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by Editors of Consumer Reports
A total of 25 gas and electric chainsaws from ten major brands are rated and ranked based on objective tests of cutting speed, safety, ease of use and ease of maintenance. The ratings chart also specifies… whether or not the chainsaw has any of eleven desirable features. Though the editors encourage the use of electric chainsaws, only two of the six "best buy" models are electric. Oddly, editors don't rate chainsaws for sound level, or even specify it in decibels. We also found one mistake in the specifications; Poulan Pro confirms that their 400E lacks an anti-vibration handle. Some models have been discontinued, but this is not indicated on the Consumer Reports site.
by Michael Springer
This review puts nine of the most powerful electric chainsaws through objective tests that include cutting two sizes of square timbers -- one the same size used by Consumer Reports, plus one three inches… larger. Chain brakes are tested to see if they activate easily by inertia; only three models pass this test. Each chainsaw is also tested for balance and grip torque; two models prove especially hard on the wrists. Michael Springer reports that the Stihl MSE 180 C-BQ "just seemed to get everything right," and names it his overall winner. Also at the top of his list are the Stihl MSE 220 and the Husqvarna 316 chains. This review is also useful since it clarifies quite a few model equivalencies (same chainsaw sold under a different brand name).
by Editors of Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
This review does a superb job of matching chainsaw model to both budget and type of use, providing an excellent buyer's guide along with tests of cutting ease. Nineteen chainsaws are tested and rated here;… most are corded electric chainsaws, two cordless and four gas models are also included. The testing team includes a Vermont logger who cuts 175 cords of firewood a year, as well as an acoustical expert and several experienced firewood cutters. The team tests and rates chainsaws in a "real life" situation, cutting hard maple firewood. Noise levels are measured both at 25 feet and at the user's ear. The editors report that "two stand out as exceptional chainsaws." The Husqvarna 316 is rated the quietest, and the Makita UC4000 gets the highest subjective cut rating. The review also recommends specific brands and models of essential safety gear.
by Roy Berendsohn
This review tests nine gas chainsaws with 18-inch bars and comparable power (about 45cc engines). Editors recommend this size as the most versatile even for homeowners, disagreeing with Consumer Reports,… which covers only two gas chainsaws this powerful. Popular Mechanics tests these big chainsaws for starting ease, power, balance and ease of maintenance -- especially out in the field during a cutting session. Top choices are clearly ranked, and the specifications chart includes decibels at idle and at full throttle. First place goes to the Stihl MS250 based on its excellent industrial design and simplicity, followed by the Husqvarna 345 for its power and smoothness of operation. The July 2007 issue briefly reviews the Stihl MS 280 C-BQ, judging it hard to start but praising its instant brake.
by Mike McClintock
by Neil Soderstrom and Ken Textor
by Gwendolyn Bounds
by Neil Soderstrom
This reviewer, the author of a book on chainsaw use and maintenance, tests three electric chainsaws at different price points but doesn't compare them with directly competing models. Based on the reviewer's… personal experience, the Stihl 180C is judged as powerful as a midsize gas chainsaw. The Remington is light and inexpensive but hardest to maintain, while the midrange Husqvarna 316 offers good safety features. A reader adds a detailed review of the 18-volt cordless Ryobi chainsaw.
by Contributors to Amazon.com
by Contributors to Sears.com
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Lowes publishes owners' ratings of the gas and electric chainsaws sold here, but not reviews. Despite the lack of detailed comments, the average ratings of gas chainsaws are quite useful because they're… based on many owners' experiences. At the time of this report, only one electric chainsaw has accumulated ratings. Among gas chainsaws, Husqvarna chainsaws get significantly higher ratings than Poulan Pro models.
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
The Home Depot publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the chainsaws sold here -- mostly Poulan Pro gas models, but also including at least one chainsaw each by Echo, Homelite, Remington and Ryobi.… Quite a few owners express disappointment in various Poulan chainsaws with starting and reliability problems; nor do Remington electric chainsaws get good ratings here. A Homelite chainsaw gets the best ratings but doesn't meet California emissions standards.
by Harry Sawyers
by Diana Forbes (aka Gadget Grrl)
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
by Wayne Murray and editors
by Contributors to GardenWeb.com
by Contributors to IronMiners.com
by Contributors to Epinions
by Contributors to LawnSite.com
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