Chainsaw Newbie - First time buyer, all advice welcome

[bvfservices]

Hi guys, newbie to chainsaws here. I've been extensively browsing this excellent forum reading up on all different types of chainsaws, equipment, techniques and training.

 

I've never used a chainsaw before, but i'm proficient in most things petrol-powered and their respective maintenance, usually doing all of my own maintenance and repairs. I use strimmers, my trusty husky hedgecutter, my push mower, wee Kemp chipper and various other tools that require good old common sense and maintenance!

 

Looking for my first ever chainsaw is proving to be a bit of a headache. I'm sure the best choice for a novice like me would be a new, unabused Husky 135. Seems to tick all of the boxes, and the best deal seems to be online, so i'm assuming i'd be in charge of the pdi, as online would save me £50 over my local dealers, not to be sniffed at, really.

 

Would be buying this to tentatively train myself, starting out with fallen trees with permission and light (snedding..?) work .

 

 

Just looking for ideas and tips from you seasoned professional gents, first safety gear ideas etc, as all i have at the moment are a well worn pair of gloves and ear defenders.

 

Many thanks in advance, gents

[Stubby]

By the best pro saw you can afford because after a short time you will want something more powerful and faster . Pro saws are not more " dangerous " than home owner saws just because they cut faster , in fact they are safer in my opinion . The higher up the ladder you start the less money you will waste on the way up

[Starscream]

Sound advice from stubby. Get yourself some trousers as a must and prob grab a helmet/visor setup. Check in at FR Jones for good prices on saws.

[briquette_seller]

Buy local.

[the village idiot]

Full PPE is a must I reckon. Chainsaws can do funny things sometimes, as can trees both standing and fallen. Even the most experienced cutters get a surprise from time to time.

 

As already mentioned chainsaw trousers/chaps and a helmet with visor are essential. I never use a saw without my chainsaw boots on either. Chainsaw gloves are probably a good idea too while you gain more experience.

 

It's all a bit boring talking PPE but, as you can probably tell, I have taken some robust knocks to the noggin in the woods over the years and have given thanks every time to the Dark Lord that I had my lid on.

[Taupotreeman]

If you're new to chainsaws get yourself on a basic chainsaw course would be my recommendation. Something learnt might save your life one day.

[Stubby]

Full PPE

 

 

As shown in his avatar

[the village idiot]

Full PPE

 

 

As shown in his avatar

 

It's kept me alive thus far Stubby, although I have been severely beaten up on quite a few occasions.

[bvfservices]

Thanks guys for all the great responces, i'm in no rush to dive right in so i'll start saving up for the saw, probably go fr jones for the good prices and maybe get all the obligatory BDSM medieval PPE at the same that Mr. Village was talking about

 

Thanks again, has given me a lot to think about guys

[peatff]

The higher up the ladder you start the less money you will waste on the way up

 

Don't send him up a ladder with a saw Stubby, you'll get into trouble I wear bib and brace Husqvarna trousers and a helmet off ebay but it surprised me in the bad habits thread how many pros say they are guilty of not wearing PPE on a regular basis. I bought a 135 online from World of Power and it came assembled and had been run and drained before shipping. I also bought a cheap old Stihl 036 on gumtree and did a few repairs and it's a good saw.