Chainsaws — features of technology, types, selection criteria

Chainsaws are divided into several types depending on their purpose, power and level of use. Here are the main types of chainsaws:

Household chainsaws

• Purpose: Designed for occasional use in everyday life, such as pruning trees in the garden, sawing firewood for the fireplace or performing small construction work.
• characteristics: usually have low power (up to 2 kW) and light weight. The length of the bar for such saws is usually 30-40 cm. They are easy to use and do not require high qualifications.

Semi-professional chainsaws

• Purpose: Suitable for more intensive work, such as felling small trees, building wooden structures and harvesting firewood in large quantities.
• Characteristics: the power of such saws is from 2 to 3 kW, the length of the bar is 40-50 cm. They have greater durability and can be used for a longer time than household models.

Professional chainsaws

• Purpose: These saws are designed for professional work in logging companies, where high productivity and reliability under long-term operation conditions are required.
• characteristics: have high power (from 3 kW and above) and a bar length of up to 90 cm, which allows for efficient felling of large trees. Such saws are equipped with enhanced vibration protection and cooling systems, which allows for long-term operation without interruption.

Specialized chainsaws

Purpose: special models designed to perform specific tasks, such as cutting ice, concrete structures or cutting trees at great heights.

Options:

• Pole saws: saws with a long pole that allow you to work at heights without using a ladder.
• chainsaws for rescue services: equipped with special chains and reinforced bodies, can cut metals and other materials.

Mini chainsaws (one-handed)

• Purpose: Designed for light tasks such as pruning, working in hard to reach places or for carving.
• Characteristics: compact, lightweight, usually have a short bar and low power. They can be held with one hand, making them very maneuverable.

Each of these types of chainsaws has its own application depending on the requirements for power, mobility and intensity of use.

Chainsaw Brands Worth Considering

There are several brands of chainsaws on the market that deserve attention due to their quality, reliability and performance. The main ones are:

Stihl

• Features: German brand, widely known for its quality and durability. Stihl offers both household and professional models of chainsaws. They are famous for their high power, ease of use and variety of models for different tasks.
• Popular models: MS 180 (for home use), MS 660 (for professionals).

Husqvarna

• Features: Swedish brand, one of the main competitors of Stihl. Husqvarna is known for its innovations, such as systems for reducing vibration and improving ergonomics. Their chainsaws are suitable for both home and professional work.
• Popular models: 135 (for home use), 372 XP (for professionals).

Makita

• Features: The Japanese company, known for its electric tools, also produces quality chainsaws. Makita is famous for its reliability and excellent value for money.
• Popular models: EA3202S (for home use), EA6100P (for professionals).

Echo

• Features: Japanese brand that also produces reliable chainsaws for various tasks. Echo is known for its compact and powerful models that are often used by both professionals and gardeners.
• Popular models: CS-310ES (for home use), CS-590 (for professionals).

Dolmar

• Features: German brand, now owned by Makita. Dolmar chainsaws are distinguished by high build quality and long service life. Their products are popular with those who value European quality and traditions.
• Popular models: PS-32 (for home use), PS-7910 (for professionals).

These brands offer a wide range of chainsaws for different needs, from simple household models to powerful professional tools. The choice of a specific brand and model depends on your tasks, budget and preferences.

Criteria for choosing a chainsaw

When choosing a chainsaw, there are several important criteria that will help you choose a tool that meets your needs and tasks. Here are the main ones:

Purpose and frequency of use

• household use: for occasional work at the dacha or in the garden, a household chainsaw with low power and a bar length of up to 40 cm is suitable.
• Semi-professional use: If you plan to use it frequently, such as cutting firewood or felling small trees, choose semi-professional models with a power of 2-3 kW and a bar length of up to 50 cm.
• professional use: for logging work and long-term use, it is better to choose professional models with a power of 3 kW and a bar length of 50 cm.

Engine power

• Power determines the saw’s performance. The more power, the faster and easier the sawing will be.
• For household tasks, a power of up to 2 kW is sufficient.
• For more serious tasks, choose models with a power of 2-3 kW and higher.

Length of the bus

• The length of the bar affects the maximum diameter of the tree that can be cut. The longer the bar, the larger the tree that can be cut in one pass.
• For small jobs and pruning branches, a 30-40 cm long bar is suitable.
• for felling medium and large trees Make a tire 40-50 cm or more long.

Weight and ergonomics

• The weight of the chainsaw is important, especially if you plan on working for a long time. Lightweight models are easier to use, but may have less power.
• Ergonomics and ease of use: The handles should be comfortable and the weight distribution should be balanced to reduce the strain on the arms and back.

Chain type and its tension

• chain: it is important to pay attention to the type of chain and its quality. Some models allow you to quickly and without tools adjust the chain tension, which simplifies maintenance.
• Automatic tensioning system: a useful feature that simplifies saw setup and maintenance.

Security system

• Chain brake: Stops the chain instantly when kickback occurs, which is important to prevent injury.
• Anti-vibration system: reduces vibration levels, making work more comfortable and safe.

Type of oil supply to the chain

• Automatic oil supply: simplifies the use of the saw, as the system automatically regulates the amount of oil supplied.
• Manual oil feed: less common in modern models, but sometimes used in budget versions.

Reliability and durability

• Materials and assembly: pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the saw is made. Metal parts should be durable, and plastic elements should be resistant to impacts and weather conditions.
• Manufacturer: Well-known brands such as Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita usually offer more reliable and durable models.

Price and warranty

• Budget: Decide on your budget. Cheap models are suitable for rare and light work, but if you need reliability and durability, you should consider more expensive models.
• warranty: it is important to consider whether the tool is guaranteed and what service conditions the manufacturer offers.

The choice of a chainsaw depends on the specific tasks you will face. Determine your needs, and based on this, select a model, paying attention to the above criteria.