Chainsaws

[wellywoo]

Hopefully this is the right place for this question.
Does anyone use chainsaws ? If so what make. I'm looking at getting a raptor but would like to here from someone that's used one


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[Nicos]

We have two Husqvarna chainsaws.
I think one is a 24" and the other 18" for smaller branches.

I personally don't use them- tis my OH who does- but you really need to spend good money on steel toe caps, snag trousers suitable for you chainsaw speed ,gloves,and a helmet with a mesh visor.

He's had one or two near misses even though he's always VERY careful.
( branches will sometimes twist when being cut..and not always where you are expecting them to go!)

Make sure you have someone very carefully explain the safety aspects of them and be safe!!
..there are quite a few tutorials on You Tube too well worth watching- even if you know stuff already , some of them will make your toes curl

Get the best quality chainsaw you can afford! my OH 's first one was exchanged within a year for a better one ( at a loss financially to us! )

I suppose it depends on what you are wanting it for really!

[Bill HH]

When I was farming nothing but an 08s Stihl would do, it never let me down, lasted years but a bit pricey

[Nicos]

Just a thought...it might be worth trying to find a second hand one which hasn't been used much???

Sorry- don't know a thing about raptors.

[bearded bloke]

Bill thats ok for snedding but you really should have tried an 056AVSEQ with a 48" bar,a proper tree slayer


Wellywoo,as you say Raptor I'm guessing this will be an internet purchase ? I'm asking as it may not have a great service/parts backup in the UK (I believe they are of Chinese origin).Pop over to B Stone Plant & Machinery Dealers, Dunton Road & ask if they would be prepared to service it for you.

As above,what will you be using it for ?
Stihl (owned several) & Husquvana (current saw) are both good brands with good support networks

[Scarlet]

Husquvana here. My OH also had a cheaper make which was a waste of money

[wellywoo]

I'm a gardener and the company I work for usually hire them when needed I also do some private jobs so it's used for everything from clearing small trees,crown lifting to clearing fallen trees (30ft conifer blown down last week) scheduled for next Friday.

Yes it would be a internet purchase as I can't find anyone that's stocks them near me so I can see them in the metal.

I know stihl are good but a little out my price range. I will have a look at husqvarna


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[Aberdeenplotter]

I have a husquie and a small stihl for snedding, both bought second hand and both really good bits of kit .

[PyreneesPlot]

Stihl 170 here, also used by OH, who has felled about 12 stere trouble free. And as has been said, get the protective gear. Our neighbour relies on cardigans and slippers which makes me very nervous when he is working.

[Olorin2001]

When buying secondhand you could be letting yourself into someone elses problems, you don't know they cared for it, or forgot to put oil in with the petrol. And think about spares, I have a Castor CX40 which has served me well for 10 years, but recently the bar bolt snapped, the saw was made in Italy but I could only find spares in USA, the part cost £1.05 with £4.50 P&P. I have to say I only looked online for spares, I could have spend time and money phoning round local garden machinery companies but on Christmas Eve I figured that would be a waste of effort.
And for advise, always keep the chain sharp, and the guard in place when not in use, to protect the chain

[bearded bloke]

I'm a gardener and the company I work for usually hire them when needed I also do some private jobs so it's used for everything from clearing small trees,crown lifting to clearing fallen trees (30ft conifer blown down last week) scheduled for next Friday.

A single saw will not safely perform all the listed tasks,crown lifting in particular requires a top handle saw

[Nicos]

I'm a gardener and the company I work for usually hire them when needed

I think perhaps you need to ask the people you work with what exactly you need to be thinking about buying??????

[Brom]

Buy the best you can afford, don't try to save money on safety equipment and find someone who knows what he/she's talking about to give you instructions on how to use it safely.

Now I don't want to put you off, chansaws are quite safe if used properly, however, they do bite badly if you don't follow the rules. I say this because I used to work for the Air Ambulance and was once called to a chainsaw accident. It wasn't very pretty, the guy had had a kickback and managed to hack into his collar bone. He survived, but it could have been so much worse.

[bearded bloke]

Further to Brom's post have read here (& the linked pages at the bottom) .... Working with chainsaws

[wellywoo]

Thank you for all your tips etc. maybe I should of put this at the beginning. I have used chainsaws several times over the last few years and because of health and safety I've had basic training when hiring. But again thank you for your tips and machine reconditions. I'm going to my local dealer to look at stihl saws tomorrow morning


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