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editor’s choice: chainsaws<br />
Chainsaw safety<br />
If you are employing someone to do<br />
chainsaw work, then I would advise<br />
you to look for someone with<br />
training. Private individuals do<br />
not require a certificate, but the<br />
Health and Safety Executive would<br />
recommend it. Courses can range<br />
from one to five days - for more<br />
details visit www.lantra.co.uk<br />
Here are a few other safety tips:<br />
Make sure you are fit and well<br />
before handling a chainsaw.<br />
Check the chain tension before<br />
you start work: too tight and it will<br />
wear quickly, too loose and it will<br />
derail and could cause an accident.<br />
Use both hands when starting a<br />
chainsaw, and always start it on the<br />
ground or on a stable surface.<br />
After use, remove the chain and<br />
store in a jar of chain oil.<br />
Spend time studying how a tree<br />
might fall, and plan which limb to<br />
remove first with your chainsaw.<br />
Never work alone.<br />
Make sure your chainsaw is<br />
large enough to tackle the branch<br />
thickness. Not all chainsaws are<br />
designed to tackle large tree trunks.<br />
Always keep your chainsaw below<br />
chest height, and don’t overeach as<br />
this would increase the risk of an<br />
accident if the machine kicks back.<br />
CONTACTS<br />
1 Husqvarna 135<br />
www.husqvarna.com/uk<br />
2 Makita EA3201 32cc<br />
Tel: +44 (0)1908 211678.<br />
www.makitauk.com<br />
3 Bosch AKE30Li<br />
www.mowdirect.co.uk<br />
4 Stihl MS 181<br />
www.stihl.co.uk<br />
In many cases, there are several versions of the<br />
chainsaws we have featured. I recommend you<br />
visit a dealer in order to feel the balance and<br />
weight if you are unsure which one will suit you. <br />
26 the english garden February 2013<br />
4<br />
Fuel efficient<br />
EDITOR’S<br />
CHOICE<br />
The Stihl MS 181 C-BE chainsaw has a 35cm bar and weighs 4.6kg. The power output is 1.5kw, and<br />
it seemed the most powerful of the group. This model ticked the box for comfort and ease-of-use<br />
and would suit those who are looking for a professional machine for home use. In short, it made<br />
light work of our tree. The advanced Stihl two-stroke engine reduces emissions by 70% and fuel<br />
consumption by 20%, which is obviously very appealing, and the long-life air-filter system will<br />
reduce regular maintenance. Shaun was wearing Stihl chainsaw protective trousers (£140), gloves<br />
(£31.25) and Aero light helmet set (£30).<br />
PRICE £300
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