight of which is 3.6 kg; there is a chain catcher and a protective guard for the rear handle; on the muffler - a casing; in the complete set - a saw chain with a cover and a bar; small screwdriver and T-shaped wrench (10x19 mm).

Chainsaw chain and other components

The chain is the most important and indispensable part of any chainsaw. It is on it that the loads fall, because it wears out quickly.

The chain is chosen according to the following parameters:

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

IMPORTANT! Also, chains are classified according to the way the wood was cut.

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

The pitch determines how the chain works:

• 0.325 inches - Low power household, non-professional circuits. Productivity - 3-3.5 hp;
• 0.375 inches - win chain or 3/8 with 4.hp;
• 0.404 inches - Designed for professionals, with 5.5 hp.

Chainsaw chain oil

• What kind of 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 other with oil for lubricating the saw chain. Failure to select the correct oil can damage the oil pump.

For lubrication, oil is chosen depending on the operation of the chainsaw. In the warm summer period, mineral compounds are used, in other cases - synthetic or semi-synthetic oils, but always purified.

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 dissolves faster;
4. a vegetable oil or adhesive oil is preferred.

Specialized oil producers:

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

What gasoline to fill?

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

IMPORTANT! Fuel consumption in any case should be minimal.

• 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, therefore, pouring clean gasoline into a chainsaw is strictly prohibited!

IMPORTANT! The quantity and proportions are indicated in the instructions for use.

Domestic chainsaws work well with M-12TPU, M8-B, M8-B, TP, MGD-14M oil.
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. make turning movements smoothly away from you, and constantly turn the file;
3. first sharpen the teeth in the same direction;
4. sharpen the rest of the teeth.

• What is the angle?

With a chainsaw, it is better to purchase a special template with which it is easy to set the optimal values \u200b\u200bof the tooth angles and control the values \u200b\u200bof the clearance angles of the upper and end blades, as well as the rake angle of the edge.

The use of a template is especially important for assessing the value of the clearance 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 °.

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

The angle of sharpening of the chainsaw chain 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 ° with a longitudinal cut and 25-30 ° with a cross cut.

Compact and budget chainsaw Huter BS-45M

Andrey Kravchenko:

I bought it for garden work. Starts up quickly with a half turn if run cold. There is vibration.

Disadvantages: instruction and weight.

Valery Zhigunov:

I took it for the preparation of firewood and for small works. If you need to break the gas cable, you have to break the warranty seal, very inconvenient. Best model for household use.

Disadvantages: Problems with candles.

Quiet and fast chainsaw Champion 137-16

Konstantin Loginov:

Good equipment - extra blade, oil, keys. Sawed everything - branches, small trees, firewood. Super price for such a toy. There were problems with the blocker: for it to work, you need to push hard.

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

Ivan Shumeiko:

If you take it for a summer residence (chop some firewood and cut trees), the chainsaw is excellent. It does not take up much space, it is oil-saving.

Disadvantages: the chain became blunt quickly, cannot be stored in a cold room.

Ergonomic and durable

Vyacheslav Boyko:

Works like a Swiss watch, quite quiet. It uses oil sparingly, the chain does not dry out. For household use, there is no better tool.

Disadvantages: price.

Alexey Nikolaenko:

It is rather weak for serious tasks with a large volume. If Calm was not there before, then you will not notice the shortcomings.

Disadvantages: the asterisk is jammed.

Comfortable PARTNER P340S

Mikhail Piotrovsky:

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

Disadvantages: minimal equipment and poor vibration protection.

Alexander Voichuk:

At idle, it rumbles quietly, but when sawing, the sound is tolerable. Sawed an old suburban wooden house with nails. Not disappointed. The engine works well, only stalled once in 3 years of use. After starting, do not step on the gas immediately, let it warm up for a minute.

Disadvantages: 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 understand everything yourself. I want the chainsaw to serve without breakdowns as long as possible. Each product has its own service life, for internal combustion engines it is determined by the operating hours. The design of the simplest chainsaws has about 500 hours of operation, more complex ones can work twice as long. The longer the service life, the more powerful the engine - from 1 hp. for the simplest models up to 8.7 for a professional instrument.

According to the growth of power and class of the product, their ability to work without interruption for a certain time increases. For a simple tool, this figure is 1 hour and grows to 8 hours for the most complex ones. But as the possibilities of chainsaws grow, so does the price. The desire to choose the best, from the point of view of the buyer, model is sometimes completely unreasonable. It should be borne in mind why the chainsaw is purchased. Indeed, for a short work at 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 the complexity of the work is supposed to be. 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 is logging.

The amateur class of chainsaws is the smallest - up to 2 kW. This series includes units designed for intermittent use - up to 1 hour a day. If the house has already been built, then they are quite suitable for performing minor repairs and maintaining the garden. Vibration during operation in these models is negligible due to the use of low-profile chains. They are lightweight, hands do not get tired of them. At cost - the most budgetary.

Semi-professional tools are close to professional ones in terms of characteristics, but have a smaller working life. 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 maintenance, but also in the construction of a summer cottage. These are chainsaws of the middle price range.

Professional chainsaws are designed for hours of continuous work. They have the greatest service life and performance, they are well balanced, which makes your hands a little tired. One-hand chainsaws are also made at a professional level. Their purpose is to care for the crown. The design assumes the use of only one hand in work, which is easy due to the well-located center of gravity. They are very light and compact compared to heavy professional chainsaws. Prices, as well as for the entire professional tool, 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 cutting depth and its speed. Therefore, having decided to buy a chainsaw, you should have a good idea of \u200b\u200bwhat loads it will work with. It is possible that the power will not be enough if you plan to use it frequently, cutting thick logs. Conversely, the purchase of an overly powerful unit may be unnecessary, moreover, it is expensive. And it is quite difficult to cope with a heavy saw.

For infrequent use, for a summer residence and a garden, an amateur saw with a low power is quite suitable. Semi-professional 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 an 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. And it is convenient to work with such a saw in the garden: you can not only cut down a tree, but also cut off branches. However, there is no possibility of long uninterrupted work.

Professional-grade chainsaws are the most powerful: 2.7–6 kW. Unlike semi-professional ones, they can withstand many hours of daily work. They are 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 independently harvest firewood in large volumes. For those who have no experience, it is difficult to cope with it because of the large weight, heavy load on the hands.

The tire - how it affects the capabilities of the tool

In addition to the purpose of the tool and its power, the headset is of no small importance. There are three types of tires 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. Thus, the likelihood of injury is reduced.
2. 2. Lightweight - made of two steel plates with polyamide packed between them. This design lightens 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 usability and capabilities of the tool, a parameter such as the length of the tires plays a role. 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, then it will not be possible to cut quickly. With insufficient power, a long tire will lead to waste of gasoline and imminent engine failure. Each model is designed for 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 thin wood, a shorter tire is better - the cutting speed will be higher.

Chain - the dependence of the cutting speed on the step

To decide on the purchase of a chainsaw, you should be aware of its capabilities, which depend on the chain pitch. The speed of cutting wood depends on this parameter, as well as what species it can handle. The chain for 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.

Amateur chainsaws are equipped with a low-profile 0.325-inch chain. It gives a weak vibration, it is most suitable for short-term use. With prolonged load, it will instantly dull. It should be borne in mind that the smaller the step, 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 cut, therefore high productivity. The larger the step, the more powerful the engine must be. With all the advantages, they quickly become dull if you cut a frozen tree or get caught in dirt. For cutting in such conditions, buy a chain with carbide taps.

Often, buyers ask the question of which chain cuts faster and does not require pressure when working. 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 bar and, accordingly, the chain in length must correspond to the engine power. The most common lengths for a semi-professional instrument are 35 and 40 cm.

Safety - Protection against kickback and vibration

Kickback is the phenomenon when, during operation, the tire touches the tree with its very end. This will cause the saw to bounce onto the worker and cause injury. Be sure to ask if the chainsaw has adequate protection. The most commonly used protection-brake in the form of a lever. When working, he is close to the hand. When an impact occurs, the hand automatically presses the lever and the chain stops instantly. Another way of protection is with 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, then you can buy one. It is not suitable for long-term use: strong vibration can lead to joint diseases. When buying, be sure to hold the working tool in your hands to feel the vibration level. On household models, rubber gaskets are sometimes installed, which greatly increases the convenience of work. Many household tools do not have this protection.

Manufacturing firms - popular on the Russian market

Chainsaw owners have different opinions about their manufacturers. It is difficult to say unequivocally which company to choose. Their products differ in price, quality and purpose. Be sure to find out about the availability of service, because anything can happen even when buying the coolest model. The trade offers mainly products of European companies. Among all manufacturers, consumers primarily distinguish Stihl (Germany), Husqvarna (Sweden).

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

The middle range in terms of cost and quality is represented by Al-ko, Makita. Their products will serve well both for occasional use on a 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 prejudices regarding Chinese products, they can last a long time if properly used.

Russian manufacturers are traditionally represented on the market with Ural and Druzhba saws. "Ural" is a professional chainsaw, designed to perform the most difficult and difficult work in the forest and at home. It is highly efficient, but has a large weight - almost 12 kg. "Druzhba" weighs only 4.5 kg. This is a good choice for work in the country: prepare firewood, cut down a tree, remove dry branches.

Buying a chainsaw - how not to make the wrong 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 service. It is a very big risk to acquire a fake, especially of well-known European firms, because prices for a "firm" on the market are lower than in stores. Buying free classifieds 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, a regular construction store, or even better - a specialized one. In hardware stores, prices are often unreasonably high, a small assortment, and vague guarantees. This is not the main product for them, and therefore this approach. Another thing is stores specializing in the sale of chainsaws or the 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 cannot 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 the company store they try to sell the goods at a higher price, extolling the additional possibilities of some modification. This will not give anything but an extra waste of money - chainsaws with or without bells and whistles work the same way.

A salesperson can praise a model that automatically tightens the chain. And if you think about it, is it difficult to tighten the key once a day? Or a lightweight launch? With proper care, any chainsaw will start well, otherwise no lightweight 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 choose a model for it, the parameters of which 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. Choosing from a range of well-known companies is 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, on 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 into them from time to time. This is useful not only for safety at work, but will maximize the service life of the tool.

The chainsaw is one of the indispensable tools for giving and private homes. It can be used to harvest firewood, cut down tree branches, build a house, and maintain 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. There is a wide variety of such equipment on the construction market, which causes a choice problem. The final decision on the purchase will help to study the rating of chainsaws and customer reviews.

Types and main indicators of chainsaws

All saws are conventionally divided into household, semi-professional and professional.

1. Household tools are used in the construction of farm buildings, for sawing boards, preparing firewood and much more. Most often, a household saw has low power and weight, and is designed for 20-25 hours of work per month.
2. Semi-professional chainsaws are designed for longer use. 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. A 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 the 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 your home, first of all, you should pay attention to its power, which will depend on 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 also pay attention to the ratio of power and weight. This is very important for the comfortable and high-quality operation of the instrument.

Saw motor and chain

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

For tools from foreign manufacturers, high quality gasoline and branded oils are required. Domestic chainsaws can run on ordinary motorcycle oil and seventy-sixth gasoline.

Chain pitch determines the distance between the saw teeth, 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 0.404 inch chains. They are distinguished by their great performance, but at the same time, they also have great 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 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 should be paid to the ratio of power and bus length. Insufficient tool power can lead to rapid engine wear and damage, as well as high fuel consumption.

When the end of the tire touches the material being processed, the tool is thrown back sharply, and a kickback is obtained, which is one of the dangerous moments in work. To avoid injury, you should quickly stop the chain... This can be done using a lever in front of the operator's left hand.

The inertial brake, the drive of which is located in the shield, stops the saw. The lever responsible for its activation takes two positions. During operation, the hand rests on the lever, and, if necessary, activates the inertial brake. Therefore, when choosing a saw, special attention should be paid to the quality of its work.

Chainsaws rating

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

Powerful KRÜGER chainsaw (Germany) 4.5 hp

Demonstrate the best quality / price ratio. Despite their impeccable functionality, they are available to most consumers. The main options include a soft start system and a tire cover for maximum operator safety.

The manufacturer also pleases with a complete set of chainsawsKRÜGER ... It has everything for maintenance, two chains, a filling case. The increased power allows for a wide range of jobs over time. The Kruger chainsaw is used in construction, logging, and site clearing. Saws of the German brand Kruger meet the highest requirements for reliability and safety.

Husqvarna - chainsaws from a Swedish manufacturer

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

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

Household chainsaws Oleo - Mac

Due to the reasonable price and excellent characteristics, the tool from the Italian manufacturer occupies high places in the rating. Manufactured for more than forty years, the technique is small and lightweight. It is very convenient to use as a lopper. When developing models of this company, technologies were used that are used to produce tools of a higher class.

Popular Stihl chainsaws

The equipment produced by German manufacturers is suitable for work both on the site and at small logging sites. 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 with 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, efficient, and affordable.

The EASY - START starting system and the powerful engine of the unit will allow you to easily cope with work in a garden and park or a farm, 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 - optimal price-performance ratio

The equipment of this manufacturer has proven itself in many areas of activity, therefore it always has a high rating. Equipped inertial brake the units have reduced vibration and are capable of operating for a long time. A special electronic ignition system and a state-of-the-art fuel pump make it possible to start the engine of the tool even after a long idle period 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. The reliable and unpretentious tool weighs only about four kilograms, which allows you to work with it even with one hand. Its engine start is facilitated by a special pulley design. In addition, the unit is equipped with a quick cleaning system for the air filter, which makes it much easier to service.

Partner chainsaw - the perfect companion 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. from, automatic lubrication system and chain brake. They are convenient for working in the garden, at home and in the garden.

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

As a rule, when buying a chainsaw, a lot of question arises about its choice. People do not always understand what criteria should be followed when assessing, so first it is worth considering the areas of application of this tool and the main characteristics. Before choosing a chainsaw for a summer residence and at home, as well as which company and brand to give preference to, 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 usability.

Semi-professional. A more powerful type of chainsaws, suitable for a wide range of works: repair and construction, sawing trees. But the level of durability of the mechanism does not allow their use for a long time, breaks in work are necessary.

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

Chainsaw service life is a concept that means the time elapsed from the moment the tool was purchased until 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 follow a few simple rules: choose the right operating mode during operation and avoid overloads. For efficient operation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the saw headset and the chain, because working with a dull saw, you increase the load on the central engine and, as a result, increase the likelihood of breakdown.

The speed of work is also influenced by the chain pitch, the profile of the cutting teeth and the suitability of the tool model for its application.

What is kickback problem

When the surface to be cut is in contact with the end of the bar, 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 the lever located on the left hand. At the moment of impact, the hand collides with the lever and the chain stops.

Anti-vibration system

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

Note! Another aspect of the comfort of using the tool is the power-to-weight ratio. In this regard, you should choose the right model for a particular area of \u200b\u200bapplication.

Next, you should consider the types of bars and types of chains that are parts of the saw headset. The consumer grade tool features a thin, narrow tire 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 saw power.

The chains, in turn, differ depending on the length of the step. A small step length minimizes vibration, but a decrease in productivity, and vice versa, a long step length increases both vibration and tool performance.

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 volume of the engine cylinder. In each individual model, this ratio is different and depends on the area of \u200b\u200bapplication of a particular tool.

The design of the engine 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 be different 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 chainsaws, the use of simple unused engine oil is recommended as a lubricant, although there is a special one created specifically for these purposes.

Checking before purchase

Before starting the tool, it is necessary to set up and adjust it, so carefully read the instructions 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 in together and lubricate. The starting mechanism itself is quite simple: you need to check the saw mechanism, pull out the suction and take out the slack of the starting cable, then pull the cable strongly - after that the tool is completely ready for use.

Video

Review of Partner and Stihl chainsaws: