When working off-ground, there are many things an arborist has to take into account when considering a top-handle chainsaw – such as visibility, weight and ergonomics.
This month’s Buyer’s Guide takes a closer look at the essential kit.
Today we publish Part I of the feature. Part II will follow tomorrow.
Echo
THE DCS-2500T from ECHO, is a battery-powered top-handle chainsaw, designed and built to meet the needs of arborists and tree care professionals who use top-handle chainsaws daily for pruning and arboriculture.
Don’t let the light weight (dry weight 1.6 kg) fool you, the DCS-2500T, with its 10 ”/ 25 cm bar, packs professional power with exceptional acceleration. In fact, the 50 V lithium-ion battery generates power and cutting performance equivalent to ECHO’s best-selling CS-2511TES petrol chainsaw; and it does it with low vibration and without the noise and emissions, making it perfect for use in noise-sensitive areas.
Well balanced and ergonomically designed for manoeuvrability and precision, the DCS-2500T is part of ECHO’s 50 V battery series and one of its X Series of ‘best in class’ products. The superior X Series models are specifically designed for professionals who rely on their tools, day in and day out. Often leading in terms of power and performance, X Series products are tested in the most extreme conditions, to ensure flawless operation.
The DCS-2500T is packed full of beneficial user-friendly features to complement its power and near noiseless operation. Users will find the patented Quick Draw harness ring a real plus for hooking and unhooking the chainsaw in one movement. There’s a drop-prevention lanyard hook for off-ground safety and this is a truly easy-to-operate machine with an anti-slip handle grip and patented thumb rest adding to operator comfort.
There’s a side-access chain tensioner to allow quick chain adjustments. The driving force, the brushless motor, will ensure long-lasting maintenance-free operation, while the casing has an IPX4 rating for water resistance, so the chainsaw is showerproof for protection against the elements. The all-important chain oil adjustment is situated on the top of the saw- so it’s easily adjusted, while filling is equally simple with the flip lever cap opening.
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Last, but not least is the internal air filter which prevents dust from entering the main board and motor.
Qualified top-handle arborists and tree surgeons looking for ultimate power with quiet, low vibration and emissions-free professional-grade performance will find ECHO’s DCS-2500T just the ticket for everyday use, and with a two-year professional warranty, what’s not to like?
You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01789 490177 for more information.
FARMERTEC
THE Farmertec G111 is a competitively priced 35.2 cc top-handle chainsaw.
It is based on the MS200t, and uses the same bar mount – ideal with 12-14 ” bar lengths. The G111 is an efficient saw, with a manually adjustable carburettor for different operating conditions, and a feel familiar to many.
Don’t just take our word for it. Users have wasted little time in feeding back plenty of positive responses since the saw was released.
“Runs great,” said one. “Had it almost two years now. Cuts strong.”
Another added: “All in all it feels like a well-built kit. I use a 12 “ bar on the saw and that feels just right.”
Fully CE approved, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of six months, but the UK dealer increase this to one year.
Available from www.logsandsaws.co.uk at £289.99, including VAT and delivery, with bars and chains also available
MAKITA
LEADING power tool manufacturer Makita offers an extensive range of cordless top-handle chainsaws, offering arborists maximum choice for a variety of challenging environments. Makita takes a technology-driven approach to each of its products, designing every tool within its impressive portfolio with improved user experience in mind.
Arborists working off ground and at height face daily challenges, so it is essential that chainsaw equipment is reliable, fit for purpose and efficient - and also offers the ability to move around site easily and safely. Makita has a range of battery operated models, all built for power, speed and improved run times. Although petrol-powered machines are incredibly effective, opting for battery-powered alternatives can offer operators a number of additional benefits.
Makita’s range of top-handle cordless chainsaws offer a quieter, more lightweight alternative. The top-handle cordless chainsaw range – which includes four models –is more environmentally friendly and safer for the operator, as no fuel is used to power the machines. Battery-powered machines also produce lower vibration levels and noise, improving operator safety and reducing disruption to those around the site, without compromising on power performance.
Each of the top-handle cordless chainsaws in the range are powered by Makita’s innovative LXT lithium-ion battery technology. With LXT, Makita’s outdoor power range ensures that operators can experience the same great performance required by professional users.
With Makita’s lithium-ion batteries, machines such as the DUC254Z and DUC256Z benefit from industry leading run times and charge times, improving on-site efficiency. Makita’s 18V lithium-ion batteries can charge in as little as 22minutes (for 3.0Ah batteries), up to 55minutes (for 6.0Ah batteries).
Makita also manufactures 36V chainsaws powered by two 18V LXT batteries. This means that tools like the DUC306Z and DUC302Z utilise two batteries, which are used in series to supply energy to the tools’ powerful 36V DC motor drive system.
Makita’s LXT batteries can be used in over 270 products, extending the application possibilities for any professional operator. With more than 100 years’ experience, Makita products are renowned worldwide for their ease of use, consistent performance and high quality – and are trusted by professionals, industry wide.
To find out more about Makita’s range of top-handle chainsaws visit: www.makitauk.com.
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