Chainsaws

[Zombie]

First off, I admit it, they terrify me but I need one.

I'm heating the house (a modest 2 up, 2 down) with wood and I have a couple of pine trees in the front garden that are getting too big - trunk dia is 600mm, canopy spread about 6m, so they need to come down.

I'm considering one of these two options;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/62CC-20-PETROL-CHAINSAW-C...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TIMBERPRO-Petrol-Assisted...

The timber pro has better reviews, but man maths suggested that the parker may be a better saw as its RRP is greater than the timber pro. I presume this is just a marketing ploy and I'm inlined to go with the timber pro + gloves and hard hat etc.

I'm on a limited budget, which makes a stihl or husqvarna difficult to fund.

I'm also considering chainsaw pants but I suspect, as I'm 6'7" I'll find it difficult nee impossible to find any that fit.

Anyone have any thoughts or advice please?

TIA

[Zombie]

Depthhoar said:

Get a pro in to fell the trees. You don't say how tall the tree is but a 60cm diameter trunk indicates it's probably a big tree....which is well beyond the competence of someone who hasn't wielded a chainsaw before.

Seriously. Get a professional to do felling.

An inexpensive but good saw for processing a little firewood would be this: http://www.elmershardware.co.uk/garden-machinery/c...

Dolmar PS 45-35 and actually 'Made in Germany'. A little more costly than your original suggestions but a very capable saw with a sensible amount of power for a 'homeowner' chainsaw. I've got one and it starts first time, every time and has done a huge amount of work.

PPE is necessary as well. An ear defenders/helmet/face guard combo is a good start. Ballistic trousers might be going a bit far just for cutting up some firewood but good if your budget stretches to it. Steel toe cap boots a must (...ask me how I know.)

......but definitely get a tree surgeon to fell the trees.

Edited by Depthhoar on Tuesday 6th June 00:18

I'm not overly concerned about taking the trees down, they've been cut back every 2 years and aren't particularly tall - the main trunk is 3m max.

But I take your point(s), thanks.

[Zombie]

Higgs boson said:

First off, ignoring issues of competence, space and accuracy of felling, please make sure you have the correct PPE before starting a chainsaw.
It is one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment you're likely to have in your hands. You'll need head, eye, ear, hand, leg, and foot protection.
I can't help with chainsaw choice, sorry.
Is paying a professional out of the question?

No, but I want to do it myself...

[Zombie]

meehaja said:

i feel slightly emasculated saying it, but my electric chainsaw is fine for everything i do with it. I have a petrol saw and its just a pain. its a pain to start, as i can't get my steel toe cap boots through the handle whilst pulling the cord (though i do have big feet).

Hmm I'm a size 13 so you might have a point there...

[Zombie]

sparkythecat said:

The Timberpro has a 2 year warranty, whether or not it's worth the paper it's written on remains to be seen, but there is no mention of warranty on the Parker one.
Parts availability is always an issue with these cheap machines, and they are often binned, because parts are either cost prohibitive or unobtainable.
Yes, Husky or Stihl saws are expensive by comparison, but parts are readily available and those brands always have a decent resale value.

That was plan b. A second hand husky or stihl, maybe one with a seized engine. But it's a tin of worms for me, I can fix a two stroke easily enough, I know how to fix a recoil starter, but beyond that, what should I be looking for?

I presume chain replacement is a routine operation but the thought of one breaking in use is rather scary.

Edited by Zombie on Tuesday 6th June 01:25

[Zombie]

Thanks for all of the advice guys, much appreciated. Not helped me make up my mind though!

Main trun of the 2 trees I want to fell is only 10 foot. I was planning on using the chain saw to chop the limbs (of the tree) off the dig out the roots then maybe ask a neighbour to pull it out with his tractor.

[Zombie]

What about this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Husqvarna-Chainsaw-236-1...-UAAOSwc-tY6zd2

14" bar - based on some comments I'm assuming the level is risk is related to it's size? But also presumably a saw that's too small for the job is equally dangerous?

[Zombie]

Just bought the Husqvarna.

What do I need in terms of PPE? Any recommendations?

I've got steel toe capped boots - cheap(ish) ones that were issued to me through work.

[Zombie]

TooMany2cvs said:

Lovely, an' all. So you have un-crushed toes on the foot you've just neatly removed... The proper boots are chain-stop armoured in the bits you're likely to cut, as well as the bits that you're likely to drop logs on.

Thought that might be the case, which is why I mentioned it!

Thanks for the link seems to be very cheap for what it is.

Edited by Zombie on Saturday 10th June 19:46

[Zombie]

dickymint said:

Not knocking you at all. Just trying to make a point that prevention is better than cure. I'm no expert with a chainsaw and there is no way that I would attempt to fell what the OP is considering without expert guidance at my side. It's a bit like driving as in 'speed doesn't kill it's bad driving'

As I said before, I'm going to take the trunk out by other means. I'm not stupid!!!

[Zombie]

TooMany2cvs said:

Zombie said:

What do I need in terms of PPE? Any recommendations?

(over-)Trousers. Gloves. Helmet/face protection/ear defenders. Boots.
You can buy the first three as a kit. This is what I've got... https://www.worldofpower.co.uk/husqvarna-basic-cha... (Not from here, never used them. Not a supplier recommendation...)

Bought. Talking to a bloke (Farmer) in the Pub tonight, he was suggesting that shoulder protection is also good idea - Kickback. Any thoughts?

[Zombie]

Despite the fact I've bought a chainsaw (which isn't due to arrive till the middle of this week) I decided to attack the trees with a bow saw...







It was pretty easy to bring down in the right place but it took the best part of an hour to do it.

Edited by Zombie on Monday 12th June 13:23