Winter Chainsaw Use

20th October 201916th October 2019

While here in Ireland we typically get milder weather, for professionals the early winter mornings can still be hazardous, with ice and frost building up unexpectedly. It’s important to keep safety as a priority and to expect the unexpected. Here are a few reminders for professional winter chainsaw use.

Winter Chainsaw Use: Check the ambient temperature

Our Irish weather typically protects us from the extremes other countries face this time of year. It rarely happens, but if you’re working in temperatures at or below 4 degrees Celcius, you should consider using a chainsaw with a winter mode or heating system. If your chainsaw doesn’t have this feature, be aware of poor performance or erratic idling. This could be a sign that the fuel isn’t reaching the engine which could lead to damage and complete engine failure. If this begins to happen, cut out your engine and wait till the weather improves before continuing with the work at hand. In the more extreme cold temperatures, your saw’s oil can thicken. winter chainsaw use

If you’re working in the cold, switch to a bar and chain oil to better lubricate your chain. Cold weather oils are available on the market. Come stop by our centre and we’ll happily service your chainsaw. Otherwise, you’ll want to do your own research and only use tools (and oils) that will not risk damaging your equipment. Keep in mind that lighter oils are prone to leaking more easily so are best used temporarily.

When wood gets colder it becomes harder. It can help to decrease your chainsaw chain’s filing angle by 5 degrees. This can increase your saw’s cutting performance and decrease wear to your guide bar and chain.

As Always And More than Ever: Mind Your Footing

As you know, at this time of year things can get slippery. While the sun may be out, any bit of dampness mixed with rotting leaves can make forest ground as slippery as ice. And when the weather gets to freezing temperatures at night, small ice patches can remain in shaded areas around trees — right in the areas where you’ll be looking for footing. Be aware that you can’t anticipate these issues until you’ve already stepped into them. Put safety first, and consider delaying work when it’s rainy, frosty or when there are high winds.

Are Battery Powered Chainsaws Any Good?

9th June 20196th June 2019

We’re often asked, “Are Battery Powered Chainsaws Any Good?” Our answer is always, “it depends on the job”. It goes without saying that if you’re a professional you’re going to need a high powered performance chainsaw. But these saws are heavy, extremely powerful. They are overkill for domestic use. If you’re looking for a saw for your home and garden, perhaps for cutting firewood, then a battery-powered chainsaw is a good choice.

The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ

The stihl battery powered chainsaw

The thing about an electric saw is that it’s light and easy to use. For example, the Stihl MSA 120 weighs in at just 3.7kg. It’s also much, much quieter than a higher powered chainsaw. It makes short work of medium and small sized pieces of wood. You can also maintain your outdoor area or use it for chopping firewood.

How long does the battery last?

The Runtime depends on the battery you use. For this reason, we recommend the AK20 Battery, which will give your Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ a running time of up to 35 minutes. This might not sound like much, but it’s really plenty of time for basic maintenance and also for wood cutting for your home fire, where you’re only going to be using the battery-powered chainsaw for a few minutes at a time. It really is the right tool for the job for most domestic cases, and that’s why we recommend it.

Are battery powered chainsaws any good for cutting medium sized branches?

For this, we’d recommend the slightly larger MSA 140. The Stihl Msa 140 C-bq Chainsaw, which provides 20% more cutting power. It’s more suitable for larger trees (as well as for cutting firewood). It is still compact and easy to handle. Though please keep in mind that for safety reasons, with any chainsaw we cannot offer free shipping as they need to be purchased in-person. Please feel free to call in to us here at Douglas Forest and Garden in order to check it out and see if it’s right for you. Chainsaws have caused dozens of serious injuries and deaths in Ireland over the past 15 years and battery-powered or otherwise, they must be treated with respect. We also provide training materials for safe usage of chainsaws. To find out more please call in or ring us today on 021-4965132.

Domestic VS Forestry Chainsaws

4th May 20191st May 2019

We’re sometimes asked about the difference between consumer-level and forestry chainsaws. Frequently this question comes from those who want something built to last, has the highest quality materials and does the job effectively. )View our full range of Chainsaws in Cork).

To help you decide, we’ll give you a quick comparison of two of the higher-grade STIHL chainsaws, comparing a professional-level saw versus an agricultural model. Keep in mind that for chainsaws it is essential that we speak directly with you to ensure we are providing you with the correct equipment and you are given appropriate safety and handling instructions.

Professional / Forestry Chainsaws

The STIHL 261 C-M is a good mid-range example of a typical professional-level chainsaw. It has a 50.22cc engine. The powerhead (the motor/handling section, as opposed to the blade itself) runs at 5.21kgs. The 261 C-M outputs 3/4.1 kW/bhp (mechanical horsepower).

Farming Saws

The STIHL MS 271 Agricultural Saw has no significant difference in its construction compared with STIHL’s consumer-level saws. The primary differences are the size of the blade and the power of the engine. Compared with the pro-level saws, the MS 271’s powerhead weighs 5.57kg’s, making it significantly heavier than the Pro-level saw. forestry chainsaws

The MS 271 has less strength, outputting 2,6/3,5 kW/bhp (about .45 kW/bhp less than the professional model).

Power-to-Weight Ratio

When it comes to higher end chainsaws, the key metric is its power-to-weight ratio. When you compare these two factors (power and weight) on the professional grade 261 C-M, you get a power-to-weight ratio of .34 horsepower per pound.

Compare this with the Farming MS 271 model’s .284 horsepower per pound, you start to see a significant difference.

Construction

Farming saws tend to use materials like polycarbonate clamshell frames to protect the workings. Forestry chainsaws are built with a Magnesium side-cover, frame and a built-in crankshaft to reduce weight. The STIHL 261 C-M also has an electronic component which monitors the fuel levels, which optimises the quality of the fuel, temperature, air pressure, etc., and adjusts the motor as needed for optimal output.

The pro-level chainsaw also has an easy-release cover for the air filter so that you can easily clean it. The air filter itself is different in the forestry saw; It’s comparable to a car’s air filter. It has a larger surface area so it can run for longer without negatively affecting the air pressure.

We hope this gives you some idea of the difference between farming and forestry chainsaws. If you would like to organise a meeting with one of our professionals to discuss chainsaws, please contact us today on 021-4965132

Chainsaw Safety Guide

17th April 2019

At Douglas Forest & Garden, we treat chainsaw safety as our priority. For this reason, we stick to manufacturers that we know and trust. Stihl is one of our preferred manufacturers for various garden equipment, and their chainsaws are no exception.

The Irish Health and Safety Authority released this chainsaw safety guide which we strongly encourage all chainsaw users to read. It states that in the twelve year period from 1996-2008, 13 people in Ireland were killed while working with a chainsaw. The HSA estimated that chainsaws caused about 7% of all injuries in the Forestry and Agriculture sector in Ireland, resulting in roughly 100 serious injuries annually.

Many people only use a chainsaw occasionally, so they often lack the awareness, knowledge, training or experience required for various situations. While the chainsaw itself can pose serious risks, it’s important to be aware that the majority of fatal accidents are actually caused by falling trees or branches. We discuss some of the dangers in our post on how to safely use a pole saw.

Because chainsaws are dangerous, appropriate training is essential. We strongly advise you to wear protective clothing to help prevent serious injuries. If you don’t have protective clothing and equipment, then we advise against using a chainsaw.

Before You Use the Chainsaw

Here are some basic tips from the chainsaw safety guide (though it is essential that you read both your chainsaw manual and also study the full HSA guide. We also provide literature to chainsaw users — feel free to call us and request it).

Most direct chainsaw injuries result from cuts to the legs, arms, neck, head and trunk. For this reason, you must wear proper clothing to protect against these injuries. Chainsaws also produce sound over 100db, putting your hearing at risk – hearing protection is also required. chainsaw safety

Most chainsaws are designed for right-handed use. For this reason, you should have your right hand on the throttle, and hold the handle with your left hand. Keep your left thumb under the handle at all times. Get familiar with where the controls. Where they are and what they’re for. This is essential in case you must stop the chainsaw quickly in an emergency.

Always keep the chainsaw properly maintained. In particular, check that the air filter is clean and the chain is sharp. We provide a professional chainsaw service in our Cork centre.

How to Start the Chainsaw

Before you start the engine, hold the saw still on a flat surface using your right foot on the handle — make sure the chain is clear. Hold the front handle (use your left hand). Then pull the starter cord using your right hand. If the chainsaw is not cutting, apply the chain brake. To do this, let the engine drop to idle and applying the chain broke with the back of your left hand, by rolling the hand on the front handle.

Under no circumstances should a chainsaw be held above shoulder height, and having a firm balanced stand is absolutely essential. To learn more about the safety steps before using a chainsaw, please follow the above HSA link for the chainsaw safety guide. For any questions relating to chainsaw best practices, please feel free to contact us on 021-4965132.

3 Variables To Consider When Buying The Perfect Chainsaw

24th May 201824th May 2018

Buying a chainsaw can be an overwhelming task for anyone but there are a lot of things to consider when buying a chainsaw that will make the purchase easier. Chainsaws come in a range of different sizes, with different features, different functions and different types. We are here to help you make better-informed decisions in relation to getting a chainsaw. Here are 3 variables to consider when buying the perfect chainsaw.

1. Questions

When involved in the buying process of a chainsaw it is pivotal to ask yourself plenty of questions but also the right ones. Some of the questions you must ask yourself as the consumer are:-

What will you primarily be using it for? Is it a big job or small job in my garden or is it some professional work? The nature of the work you will be doing should have a major impact on the chainsaw you pick. The job requirements and specification should be able to be catered for by the chainsaws abilities and features.
What is your experience using a chainsaw? Are you comfortable holding a chainsaw? There are lots of different types of chainsaws with different features. Some chainsaws are easier to control than others so this should be taken into account also.
What type of wood will you be cutting with this chainsaw? Softwood or hardwood? Big trees or small trees? If you are cutting big thick trees or pieces of wood then a more powerful chainsaw with sharper teeth would be suitable.

2. Type

There are four types of chainsaws to choose from. Different types of chainsaws are optimal in different environments and have different features.

3. Features

Features are what make products unique. Every product is manufactured with different features so it is about deciding what ones you want and would like your chainsaw to have?

Safety features- Some chainsaws have special safety features incorporated into them to prevent accidents from occurring. For example kickback guards, chain brakes, throttle locks, easily accessible stop control and many more.
Anti-vibration system to make it easier to control and reduce user fatigue.
Reduced noise feature so it isn’t very loud and endangers the users hearing.
Reduced emission technology to be environmentally responsible.
Large handles making it easy to grip.
Electronic Ignition provides easier starting and smoother running.
Replaceable “In Tank” Fuel and Oil Filters lower cost and are easy to maintain.

Here are some of the features that different Stihl chainsaws have but there are many more.

When trying to choose the right chainsaw for your work, it is important to consider these three important variables and know in the detail the tasks you will be carrying out. For more information on chainsaws call us on 021-496-5132 or visit us online today.

Advantages Of Petrol Chainsaws Over Electric Chainsaws

26th April 201826th April 2018

A petrol chainsaw is a chainsaw that requires fuel to work. Chainsaws are landscaping machines that all homeowners should have at home. Petrol chainsaws are perfect for cutting up objects of any size. Whatever size cutting job you need to be done these powerful machines will do it. People always want to know which is better, petrol or electric chainsaws? Petrol chainsaws have many advantages over electric chainsaws:-

Impressive power drive – Petrol chainsaws have a two-cycle engine which fires on every revolution of the crankshaft making them more powerful engines than electric motors.
They have longer/sharper blades which allow a petrol chainsaw to take on thick branches, plants and trees easily. Electric chainsaws cannot take on thick/tough objects.
Petrol chainsaws do not need to be plugged into a power source or charged up and do not have electrical cords in their path, unlike electric chainsaws. It is easy to move from one place to another and anywhere in your garden to do your cutting. This makes petrol chainsaws much easier to use than electric chainsaws when completing tasks as they crop up.
They are powerful enough to take on any cutting job that is found in a household and beyond. Average households will not have branches or trees that cannot be taken care of with a petrol chainsaw, and a set of branches or bushes can be easily landscaped by a petrol chainsaw.
Speed – Petrol chainsaws cut through wood, logs, branches and other objects you might need cutting, faster than electric chainsaws. The faster you can complete a cutting task the faster you can go on to the next or the quicker you can be finished your task completely. More work completed faster means saving more time and in lots of cases more money which is a huge incentive why people prefer petrol chainsaws over electric chainsaws.

STIHL petrol chainsaws are essential for heavy duty and forestry work. These chainsaws are specially developed for extreme conditions and difficult cutting situations and offer everything that professionals require for cutting. A selection of model ranges are available;- domestic/property chainsaws, agricultural/landscaper chainsaws and professional/forestry chainsaws.

The main motive behind the creation of chainsaws was the difficulty in cutting thick objects and felling trees with a hand saw. Hand saws used to be the only way one could cut objects so with time has come great inventions bringing the powerful petrol chainsaw making it so easy to cut objects. They have significantly reduced the effort and workload. Choosing between an electric chainsaw and a petrol chainsaw does not need to be a complicated process. One needs to consider certain factors in the buying process of a chainsaw such as the work and tasks involved, demands, preferences, budget, storage and one’s own chainsaw skills and experience.

If you have any questions relating to petrol chainsaws call us on 021-496-5132 or visit us online today.

Advantages Of Electric Chainsaws Over Petrol Chainsaws

23rd April 201823rd April 2018

An electric chainsaw is a chainsaw that doesn’t require liquid fuels to work. A chainsaw is a vital cutting tool that all homeowners should have. There are two main types of chainsaws electric and petrol. A question that is frequently asked is which is better electric or petrol chainsaws? Electric chainsaws are perfect for homeowners who like to take care of all of their gardening needs themselves. They provide enough power to manage light-to-medium cutting jobs around the garden. Electric chainsaws are ideal for pruning, felling small trees and even cutting up logs for the fire.

Electric chainsaws have many advantages over petrol chainsaws;-

They are much quieter while in operation – avoiding noise levels and complaints from neighbours. This also means that no ear protection is necessary when in use.
They are user-friendly and reliable.
An electric chainsaw has no exhaust and emits no fumes meaning you won’t have to inhale them whilst in operation. This also makes means they are safer for the environment.
They require very little maintenance and far less upkeep in comparison to petrol chainsaws.
They are much more inexpensive as they require less expensive components, less maintenance, and you don’t need to go out and buy fuel at a petrol station.
Electric chainsaws are compact and lightweight.
Our electric chainsaws are extremely comfortable to use and have ergonomic designs.
Simple to start and operate- Just plug into an available power source, check the chain and press the ‘ON’ button.
Electric chainsaws last a long time without use in comparison to petrol chainsaws as there are no issues with fuel going bad.
They are extremely portable – due to being lightweight and generally much smaller than their petrol counterparts.

STIHL battery powered chainsaws meet the demanding requirements placed on performance, innovation and convenience. The Stihl MSA 160 T Chainsaw 12″ is a high cutting performance machine that is very quiet and has a soft grip handle. The Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ Chainsaw 12″ is perfect for property maintenance, horticulture, cutting wood for the fire and sawing work in enclosed areas. The Stihl MSA200 C-BQ Chainsaw 14″ has high torque and excellent cutting capacity which is great for dealing with a range of tasks. This chainsaw is perfect to use in noise sensitive areas due to its quiet EC motor.

The electric chainsaw is a great innovation that has become synonymous with homeowners who are passionate about keeping their garden looking its best. Electric Chainsaws are one of those necessities for garden landscaping and home upkeep. They are ideal for a variety of tasks, but they aren’t for everyone and aren’t suitable for every job. When deciding whether or not you want to invest in this type of chainsaw consider your budget and your cutting needs.

If you have any questions relating to electric chainsaws call us on 021-496-5132 or visit us online today to see our full range of chainsaws.