Machinery Preview
Chainsaws-
Buyers Guide
Whether you're cleaning up a new farm or
keeping things in tip-top shape at the
farmstead, a chain saw is a must-have tool.
Selecting the right saw will help you be even
more productive.
You want an easy-to-start saw that you can
handle and run all day without being too
fatigued. Innovations in the chain saw market
have led to more saws that are easy to start, are
lighter, and vibrate less. To see which saws have
the best combination of these features – and
still excel at their prime job of cutting wood.
Size matters
e two most important chain saw
characteristics to consider are engine and bar
size.
If you're an occasional chain saw user, you can
November - December 2016
get by with a smaller saw in the 35- to 45-cc
range,” If you are using the saw more oen to
cut down trees or blocking them up, you'll
want a chain saw that is 50 to 60 cc.
You also need to consider the length of the
bar. e bigger the engine, the more chain the
saw can carry. Smaller chain saws will have
bars that are 14 to 16 inches long, while larger
saws will typically max out at 20 inches,
although you can nd longer bars on
professional models.
For occasional use, a 14- to 16-inch saw will be
sufficient, If you are dealing with a lot of large
trees, a longer bar will be helpful.
Safety comes rst
Safety is paramount whenever you use a
chain saw, you need to protect your
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REVIEW AFRICA
extremities.”
Protecting your head, eyes, and ears is also
critically important. ree-in-one helmets,
protect your head, keep ying debris out of your
face with a steel-mesh face screen, and dampen
engine noise with earmuffs. Safety glasses are
also advised.
Beyond the right safety gear, safety depends
on you. Be patient and be aware of what's going
on around you. When you're cutting down
trees, always clear out two or three directions
for an escape route.
Sharpen on-the-go
At some point, your chain saw will need
sharpening. If luck isn't on your side, t his will
happen when you are nowhere near your
shop.
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