It is an obvious fact that professional and experienced loggers don’t just use any type of chainsaw to do their jobs. Instead, they specifically go for chainsaws with a high level of performance, high power, great durability, and productivity that suit the kind of large projects they work on. Those types of pro chainsaws are for experts only.
What Chainsaw Do Loggers Use?
Professional loggers use reliable high-performance gas chainsaws that can work fine for the whole day. The chainsaw model they choose can be used in harsh conditions, has a powerful engine, and is easy to clean and maintain.
Usually, they’re designed to run perfectly in the toughest conditions and provide professional loggers with the best experience in their daily tasks. Now, if you’re a professional logger and you’re not sure about the type of chainsaw that will get your job done, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll find in detail the type of chainsaws used by loggers, the unique features that they possess, as well as the reason why they are suitable for loggers.
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How Does an Ideal Logger Chainsaw Look Like?
As a professional logger, chances are you will be using your machine all through the year. There are various tasks in which your cutting tool will come in handy; these include commercial logging, forestry services, and tree care. Technically, you’ll be required to look for a chainsaw that has greater capabilities and features to endure the series of tough projects you’ll be working on. Normally, a logger chainsaw should have a longer bar, durable crankshaft, and a more powerful engine than the standard saw. All these properties ensure you can cut in short time frames and limb through thicker trees and logs.
With the harsh conditions that these pro-cutting tools can survive, they can also handle even the most grueling tasks of the professional ax man. Here are certain features that differentiate the professional-grade saws from the other models.
● A Balanced Design
One of the main features that sets apart a logger’s chainsaw from other models is the balanced body design. Loggers’ chainsaws have a long and narrow body layout. Their engine is installed directly behind the bar in an inclined position. This balanced design is crucial for the saw as it will for used for an extended period. The feature will make it easier for you to hold the tool evenly, even after prolonged periods of cutting.
● The Top Handle
Loggers chainsaws often for commercial use are usually top handle models. This means that the chainsaws are compact, unlike the rear handle styles, making them more comfortable to operate. Because of their lightweight and the position of the handle, top handle chainsaws are great options for cutting tree branches and tree limbs. They also perform excellently in situations where you have to cut at a downward angle.
● Commercial Warranty
Most commercial chainsaws available on the market come with a commercial warranty extending between a year or two. This is actually incredible, considering that they’ll be running for several hours a day. These kinds of warranties are not very easy to find, especially with power equipment, because of their users’ high demands. This warranty will put your mind at rest even when using the tool in extreme situations.
How to Select the Perfect Logger Chainsaw
As mentioned earlier, not all chainsaws are is designed for every task. This is why professional or commercial-grade chainsaws are specially built to function effectively in the most difficult conditions. It is known that gas-powered chainsaws are the best in the field for tasks like logging, farming, land clearing, tree care, and service, or massive firewood-cutting jobs. Professional loggers usually go for chainsaws with engine power ranging from 40cc and above, with a guide bar length of 14 inches and more. Below are some features and qualities to look for before purchasing your commercial chainsaw, that will help withstand daily wear and tear:
● Reliable Heavy duty Chainsaw
To take heavy tasks such as the felling of trees, you need a chainsaw that has a lot of power and is reliable. Professional-grade chainsaws are the best options if you’re looking for engines with higher horsepower and torque for consistent and increased output. In order to channel and control all that power, the engines of professional chainsaws are built with components that can withstand long hours of use. These components include:
- Heavy-duty crankshafts
- Heavier bearings
- Durable crankcases
Before you purchase your professional logger chainsaw, don’t take note of the engine’s horsepower alone, but also pay attention to the quality and durability of the engine components.
● Powerful Engine
When shopping for a chainsaw, engine power is the first factor that should be considered. Since you’re buying a professional chainsaw, you should look out for nothing less than 40CC and 1 HP engine power. Chainsaws with more engine power will be more powerful than those with less engine size. Those chainsaws with an engine size of 40 to 80 CC are often used by loggers that have to fell a lot of trees. With this amount of power, you won’t need to stop halfway when cutting a tree as large as 30-40 inches. All chainsaw power is measured by piston displacement (in cc) and engine power (horsepower, or HP). The cubic centimeter is simply the piston displacement or size of the engine where the piston can move about freely. As a rule of thumb, the more the poison displacement, the higher the engine power of the saw. The horsepower HP determines the power, basically, the torque times revolutions per minute. Simply put, the cc determines the length of the bar, while the HP determines how fast the tool can cut.
● Ergonomic Design
Due to their several sturdy engine and components, you might be forced to assume that most professional chainsaws weigh much more than the basic yard owners’ gas chainsaws. Unfortunately, this is not always true. For instance, if you’re working on a forestry, logging, or land escaping job, chances are- you will be working for many hours at a time. In this case, you’ll need a chainsaw that you can hold comfortably and for a long time without any discomfort. This is exactly why professional chainsaws are often made with ergonomic materials that are strong and lighter. When shopping for your chainsaw, go for one that features a high power-to-weight ratio, as well as a balanced design, as mentioned above.
To enjoy extra comfort and safety, make sure the saw you like also possesses a vibration reduction or dampening system. This often includes a series of shock-absorbing features inside the body and on the saw’s handle, which reduces vibration and stops it from being transferred into the user’s hand and wrist. Always look for proper ergonomic features such as less weight and designs like low vibration levels in the handles, a perfectly balanced body, and more. Also, kickback protection is important for all chainsaws for loggers. Always pay attention to little details, as this will go a long way.
● Convenient Maintenance Features
As they are used frequently, and in harsh conditions, professional chainsaws should be maintained regularly. This is why manufacturers design their pro-level saws with special features that allow the chainsaw to be in maximum condition for a long time and allow them to be automatically tuned up even in the field. One of the most important components to pay attention to on a professional gas saw is the air filter, which should be maintained from time to time. For you to run your saw in top shape, make sure you look out for these features:
- Large surface air filter: if your chainsaw has a large surface air filter, the number of contaminants passing through will be reduced.
- Air injection cleaning system which will remove dust and debris.
- A quick-release air filter cover will make it easy for you to change the filter while outside a shop.
Also, oiling the bar and chain is an important step that can help you keep your chainsaw cutting smoothly and sharply. The standard homeowner saws are often designed to have an automatic bar oil mechanism, however, professional saws make use of the adjustable bar and chain oil pumps instead. This will enable you to adjust the oil output according to your working condition.
● Additional Features
Various professional saws come with brand-specific features. For example, Husqvarna offers an AutoTune feature that automatically senses a change in conditions such as temperature, altitude, and humidity and automatically adjusts the carburetor to ensure that the engine provides the best performance.
Final Remarks
Finally, it is important to know that every logger has their preferences and choices when it comes to picking the right chainsaw for their job. Some may prefer professional chainsaws with high torque and low maintenance, while others may prefer the ruggedness of the chainsaw instead. Nevertheless, the most crucial thing is that the chainsaw you choose does its job correctly and safely.
Using a real and quality professional-grade chainsaw will allow you to enjoy increased productivity and profit in the long run. Always remember that, like many other chainsaws, maintenance of your chainsaw should be done regularly, so that you’ll be able to make the best of it. As always, we hope that this article has been very helpful. Good luck!