The compact and economical mini chainsaw has become a real bestseller from the first weeks of its appearance on the domestic household appliances market. Manufacturers who have relied on the development of small-displacement chainsaw equipment with a power of up to one and a half horsepower have implemented their projects with maximum efficiency.
The operational capabilities of such saws, better known as top cutters, are limited by the moderate traction characteristics of the power units, but all mini-models presented in the assortment are suitable for mechanizing small-scale sawing work.
Scope of application
An easy-to-use, small and lightweight chainsaw is included in the list of technical equipment for large tourist groups, student search teams and scientific expeditions.
The presence of such a tool allows you to clear the area in a short time for a comfortable rest and subsequent overnight stay, or prepare the area for the start of survey work.
This is facilitated by:
- combination of light weight and class-optimal performance;
- minimal consumption of fuels and consumables;
- simple maintenance;
- layout of systems and units convenient for service and repair access;
- increased reliability of loaded parts and assemblies.
Designed for a wide range of applications, the mini chainsaw for tourists, gardeners and builders has become a basic solution to many current problems.
Rules for caring for a chainsaw
What chainsaw do you use?
StandardMini
It is necessary to properly care for the tool so that it works long enough.
In the case of mini-chainsaws, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Be sure to use high-quality oils and gasoline, diluting everything in the proportions specified in the instructions.
- The air filter must be periodically cleaned of wood dust to maintain the power of the unit.
- Carry out adjustments several times a year and check the main components.
- The cutting system should not be excessively tight or loose. Her condition must be monitored during work.
- The tension chains must be sharp enough. Sharpening should be carried out in specialized companies.
Expert opinion
Levin Dmitry Konstantinovich
By following these simple rules, you can extend the life of the tool.
Operational Capabilities
The tool can be effectively used at height for crowning large trees, pre-installation cutting of building materials during the construction of wooden buildings.
Work comfort is ensured by:
- modern industrial product design;
- excellent tool balancing;
- minimal levels of background noise and vibration.
In addition, a secure and comfortable grip allows you to hold the tool with one hand. This design feature is highly valued by users when performing overhead sawing work.
The scope of application of small chainsaws of the Mini category also includes clearing areas of thickets of tall bushes, forming living fences in accordance with the style of landscape design.
Rating of the best models up to 7,000 rubles
Maxcut MC 146 Shark
One of the best budget models, which is chosen not only by beginner gardeners, but also by professionals. The device is capable of sawing trees with a diameter of up to 40 cm, and there will be no problems with transportation. Low weight - 5.9 kg, makes it possible to work effortlessly even in difficult terrain. Ergonomic handles increase comfortable use and reduce vibration, which affects the duration of various operations.
The set includes a wear-resistant chain. With proper handling and timely care, it can last for a long period and not break. Startup does not take time, as the quick start system is installed. There is a chain catcher that provides maximum operator safety. Equipment power – 2.9 hp. The fuel tank capacity is 520 ml, while gasoline consumption is low. Warranty – 12 months.
The average cost is 3,690 rubles.
Maxcut MC 146 Shark
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Light weight;
- Comfortable handles;
- Reliable vibration damping system;
- Fast start;
- Efficient in any terrain;
- Maximum diameter – 40 cm.
Flaws:
- Not found.
INTERSKOL PCB-14/45L
A high-quality version of Russian production, which is suitable for quickly sawing small bushes or trees. In addition, the product is used by professional builders due to its high performance and wear-resistant system. Using shock absorber springs, comfort is achieved; vibration will not interfere with various operations. The saw's forced lubrication system increases service life and improves reliability.
When the speed drops, the device automatically turns off. Therefore, it is safe to work with it. In addition, this solution prevents the mini-chainsaw from overloading. There is a double chain brake. A primer is used to quickly start the engine.
The kit includes tools for quickly changing the chain and a container for storing gasoline or a similar fuel mixture. To prevent important parts from being damaged during transportation, use a special case.
Sold at a price: from 5,680 rubles.
INTERSKOL PCB-14/45L
Advantages:
- Value for money;
- Reliability;
- Easy maintenance;
- Automatic chain lubrication;
- Good vibration damping;
- Small mass.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Huter BS-45M
A convenient model that can work in various conditions. The main feature of the tool is low fuel consumption, while performance remains at a high level. Power – 1700 W. Convenient handles increase comfort when performing various operations. Starting the engine does not take time, which allows you to increase productivity. The kit contains all the necessary instructions and consumables.
Light weight makes it possible to move the device over long distances without effort. An emergency engine stop system improves safety. Caring for the device is as simple as possible; no complex actions are required.
Sold at a price: from 5,990 rubles.
Huter BS-45M
Advantages:
- High service life;
- Reliability;
- Efficiency;
- Easy transportation;
- Quick start system;
- Low fuel consumption.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Bigmaster PN3800
Compact model that is suitable for every area. The body is made of durable material. There is an effective vibration damping system, which increases the reliability of the tool.
The device is intended for clearing a summer cottage from thickets and preparing logs for a bathhouse. The handle is comfortable and has a good grip design, which allows you to hold the tool in any situation. To increase safety, a chain brake function is provided.
The powerful motor makes it possible to cut thick branches in a short time. The noise level of the instrument is relatively low and amounts to 100 dB. Oil tank volume – 210 ml. The kit includes instructions, warranty, bar, chain and saw. Equipment weight – 6 kg.
The average cost is 5,890 rubles.
Bigmaster PN3800
Advantages:
- Quick start;
- Emergency circuit stop;
- Low consumption;
- Long service life;
- Powerful engine;
- Affordable price;
- Ergonomics.
Flaws:
- Equipment.
Champion 125T-10″-3/8″-1.3-40E S2512
Reliable device weighing only 3 kg. The product will become an indispensable companion during any hike. Performance remains at the level of standard models. If you need to cut down small trees, the tool will cope with the task in a short time.
The product is suitable for comfortable work at height, as your hands will not get tired. It is possible to connect a belt that is attached to the body; this solution makes it easier to carry and perform operations.
Easy engine starting system allows you to work even at low temperatures. The gas trigger lock prevents accidental activation. The chain brake guarantees quick stopping in an emergency. The design also includes a nylon air purification filter.
The average cost is 6,550 rubles.
Champion 125T-10″-3/8″-1.3-40E S2512
Advantages:
- Electronic ignition;
- Protection against accidental start;
- Quick chain stop;
- Ergonomic handle;
- Good power;
- Weight – 3 kg;
- Safety.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Features of alternative applications
Motorists living in wooded areas include mini-chainsaws in their lists of on-board equipment.
Popular in its category, the smallest chainsaw of the Stihl brand weighs only less than 3 kg. With the saw set removed, the tool takes up minimal space in the trunk of a car or travel backpack.
The tool is capable of sawing a tree that has fallen on the road in a short time, and in inclement weather, cutting branch material for paving a problem area of a dirt road.
conclusions
Ideally, a mini saw should be very powerful, functional, safe and compact. It combines all the positive qualities of professional chainsaws, and at the same time is characterized by low weight, recoil and an optimal level of safety. Check out our ranking of the most reliable chainsaws.
For example, a 25 cm mini chainsaw for tourists is an ideal option for hiking , setting up a temporary camp and preparing firewood.
With the help of such a device, you can easily build a temporary “shelter” and perform the necessary manipulations during a hike. It is very light and easy to transport, so it won’t be difficult for your brother to take it with him. The same can be said about other models of mini chainsaws.
Structural properties
Despite the small dimensions and moderate power, small-cube chainsaw equipment is equipped with modern systems for starting, ignition and lubrication of the saw set.
The service life of even budget models is increased by the use of modern technologies for processing components, applying wear-resistant coatings to the cylinder bore, piston group and loaded parts of the connecting rod crank.
The advantages of small-cube models:
- reliable start-up independent of temperature factors;
- stable traction parameters;
- Full-fledged emergency stop systems ensuring the safety of sawing operations.
Operational Benefits
An easy-to-use small chainsaw for hiking and multi-day excursions, it suits all parameters. It only takes a few minutes to install the tire and get the engine ready to start.
- Small-cube models are very economical, even with prolonged use in operating mode. To prepare a place chosen for an overnight stay for a tourist group of 10-12 people, the consumption of the fuel mixture is only 200 - 250 cm3.
- The stability of the operating modes of Mini class chainsaws is ensured by the practically trouble-free operation of the ignition system and modern varieties of economical carburetors. Some models feature effective dual-circuit air purification.
Types of low power saws
All models come with a motor that drives a toothed chain that rotates around a flat metal bar called a sword. The advantage of this tool is its small size and weight, suitable for one-handed operation and use by anyone, regardless of age and physical condition. Equipment for professionals, as a rule, is powered by a gasoline engine, but there are models with battery power or operating from an electrical network.
There are three types of products depending on the engine used. Each of them is intended for a specific area of use, for example, chainsaws are used for intensive use in forestry, battery-powered models will be useful at home, for a summer residence or for tourists, they can successfully replace a lopper:
- Electric ones operate with a motor driven by current. The blade can vary in size, but is usually about 40 cm in length. The product is used for cutting soft wood with a diameter of up to 20 cm. Can be used in home gardening, cutting hedges, branches and small firewood.
- Cordless chainsaws have an electric motor and are powered by 18 to 36 V lithium batteries. The bar is usually somewhat smaller, from 20 to 25 cm in length. They are very convenient for sawing soft wood up to 15 cm in diameter. Their use is limited to trimming hedges, trees and coniferous shrubs. They will come in handy on hikes and outdoor trips.
- Products powered by combustible fuel are equipped with a two-stroke gasoline engine, are versatile, their tires come in different sizes and reach a length of 40 cm. They are suitable for cutting all types of wood, intensive felling and pruning. The criteria for choosing one model or another depend on the tasks you face. Your preference should be made after careful analysis of all factors.
Mini saw with electric motor
A separate category of household-grade sawing equipment consists of electric-powered saws. The operational capabilities of such equipment are limited by the need to connect to a power source.
The working radius is limited by the size of the cable extension, so electric saws are indispensable for working in closed interior spaces and in hard-to-reach places of building structures being built.
The undeniable advantages of models with electric drive:
- significantly lower cost compared to the chainsaw range;
- low-cost operation and simple maintenance;
- an order of magnitude lower level of vibration and operating noise, promoting comfortable work and high productivity.
Let's look at the main models of chainsaws that will help the consumer make an unmistakable choice.
How to choose
It is important to understand how the tool will be used in order to select the optimal model. Don't focus only on price
But you shouldn’t blindly believe in a familiar brand either, since each company has its own specialization.
Here are the most important points when choosing this device:
- Tire size. It can be from 10 inches or more. The larger the size, the larger the logs can be sawed. Typically, 10 - 12 inch tires are used for home use.
- Convenient hand position on the rear handle. This is an important parameter, since it determines how securely the chainsaw will be in your hands during operation. If it accidentally falls out of your hands during operation, it can cause serious injury.
- Vibration isolation available. It exists on almost all models so that you can work normally without feeling vibration.
- The presence of a primer in order to start the tool in “cold” mode.
- Location of the safety shield in front of the front handle. If the distance is small, it can be difficult for a person with a large brush to work.
- Noise level. This is not a very important parameter, but it is worth considering when working close to other people.
Model Shtil MS 150 CE
In the domestic market of household appliances, this category is worthily represented by the branded Stihl chainsaw model MS 150 CE. The drive uses the advantages of a fuel-efficient carburetor internal combustion engine with a working volume of 23.6 cm3.
- The power unit runs on a standard mixture of high-octane gasoline with a special motor oil designed for high-speed two-stroke engines.
- Drive power 1.3 hp. is fully sufficient for the full activation of the saw set, 30 cm long. The saw is equipped with an effective and reliable Oilomatic 1/4 Picco Micro 3 saw chain lubrication system and an emergency stop device.
- The small weight of the tool, around 2.8 kg, determines its suitability for high-altitude work. The thoughtful layout of the internal equipment provides easy access to the saw's setting points and filler caps.
Features of a compact chainsaw
Structurally, small chainsaws are no different from their older brothers. This is still the same two-stroke air-cooled engine, running on a gasoline-oil mixture, a simple carburetor system, cable or, less commonly, electronic ignition.
However, there are still some characteristic features:
- Less powerful engine . If the unit is not required to fell wood, then it does not need more power. Mini saws are equipped with a two-stroke engine that produces up to two horsepower or up to one and a half kilowatts. Most often, this parameter is even smaller - 1.5 - 1.6 “horses”. On such devices, the combustion chamber and even the crankcase are slightly smaller. Among the advantages, it is worth noting greater fuel efficiency. Where a full-size saw will “gobble up” twice as much fuel, a small assistant can get by with 0.24 - 0.4 liters per work session.
- Dimensions . Experienced manufacturers are trying to make the layout under the casing even tighter. In part, this allows us to make the motor weaker. A smaller reservoir is also provided for oil, because the chain is shorter and also uses less lubricant.
- Tire . The tire for a mini-chainsaw is not only shorter, it is also narrower. The reduced contact area with the wood allows the motor to confidently pull a shorter chain along the bar. The reduced width also helps reduce weight. The question of which saws are considered mini-variants remains open. In some articles, even devices with a 45-centimeter front sprocket offset fall into this category, which is clearly going beyond the limits of compactness. It would be more correct to classify a tire less than 38 cm long as a compact device. Based on this, the Stihl ms 180 at 14″ falls into the category of compact, but at 16″ it no longer does.
- Chain . The chain of compact saws is characterized by reduced cutting edge heights (low profile), small chain pitch, as well as lower values of the thickness of the leading links. In the case of particularly compact devices, which have not yet received proper distribution on the Russian market, but are actively used abroad, chains with a pitch of 1/4″ and a thickness of 1.1 mm are used. On such chains, chipper sharpening and a cutting edge angle of 30 - 35 degrees are almost always used.
- Handle . Many manufacturers do not have dedicated lines of compact chainsaws. The user can make a mini saw himself if he supplies a set of a smaller bar and chain, selecting a drive sprocket with the appropriate tooth configuration. However, advanced companies change the location of the usual handle with the trigger. From a position behind the body, it moves to its upper part. This scheme allows you to hold a working saw with one hand, while holding the material or securing it with the other when working at height. At the same time, the device is significantly shortened, increasing mobility.
- Weight . A well-made mini-chainsaw should have less weight compared to more powerful and productive classmates. Such indicators can be achieved through the widespread use of light alloys, reducing elements or simplifying the design, for example, in the absence of a fuel pump (primer). The weight of the mini-saw should be less than 4 kg, so it will be comfortable and safe to hold with one hand.
Echo brand mini chainsaw
The semi-professional chainsaw Echo CS-260TES-10 has identical characteristics. The tool differs from the previous model in a three-stage air purification scheme and a more advanced design of the proprietary vibration damper.
The power of a carburetor engine with a displacement of 26.9 cm3 and an output power of 1.13 hp. sufficient to drive a saw set 250 mm long. The saw is equipped with an automatic chain lubrication system, an easy start device and a booster pump.
ECHO CS-260TES-10
The smallest chainsaw, which is most often purchased by tourists who love to go on long hikes. Its length is only 25 cm, and the device is very easy to assemble, disassemble and pack, as well as clean. You can easily set up the saw and begin active operations. The engine capacity is 26.9 cm cubic, power is 1.13 horsepower. The most important feature of this particular model is that it has an improved vibration damping system. Firstly, the saw is quiet, and secondly, you can saw with it almost endlessly. The pricing policy ranges from 17 to 20 thousand rubles.
DDE CS2512
This model is less known, but its characteristics deserve due attention. The tool belongs to the category of garden equipment intended for crowning fruit and ornamental trees. The 25 cc carburetor engine produces 1.2 hp and has a torque reserve sufficient to drive a headset 30 cm long.
Many leading manufacturers successfully specialize in the production of small-sized and compact chainsaw equipment.
How to use a small saw
Working with a chainsaw yourself is a risky endeavor. If you are going to do sawing with it for the first time, we suggest you study the following step-by-step instructions:
- Wear protective clothing made of suitable materials. It is not necessary to wear overalls; it is best to wear long-sleeved shirts to avoid injury from flying wood chips that may accidentally bounce off. Eyes should be protected with goggles.
- Clear the work area. Remove all objects that could be an obstacle and cause an accident.
- Check the chain, it should be perfectly sharp, you should pay attention to its tension, it should not weaken and accidentally jump out.
- Check the presence of gasoline in the engine and the battery charge. It won’t be helpful if the work stops at the very beginning due to an empty tank.
- Take a comfortable position, otherwise you may get injured. With experience, you will understand how to eliminate risks when maneuvering, avoiding accidents.
- At the end of the work, it is necessary to carry out proper maintenance: cleaning, sharpening the teeth.
If you take good care of your equipment, it will repay you with performance for years to come.
