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

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

Modern models are more compact and lightweight, they are very easy 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.

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

  • an electric motor that is housed in a sturdy housing;
  • guide action tires;
  • chain;
  • an oil tank for placing a pump with a substance for lubrication.

On the case there is a control unit with buttons for switching 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 mains and the engine is turned on, the gearbox starts. Due to the action of the direct drive, the movement is transmitted to the sprocket. It begins to rotate the chain, as a result of which the material is cut. At the same time, the chain itself is wider than the tire holding it. Therefore, the mechanism is not blocked during operation.

Thanks to the operation of the pump, the oil in the required amount enters the cutting blade. If the model is equipped with lubrication intensity control, then the electric saw on wood can work with material of different densities.

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

Engine Parameters

When choosing equipment, it is necessary to pay attention to high-quality models from proven 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

The equipment for cutting can be professional and household. The first is able to withstand sufficiently large loads and work continuously for long periods of time. But household tools can not be used for a long time without a break. After 15-20 minutes of operation, you need to pause so that the engine has time to cool down.


The power of the motor for an electric saw determines its performance and durability. For time-consuming operations involving sawing thick branches, more powerful equipment will be required. In this case, you should not take units with parameters less than 2-4 kW. If the work is irregular, the volume of material is small, then a 1.5-2 kW "engine" will be enough.

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

Due to this characteristic, the saw will automatically turn off when the temperature of the windings of the "engine" reaches a certain threshold. However, frequent disconnection of the unit will reduce its performance and may disable it.

Engine placement

The motor can have two types of placement – transverse and longitudinal. Each of the options has its own advantages and makes it easier for the user to work. With a transverse type of installation, the axis of the "engine" lies perpendicular to the width of the device. At the same time, the center of gravity shifts, which makes it necessary to maintain balance in the process of work.

It is advisable to cut down fallen trees with such an electric saw, since the action will be performed vertically from top to bottom.

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

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

Chain brake and locking system

When working with hard wood, there may be situations when, after touching the chain with the treated surface, the unit is thrown back in the direction of the person. In such a situation, it is necessary to activate the protective shield on the case near the handle. At the moment of the device rebound, the hand involuntarily touches the flap and displaces it. The chain stops instantly, which eliminates injury to the operator.


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

Overheating monitoring relay

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

Lack of lubrication leads to overheating and failure of the device. To prevent this, a relay is triggered. This function is not present in all models included in the catalog of electric saws. Therefore, when choosing, pay attention to its presence in the purchased unit.

Canvas size

The overall characteristics of the cutting part are determined by the purposes of using the unit. For home conditions, it is necessary to choose household models with a tire length of 300-400 mm. This will be enough to quickly cut branches from growing or fallen trees, to produce firewood for the winter.

It is better for professionals to select universal devices with a large tire. With its help, you can cut thick trees and dense material. Differences in professional and household equipment can be seen in the photo of a chain saw.

Adjustment of chain tension

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

  • Classic – to adjust, you need to release the screws that secure the tire. And then, using a screwdriver, they need to be shifted to the required distance.
  • Simplified – loosening of the nut is required, followed by moving the slider. This leads to a change in the 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 it is necessary to replace a gear in an electric saw.


But there are certain rules that must be taken into account.

  • 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 short circuit. To eliminate this phenomenon, soak the saw for 1-2 days in a warm room.
  • Secondly, voltage drops also harm the instrument. It is necessary to constantly monitor this parameter, if necessary, buy a stabilizer. Also, do not overload the motor — turn it off regularly for a time after 15-20 minutes of operation.

It is also important to buy models that have a soft start option. Since a powerful electric charge comes to the windings at the time of start-up, 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 dacha. It is necessary to choose the most suitable model and observe the correct operation mode. Then any job will be a joy to you.

Photo chain saws