Buyer's Guide: Chainsaws on the ground

ECHO

CS-621SX

ECHO’S new heavy-duty rear-handle chainsaw is a reduced-emissions version of their best-selling CS-620SX, yet it retains all the power and dependability of its predecessor. This is a chainsaw built for arborists and landscaping professionals who use this type of saw daily for felling large trees.

The CS-621SX boasts a new 59.8 cc low-emission, professional-grade two-stroke ECHO engine, designed and manufactured in Japan. It is the latest chainsaw in the ECHO X-series of ‘Best in Class’ products which aim to be industry-leading in terms of power and performance. The saw is packed with advanced features to help the commercial operator power through their work. For a heavy-duty saw, it is surprisingly lightweight at only 6.3 kg (dry weight) but that doesn’t take anything away from its cutting performance, which exceeds that of many higher-capacity machines. Its balance and ergonomic design offer manoeuvrability and precision, with dual bumper spikes enabling better control when sawing through stumps and thicker branches.

The CS-621SX is a superior saw in every respect, say ECHO, with its range of additional features designed to make the working day easier and more productive. There’s a decompression button for easy starting, a side-access chain tensioner and drop-prevention nuts which can’t be lost during maintenance. A rotating plastic chain catcher is designed to help protect the user from potential injury while also preventing chain damage. The heavy-duty aluminium handle has a secure rubber grip and reduces vibration in the hand. Fuel and oil caps are made larger for easier filling and the fuel tank is translucent to show the fuel level. The G-FORCE air cleaner system features a large air filter to keep out debris.

It all adds up to a powerful, durable and heavy-duty chainsaw built to ECHO’s usual exacting specifications, which is borne out by a two-year professional or five-year domestic warranty.

You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information.

STIHL

MS 400 C-M

Adding to its range of high-performance tools for professionals, the MS 400 C-M from Stihl is described by the manufacturer as the world’s first chainsaw with a magnesium piston.

The MS 400 C-M chainsaw was been designed with professionals in mind, offering the highest maximum speed (14,000 rpm) in the 60 cm³ class. The new 66.8 cc 2-MIX engine has more displacement, providing both more power and more torque than the MS 362 C-M, as well as rapid acceleration.

As a world first, the MS 400 C-M features a new magnesium piston. This lightweight and durable piston weighs just 70 g, which is 14 per cent lighter than the aluminium piston in the MS 362 C-M, helping contribute to the machine’s excellent power-to-weight ratio and highest maximum revs in its class.

Thanks to these new intelligent design features and materials used, the MS 400 C-M has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1.45 kilograms per kilowatt, making it ideal to use when working in the forest, especially over prolonged periods.

In addition to the new 66.8cc engine, the MS 400 C-M features Stihl’s unique M-Tronic 3.0 technology including the new calibration process and an improved HD2 filter, which help deliver optimum performance at all times. The chainsaw also features ElastoStart technology that enables effortless starting of the power tool.

Designed for forestry and arb professionals, the MS 400 C-M can be used for a range of applications, including felling, de-limbing and cutting to size. Starting from £900 excluding VAT, the MS 400 C-M is available in 16”, 18” and 20” versions, the latter coming with an ES light guide bar.

For more information on Stihl’s range of chainsaws, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

HUSQVARNA

572 XP

KNOWN for its powerful machinery, Husqvarna does not disappoint with its advanced 572 XP chainsaw. Featuring a number of specifically designed systems built with forestry professionals in mind, it provides the perfect balance between functional usability and much-needed reliable power.

The chainsaw engine offers a wide usable rpm range for peak performance, even under heavy loads. Featuring a 12 per cent higher cutting capacity compared to previous models, the 572 XP has an improved engine layout and an advanced cooling system which is a prerequisite for ensuring high power output.

The crankshaft and muffler, together with other critical components, are purpose built for functionality, and extra reinforcements have been made for enhanced strength and reliability. To balance out this increase, weight optimisation has decreased the mass of several components.

This translates into a weight of 6.6 kg and the power level of a 4.3 kW engine, resulting in a considerable power-to-weight ratio. Cooler engines equal better power and performance, and an increased product lifetime to benefit professional users. The 572 XP has an increased cooling capacity of up to 20 per cent compared to previous generations, thanks to the combination of new hardware, digitalisation, and engine control (soft cut-out system).

In addition, the 572 XP features a heavy-duty air filter with a large filtration surface area to enable longer use and better filtration. The larger filtration area ensures an increase in work duration with maintained performance and requires less frequent cleaning, ensuring professionals can concentrate on the job in hand.

Ensuring comfortable operation, Husqvarna’s anti-vibration system efficiently separates hands from the vibrations generated by the engine and the cutting equipment. This not only protects the body but also reduces the fatigue in arms and hands, making the working day more productive.

Featuring Husqvarna’s AutoTune system, the chainsaw ensures a correctly tuned engine setting and optimised engine performance in ever-changing operating conditions, maximising uptime as users need not worry about carburettor adjustments.

For more information on the Husqvarna 572 XP, please visit www.husqvarna.com.

MAKITA

DUC405

EXPERIENCE industry-leading run and charge times with Makita’s DUC405 cordless chainsaw. This powerful machine is ideal for professionals working in the forestry and arboriculture sector and is suitable for use across a range of applications.

The DUC405 has been designed with operator efficiency and ease of use in mind. The twin 18V machine is powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries which work in series to supply energy to the 36V DC motor drive system – making this a powerful and high-speed machine. In fact, this chainsaw has a cutting power equivalent to a 33 cc class petrol engine chainsaw and an impressive no-load chain speed of 1,200 m/min.

For ease of operation and control, the DUC405 includes a variable-speed trigger that enables the user to have the same control as they would have with the accelerator on a petrol product. In addition, constant speed control can be used to maintain the chain speed for optimum operation, irrespective of the load. A metal spike bumper ensures that the DUC405 firmly grips to the material being cut.

With user safety in mind, the inclusion of the auto power-off function automatically turns off the chainsaw after no activity for one minute and the front hand-guard can also be used to activate the kickback chain brake – simply push the front hand-guard forward to stop the blade instantly.

The DUC405 includes adjustable automatic chain lubrication, allowing the amount of chain oil to be regulated and altered depending on whether you are cutting hard or soft wood.

This machine utilises captive nuts, which prevents the loss of nuts when removing the sprocket cover to replace the guide bar or saw chain. For increased comfort, the DUC405 is designed with ergonomic soft grip.

To improve performance, the DUC405 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 of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent on each battery charge. Wear and tear and the need for replacement parts are also minimised. And, as part of Makita’s huge LXT battery platform, users can quickly interchange between tools when required, for the ultimate in flexibility.

If petrol power is what you’re looking for, Makita has wide range of petrol-powered chainsaws on offer. Each machine is designed with ease of operation and operator safety in mind – enabling maximum efficiency and increased on-site productivity.

EA5000P45D

The EA6100P45D (61 cc) has been designed to maximise productivity. The large fuel tank enables run times of up to 30 minutes with one tank fill, minimising downtime. The easy-start-up function helps to minimise operator fatigue – a spring-assisted recoil starter reduces any resistance caused when the starter rope is pulled.

Efficiency is further improved with enhanced air filtration. The centrifugal separation system effectively removes dust particles away from the air intake, therefore reducing the amount of dust stuck on the filter.

The EA6100P45D’s inbuilt stratified scavenging system works to minimise fuel wastage from the two-stroke engine, improving run times and safety with reduced exhaust emissions. This machine also includes a low-vibration system, for further protection.

EA6100P45D

The EA6100P45D (61 cc) has been designed to maximise productivity. The large fuel tank enables run times of up to 30 minutes with one tank fill, minimising downtime. The easy-start-up function helps to minimise operator fatigue – a spring-assisted recoil starter reduces any resistance caused when the starter rope is pulled.

Efficiency is further improved with enhanced air filtration. The centrifugal separation system effectively removes dust particles away from the air intake, therefore reducing the amount of dust stuck on the filter.

The EA6100P45D’s inbuilt stratified scavenging system works to minimise fuel wastage from the two-stroke engine, improving run times and safety with reduced exhaust emissions. This machine also includes a low-vibration system, for further protection.

EA7900P45E

Ergonomically designed, the EA7900P45E benefits from a 79 cc two-stroke engine with a scavenging loss-rejection exhaust – developed without a catalytic converter. This enables up to 15 per cent less fuel consumption, resulting in greater efficiency and fuel savings. A reduction in scavenging losses also reduces exhaust emissions and improves operator safety.

Similar to the EA5000P45D and EA6100P45D, this machine benefits from Makita’s easy-start system. It also has low starting effort with the inclusion of a decompression valve. Lateral chain tensioning provides easy operator access – further improving on-site efficiency.

The EA5000P45D, EA6100P45D and EA7900P45E all come with Makita’s 12-month warranty – an assurance to professional users of the tools’ quality and high performance.

To find out more about Makita and its product range please visit: www.makitauk.com.

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