How To Choose A Good Chainsaw For Home
Anti-vibration protection
When choosing and buying a chainsaw for your home, ask the seller to check it and hold it in your hands.
Light hobby saws should NOT vibrate too much. To reduce vibration in such chainsaws, rubber gaskets are installed. They are located between the handles and the saw body.
In professional heavy duty saws, the engine and fuel tank are separated from each other to evenly distribute the total weight throughout the structure. Chainsaws without special anti-vibration protection are suitable for those who work for a limited time.
The longer you work, the more vibration will affect your hands, and this will lead to inevitable joint disease.
Semi-professional chainsaws
Models of this class have medium power and are capable of operating for a long time. The only drawback is NOT long-term use. These saws are NOT designed for a ten hour day.
The power of semi-professional chainsaws is from 2.5 kW.
Chainsaw weight varies from 5 to 6 kg, depending on the manufacturer’s brand.
Choosing a semi-professional chainsaw is the ideal solution for building your own home.
With a semi-professional chainsaw, you can create roof framing, flooring, timber harvesting and more.
Choosing a good and inexpensive chainsaw for a summer residence and home :. Tips Tricks. Overview
The chainsaw is the right tool for the summer resident and gardener. In a private house, such a tool also does not hurt. For example, for preparing firewood for a stove and barbecue, pruning trees and building gazebos, etc.
Previously, only hand saws and hacksaws were used, but thanks to technical progress, today it is possible to purchase an excellent chainsaw.
When choosing a tool, the question will certainly arise, which chainsaw to choose for a summer residence? And which chainsaw to choose for building a house?
The fact is that a model for periodic work is unlikely to cope with the construction of a wooden frame. In our article, we will take a closer look at how to choose a chainsaw for your home, taking into account the frequency of its use and ease of maintenance.
Chainsaw classification. How to choose a tire for your chainsaw?
There are three main types of saw bars:
- Flat, narrow. They are put on amateur chainsaws. A narrow tire is usually paired with a low profile chain and has no kickback. This is necessary to reduce injuries when working with this chainsaw.
- Lightweight tires. They are made of steel, they are two special plates with polyamide packed between them. This design significantly reduces the total weight of the chainsaw. And it becomes much easier to work with such a tool.
- A tire with replaceable heads. Installed on professional chainsaws, with high power, which work continuously for ten hours a day.
Long tires make it easier to cut thick wood as the cut is deeper. But if such a tire comes with a low power mechanism, then its power will NOT be enough for fast sawing. You will start sawing more slowly and the chainsaw motor will wear out instantly.
All chainsaw instructions indicate the recommended tire length. This figure cannot be exceeded. You can reduce the size.
And if you have a choice between models of the same power, then for a small volume of wood and boards it is better to choose a chainsaw with a smaller tire, since its cutting speed will be much higher.
Chainsaw chain
The cutting speed also determines the chain pitch. All chainsaws have three basic chain pitches. Therefore, which chain to choose for the chainsaw is up to you.
The chain pitch of 0.325 dm is used by amateur low-profile chains. This is the standard size for fast cuts. Such a circuit will NOT withstand prolonged load and will instantly dull.
High power chainsaws have a chain pitch of 0.404 dm. They work for a long time and are able to cut large volumes of wood. But even these chainsaws will NOT cope with frozen and dirty wood. For these purposes, special carbide-tipped chains are produced.
Thus, all the components of the unit must be produced by one plant, and if they break down, you will need to look for a part of the same brand.
Amateur chainsaws
The most common class of chainsaws is amateur.
The models that are presented in it can withstand continuous work only for a few hours a day. Usually the power of household chainsaws is 2 kW.
The chains on these models are low profile and reduce vibration during operation. But the performance of such chains is much lower.
Amateur chainsaws are very convenient and ideal for summer cottage work: harvesting firewood, pruning trees, solving small construction problems. For a country house or summer cottage, as well as for order in the garden, such a chainsaw will be enough.
Chainsaw power
Power is the main factor affecting the ability to handle large volumes of wood, speed of cutting and possible depth.
If your task is not to cut thick logs, to use the tool daily, then 2 kW of power is enough for you. A chainsaw for a house with a power of up to 2.5 kW is also perfect for the construction of a wooden blockhouse.
Below we will consider some of the nuances of choosing chainsaws, depending on their technical characteristics.
Professional chainsaws
Models of this class have high powers from 2.5 to 6 kW and are able to withstand many hours of continuous operation.
For personal needs, a chainsaw of this class is unlikely to be needed, unless you plan to build a house with your own hands, and then build a bathhouse and prepare firewood for the whole winter. Usually professional chainsaws are chosen by special organizations for felling trees.
These saws are highly durable and are designed to handle large amounts of wood.
For personal purposes, without professional training, it is not so easy to cope with this saw: it has a fairly high level of vibration and a lot of weight.
Compared to an amateur chainsaw, a felling chainsaw significantly increases the strain on the hands. This is especially noticeable for people without experience with this tool.
Power point
All modern gasoline saws are equipped with a two-stroke, carburetor engine. Fuel is supplied from the fuel tank. The capacity of this tank varies depending on the model and purpose of the tool: from 0.2 to 1.8 liters.
Automatic oil supply to the working surface of the saw headset is made from the oil reserve reservoir, the capacity of which can be from 0.1 to 0.5 liters.
Device power
Power affects the speed and depth of cut, the ability to cut “heavy” wood. If you do NOT plan to fell “century-old pines”, and the scope of the tool is limited to garden work, an installation with a capacity of about 2 kW, typical for household models, will be sufficient.
The power of professional devices often exceeds 7 kW, which significantly increases labor productivity. But, if you are NOT a professional lumberjack, then pay attention to semi-professional models. The power of these units varies from 2 to 3 kW.
Semi-professional
Of the advantages, most users noted: a well-thought-out air filtration system, excellent vibration protection. Thanks to X-Torq technology, fuel consumption is reduced by 20% in comparison with analogues. In this model, a separate lubrication system is used, which independently mixes gasoline with oil.
As the main disadvantage, users noted a high noise level, which is 104 dB.
Main advantages: good performance; reliability; possibility of long-term work.
There is only one drawback. a large mass.
Buying a good chainsaw: basic rules and nuances. Make the right choice!
Pruning trees, harvesting firewood and lumber for the construction of a building is far from a complete list of things that have to be done by those who live and work outside the modern metropolis. And if you are one of those who are used to doing everything with their own hands, without relying on the help of professionals, then sooner or later you will be faced with the question of buying a chainsaw.
In the domestic market, this tool is presented in a huge range. How to correctly choose a good chainsaw for a private house or summer cottage, taking Significant differences in the technical characteristics and cost of models? In this publication, we will consider what criteria should be guided when choosing, Based on the purpose, frequency and ease of maintenance of this device.
Cutting speed
Cutting speed directly depends on the speed of rotation of the chain, the design of the headset and the configuration of the intent tooth. In a modern tool, almost all of the above indicators are identical with the only difference in the material from which the saw chain teeth are made. The steel grade will tell the experienced operator the frequency with which he will have to sharpen the chain after continuous tool operation.
Vibration protection
Anti-vibration protection is a pad of soft material located at the point where the handle is attached to the device body. In expensive units, instead of a gasket, a system of springs is used, which effectively dampen vibration. As a rule, such protection is implemented only in semi-professional and professional equipment. In household budget saws, anti-vibration protection is NOT assumed.
Design and principle of operation
A chainsaw is a device that consists of the following mandatory elements:
- A metal chain with saw teeth installed along its perimeter;
- Tires along which the chain moves during operation;
- An internal combustion engine and the elements necessary for its functioning (transmission, clutch, carburetor, etc.);
- Fuel tank;
- Oil reservoir.
The main differences in the design of the chain and the bar are the length of the working part, the shape and material of the water of the intent tooth.
The movement of the chain saw on the surface of the tire is provided by the engine, which runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil. To burn fuel in the engine cylinder, oxygen is needed, for the supply and creation of the necessary proportion of which the carburetor is responsible. The fuel tank is used to store the required supply of gasoline-oil mixture.
Important! The volume of the fuel tank is a determining factor in the duration of the chainsaw operation without refueling.
The principle of the tool is extremely simple. Starting is carried out by a manual starter. When the crankshaft is turned, a fuel-air mixture is created in the carburetor, which is supplied to the engine slave cylinder. The mixture is ignited by a spark, which is generated at the spark plug electrode. The gas generated during the combustion of the fuel pushes the piston, which, in turn, transfers energy (through the connecting rod) to the crankshaft. Rotating, the crankshaft sets in motion the drive sprocket, which moves the chain along the chainsaw tire.
The cutting surface and tire are subjected to high loads during travel. To increase their service life, these elements are subject to intensive lubrication, which is carried out by automatic oil supply to their working surfaces by means of a mechanical oil pump.
Main selection criteria
If you need a chainsaw for your home, but you do not know which model to choose, it is better to seek professional help.
If you choose yourself, be guided by the following criteria:
- Power;
- Weight and dimensions;
- Length, width and type of saw headset;
- Chain pitch;
- The location of the working handle;
- Engine’s type;
- Fuel consumption;
- Safety.
For clarity, all the main selection criteria and characteristics of models are collected in a table.
Characteristics
The speed and depth of cut are increased. Decreases the force of the kickback
Versatile tool for a wide range of gardening and construction work.
The professional tool for continuous work in the construction and logging areas.
Felling trees; performing a wide range of housework; use in construction.
Logging work; facing logs; dismantling of commercial forest for building materials.
Increased endurance. Considered the hallmark of semi-professional equipment.
It perfectly tolerates long-term loads. Used in professional units.
In the back of the instrument
This design assumes the employment of two hands. Reduces the risk of injury.
Semi. and professional chainsaws
Increased consumption of gasoline-air mixture.
Reduces vibration of the device, increasing the time of comfortable work with the tool.
Next, consider each of the above characteristics in more detail.
The best inexpensive chainsaws for home and garden
- Low vibration;
- Good maintainability;
- Easy engine start.
- Easy start;
- Reliability;
- High-quality assembly;
- Low vibration;
- Relatively high performance.
Of the shortcomings, users note problems with the oil supply system, which are solved by cleaning the device after use.
Semi-professional
They have increased power from 2.5 kW. Weight from 1.5 to 6.5 kg. The tool is suitable for uninterrupted operation for 3-5 hours. Suitable for felling young trees, pruning branches. Semi-professional models optimal for the construction of wooden structures.
What should be noted
When buying a chainsaw, you should carefully inspect the product. Check the presence of a rubber coating on the handle, markings on the body, which contain information about the manufacturer, serial number. The main equipment of chainsaws:
- The body of the saw itself;
- Tire in a protective casing, studs for fastening;
- Key chain packed;
- User’s manual.
Figure 4. Complete set of chainsaw
The main criteria for choosing a chainsaw for home and for a summer residence
Before answering the question of which brand is good and inexpensive it is best to choose for a home or for a summer residence, you need to decide on the parameters and characteristics that affect efficiency and reliability. When choosing a chainsaw, one should take into account the technical functionality and design ergonomics. This affects tool performance, cutting speed, and out-of-service life. The main thing is to know what you should pay attention to in order to figure out how to choose the right chainsaw.
Husqvarna 236
The budget model of the chainsaw. In terms of level, it is at the junction of household and semi-professional. Power. 1.4 kW, tire 40 cm long and 3/8 inch pitch. The tool is easy to operate, comfortable ergonomics. Disadvantage. oil requirements, the need to adjust the carburetor.
Figure 6. Chainsaw Husqvarna 236
Household
They have low power, are designed only for solving household tasks (harvesting firewood, cutting branches in the garden). Continuous operation time does NOT exceed 35-40 minutes. Under load, the chance of breakage increases. Average engine power 2 kW. Dignity of household tools. small size, mobility.
Which brand to choose?
The choice of brand depends only on the planned budget for the purchase, personal preference. Reliable chainsaws of different classes are produced by the following manufacturers:
- Stihl;
- Makita;
- Husqvarna;
- Greenline;
- Taiga;
- Ural.
The cost depends on the technical characteristics, power and configuration. All manufacturers supply the device in a cardboard box with a headset protective cover.
Saw head type
The main parts of the headset: a chain of various sizes and shapes, a tire and a sprocket. It is the bus that determines the functionality and performance of the device. There are three types:
- Narrow and flat. Fits on consumer models and comes with a low profile chain. DOES NOT cause kickback when cutting, reducing the risk of injury.
- Lightweight. It is made of steel and consists of two plates. Between them is a polyamide layer to reduce the overall weight of the structure. The optimal solution for household and semi-professional tasks.
- With replaceable heads. This type of headset is found only on professional models. Allows you to increase the power of the tool, uptime.
Figure 3. Tires with a chain
The instructions for the tool always indicate the Recommended chain size, depending on the length and type of headset. This parameter cannot be exceeded, as there is a possibility of breakage and injuries when sawing.
Classification
All chainsaws are conventionally divided into three categories, depending on the purpose of the work. When choosing a device, you should take into account what tasks you will have to cope with. Power, design features and tool life depend on this.
Partner P340S
Household-grade chainsaw. Equipped with a 1.44 kW engine and a 35 cm long tire. There is a chain braking system, blocking of inclusion. Minus. insufficient tank capacity and weak vibration protection.
Handle location
Almost all modern chainsaw models are equipped with two handles for comfortable work. One is a direct extension of the body, required for constant contact with the instruments. The second handle has a U-shape and is fixed with several screws. Suitable for cutting wood with two hands, which lightens the load on the hand and allows the tire to turn at right angles when felling wood.
When choosing a tool, pay attention to the presence of a rubberized surface to reduce vibration, sliding of palms. The starter is located on the right side or at the back of the case, which is convenient for both right and left handed people. There is a gas trigger on the handle itself.
Vibration protection
This is an additional functionality, which is found only on professional models. Reduces the load when cutting, the duration of continuous work. Most often, this option is implemented in the form of shock-absorbing gaskets on the engine, which significantly reduces the level of vibration. Rubberized handle on the handle acts as an additional protection.
Makita EA3203S40B
Belongs to the semi-professional class. Powered by a 1.8 liter petrol engine. C. Chain pitch 3/8 ”. Bar length. 40 cm.The chain can be installed and tensioned without a key.
Figure 7. Makita EA3203S40B Chainsaw
Chain pitch
The interval between two teeth. The higher the indicator, the more productive the tool works. At the same time, noise and vibration increase. Frequent steps (in inches):
- 0.325;
- 0.375 (3/8)
- 0.404.
If you need to replace the chain, it is important to take into account the features of the chainsaw model. Headsets from different manufacturers are often not compatible with each other.
Household
They have low power, are designed only for solving household tasks (harvesting firewood, cutting branches in the garden). Continuous operation time does NOT exceed 35-40 minutes. Under load, the chance of breakage increases. Average engine power 2 kW. Dignity of household tools. small size, mobility.
Partner P340S
Household-grade chainsaw. Equipped with a 1.44 kW engine and a 35 cm long tire. There is a chain braking system, blocking of inclusion. Minus. insufficient tank capacity and weak vibration protection.
The main criteria for choosing a chainsaw for home and for a summer residence
Before answering the question of which brand is good and inexpensive it is best to choose for a home or for a summer residence, you need to decide on the parameters and characteristics that affect efficiency and reliability. When choosing a chainsaw, one should take into account the technical functionality and design ergonomics. This affects tool performance, cutting speed, and out-of-service life. The main thing is to know what you should pay attention to in order to figure out how to choose the right chainsaw.
Cutting speed
On average, the chain moves at a speed of 10 m / s. This is enough for cutting hard types of wood, trunks of different diameters. Working speed depends on engine power, chain pitch and tooth arrangement. When working, it should be borne in mind that the lower this indicator, the greater the consumption of the fuel mixture and the higher the risk of breakage.
What should be noted
When buying a chainsaw, you should carefully inspect the product. Check the presence of a rubber coating on the handle, markings on the body, which contain information about the manufacturer, serial number. The main equipment of chainsaws:
- The body of the saw itself;
- Tire in a protective casing, studs for fastening;
- Key chain packed;
- User’s manual.