Chain saw - which one to choose? Overview of models 2018-2018. Tips from the pros!

When choosing the equipment that you will use on the farm, you need to take into account not only the technical indicators and productivity, but also the convenience of the operator. After all, the bulky and heavy construction of the saws used earlier required great efforts and caution in operation.

Modern models are more compact and lightweight, they are very simple to use in everyday life and production. How to choose a chain saw and what you need to know at the same time, we will describe in this article.

Summary of the article:

Design and principle of operation

A chain saw is considered a safe tool from the standpoint of environmental impact - the absence of harmful exhaust gases allows the possibility of its use in the room. Structurally, the following main parts are distinguished:

an electric motor, which is housed in a sturdy housing;
guiding tires;
chain;
an oil reservoir for accommodating a lubricant pump.

On the body is a control unit with buttons for turning on and locking, a handle, as well as a safety shield. Some models are equipped with a special lever to adjust the degree of chain tension.

When the device is connected to the network and the engine is turned on, the gearbox starts. Thanks to the direct drive, the movement is transmitted to the sprocket. She begins to rotate the chain, as a result of which the material is cut. In this case, the chain itself is wider than the tire holding it. Therefore, the locking mechanism in the process does not occur.

Thanks to the pump, the oil in the required quantity enters the cutting blade. If the model is equipped with a lubricant intensity control, then the wood saw can work with materials of different densities.

The volume of the oil tank is 120-150 ml, which is enough for 120 minutes. work. It is important in the process of cutting to control the level of the substance, since its lack leads to poor lubrication and subsequent breakdown of the unit.

Engine Parameters

When choosing equipment, it is necessary to focus on high-quality models from trusted manufacturers. Only in this case you will be able to get a productive device with a long service life. Among the best manufacturers are Bosch, Stihl, Foresta, Partner, Sparky.

Motor power

Cutting equipment can be professional and domestic. The first is able to withstand quite large loads and work for long periods of time continuously. But a household tool cannot be used for a long time without a break. After 15–20 minutes operation must be paused to allow the engine to cool.

Engine power for an electric saw determines its performance and durability. For long-time operations associated with sawing thick branches, more powerful equipment will be required. In this case, units with parameters less than 2-4 kW should not be taken. If the work is irregular, the volume of material is small, then a "slider" of 1.5-2 kW will suffice.

While working in country houses, it is worth taking care of the stabilizer, since the function of increasing current in the engine will work during surges. And this will create an additional burden on him. During power surges, a power reserve should be provided and models with thermal control elements should be selected.

Thanks to this characteristic, the saw will automatically turn off when the temperature of the windings of the “engine” reaches a certain threshold. However, frequent shutdown of the unit will reduce its performance and may damage it.

Engine placement

The motor can have two types of placement - transverse and longitudinal. Each of the options has its advantages and facilitates the work of the user. With the transverse type of installation, the axis of the “engine” lies perpendicular to the width of the device. In this case, the center of gravity shifts, which makes it necessary to maintain equilibrium in the process.

It is advisable to cut felled trees with such an electric saw, since the action will be carried out vertically from top to bottom.

It is inconvenient to work with an electric saw with a transverse position of the motor in a horizontal plane, and the rifling will be very uneven. It is also difficult to cut branches at a level exceeding human growth.

Longitudinal constructions are more convenient, but also cost much more. All elements of the saw are balanced. The tool is characterized by high mobility, with such a blade it is convenient to cut it in corners. Sawing is done at any angle, in the hands of this unit is very convenient to hold, the work will be quite comfortable.

Chain brake and locking system

When working with hardwoods, situations are possible when, after touching the chain with the surface to be treated, the unit is thrown back in the direction of the person. In this situation, you have to activate the protective shield on the housing near the handle. At the moment the device bounces, the hand involuntarily touches the shield and displaces it. The chain stops instantly, eliminating operator injury.

The random lock button is another security guarantee. After all, a person can accidentally take the device and start it. This option also reduces the level of injuries and must be present in the selected tool.

Overheat Control Relay

This part allows you to track changes in engine temperature. When it reaches critical values, the motor automatically shuts off. Similar situations often occur when an inexperienced worker forgets to control the oil level.

Lack of lubrication leads to overheating and failure of the device. To prevent this, a relay is activated. This feature is not available on all models in the power saw catalog. Therefore, when choosing, pay attention to its presence in the purchased unit.

Web size

The overall characteristics of the cutting part are determined by the purpose of use of the unit. For home conditions, you need to opt for household models with a bus length of 300-400 mm. This will be enough to quickly cut branches from growing or fallen trees, to produce firewood for the winter.

Professionals should choose universal devices with a large bus. With it, you can cut thick trees and dense material. Differences in professional and domestic equipment can be seen in the photo of a chain saw.

Chain tension adjustment

The use of low-profile chains provide a lower degree of vibration of the tool during operation. Two fundamentally different methods of adjusting the tension can be used in the models:

Classic - to adjust, loosen the screws that secure the bus.And then with a screwdriver they need to be shifted to the desired distance.
Simplified - requires loosening the nut and then moving the slider. This leads to a change in chain tension.

How to extend the life of the instrument

An electric saw, like any other device, requires careful handling and maintenance. Over time, individual parts may deteriorate, for example, sometimes the gear needs to be replaced in an electric saw.

But there are certain rules that must be considered.

Firstly, during the winter storage period, condensate forms on the motor windings. Therefore, when the unit starts to turn on in the spring, moisture causes a circuit. To eliminate this phenomenon, soak the saw for 1-2 days in a warm room.
Secondly, voltage fluctuations harm the instrument. It is necessary to constantly monitor this parameter, if necessary, buy a stabilizer. Also, do not overload the motor - regularly turn it off for a while after 15-20 minutes. operation.

It is also important to buy models that have the option of soft start. Since a powerful electric charge comes to the windings at the time of starting, this function will help extend the life of the electric saw.

An electric saw is a useful tool in the arsenal of any owner. Especially if you regularly visit your cottage. It is necessary to choose the most suitable model and observe the correct operation mode. Then any work will be a joy to you.