Over the past few years, the range of chainsaws has expanded significantly, and today users are offered a huge number of a wide variety of models that differ in each other in appearance and technical characteristics. But among this large choice, it is easy for a buyer to get lost. To avoid this, consider what brand of chainsaw to choose and what characteristics you need to pay attention first.
What brand of chainsaw to choose: characteristics and features of models
When choosing a chainsaw for personal use, it is necessary to take into account a number of characteristics that are decisive for a device of this type. Here are the main ones:
- instrument power;
- weight of the device (do not forget about the fuel tank, which will also increase the total weight);
- type of fuel that is necessary for the operation of the chainsaw;
- tire length (main work item);
- availability of protection and additional functions, such as an emergency tseloulovitel, soft start.
Helpful advice! If you plan to use a chainsaw quite often, it will be better if the device is protected from vibration.
Depending on the combination of all these characteristics, the devices were divided into classes. In order to understand what kind of chainsaw to choose, it is necessary to figure out which class this or that device belongs to.
Household chainsaws (initial level) – devices intended for home use. Such devices have the lowest power of the motor, and at the same time consume a small amount of fuel. In addition, they are characterized by a small size, which greatly facilitates storage and operation.
The main purpose of such a device is to harvest a small amount of firewood, trim dry branches of trees, and build small objects. As a rule, the length of the working part of the household chainsaw does not exceed 35 cm, and the engine power is not more than 2 kW.
Such a device is quite capable of coping with most everyday tasks, even if you have to take several approaches. The only drawback is the use of such low-power devices. To avoid breakdowns, manufacturers recommend using them no more than 1 hour per day.
Farm chainsaws (semi-professional level) – such devices can cope with more complex tasks than domestic ones. For example, they can be used to build a wooden house or to procure the amount of firewood needed for permanent heating. Motor power of such devices ranges from 2-3 kW.
Unlike household appliances, semi-professional chainsaws are able to withstand significant loads, working 8-10 hours a day. The length of the tire in this case is 40-45 cm, so it will be easier to cut logs of large diameter.
The main application is logging, firewood collection on a large scale, as well as individual construction.
Helpful advice! It is not worth buying a semi-professional chainsaw, if there is no real need in it. This is due to the high cost of the tool and the possible unjustifiability of such serious expenses.
Professional chainsaws – tools that are designed for regular operation in harsh conditions. As a rule, such devices are used in sawmills for harvesting wood on a large scale. For home use, such devices are not purchased.
To find out which chainsaw is better, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of all the most well-known models, drawing attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each. Let’s pay attention to the products of the most popular manufacturers, comparing their pricing policies and the quality of the products offered.
It is possible to buy the Chain saw the Calm 180 almost everywhere, because this model is one of the most popular among users. Its multifunctional design allows you to work quickly and safely, completing tasks in the shortest possible time.
Being developed by German specialists, this chainsaw took one of the leading positions in the modern market and became a worthy competitor to many modern devices in this category.
For all specifications and prices, the Stihl MS 180 chainsaw belongs to the class of household appliances used for household use. For this reason, the device has a rather small weight and is very easy to operate and maintain. One of its main features is a translucent fuel tank.
The model was developed and released in two versions, which differ from each other in the length of the working tire. In the first case, 35 cm, and in the second – 40 cm. The power of the devices is the same. Also, in both versions, automatic lubrication and inertial brakes are available.
Helpful advice! The presence of the inertial brake circuit makes working with the saw much safer and minimizes the risk of losing control of the device during the sawing process.
In addition, for the convenience of users, the developers have provided an anti-vibration system. This can significantly reduce the load on the muscles and makes the use of the tool convenient even for inexperienced users. Among other technical characteristics worth noting:
- device power 1.5 kW / 2 hp;
- fuel tank capacity – 143 cm ?;
- Chain pitch for chainsaw Calm 180 – 6.5 mm;
- weight – 3.9 kg.
With all these characteristics, the price of chainsaws Shtil 180 is 13 thousand rubles or 16 thousand rubles, depending on the modification. However, in addition to the basic configuration, it is permissible to purchase add-ons designed to make work with the device easier and more convenient. For example, the most common addition is the system of fast chain tension for chainsaw Calm. This allows you to simplify the adjustment and make it more convenient and faster.
In addition to the chain adjuster for the Stihl chainsaw, the developers offered users another useful addition called ElastoStart. It allows you to minimize the tremors, which are often accompanied by the launch of a two-stroke engine, thus reducing the load on the muscles and joints.
It goes without saying that the Shtil MS 180 chainsaw, the price and characteristics of which were considered earlier, is not the only product that is presented by this company. There are several more models that are worthy of attention and can be considered by users as an excellent option for purchase. But whichever model you choose, you should stick to some recommendations of the manufacturer in order to extend the service life of the tool:
- the first time after purchase, the device must be run. For this purpose, the chainsaw must be used at moderate power, without reaching the maximum level. This should be done before the third filling of the tank;
- also, running and require some parts for chainsaws Calm. In particular, this applies to the chain, which in the first few uses should be tightened as often as possible and stronger. After the chain has cooled, it must be loosened.
Helpful advice! After using the chainsaw, the manufacturer recommends to leave the device in operation at idle for a few minutes.
After reviewing the basic characteristics of the Shtil 180 chainsaw, prices, reviews and features, you will see that it is almost an ideal device for domestic use. Being light and easy to manage, this chainsaw allows you to work quite productively, providing an adequate level of operator comfort.
Among the semi-professional devices, it is worth noting the chainsaw Shtil 250, which at a fairly high power has a small weight and economical use of fuel. An excellent anti-vibration system is provided for it, which allows the operator to get tired less during work. With a tire length of 35 cm, the device copes with the cutting of branches and the preparation of firewood. The engine power is 2.3 kW and the weight is only 4.6 kg.
Another development of this company, certainly worthy of attention, is the Stihl MS 660 chainsaw. Its price is much higher, since the device has considerable power (7.1 hp) and considerable weight – 7.3 kg. The length of the working tire is 63 cm, and the fuel tank can hold up to 0.85 liters of gasoline. Despite the high cost (more than 70 thousand rubles), this device is also popular among users who need a powerful and reliable device.
Maintenance of the chainsaw is carried out by performing three simple steps:
- Check the functionality of the device.
- Assessment of the quality of fastening of all parts and their tightness.
- Cleaning.
Within these points, it is necessary to regularly check the full functioning of all shift and control levers, chain brake and carburetor. As for the quality of fasteners, this mainly refers to the locations of spark plugs and slots. Also pay attention to the quality of oil for chainsaw Calm, because it affects the duration of its operation.
Sergey Sukhoparov, Omsk
In order to understand how to choose a chainsaw in terms of price and quality, you should consider as many models as possible, their characteristics, features, as well as user reviews, which can often point out practical aspects of use. But in any case, each of the models considered is worthy of attention, and all you have to do is decide on your requirements and financial capabilities.
