That’s right, chainsaw season is almost here, and you know what other C-word is also around the corner… CHRISTMASSS! Which is a perfect opportunity to justify your need for a new chainsaw and make logging a breeze this winter.
And we certainly have plenty of options for you to choose from.
If this is your first chainsaw purchase and you need some expert advice, then look no further as at World of Power we are here to guide you and help you find the right machine for your needs.
We have a wide range of domestic, homeowner chainsaws which are ideal for chopping firewood and general garden maintenance. Starting with top quality petrol chainsaws, from leading brands such as STIHL and Husqvarna. These reasonably priced models are reliable and suitable for lighter home and garden maintenance.
Husqvarna has an extensive range of starter chainsaws including the 120, 130 and 135 models. All featuring an adequately sized 14” guide bar for budget prices between £150-£230. The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is the 2019 upgrade from the much loved 236 model, featuring a new carburettor with improved running ability and idle facility. The X-Torque 2-stroke engine has also had some further upgrades to improve durability and offers 38.2cc / 1.4Kw power output.
Another great value for money saw would be the Makita EA3201S35B 14” Petrol Chainsaw, offering tool-less chain tensioning and anti-vibration system to reduce user fatigue during extended periods of use. Starting this chainsaw could not be easier with its Memory Power Ignition System (MPI) and Easy Start Recoil, which requires 25% less pulling force than other leading brands. But be quick, this model won’t be around for long with Makita aiming to go completely cordless, they have now ceased production of all petrol powered, engine products.
Moving up the homeowner range, we have a several popular models from STIHL and these include, the MS180, MS170 and MS181/C-BE. Let’s start with the smaller MS170, equipped with a 12” cutting bar and powerful 30.1cc engine with a power output of 1.2kw. This little saw is perfect for most wood cutting chores, with a automatic chain lubrication and reduced kickback chain. The MS170 is an ideal starter saw, it's lightweight weighing in at 4.2kg and built with side access chain tensioning.
The highly popular MS181 comes in two versions, the standard MS181 and C-BE comfort, with two different bar sizes in 14 and 16 inches. Both benefiting from STIHL’s AV system, and 31.8cc petrol engine with a power output of 1.5kw. The C-BE models include a few distinct elements that set them apart from the standard model. The C indicates that the chainsaw has several comfort features, which are then identified by the corresponding letters- the letter B stands for Quick Chain Tensioning, meaning there is no need for additional tools when replacing the chain and guide bar, it’s quick and easy to do by simply adjusting the thumb wheel to tighten or slacken the chain. Whilst the letter E signifies that the machine has been designed with STIHL Ergostart, making starting the engine straightforward and effortless thanks to the additional spring in the recoil, the machine will also fire on the return of the recoil.
For the more heavier garden maintenance jobs, including felling and farming applications we have slightly more robust models which include the Husqvarna 440 Mark II 15” and 445 Mark II 18” Petrol Chainsaws. Offering over 40cc of engine power, designed with powerful X-Torque engines which lower fuel consumption and reduce emission levels, without compromising cutting performance.
From STIHL we also have the MS211/C-BE, another popular and powerful all-round chainsaw. A versatile and fantastic quality saw with low vibrations, lightweight and perfectly balanced. Ideal for property maintenance and features a Picco Duro carbide tipped chain, designed to stay sharp for up to 10 times longer than a conventional chain.
If a messy petrol saw is not your thing, and you would prefer something that is less maintenance then we have the ever-expanding cordless range of chainsaws. Becoming increasingly more popular with domestic homeowners and professionals, due to the added benefits of low noise, lower running/maintenance costs and no direct emissions. Also, the handy option of interchangeable batteries that allow you to build on your cordless garden machinery range, it’s easy to see why there is a higher demand for cordless chainsaws.
Makita have a fantastic range of cordless garden machinery as part of their 18V LXT “one battery fits all” power system. However, if you haven’t already got any products from one of our cordless ranges then the initial starter purchase can look worryingly costly, as you will need to ensure that you have a battery and charger to power the machine. So, picking up a chainsaw kit is usually the most cost-effective way of ensuring you have all you need to get you going.
Most Makita cordless chainsaws are Twin 18V LXT powered machines, and we offer a variety of kits that come complete with 2 x 18V batteries and twin port charger. These include the popular MAKITA DUC353PT2 35cm chainsaw kit with 2 x 5ah batteries, designed with a brushless motor for less maintenance and tool-less chain tensioning for quicker and easier tensioning of the chain. Zero harmful emissions and lower noise levels, making it ideal for noise sensitive areas.
Check out of our full range of Makita cordless chainsaws here.
Moving on to STIHL, they offer a choice of two types of cordless ranges, we have the AK Power System, predominately aimed at the domestic homeowner, whilst the AP System is recommended for the Professional user. Both have a great range of cordless garden products that the respective batteries fit, which includes several types of machine, from chainsaws to hedge trimmers and even lawnmowers!
But back to chainsaws, the STIHL MSA120-C-BQ 12” compact cordless saw from the AK Power system is by far STIHL’s most popular cordless chainsaw. Perfect for a novice first time, chainsaw user or for keeping on top of your log stores. This lightweight and well-balanced machine has a rubberised soft grip handle, quick chain tensioning and quickstop super chain brake. The translucent oil tank allows you to view when the chain oil level requires topping up whilst in use. The MSA120C can be purchased as unit only or a kit, which includes a AK20 battery and charger, providing up to 40 minutes run time or around 160 cuts on a full charge.
If you require a slightly longer cutting bar, STIHL also offer the MSA200C-BQ or MSA220C-B 36v 14” Chainsaws, these models are part of the AP Professional range of power tools and both are available as units only and are recommended to be used with the AP300/S batteries, giving a run time of 40-55 minutes. So, if you are looking for something more powerful or starting your own garden maintenance business and want to go cordless, then this may be the range for you.
Click here to view the full range of STIHL cordless garden machinery.
If you have made it this far into the blog, well done, you must be serious about that chainsaw life! We hope that we have helped narrow down your choices for that all important chainsaw purchase, but more importantly we also want our customers to be safe, because after all SAFETY FIRST!
By this we mean, have you thought about all the additional safety essentials required to protect you from accidental kick back, excessive noise or loose wood shavings?
As a bare minimum we always recommend to our customers, that face/eye/ear, hand, and leg protection is worn at all times whilst operating a chainsaw, and it also means you look the part!
We have a great range of personal protective equipment, from helmets with visors to ear defenders with Bluetooth connection and trendy chainsaw trousers and protective gloves, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So why not add these all-important items to that ever growing Christmas List.
Last but not least, don’t forget some last-minute stocking fillers- Christmas is the perfect time to stock up on 2-stroke and chainsaw oils, spare chains and filing kits or even a nice new sawhorse!
Fear not here at World of Power, we have you covered for all your gardening needs, all year round!
