Article provided courtesy of Husqvarna.
With dozens of different chain saws available today, there are plenty of choices for the various groups of buyers — homeowners, landowners, professionals. Those who make their living working with trees, however, should be focused on purchasing the one that is just right for their application.
“The number one mistake professionals make is putting more emphasis on what they want rather than what they need,” says Cary Shepherd, senior product specialist for Husqvarna, a leading manufacturer.
“For example, some want a very low-priced product when they need a saw with more professional characteristics for what they are doing. Or they use a product that is designed for ground-work and they haul it up into a tree instead of buying one with a top handle format that is much better suited for working aloft.”
The homeowner market is driven by customers who want smaller saws that are lightweight, easy to start and simple to use. The landowner class is looking for all-purpose durable saws that are good for cutting firewood and cleaning up their property after a storm. Both groups want saws that are priced right.
“The professional wants all the same features, but he is mainly driven by productivity,” says Shepherd. “I always say that he demands three things — productivity, productivity and everything else. And when purchasing a chain saw, he wants to know how it adds to his bottom line.”
Engine trends
One of the most important current trends involves engine emissions technology. Shepherd reports that new engine technologies are combining higher torque and better performance over older engine designs, and the result is upwards of 20 percent better fuel usage and about 75 percent lower exhaust emissions.
“That significant reduction in exhaust emissions has positive environmental implications and means the operator is less fatigued, less likely to be injured and able to stay on the job longer,” says Shepherd. “Along with the increased power and lower fuel usage, that translates into a major cost savings.”
Although chain saws with two-cycle engines have been common for years, some manufacturers are moving toward four-cycle models in order to keep up with industry emission standards. Husqvarna continues to work toward developing two-cycle engine technology that combines high performance with better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.
“These factors, along with other two-cycle engine advantages — lighter weight, fewer moving parts, easier maintenance — translate into a better product for the tree-care industry,” he says.
Job-matching saws
The first step in working safely with a chain saw is matching the saw to the job you are using it for, says Shepherd. “It’s absolutely critical that a tree-care contractor understand that.”
For example, saws built for working aloft are different than those designed for ground-work. Up in the tree, says Shepherd, the arborist needs a saw with high chain speed and rapid acceleration that is light, slim and
maneuverable. Ground saws are typically built for cutting larger diameter wood with extended throttle activation.
Evaluating products
A good servicing dealer can be a guide for choosing the best type of chain saw to buy for your application.
“We encourage our dealers to recommend what the customer needs,” says Shepherd. “Before visiting a dealer, you can see what is available on company websites. All major manufacturers have really excellent online buying guides that make it easy to find the right model and the right design.”
Shepherd sees growing professionalism within the tree-care industry as a very good sign. Selecting the correct chain saw based on the application is an important element in operating a business in a professional way, he concludes.
You can watch videos on proper chain saw operation at Husqvarna’s YouTube page.