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Posted (edited)

Hi all, new to the forum so be gentle with me! - hope I’ve posted this in the right section of the forum.

 

I’ve been reading a lot lately about top handles not being suitable for use on the ground - I’m still not exactly sure why, if they’re used with two hands all the time and caution applied whenever using one, engaging the brake, correct footing and the like, safety gear etc etc.

 

From what I’ve read, it’s a devisive topic, one which seems to me to point primarily to them being deemed dangerous because of the temptation to use them one handed which increases the risk of user injury, and lots of HSE legislation for arborists in business capacity - nothing about home users as they do so at their own risk I guess. I might add at this point, I have zero intention of ever using ANY chainsaw with one hand as I’m fully aware of the increased risk in doing so, therefore my top handle would only ever be used with two hands for sure as I’m not into the possibility of self harm.

 

My intended usage - well, it’s not for felling trees, mainly for pruning of some bushes with maybe 2-4”  branches such as overgrown buddleia and some other shrubs and small trees.

 

I bought the saw in the title because I already own Makita 18v kit with 5.0ah batteries which are compatible with the saw in question as it takes two of them in series. It has a 25cm bar and seems a very solid bit of kit - I paid around £140 for it brand new from an authorised dealer and was attracted by the compact size and weight and 3 yr warranty - granted it might not be the choice of the professional, but for me as a home user, its seemed like a good deal and it was a fraction of the price of a similar “body only” 36v rear handled Makita.

 

Now I do get the argument that a rear handle is safer on the ground, but are top handles really that much more dangerous if used to exacting safety standards? - I’m kind of at a loss as to why a top handle in the canopy is any safer than using it on the ground and vice-versa for using a rear on the ground or in a canopy.

 

To me, call me an amateur which is what I am when it comes to chainsaws, but isn’t ANY chainsaw lethal if used incorrectly?

 

I’d appreciate any thoughts you guys might have on this one, and if any of you have any experience with the specific Makita model I’ve bought.

 

 Maybe I should add that I’m not a complete novice when it comes to working with dangerous power tools - I use a compound mitre saw on a regularly basis, electric planers, most wood working tools that can take a hand or finger off without proper precautions, so I’m not a stranger to danger…..

 

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

O

IMG_0552.jpeg

Edited by Steviejones133
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Posted

Of course it can be used on the ground.  Some people have a dickie fit if they see a top handle in use on the ground.  If you've got multiple saws, it makes sense not to use a top handle as a ground saw, as the potential for blunting is greater on the ground.  I've got a makita top handle.  Don't use it that often,  as it's not as powerful as my ms200t and not as light as my little echo. It's ok though. Electric is probably a good choice for an occasional user. Petrol saws don't like long periods of being idle

  • Like 2
Posted

I'd echo that, battery saws are great - maybe not as powerful as a petrol saw for the same ££ but win hands down for convenience for smaller jobs - especially for occasional use. Great if you are using them in the garden and don't want to use the neighbours with a petrol saw and noise. For what you want 4" pruning you wouldn't notice any difference. Keep the chain sharp.

 

With that size of branch you'd probably get quite a lot done before you need to charge the batteries too.

 

For top handled, your hands are a bit closer together so a little less control - hands further apart gives a bit more control, but by itself this is not a dangerous hold.

  • Like 1
Posted

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I understood that most rear handle saws run at the same speed, it's the torque that varies.  However top handle saws run at a faster chain speed as designed for small dia cuts, but top handle and faster chain speed increase risk of kickback.

So hence not recommended where you don't need to be using one, but no one is going to stop you if that's what you want to do and you seem aware of the risks

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Thanks for the replies fella’s!

 

I purposely went for a cordless Makita battery saw because it kinda fitted in with the rest of the kit I have, and the fact that my usage of the saw will be fairly minimal in reality - I don’t expect I’ll need to be running it for several hours at a time like a professional surgeon would do - kinda felt a petrol saw would be overkill for my usage.

 

From the spec of the saw I bought, the chain runs at 0-20.6m/s or 0-1,240m/min - don’t know how that compares to other saws mind you. It doesn’t state torque values though….

 

Obviously reading up on the use of chainsaws, I’m aware that kickback can be dangerous, and I imagine it can happen with any saw wether top or rear handle - I guess rear handles with the handle spacing and grip give additional control over top handles - my thoughts on this would be to treat every cut made with the approach that it could kick back at any time, both hands with firm grip ALL the time - treat it with the respect that it commands as ultimately it can cause serious injury - the old adage of “fail to prepare - prepare to fail”.

Edited by Steviejones133
Posted

For kickback, so long as you arent cutting with the tip of the saw the risk is reduced. From what you say, cutting at the middle of the flat edge will work for you.

 

Sounds like you are sensible but if you haven't considered them then eye protection (a helmet with a mesh visor), head protection, gloves and leg protection could also be on the shopping list. Battery, no need for ear protection.

 

 

As for speed, a petrol and battery chainsaw can both get the same chain speeds (outside of the wood), petrol generally keeps that speed higher for longer in thicker pieces of wood... but for small stuff - your 4" - both should keep their chain speeds pretty high and similar cutting times. If you ever watch youtube the speed test videos are never on thin branches... So I wouldn't worry about that

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

@Steven P - thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

 

I noticed that the Oregon chain that came with the saw is a low kickback type, so should help I guess. Also not cutting with the tip of the bar is duly noted. I’ve been reading up a lot and trying to learn as much as possible, so every nugget of knowledge is great to share.

 

I was just looking at safety wear when I recalled my good old dad used to use a chainsaw regularly but he’s hung up his sawing boots so to speak, at almost 80 he neither wants to or feels comfortable using like he did.

 

Fortunately for me, both he and I are of a similar build and he has some shtill trousers and gloves, helmet with mesh face guard and ear muffs which he’s kindly going to donate to me, so that’s some ways to improved safety. I was looking to buy some, but wow - they’re not exactly cheap. Then again, what price can you put on not losing a leg or hand. 👍

 

 

IMG_0554.jpeg
 

Edited by Steviejones133
  • Like 1
Posted

All good advice from everyone above. I too have a top handle Makita battery saw, and for certain jobs, it's great. When you don't cut continuously, and not more than about 4" diameter, batteries last well.

Start logging 6" plus stems continually, and six 6Ah batteries won't keep you going, even with a twin charger. It's not designed for that. 

I love mine, for trimming up fallen branches into manageable lumps, or pruning small branches, it's great. 

  • Like 1
Posted
On 09/07/2025 at 23:33, Steviejones133 said:

Hi all, new to the forum so be gentle with me! - hope I’ve posted this in the right section of the forum.

 

I’ve been reading a lot lately about top handles not being suitable for use on the ground - I’m still not exactly sure why, if they’re used with two hands all the time and caution applied whenever using one, engaging the brake, correct footing and the like, safety gear etc etc.

 

From what I’ve read, it’s a devisive topic, one which seems to me to point primarily to them being deemed dangerous because of the temptation to use them one handed which increases the risk of user injury, and lots of HSE legislation for arborists in business capacity - nothing about home users as they do so at their own risk I guess. I might add at this point, I have zero intention of ever using ANY chainsaw with one hand as I’m fully aware of the increased risk in doing so, therefore my top handle would only ever be used with two hands for sure as I’m not into the possibility of self harm.

 

My intended usage - well, it’s not for felling trees, mainly for pruning of some bushes with maybe 2-4”  branches such as overgrown buddleia and some other shrubs and small trees.

 

I bought the saw in the title because I already own Makita 18v kit with 5.0ah batteries which are compatible with the saw in question as it takes two of them in series. It has a 25cm bar and seems a very solid bit of kit - I paid around £140 for it brand new from an authorised dealer and was attracted by the compact size and weight and 3 yr warranty - granted it might not be the choice of the professional, but for me as a home user, its seemed like a good deal and it was a fraction of the price of a similar “body only” 36v rear handled Makita.

 

Now I do get the argument that a rear handle is safer on the ground, but are top handles really that much more dangerous if used to exacting safety standards? - I’m kind of at a loss as to why a top handle in the canopy is any safer than using it on the ground and vice-versa for using a rear on the ground or in a canopy.

 

To me, call me an amateur which is what I am when it comes to chainsaws, but isn’t ANY chainsaw lethal if used incorrectly?

 

I’d appreciate any thoughts you guys might have on this one, and if any of you have any experience with the specific Makita model I’ve bought.

 

 Maybe I should add that I’m not a complete novice when it comes to working with dangerous power tools - I use a compound mitre saw on a regularly basis, electric planers, most wood working tools that can take a hand or finger off without proper precautions, so I’m not a stranger to danger…..

 

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

O

IMG_0552.jpeg

I have the exact same saw, bought it mainly for the missus to use, after suitable instruction,like yourself I have plenty of makita 18v batteries already, keep it sharp, keep it oiled, and clean it ready for use after each session and it will serve you well, I asked our resident climber to give it a try and he was impressed with its performance, it's never going to outclass a Stihl, or Echo but then it never set out to. equip yourself with the same ppe as any chainsaw and you'll be good to go.

  • Like 1

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