Choosing your chainsaw is one of the most important decisions a forestry professional can make. Here, we take a look at the latest and most impressive
rear-handle models on the market from some of the major manufacturers.
HUSQVARNA
562 XP MARK II
Leaders in robust forestry and arborist products, Husqvarna’s 562 XP Mark II professional chainsaw continues to cut away the competition with its market-leading ergonomics, advanced operations and powerful performance.
The 562 XP Mark II is designed with the professional user in mind and is suitable for use in all weather conditions thanks to AutoTune 3.0 and Simple Start Technology.
The engine settings are optimised for maximum startability and enable automatic adjustment of the carburettor settings to enhance performance in all conditions. During extended working periods of heavy use, the saw also has an enhanced engine set-up with its new cooling system that reduces the risk of the engine overheating.
The high-rev 60cc X-Torq engine makes felling, limbing and bucking hardwood and large conifers easy for the user. The 562 XP Mark II is also equipped with a state-of-the-art air filtration system allowing for a healthier engine that is optimised for long working hours with maintained performance and less frequent cleaning, ensuring forestry professionals can concentrate on the job at hand.
With a weight of 5.9kg and power output of 3.5 kW, this Husqvarna chainsaw offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio, striking a perfect balance between functional usability and essential reliable power, ensuring it effortlessly handles demanding daily tasks.
To learn more about Husqvarna’s 562 XP Mark II and its range of rear handled chainsaws, visit www.husqvarna.com/uk/chainsaws/professional-chainsaws.
EGO POWER PLUS
CSX5000
THE demanding nature of forestry brings a need for robust tools with the power to run for a full day’s work. EGO Power Plus, a leader in the battery-powered tool space, fulfils this demand with its reimagined Pro X series of tools for heavy-duty users.
A highlight of the series is EGO’s CSX5000 – the first in a new generation of rear-handled chainsaws which is designed to deliver precision, power, and good ergonomics for the most demanding ground saw applications. Providing comparable performance to traditional petrol ground saws, and with all the benefits of battery power, the CSX5000 delivers all-round power and performance to support forestry workers with the toughest jobs.
Powered by EGO’s industry-leading 56V ARC lithium battery technology, the saw has a 50 cm full chisel chain and 30 m/s chain speed for fast and efficient cutting, supported by metal bumper spikes for extra stability when cross-cutting.
With weight distribution being integral to the saw’s performance and on-the-job safety, the CSX5000 is built around a centralised battery position to provide optimal tool balance. The handle positions also ensure comfort when both cross-cutting and felling, while an integrated felling line ensures that the user can see the direction in which the tree will fall.
The saw also features a new display screen that enables users to quickly check all the key parameters of the saw, such as oil level, battery capacity and set speed. The operator can use the LCD control panel to change the chain speed from 30 m/s down to 25 or 20 m/s and control the oil rate to ensure the most efficient cutting possible.
For off-grid charging, EGO’s PGX1400PB power bank enables professionals to easily carry the energy they need to complete a full day’s work.
For more information on the CSX5000, visit
www.egopowerplus.co.uk/products/chainsaws/csx5000.
MILWAUKEE TOOL
M18 FUEL RANGE
FOR foresters who want equipment that can meet the demands of the job at hand, Milwaukee Tool has stepped up with its range of rear-handled chainsaws – engineered to surpass the capabilities of traditional petrol chainsaws, and is your go-to solution for the most demanding applications.
The M18 Fuel chainsaw range caters to a wide variety of forestry needs, providing versatility and adaptability.
Available in three sizes – a 40 cm model (M18 FCHS-121), a 35 cm model (M18 FCHS35) and a 30 cm (M18 FCHSC) for working in confined areas – all of which offer flexibility to match the scale and requirements of different projects. Whether tackling smaller, more intricate jobs or handling larger, more robust tasks, these chainsaws give you the right tool for the job, no matter the challenge.
The full range of M18 Fuel chainsaws are compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries and come readily equipped with a 12.0 Ah battery pack as part of the kit.
With it, this chainsaw effortlessly slices through 150 pieces of 100 mm x 100 mm pine without any slowdown, guaranteeing uninterrupted productivity for efficiently completing forestry tasks.
Designed to maximise this partnership, the M18 Fuel technology is elevated to a new level with the High Output system, delivering unmatched power and efficiency while ensuring extended runtime and the ability to outperform up to 40 cc petrol chainsaws, allowing users to tackle even the most demanding tasks with confidence and ease.
The M18 Fuel chainsaw’s thoughtful design also extends to its no-spill oil reservoir, which features an easily accessible tank and clear viewing window. This design simplifies maintenance and ensures uninterrupted workflow by providing transparent monitoring of oil levels.
If you want to discover more about Milwaukee Tool’s rear-handled chainsaw range, visit uk.milwaukeetool.eu.
GREENWORKS
60V
NOW available is the 60V 40 cm chainsaw from Greenworks, one of the UK’s leading brands of cordless gardening and power tools. Featuring a 40 cm cutter bar and 3/8” chain, this powerful battery-powered chainsaw makes light work of logging, cutting, or pruning tasks.
Easy to use and with safety at the heart of its design, the Greenworks 60V 40 cm chainsaw features a two-button start procedure to avoid accidental start-ups, and a full-chain brake system to instantly stop the chain when engaged.
Cordless in design, the Greenworks 60V chainsaw offers complete freedom, with no power cables to get in the way or hold you up. Powered by an advanced 60V lithium-ion battery, the Greenworks chainsaw offers high performance and long run times, without any of the emissions, vibration, or noise often associated with petrol alternatives.
The Greenworks 60V 40 cm chainsaw can be ordered directly from www.greenworkstools.co.uk, with free delivery in the UK.
MAKITA
UC011G
MAKITA has a wealth of experience in the tree-care machinery sector and its products offer the ease of use, consistent performance and high quality professionals need to complete jobs efficiently and safely. With a wide range of chainsaws to choose from, professionals can always find a model suited to the task at hand.
A standout solution from the range is the UC011G 40VMax XGT, a highly efficient brushless chainsaw with a high chain speed of up to 25.5 m/s for heavy-duty use and excellent cutting performance. The machine is part of Makita’s trusted XGT platform, which combines innovative tool design and high-output batteries to provide a genuine solution for high-demand applications and this tool is no exception, offering a power output that is equivalent to a 40 cc petrol-powered chainsaw.
The UC011G features a powerful brushless motor that delivers high performance and efficiency, as well as a 350 mm bar and chain. This combination allows users to cut through even the thickest branches and larger trunks with ease. The UC011G also benefits from adjustable automatic chain lubrication with a view window for visual chain oil levels and is IPX4 rated with high water resistance for use in all seasons.
Designed with the user in mind, the tool also has a range of safety features, such as electric and kickback brakes, a metal spike bumper for secure grip on the cutting material, and lock off function to prevent accidental operation. The machine’s lightweight and ergonomic design ensures comfortable use even during extended periods of cutting.
To improve performance, the UC011G utilises Makita’s ‘BL’ brushless motor. By design, brushless motors are highly efficient as there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction. This means that no energy is lost through heat production, resulting in extended run times. As a test case example, the tool can complete approximately 35 cuts per charge in 100 mm cedar wood with a 5 Ah (BL1850B) XGT battery (productivity examples given may vary depending on materials / conditions / user handling) with the kit model UC011GT201 being available with 2 x 5 Ah batteries and fast charger.
Wear and tear and the need for replacement parts is also minimised. And, as part of Makita’s growing XGT battery platform, users can quickly interchange between tools when required, for the ultimate in flexibility.
To find out more about Makita’s XGT chainsaws and its extensive outdoor range, visit: www.makitauk.com.
OREGON
CS1500
OREGON, the company that invented the modern saw chain in 1947, highlight the CS1500. The CS1500 is a high-powered, 18” corded electric saw and the only self-sharpening saw in the marketplace today.
Known for innovation, Oregon looked at enhancing the experience for the consumer with a built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system that minimises downtime by allowing you to sharpen your chain on the saw in three to five seconds.
Revving up instantly, the CS1500 is easy to use. The saw chain requires no fuel mixing and features an automatic oiler that distributes oil on the bar and chain while cutting, keeping the product lubricated to prevent premature wear.
The tool-less tensioning system is included and is simple to adjust, keeping the momentum and productivity in your work.
STIHL
MSA 300
OFFERING forestry professionals unrivalled performance for large tasks is Stihl’s MSA 300 – the most powerful cordless chainsaw in the AP System.
The MSA 300 boasts three operation modes which help to intuitively match the saw’s performance to the task, making for a versatile tool. High-performance mode offers rapid acceleration and a 30 m/s chain speed ideal for snedding; mid-performance mode is best used for felling, at a chain speed of 24 m/s; and eco mode limits the chain’s speed to 20 m/s, which is excellent for cutting small logs.
To ensure comfort, the compact model comes with Stihl’s anti-vibration system, which means that felling, snedding, cross-cutting and processing can be undertaken with ease.
Additionally, the MSA 300, which is recommended for use with a 16” Light 04 guide bar and .325” RS Pro chain, features an adjustable oil pump, durable die-cast magnesium components, a captive nut on its sprocket cover and an air filter for cooling.
For further ease of use, the MSA 300 features an LED display for user notification, displaying the operating mode, the status of the chain brake position and temperature warnings to prevent overheating.
Powered by the AP 500 S battery, the MSA 300 comes with built-in Stihl Connected fleet-management technology. This provides the user with valuable data, including total working time of the machine and number of charge cycles.
MS 500i
The world’s first chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, the MS 500i, also boasts the best power-to-weight ratio available on the market. Designed for harvesting and processing large timber, the machine is as lightweight as it is rapid, providing outstanding acceleration.
Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds, the MS 500i offers excellent performance from start-up to finish. Additionally, its lightweight design results in a low power-to-weight ratio – at 1.24 kg/kW.
Again, with comfort at the fore, low vibration and reduced gyroscopic forces provides a 79.2 cc professional saw with dynamic manoeuvrability, perfect for limbing. Additionally, the MS 500i is easy to handle across a variety of jobs, given its ultra-compact design.
The MS 500i is available with a choice of 20” or 25” ES light bar, in keeping with its lightweight qualities.
For more information on Stihl’s professional tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.
KARCHER
CS 400/36 BP
WHETHER it’s for the removal of branches and trees in the woods or property maintenance in the garden, the battery-powered CS 400/36 Bp chainsaw from Kärcher impresses in daily use. Thanks to the low maintenance effort and long life, it is particularly economical and suitable for professional use, including in forestry and agriculture. The powerful chainsaw easily cuts different types of wood – and does so without petrol and exhaust emissions.
With a chain speed of 23 m/s, the saw makes fast, powerful and precise cuts. Very well balanced and with low vibrations, it also withstands the tougher tasks, thanks to its robust, impact-resistant design.
Thanks to some technical measures, the CS 400/36 Bp ensures safe guidance and comfortable handling. For instance, the chain brake stops the chain immediately in the event of a recoil. The spiked bumper also provides additional guidance when cutting. The two handles have an ergonomic design and make possible fatigue-free work, also during longer applications.
This battery-powered chainsaw is very economical. The operating costs are much lower than for petrol-operated models, because, apart from a durable brushless motor, the CS 400/36 Bp also has automatic chain lubrication, which significantly reduces maintenance effort. The chain can also be quickly retightened or changed using a combination wrench.
The tool is located at the bottom of the machine and can be easily removed as required – no more time wasted searching for tools. The oil level is checked via a transparent inspection window.
To find out more about the range, visit www.karcher.co.uk/professional-lm.
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