Chainsaw - necessary tool, both at home and in the country. It can be useful both for sawing wood for the fireplace, and for felling trees and trimming branches. However, not everyone knows how to make a choice based on price and quality for their home and garden. Which brand of manufacturer should you choose so that it will serve you for a long time and reliably?

Today the range of instruments of this kind is very wide. If previously the choice was limited to “Friendship” and “Taiga”, now products from Western manufacturers have appeared on the market.

All chainsaws can be divided into three main categories.

1. Household. Such tools are not very powerful; they are designed for everyday use. The instrument can function for no more than half an hour a day. The maximum is 40 minutes of continuous operation. Operated monthly for no more than 30 hours. If you load it more, it will break down very soon. The main advantage of such a saw is lightness, compactness and convenience. A household saw is purchased in order to be able to cut some wood for the fireplace or trim bushes. It is not intended for serious work.
2. Semi-professional tools are somewhat more powerful than household ones. They can be used for felling trees, but they are mainly used in construction. At logging sites they can be used for cutting branches. They combine power and relative lightness. They can work about 5 hours a day. They should not be loaded for a longer period.
3. Chainsaws for felling trees. These are professional tools that can function up to 15–16 hours a day. Some specimens can work longer. These saws are distinguished by increased power. Of course, they are much heavier and more complex in design.

A Question of Choice

Before deciding which chainsaw to choose, you need to think about where it will be used.

1. If we're talking about only about small works on garden plot like trimming bushes or cutting wood for the stove, you can take a simple, low-power saw. The work is meant to be for a very short period. Such a saw should not be overloaded for more than half an hour per day.
2. If, in addition to minor work on the site, it also involves construction or cutting down trees, then it is better to take a semi-professional unit.
3. If long-term work is involved, then it is better to take a high-quality professional chainsaw. This is especially important if you plan to cut down large trees. The service life of such a tool is very large, which will allow for highly complex work.

Review

Today there are a lot of manufacturing companies on the market. The choice depends only on the wallet and preferences of the buyer. Between price and quality, it is best to choose the latter option.

Shtil chainsaws are distinguished by numbers. So, number 36 is ideal for felling wood, and for household work you can choose an instrument from the 18–21 series.

Sturm

One of the most famous brands on the market - “Storm”. The company produces chainsaws of various powers, which can be useful both in everyday life and when felling trees.

A simple low-power saw made abroad will cost 5–6 thousand. The average semi-professional one will cost closer to 10 thousand. Therefore, before choosing a tool for your garden, you will have to carefully calculate your budget.

The advantage of Sturm saws is that they are convenient, safe and have good chains made of wear-resistant materials. Working with such a tool is a pleasure.

An analogue of “Sturm” is the Swedish manufacturer “Partner”. It is cheaper, has almost the same characteristics as its competitor, but has a number of weaknesses. So, it is better to immediately replace the chainsaw chain with an “assault” one. One more thing weak point– saw body. It can quickly melt if you do not clean the tool in time. The reason for this is that the muffler is too close to the body.

Another good option– chainsaw from the Husqvarna line. These saws are quite high quality. For felling, it is better to take the Husqvarna felling machine. These saws also have numbers. For felling, number 357 is suitable. The cost of such a tool is in the range of 30–35 thousand.

For the right choice we need to reconsider everything possible options. You also need to know the problems that owners of power tools most often encounter.

Possible problems

1. Headset incompatibility. Often a saw set from one manufacturer is completely unsuitable for saws from another company. The only exception is the fact that the Sturm chain is perfect for Partner saws. But this is due to the fact that the company deliberately produces such parts. In all other cases, when purchasing an instrument from one company, you will have to purchase a headset from the same manufacturer.
2. Focus on power. Power isn't everything in a tool. In fact, too much power from a chainsaw can make it extremely inconvenient and even dangerous.
3. Cutting speed. If the cutting speed of the saw has decreased, then it makes sense to pay attention to the sharpness of the chain. The quality of the instrument depends on it. After a working day, the chain must be adjusted, especially if we are talking about a professional tool that has been in use for 10–15 hours. Otherwise, the cutting characteristics will deteriorate, and very soon it will be impossible to work normally.
4. "Backfire" A kickback is the moment when the saw sharply rebounds towards the worker. This is dangerous and can cause death. Therefore, in order to prevent such consequences, there are two mechanisms. The first of these is the brake on the handle. The second is special shields. Guards do not exist on all saws. For example, tools Swedish made they are deprived. Therefore, we have to make do with the first defense mechanism. It is very important to ensure that it is always in good working order.
5. Anti-vibration protection. When buying a saw, you need to pay attention to the fact that the most modern anti-vibration system is installed there. Because vibrations from the tool can lead to serious joint diseases. In addition, working with a chainsaw, which does not have a very good anti-vibration system, is very difficult. Your hands get tired quickly and the work becomes overwhelming.

Chains

Saw chains come in different varieties. Therefore, you need to choose them based on the complexity of the work. Thus, simple low-profile chains are well suited for simple work in the country or at home. They have both advantages and disadvantages. Their advantage is that such chains run smoothly and create almost no vibration. This is because their pitch is only 0.325 inches.

On heavy-duty saws, the chains have a pitch of about 0.404 inches. The performance of the tool depends on the chain pitch. On low profiles the performance is poor.

In order to work in harsh conditions, as well as with difficult materials, you will need a chain made of especially durable materials. For example, for cutting wet or frozen wood, a conventional chain, even with high performance characteristics, will not be suitable. Here you need a headset with carbide solders.

By the way, when choosing powerful saws, you need to pay attention to the fact that their power has a very wide spread. It can range from 2 to 5–6 kW. Therefore, you will have to approach the purchase based on the complexity of the intended work.

Video

The following videos will help you choose a good chainsaw:

The gradation of saw classes contains three variations of units. Famous manufacturers who value their reputation honestly indicate the class of chainsaw, helping the consumer make the right choice. Companies with a vague reputation often present low-power devices as professional ones. There are three types of saws.

• Household units are designed for periodic use of about 30 - 40 minutes per day. They have good ergonomics and low weight. This compensates for their low power. With such a chainsaw you can trim trees in the garden, prepare firewood for a bathhouse or barbecue, and also prepare firewood for heating your home. Useful for small construction work.

Advice. StihlMS 180, which has become a classic, Husqvarna137, OleoMac 937 have an impeccable reputation.

• Semi-professional saws are designed for medium-intensity work: felling small trees, building houses from timber, collecting firewood. They have higher power and service life than household models. Such units are designed for 2–3 hours of operation per day.

Advice. StihlMS290, Husqvarna 236, OleoMac941 deserve attention.

• The professional class of the tool implies its use for 9 hours a day all year round. Such devices are purchased for professional forest felling. To purchase a tool of this level for household use expensive and impractical.

Advice. Husqvarna 357ХP and Stihl MS361 are in particular demand.

Selection by power

When studying the question of how to choose a chainsaw, you first need to focus on the engine performance parameter. The power of the saw must correspond to the volume of tasks that it has to solve. A tool with a power of 2–2.6 kW is suitable for construction. To the dacha assistant 2 kW will be quite enough. The more powerful the chainsaw, the faster and easier it cuts wood, but such a unit weighs more and is more difficult to operate.

Advice. At choosing a tool, with which a woman will work with, give preference to household units low power. They have light weight and weak vibration.

Saw set

In addition to power, the efficiency and comfort of work depends on the parameters of the saw set: bar length, chain pitch.

For chainsaws household purposes install narrow tires and low-profile chains that vibrate little and reduce the likelihood of kickback, which is especially important for beginners. With prolonged use, such chains quickly become dull.

Semi-professional units are equipped with lightweight tires with a chain pitch of 3/8.

Tires with replaceable heads are designed for professional models and are designed to last. When choosing between models with the same power, you should choose the one with a shorter tire; it will cut wood much faster. A 35 cm tire will be enough for cutting boards and thin logs.

The length of the tire must correspond to the engine power. A shorter one can be used, but it is not recommended to install a long bar on a low-power saw, as this will lead to excessive fuel consumption and rapid engine wear.

All technical parameters are stated in the product passport; compliance with them will extend the service life of the product.

Advice. Sprockets, chains and tires require periodic replacement. To avoid problems with searching necessary details, buy a tool famous brands. Components manufactured by another company will not work.

Safety first

Manufacturers have taken care of the safety and health of the operator, so modern saws must be equipped with two mechanisms:

• vibration protection - protects the hands from damage to the joints during prolonged contact with the tool. There are two types: rubber gaskets installed between the handle and the body of the chainsaw, and more modern version— remote location of the engine relative to the gas tank;
• Kickback protection - designed to protect the working person in the event of a sharp rebound of the rotating chainsaw chain when the end of the bar touches wood or a pebble. A more common option is the brake lever, presented in the form of a handle. In case of kickback, the hand will automatically press on the lever and the rotation of the chain will stop. The second option is a protective sector installed at the end of the tire.

Do not neglect the protective clothing and accessories designed for this type of work. A helmet will protect your head from falling branches, glasses will protect your eyes from shavings, and headphones will protect your eardrums from noise. The fabric from which workwear is made has a certain composition and fiber structure, which allows the chain to stop when it comes into contact with it.

If handled carelessly, the chainsaw chain can cause serious injury. Carefully study the safety precautions when working with the device.

Advice. Be sure to check the quality certificate when purchasing personal protection for working with a chainsaw.

Review of manufacturers

The most reliable and durable units are produced by the following brands: Stihl, Oleo-Mac, Husqvarna and Echo. Al-ko and Makita offer good chainsaws for home use.

The simplest and cheapest units from a Chinese manufacturer, designed for periodic use, can last a long time if used carefully: Champion, Huter, Partner and Patriot. Domestic: Zubr and Energomash.

After studying the article, you can safely go to specialty store, which must have product certificates and provide warranty service.

Buy a tool according to your needs, then the chainsaw will serve you for a long time and will not let you down at the most crucial moment, and you already know how to choose a chainsaw.

How to choose a chainsaw: video

The operation of the chainsaw does not depend on weather conditions, presence of precipitation and humidity. The tool is mobile and not tied to an energy source, as is the case with power tools. In this regard, all chainsaws are the same, but technical specifications They are usually divided into three groups, namely: household, semi-professional and.

Each category has its own advantages, knowing them, you will not go wrong with your choice! First we need to decide what power we need a chainsaw. Household chainsaws with a power of up to 2 kW are suitable for small jobs; the operating period by the manufacturer is calculated at 35 hours per month.

Semi-professional from 2–3 kW are suitable for sawing trees of medium diameter, and the operating time is increased to 320 hours per month. Professional from 3 kW – designed for sawing trees large diameters. You can work with this tool for 500 hours or more per month. When choosing a chainsaw for your home, keep in mind that the greater the power of the chainsaw, the greater its weight. Accordingly, it will be more difficult for you to handle such a tool. Household models most often weigh up to 4.5 kg, semi-professional ones are available in the range from 4.5 kg to 5.5 kg, professional ones from 5.5 kg and more.

An important factor when choosing a tool is the length of the bar. It determines what diameter of tree you can cut down in one go. Again, the length of the tire is related to power: the more power, the longer the tire can be installed. There is no point in installing a long guide bar on a low-power saw - you will ruin the tool and will not achieve the desired result. But on the contrary - a smaller tire for more power - it is possible. This will not harm the instrument at all.

There is also such a thing as chain pitch - it determines the distance between two teeth. The smaller it is, the less noise and vibration the chainsaw creates during operation. But the cutting speed will be low. Smallest step chains have household tools. For home and garden this ideal option– for small volumes, the speed of work does not matter, but the absence of unnecessary vibration and noise in a small yard will be a very tangible advantage.

According to their characteristics, household tools are designed for light load and short-term work for several hours a day. A household chainsaw is convenient to use, as it is small in size and weight. With such a chainsaw it is easy to get into hard-to-reach places: high stairs, on the roof or pole to cut down an unnecessary branch when. The tool will help out both gardening work, and during construction at the dacha. Chainsaws are small, but at the same time they consume little fuel. You shouldn’t skimp on the latter - use A-95 gasoline, without any additives or impurities.

Many sellers convince us that it is better to buy with a reserve! Manufacturers seem to be playing along with them, offering hundreds of models with the most different characteristics. Do not forget that you are buying a chainsaw for rare use and a small amount of work. Why overpay for additional features: double air filter, additional gas tank, anti-vibration system, increased speed.

All these functions are needed for a tool that does not leave your hands.

When choosing a chainsaw, you should pay attention to whether it has a safety pedal, which is triggered by the so-called kickback, when the saw is thrown back when it comes into contact with wood, especially thin branches. On kickback accounts for the majority of all chainsaw-related injuries. This mainly happens due to inexperience with the tool or due to improper use. If you are a beginner, you should read the operating instructions before performing any work. For example, never cut wood with the very end of the bar, or start cutting on an object that is not firmly secured. Always try to take a comfortable position and hold the instrument with both hands.

And finally, when buying a chainsaw, save within reasonable limits. Tools that are too cheap cost so much because they are made from low-quality materials, which after just a few hours of use lose their properties: the plastic becomes deformed, the spark plug gets dirty, the chain becomes tight, and the fuel filter becomes dirty. Good tool will not often remind you of the need for maintenance.

Procurement of firewood, preparation for installation construction wood, crowning large trees and other labor-intensive sawing work require the availability of appropriate tools. How to choose a chainsaw that fully meets the stated requirements?

The difficulty of making an independent choice lies in the breadth of the range. In the production of chainsaw equipment for various purposes specializes large number leading and less famous manufacturers. Which brand to choose based on power, efficiency and reliability? Without proper experience it is quite difficult to do this.

Chainsaws for household use are the most affordable, most of them have a short service life of 500 to 1000 m/h between overhauls. Simple in design, inexpensive chainsaw for a summer residence or private household is designed for a fairly wide range of household work.

• Moderate, up to 2 horsepower power of power units. An exception is a number of household models made in China, power up to 3.5 hp.
• Availability of a saw set up to 40 cm long.
• Minimal operational comfort.
• Short (up to 40-60 minutes) continuous operation time.

Price household chainsaw depending on the brand and level of equipment, it ranges from 3,600 to 8,000 rubles. Budget models are included in the product range of well-known European and Asian manufacturers. Good chainsaw doesn't have to be expensive. A tool that is worthy in terms of basic indicators can be selected from the budget list.

Features of the professional range

Chainsaw equipment in this category is different high quality materials and application modern technologies their processing. Power units with power from 6 to 8.5 hp. allow you to effectively use the advantages of saw sets with a length of 45 to 75 cm.

Professional chainsaws are equipped with:

• modern lung systems launch;
• booster pumps;
• vibration dampers;
• fuel equipment heaters;
• air intakes with effective, multi-stage air purification.

Despite their great popularity, the price range of Shtilev chainsaws can be called moderate. The cost of the household, farm and professional model range has stabilized at 17, 35 and 50 thousand rubles, respectively.

Chainsaw range from the Swedish brand Husqvarna

Positive reviews from professionals and ordinary users confirm the quality of the presented model range and consumable components from this manufacturer. The list of popular offers includes models, and.

Husqvarna products successfully compete with the best models Shtil chainsaws and other leading manufacturers. The cost of a branded household-grade chainsaw is 14-16 thousand rubles. For 25-26 thousand you can buy a saw that is decent in all respects for the farmer's category; purchasing a professional model will cost 30-35 thousand rubles.

The main disadvantage of the products of both manufacturers is the high cost of branded spare parts and consumables. For many owners, the problem is partially solved by using lower-quality and durable, but affordable, Chinese-made analogues.

Products of the Italian concern Emak

This manufacturer's product range includes several versions of the basic models of Oleo-Mac and Efco chainsaws. Despite the affordable price and high quality level, the demand for Italian chainsaw imports is small. The reason for this phenomenon is the lack of effective after-sales service, the difficulty of exercising rights to warranty repairs, and a significant shortage of spare parts.

In the sales list large selection chainsaw budget level, type and Oleo-Mac GS 35-16, costing from 15 to 22 thousand rubles. Farmer and professional class models are sold in the price range from 25-28 to 40 thousand rubles.

Asian brands

The Japanese corporation Kioritz Corporation is represented on the Russian market with chainsaws of the Echo brand. The quality of the products is inferior only in certain parameters to the standard quality of the branded European range.

This disadvantage is compensated by a wide selection of models costing from 12 to 65 thousand rubles, with a service life increased to 2000 hours between overhauls. On the Russian market, the concern's products are represented by models, and others.

• Famous excellent quality household and professional tools, the Japanese company Makita initiated the production of modern chainsaws after merging with the German company Dolmar. Accordingly, all model range goes on sale under two brands.
• At the request of the MTD concern, several versions of the popular Cub Cadet chainsaw are produced in parallel. Farm and professional grade products, costing from 12-15 thousand rubles, are produced in Germany.

The production of budget chainsaws of the same name has been moved to China. According to experts, equipping German chainsaws with Chinese parts did not significantly affect the durability of budget chainsaw equipment, however, the number positive feedback has decreased significantly recently.

European chainsaws made in China

The transfer of chainsaw production to Chinese enterprises had a negative impact on the ratings of products of European and American brands. In particular, a decrease was noted in the following categories: Champion, Partner and Patriot.

The cost of budget chainsaws of these brands ranges from 6 to 10 thousand rubles, the price of the most advanced developments does not exceed 20,000 thousand rubles.

The growth of the rating was positively affected by the transfer of state-owned engineering enterprises to a higher quality level. An example is the budget, from 5 to 15 thousand rubles, series of chainsaws of the Carver brand. The number of criticisms regarding the quality and reliability of German Huter chainsaws assembled in China has also decreased.

Domestic marketing policy is focused exclusively on sales, so any manager is not interested in the wishes of the consumer, but in his financial capabilities. When choosing a saw for use in a summer cottage, it is better to focus on real reviews on independent Internet resources and construction forums.