Which chainsaw is better to buy for your home: tips, reviews. Choosing a chainsaw - a reliable tool for home and garden. Which household chainsaw to choose?

Chainsaws for home and garden - we choose with our experts. Let's take it apart!

On a suburban area, be it a house for year-round use or a cottage with periodic visits, a chainsaw is simply necessary. This is an excellent assistant when working in the garden, for preparing firewood for a bathhouse, for any construction work with wooden materials. The choice of tool must be approached responsibly, because the unit is purchased for more than one year.

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When selecting a gas-powered tool, you need to take into account not only its technical parameters, but also the type of expected main work, operating time without stopping, and even the user’s build. Today there are a lot of firms and companies producing such in-demand equipment. How not to get confused in the choice?

The choice of a saw for a summer house from a huge variety of offers for the unfortunate user ends with the fact that, waving his hand towards the country of origin, he purchases a unit from the middle price category, no longer reading the descriptions of the characteristics. Here we will give you a complete understanding of the unit, based on the practicality of using the unit and its economic indicators, as well as price characteristics - how to choose, for what, and what power.

Chainsaw classes

Before choosing, you need to first determine for yourself what basic work you will perform with a chainsaw. This will need to be taken into account when selecting the power of the tool and its ability to function continuously for a certain time. This is the class of chainsaws, of which three have been invented so far:

Household

Such a tool is designed to work “occasionally”, not every day and not on large volumes. Most often, this is a technique with low power indicators, which is suitable, for example, for seasonal harvesting of firewood in small quantities. With minimal functionality and low power, such a chainsaw weighs very little and consumes minimal fuel. It is not capable of sawing thick logs, but it is easy to hold and carry, and you can take it with you into the forest. Designed to work no more than 40-60 minutes a day, with a total output of up to 20-25 engine hours in one month.

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Semi-professional

Can be used for more complex work ah, including for sawing logs both crosswise and lengthwise. They are used both in construction and repair work, and when cutting enough big trees. Average engine power, relatively low fuel consumption. Carrying it with you to logging sites is already heavy. Can work up to 10 hours a day with short breaks. For summer cottage the most correct choice if you do not plan long and intensive construction.

Professional

A chainsaw for the home with already solid power indicators, up to 2.5 kilowatts or more. They have an expanded range of capabilities; they can already be brought to felling sites, where trees are felled for 15-20 hours a day. An excellent choice for clearing a large area of overgrowth. The saw can operate without a break for about 8 hours, after which it needs a break of at least half an hour. The material from which they are made is much higher quality, stronger, and therefore more expensive. The production life of a professional chainsaw is up to 2000 operating hours. You don’t need such a saw for a dacha or for home use; it won’t justify the cost, having high cost And high consumption fuel. For one-time tree felling work, it is better to rent such saws.

Additional Selection Considerations

Engine position

In addition to the indicated types of tools, you should definitely pay attention (if you really want to take the device that best suits your needs) to the location and shape of the engine. If it is wider in the horizontal direction, and even has an offset relative to the axis of symmetry, you will not be able to use the saw for a long time. The center of gravity will be off-axis, the tool will always be pulled to the side. You will have to constantly keep your hands tense, and during sawing, adjust the position of the chain so that the cut does not go to the side. It is preferable to choose a unit that has a longitudinal engine arrangement, without displacement along the axis of symmetry.

Cutting speed

The speed of cutting material directly depends on both the design and the condition of the sawing part. In modern saws different manufacturers chains mostly have the same tooth configuration, there is not much difference here. You just need to pay attention to the grade of steel, which will show an experienced user how often during continuous work the cutting part will have to be sharpened.

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Do not forget that the sawing speed will also depend on your handling of the tool. The first component in this regard is the incorrect position of the saw during operation, its displacement relative to the cutting plane, excessive pressure, warping and other aspects. The second is how you monitor the condition of the chain and how promptly you sharpen it. Sometimes in an hour of work you have to sharpen several times cutting edges, this depends not only on the intensity of the work, but also on the hardness of the material being processed. But usually you have to adjust the chain only at the end of the work shift, when the entire front has already been completed for the day.

Anti-vibration system

During operation of the unit, especially a powerful one, quite strong vibration vibrations are created, which are transmitted to the user’s hands. This affects not only the cleanliness of the cut, but also fatigue and affects human performance. Almost all professional chainsaws include an anti-vibration system in their design, some semi-professional chainsaws also have it, but household chainsaws are completely absent. Since we have decided that the middle category will be the best choice for a country tool, we will pay attention to this important detail when choosing.

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The simplest anti-vibration system of a chainsaw is a set of thick rubber gaskets located between the body of the unit and its handle. More complex versions of such systems have special springs in this place that dampen vibration.

Let's talk about brands

First: domestic manufacturers today are clearly inferior in quality of goods in this area. Tested not only by many users, but also by many experts who test equipment. Second: Of all the models, the Shtil and Husqvarna chainsaws have proven themselves better in long-term use. True, in terms of price they are also in first place. But the cost comes with quality, so if you want a really good, trouble-free tool, stop looking at this range of saws first.

First echelon

To perform very periodic work, you just need a “self-sawing hacksaw”, the simplest, but quality option performed by Shtil-18 (180) or a similar Husqvarna model. It will cost no more than 5.5-6 thousand rubles for all the pleasure.

To work with a volume of up to 6 cubic meters of slabs per season for trimming logs, such equipment is already rather weak, you need to take from the price category of 8-9 thousand rubles, this is the Shtil-21 (210) brand.

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For a house outside the city, which also has a bathhouse with wood stove, and the construction of outhouse sheds is planned, it is better to take a Shtil-25 (250) or a similar type of Husqvarna saw. It will cost 10.5-12 thousand.

Industrial scale, that is, building a house, clearing plantings, serious logging, is best done with a Shtil-36 (360) saw, or at worst, a 262 model from the same manufacturer.

There are not many felling saws, especially high-quality ones. You definitely won’t find felling “Calm” in modern Russian stores; the only thing left in this category is “Husqvarna” with horns. It costs up to 34 thousand rubles, so for a home or dacha it’s just a waste of substantial funds.

Second echelon

In this segment you will find the “Partner” brand and all kinds of its clones. For example, “Jonsered”, with a different body color, but absolutely the same parameters, dimensions, design, and so on. The power ratings of these units are lower, but this does not mean at all that you cannot cut through large logs with such a saw. Even a small chainsaw of these brands can also do serious work at the same time; the only question is time and effort.

Photo: http://sawwood.ru

Important! When choosing “Partner” saws and analogues, it is better to ask the seller right away, in the store, to select a “Shtilevskaya” chain for the unit. The Shtil company specially produces chains for such second-tier saws, and they should be in any specialized store. They have larger teeth, but that's not the main thing. The main advantage is the material, of course. But you will still have to sharpen the cutting edges after each job.

Saws in this category differ favorably only in price; there are no other advantages. With the same power characteristics as the Shtil or Husqvarna, the Partner will weigh a little more and be more difficult to handle. Other disadvantages of second-tier chainsaws: the close location of the muffler to the body of the unit, a weak spring at the point where the handle is attached, a shorter service life of the engine hours and a lower strength of the structure as a whole. The body material is plastic, which can simply melt if heated up during prolonged operation. Chips can collect under the muffler, since the gap between it and the body is much smaller than the similar gap on the Shtili. The chips heat up and the body, again, melts.

That's the whole review of modern chainsaws on our market. Brands and models are discussed in more detail in ours. The right choice of saw for your home and garden is yours!

Even at the beginning of the last century, the process of felling trees was a difficult and labor-intensive process, but in the 20s the first chain saws began to be produced. Since that time, technological progress has not stood still, and today many various models. So that you can choose a good chainsaw that is not inferior in quality and reliability to its professional counterparts, we have compiled a rating best chainsaws for the garden and home, which included a wide variety of models from popular manufacturers of this category of goods.

Basic criteria for choosing a chainsaw

Before you start buying a chainsaw, you need to decide what you are going to use this tool for. It is no secret that the cost of this type of tool is determined by a combination of factors such as power, operating time - that is, class. Modern chainsaws are divided into three main classes:

Household. These saws are great for garden work and simple repairs.
Semi-professional ones are used for more complex work, including construction.
Professional saws are the most powerful and reliable among chainsaws, designed for industrial felling.

Chainsaw power

The performance of a chainsaw directly depends on the engine power. The maximum power rating for this gas-powered tool reaches 7 kW, which corresponds to 9 hp. Such saws are used in logging. The power of household devices does not exceed 2.5 hp, semi-professional ones are produced with engines up to 3.5 hp, and professional ones have a power of up to 6 hp.

Weight

Low-power household devices weigh the least. Increasing the power of the saw usually entails increasing the mass of the tool. The average weight of gasoline chain saws ranges from 3 to 6 kg.

Fuel consumption

An additional aspect when choosing a gas-powered tool is its efficiency. Household-grade products are the most economical, while professional ones, on the contrary, are more voracious. The volume of a chainsaw tank is traditionally calculated for 40 minutes. work, so the larger the fuel tank of the model, the greater the fuel consumption will be.

Additional criteria for choosing a chainsaw

Additional, but important “little things” when working with gasoline chain saws include:

Anti-vibration system. Its presence is necessary when long work with a tool.
Air filter. Protection from dust contamination ensures longer operation without the need for early repairs.
A reliable brake is an important criterion for tool safety. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be equipped with an anti-vibration and kickback protection system, the so-called inertia brake.
The length of the bar determines the length of the cut. When choosing a tool, do not forget that the linear size of the bar must be consistent with the power of the saw.
Long tires on low-power units will lead to their rapid failure.

We will review chainsaws of each class and make a rating of the best models, according to user reviews.

The best inexpensive chainsaws (up to 10,000 rubles)

Household series saws are the most common class, having a minimum functionality, but perfectly suitable for work in the country, in the garden and for small construction work. In addition, due to their short service life (from 400 to 1000 hours), compactness and low weight, they are relatively cheap. If you are looking for a tool for household needs, then a household saw is the best in terms of price and quality.

The Chinese model of the Husqvarna chainsaw, produced under the Partner P340S brand, is a household-class tool and is intended for short-term gardening and construction work, and collecting firewood. This budget chainsaw is ergonomic and easy to use. Equipped reliable system braking, has low level vibration and noise, which is rare in instruments of this class, is distinguished by high quality components and good fit of parts.

Advantages:

a fuel pre-priming pump significantly improves engine starting, especially in the cold season;
light weight;
anti-vibration system reduces the load on the operator’s hands;
low consumption of fuel-oil mixture.

Flaws:

demands on the quality of fuel and oil;
there is no window for visual monitoring of the remaining oil and fuel;
there is a possibility of spontaneous unscrewing of the intake manifold fasteners during operation.

The inexpensive but good chainsaw Echo CS-353ES-14 is an excellent saw for preparing firewood in the country or at home, or cutting down small trees. The presence of carburetor heating allows you to use Echo CS-353ES-14 in winter period. Steel springs and rubber shock absorbers, which this model is equipped with, significantly reduce vibration during operation. Using advanced Japanese technology allows you to combine maximum comfort in use and high performance. Even though it is produced in China.

Advantages:

ergonomic design;
best in power in its class;
easy and quick to start;
The presence of the G-Force air purification system allows you to clean the air filter less often.

Flaws:

inconvenience of refueling;
absence of a window for monitoring the remaining fuel and oil.

The Makita EA3202S-40 chainsaw is a convenient chainsaw belonging to the household appliances segment and has a 1.81 hp engine. Thanks to the electronic ignition and primer, it starts easily. This model has an active vibration damping system, a SafetyMatic chain brake and an adjustable oil pump. Unlike previous models from this manufacturer, it has virtually no complaints from users. Among the household saws reviewed, the Makita EA3203S-40 is one of the best chainsaws in the rating. Although Makita is recognized as the best company is a manufacturer of power tools; gas-powered tools of this brand are also worthy of attention.

Advantages:

light weight, easy start;
convenient chain tightening;
low noise level during operation;
large volume of fuel tank;
possibility of adjusting the oil supply to saw chain;
The best in its class in terms of price and quality ratio.

Flaws:

One drawback, according to user reviews, is the sensitive start button, but this is rather a matter of habit.

The best semi-professional chainsaws

More serious tools include semi-professional or farm-grade chainsaws. Possessing average power and a higher service life, models of this class are suitable for operation up to 5 hours a day, but with significant interruptions in operation. A good semi-professional saw will become an indispensable assistant when running a personal subsidiary or farm. Preparation of firewood for winter season, construction and renovation work, clearing an area of old trees - chainsaws of this class can handle all this perfectly.

The lightest saw in the rating, Echo CS-260TES-10, is designed to work with any type of wood. This chainsaw is light and convenient, weighing only 2.9 kg; a special coating on the body increases its wear resistance. Due to the light weight of the saw, it can be used at heights and safely carried out necessary work with one hand. Electronic ignition and easy start system allow you to work in any conditions. The oil pump is made according to a professional design and supplies lubricant to the saw chain only during the sawing process. The engine power allows you to install a longer tire.

Advantages:

light weight;
small dimensions;
easy start;
reliability in operation;
Conveniently suitable for one-handed operation.

Flaws:

Monitoring user reviews did not find any complaints about the performance of this model.

One of the best all-purpose semi-professional saws, the Oleo-Mac 941 C-16 provides maximum productivity when working. Thanks to the presence of a three-jaw clutch, a chrome-plated piston, as well as a crankshaft and connecting rod made of forged steel, the chainsaw has high reliability and characteristics that bring it closer to the class of professional saws. Easy starting is ensured by an electronically controlled magneto, and an automatic oil pump ensures zero oil consumption at idle. According to the owners' reviews, this is a high-quality, durable and convenient chain saw.

Advantages:

powerful two-stroke engine;
easy starting in any weather conditions;
reliability;
ease of use.

Flaws:

high noise level;
inconvenient location of the chain tensioner mechanism.

Husqvarna saws are rightly considered one of the best. Husqvarna chainsaw The 450E is no exception. In terms of reliability and quality, it ranks among the best semi-professional saws. With a small weight, it has a fairly powerful 3.2 hp engine. An ergonomic handle, quick access to the filter and spark plug (the cylinder cover is secured with latches), fuel level indication and markings for the direction of tree felling make it much easier for the operator to work with the Husqvarna 450e.

Advantages:

easy starting even after a long period of inactivity;
reliability of components;
efficiency;
good power reserve.

Flaws:

high cost;
expensive spare parts.

The most popular chainsaw in the ranking, the Stihl MS 260, occupies the leading position of semi-professional saws. Due to its versatility, power and durability, it is deservedly popular among lumberjacks and builders. Suitable for both felling and construction work. With a relatively low weight, it has a good reserve of power, which allows it to be used throughout the day in any conditions. It is equipped with tires 37 and 40 cm long, but its power allows you to install long tires up to 50 cm.

Advantages:

ease of launch;
low vibration level;
high quality chain and tire;
ease of maintenance and cleaning.

Flaws:

are missing.

The best professional chainsaws

Professional-grade saws are used for continuous operation over a long period of time, have high performance and reliability. The ability of such a tool to work 8 hours a day for many years is achieved through the use of durable, wear-resistant materials in its manufacture. Such saws are intended primarily for felling timber on an industrial scale, but are also used in construction and the procurement of firewood in large volumes.

The Husqvarna 395XP professional saw is used for sawing hardwood. It has quite high performance and power of 7.1 hp with low weight for a tool of this class. High engine torque ensures fuel economy. The model is equipped great system vibration protection, easy start function and quick start and a centrifugal air purification system. For long-term operation, the saw is equipped with an ergonomic grip that does not tire your hands when loaded.

Advantages:

adjustable oil pump;
durable crankcase made of magnesium and aluminum alloy;
quick release mount air filter;
high power.

Flaws:

high noise level, it is simply impossible to work without headphones.

The Stihl MS 661-28 chainsaw is designed for extreme workloads and has high performance and power. This is the best model for harvesting large-sized wood. This model is equipped with “non-losing” nuts for fastening the chain sprocket cover, which is very important when working in the forest. The anti-vibration system is quite high quality; the saw does not create a load on the body. The presence of a compensator ensures efficiency and constant power of the unit. The carburetor is heated and has a winter-summer mode switch.

Advantages:

power and high performance;
easy start;
single-lever control provides comfort during operation;
effective anti-vibration system.

Flaws:

high price compared to competitors.

Chain gasoline saw from the Italian manufacturer EFCO MT 8200 is perfect for logging work and construction sites, as well as for owners country houses. The model is equipped with a decompressor, thanks to which even a beginner can handle starting the chainsaw. The controls are conveniently located on the saw handle. Due to the original electronic coil, the cooling of the mechanism is improved. Light weight and anti-vibration system create comfortable operation.

Advantages:

easy start;
convenient control;
reliability and durability.

Flaws:

are missing.

Which chainsaw is best to buy?

We hope that our review of the best chainsaw models for home and garden in 2019 will help you decide which tool to choose for your tasks. In this category of gas-powered tools, when selecting devices, our experts were guided by such parameters as operational reliability, build quality, functionality and, most importantly, user reviews who had already had the opportunity to evaluate the quality of each chainsaw presented in the rating.

A chainsaw is one of the indispensable tools for cottages and private homes. It can be used for collecting firewood, cutting tree limbs, building a house, and caring for hedges. In order for a tool to work well and for a long time, you need to pay attention to a number of characteristics when purchasing. On construction market There is a wide variety of such equipment, which raises the problem of choice. Studying the ratings of chainsaws and customer reviews will help you finally decide on a purchase.

Types and main indicators of chainsaws

Conventionally, all saws are divided into household, semi-professional and professional.

Household tools are used in the construction of outbuildings, for cutting boards, preparing firewood and much more. Most often, a household saw has low power and weight, and is designed for 20-25 hours of operation per month.
Semi-professional chainsaws are designed for longer loads. With their help, houses are built, trees are felled, and branches are cut at sawmills. The duration of their work can be more than 2-3 hours a day.
The 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 industry for cutting wood. The service life of such chainsaws is three times higher than that of household models.

Tool power and weight

When choosing a chainsaw for your home, you should first of all pay attention to its power, which will determine cutting speed and depth:

for work on garden plot a power of 1.5-2 kW will be sufficient;
if heavy loads on the tool are expected, 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 power-to-weight ratio. This is very important for comfortable and high-quality operation of the tool.

Saw motor and chain

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

For instruments from foreign manufacturers, it is required high quality gasoline and branded oils. Domestic chainsaws can operate on regular motorcycle oil and seventy-sixth gasoline.

Chain pitch determines the distance between the saw teeth, so special attention is paid to it when purchasing.

Models for household use have a minimum pitch of 0.325 inches.
More powerful saws are equipped with 0.404-inch pitch chains. They are characterized by high productivity, but at the same time, high vibration. They are used for bucking and felling trees.
Only powerful devices with high torque are equipped with wider pitch chains.

Tires and tool safety

The cutting depth of the chainsaw depends on the length of this indicator. Household saws for home and garden are equipped with tires up to 40 cm long, professional tools – up to 75 cm.

In addition, attention must be paid to the ratio of power and tire length. Insufficient tool power can lead to rapid wear and engine failure, as well as high fuel consumption.

When the end of the bar comes into contact with the material being processed, the tool is sharply thrown back, resulting in a backlash, which is one of the dangerous moments in the work. To prevent injury, you should quickly stop the chain. This can be done using a lever located in front of the operator’s left hand.

The saw is stopped by an inertial brake, the drive of which is located in the guard. The lever responsible for turning it on has two positions. During operation, the hand rests on the lever and, if necessary, activates the inertial brake. Therefore, when choosing a saw, you need to pay special attention to the quality of its work.

Chainsaw rating

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

Powerful chainsaw KRÜGER (Germany) 4.5 hp.

They demonstrate the best ratio of quality and price. Despite their impeccable functionality, they are accessible to most consumers. The main options include a soft start system and a tire cover that ensures maximum operator safety.

The manufacturer also pleases with the complete set of chainsaws KRUGER . It has everything to carry out maintenance, two chains, filling case. Increased power allows you to perform wide range work for a long time. The Kruger chainsaw is used in construction, collecting firewood, and clearing the site. Saws from the German brand Kruger meet the highest requirements for reliability and safety.

Husqvarna - chainsaws from the Swedish manufacturer

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

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

Oleo – Mac household chainsaws

Thanks to its reasonable price and excellent characteristics, tools from the Italian manufacturer occupy high places in the ranking. The equipment, produced for more than forty years, is small in size and light in weight. It is very convenient to use as a lopper. When developing models from this company, technologies were used that are used to produce higher-class tools.

Popular Stihl chainsaws

The equipment produced by German manufacturers is suitable for work both on site and in small logging sites. The tool is considered a model of reliability and occupies one of the first places in the ranking. 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 ensured by a well-thought-out control system that has only one lever.

Hyundai chainsaws – reliability and ease of operation

The instrument of the popular South Korean manufacturer is in demand all over the world. It is easy to use, reliable, productive and has an affordable price.

The EASY - START starting system and the powerful engine of the unit will allow you to easily cope with work in gardening or farming, on 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-quality ratio

The equipment of this manufacturer has proven itself in many areas of activity, therefore it always has a high rating. Equipped inertia brake the units have reduced vibration and are able to operate for a long time. Special electronic ignition system and fuel pump The latest modification allows you to start the engine of the tool even after a long period of inactivity 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. Starting its engine is made easier due to the special pulley design. In addition, the unit is equipped with a quick cleaning system for the air filter, which makes its maintenance much easier.

Chainsaw Partner – a great helper in the garden

Tools from the Swedish manufacturer always have high ratings and positive customer reviews. Units of this brand equipped with a 1.96 liter engine. With, automatic lubrication system and chain brake. They are convenient for working in the garden, home and plot.

This rating of worthy chainsaw models will help potential owners make the right choice of tool. After all, there is often a huge assortment of chainsaws on the market, which confuses buyers.

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 are light 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. Purchasing a tool of this level for domestic use is 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. For a dacha assistant, 2 kW will be 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 are light weight and low 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.

Chainsaws for household use are equipped with narrow tires and low-profile chains, which 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 3/8 chain pitch.

Tires with replaceable heads are designed for professional models and are designed for long-term operation. 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 installing a long bar on a low-power saw is not recommended, 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 finding the necessary parts, buy a tool famous brands. Components manufactured by another company will not work.

Safety first

Manufacturers took 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 a more modern option - a 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.