Diesel Chainsaw on its way

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Just a rumour, but I heard today (from someone who doesn't BS much) that a compression-ignition engine chainsaw has been tested (not in the UK) and more to the point it principally runs on veg oil. It is developed from the model glow-plug type engines, has no need of the ignition system obviously, not sure about fuel induction although it is definately a 2-stroke. Will post more info if I hear it although that might be a head-roll for someone!

[Megatron]

Diesel chainsaws have actually been tried before;

Chain Saw Collectors Corner

 

 

Haven't heard about anything diesel related on the horizon but fuel injection is already here...

 

Stihl have recently released the TS500i cut off saw, which has fuel injection;

STIHL Online Catalog

[skyhuck]

I think batteries are what we need.

[fergusonforestry]

i once heard a rumor of a 4t saw at one point to but have heard no more?

[Rich2484]

There's no way I'm hauling a v8chainsaw about. Lol

[leedeerman]

I 2nd batteries, they are the future, not good enough at the moment tho, Had a Makita 36v top handle fell well short of the mark in every way.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

That's interesting please keep posted on this. Hydrogen powered with Lazer cutting could be the future? No chain sharpening!!

[Rich2484]

I say bring back the axe and two man hand saw. Should be fun and make a job last longer.....

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

I think batteries are what we need.

 

I 2nd batteries, they are the future, not good enough at the moment tho, Had a Makita 36v top handle fell well short of the mark in every way.

 

Clean (er than veg smoke!) and quiet but not favourable in life-cycle analysis; construction and environmental disposal of batteries more of a headache than you'd think. A goosed engine block is inert and recyclable within current infrastructure.

[morten]

I believe that neither diesel, nor battery powered chainsaws will ever become mainstream for professional users.

 

The reasons:

 

Diesel: Weight. Diesel engines have to be heavier given the power requirements.

 

Battery: Bulk, weight, power, price and recharge time. Bulk is getting better and may be fixed with new battery technologies (lithium-ion or newer technologies). Weight is getting better. Power can be achieved (look at the Tesla car), but at the cost of bulk and extremely high costs. But recharge time is going to be a problem. A pro saw have to be powered by a 3.5 HP = 2900 watt engine. You'll get about 5 minutes running time (at best) on a battery pack, and recharge time will be 30 minutes minimum. This means you can work 10 minutes every hour, or you'll have to have 6 battery packs for your saw AND have access to a recharger on the work-site.

 

Don't believe it until I see it.

 

For home owner saws with low power requirements and low duty cycle, sure. But never for pro users operating far from electrical sockets.