During winter, working with chainsaws (both electric and petrol) can be challenging. As a result, world leading experts in forestry equipment, Husqvarna®, has pulled together a handy guide on its top tips for staying safe and productive when using chainsaws during the winter months.
FELLING WINTER TREES
Take extra precaution when felling trees when the temperature drops below zero, even softer tree types such as pine, spruce and leafy tree species turn hard and brittle.
In addition to this, chainsaw operators users should be extra careful when felling a tree if it is covered with snow. A snow-heavy crown can affect the centre of gravity of a tree so ensure a large hinge is left, plus, always try to fell in the direction of a tree’s natural lean.
FILING DURING WINTER
During the cold season, operators may need to file a chainsaw’s chain more often due to the hard and frozen wood on trees. By using a filing gauge from Husqvarna®, tree workers will not have to think about the angle of the cutting teeth to ensure excellent results. The gauge comes with two different settings – S for soft wood and H for frozen and hard wood – so it’s easy to get the depth gauges filed optimally for winter sawing.
USEFUL CHAINSAW PARTS
Two parts that come in handy for chainsaw users during the colder season is a cover for the starter housing and a winter air filter. As a result of using a winter cover, operators can reduce the risk of getting snow in the chainsaw’s engine, plus, a winter air filter will prevent a chainsaw’s filter from getting clogged up with ice.
KEEPING WARM
Husqvarna® personal protective equipment ensures arborists and forestry workers stay protected during winter, the garments are warm and assist with body temperatures being regulated. During cold weather, Husqvarna offers underwear, fleece jackets and vests to ensure tree care workers are kept warm.
In addition to this, Husqvarna offers chainsaw features and accessories that are extremely useful in the cold. For example, Husqvarna’s XP®G chainsaw range has heated handles that keep hands warm and dry whilst maintaining good blood circulation. The heating on the XP®G chainsaws is controlled by a thermostat which switches heat on and off at a certain temperature.
