Choosing a power saw. Direct or transverse engine?
- 03 May 2021 11:30:17
Electric chain saws are an ideal solution for owners of suburban areas or those who want to trim or harvest wood for the winter without any extra effort. Such devices occupy a place of honor among tools for home use, so manufacturers are constantly expanding their selection, and thereby complicating the task for buyers. In this regard, in this article we will help you understand the question “which electric saw to choose, with a longitudinal or transverse motor?” As you already understand, there are two types of motor placement in electric saws: longitudinal and transverse. You can determine what type of arrangement is on the model you have chosen with the naked eye. Mentally draw a straight line along the tire. If the electric motor is located along the length, then it is a longitudinal type tool, if perpendicular, it is a transverse type. Chain saws with a transverse electric motor have a slightly shifted center of gravity, and therefore, during operation, it will be necessary to constantly maintain balance. Most of all, this unit is suitable for working in vertical planes (cutting from top to bottom). Therefore, if you plan to cut logs, then feel free to choose this type of electric saw. This saw can also handle tree trimming with ease, but be prepared for the engine to hit branches. Main advantages:
- No kickback when turned on;
- Full power transfer to the chain (100%);
- Light weight;
- Increased chain dynamics;
- Gaining momentum quickly;
- High speed and productivity.
Devices with a longitudinal arrangement have more compact dimensions, they are distinguished by maneuverability and the ability to perform the necessary work at different angles. This unit is ideal for pruning trees and bushes in various places. Another advantage is the perfect balance. The center of gravity of this type of tool is located in the center. Therefore, when working with a file, you will not be “led to the side”, and your hands will not be tense. With such a saw, you can perform various manipulations, both in the horizontal and vertical planes. As practice has shown, these types of saws have a greater selection and availability of spare parts. But it is worth considering the disadvantages:
- High price level;
- Heavy weight;
- A bevel gear is installed, which eats up part of the power (efficiency factor 85-90%);
Which electric saw is more reliable and of better quality? The design with a transverse arrangement has a simpler design; it is not equipped with an angular gearbox, which allows you to rotate the axis of rotation. As reviews from experienced users and advanced craftsmen show, a simple gearbox has more reliable gears, which can significantly increase the service life of the unit. Thus, it is worth concluding that electric saws with a transverse motor have a longer service life and are less prone to breakdowns. But, I would like to note that the reliability of the tool also depends on the manufacturer. It is no secret that an expensive and high-quality saw, despite the placement of an electric motor, will be much better than one made from cheap materials and spare parts. As sales practice and experience in servicing and repairing electric saws show, the availability of spare parts for electric saws with a transverse motor is not always on sale! In conclusion, I would like to note that when choosing an electric saw, be guided by the answer to the question: “What exactly will I use the saw for?” If you need a tool for cutting branches on trees at different angles, for frequent work cutting logs, then opt for a compact and straight saw with a longitudinal motor. But, if you are looking at a unit for infrequent use, then feel free to buy a highly productive tool with a transverse motor. Where to buy electric chain saws inexpensively? The online store “House of Tools” presents to your attention a wide selection of garden tools at the best prices.
Call the indicated phone numbers and experienced consultants will help you make your choice. Place an order right now and receive the goods at the best price, with a guarantee and delivery throughout Ukraine. ← How to choose a manual electric trimmer? | How to choose the right starter charger for your car? → On sale you can find electric saws with a transverse and longitudinal motor. Structurally, the engines are completely different, which cannot but affect the specifics of using the tool, its productivity and ease of use.
It is not possible to unequivocally answer the question which option is preferable and more convenient to use. First, a detailed comparative analysis of both options should be carried out, on the basis of which certain conclusions will be drawn.
The right balance
A properly balanced tool has a center of gravity firmly in the middle. This electric saw is easy to use. It doesn’t get pulled to the sides, and you don’t have to strain your arm muscles to hold the instrument or redistribute its weight. The correct balance is characteristic primarily of electric saws in which the motor has a longitudinal arrangement. The tool becomes a kind of extension of the hand and is optimally suited for working in hard-to-reach places, in different planes and at any angles.
Areas of application for electric chain saws
The chain saw is used wherever there is a large volume of sawing work:
— dismantling of wooden buildings and structures.
Some people use a chain saw to trim the limbs, although it is better to use a reciprocating saw for this task - it is both more convenient and safer.
Power
When choosing a saw with an electric drive, power is one of the most significant indicators. But even with the same power parameter, a tool with a transverse and longitudinal motor does not behave identically. The reason lies in the design differences of the engines.
The engine gearbox with a longitudinal arrangement is equipped with a bevel gear, which partially neutralizes the power, not fully transmitting it to the saw bar. In this regard, the efficiency decreases to an average of 85%.
Saws with a transverse motor do not have this problem; as a result, the motor transmits its power 100%.
Due to the loss of power during the sawing process, many of the world's leading manufacturers completely abandon the production of saws with a longitudinal motor.
Electric chain saw
Power
The power of an electric chain saw motor typically ranges from 1500-2200 W. A more powerful electric motor is not so sensitive to voltage drops in the network and can more easily withstand increased loads. Also (as with a chainsaw), the more powerful the saw's engine, the larger the bar you can use. And accordingly, large diameters of material should be sawed. Maximum power is characteristic of professional electric saws, which are designed for large volumes of complex work, for example, industrial logging.
Thickness
The standard chain pitch for a power saw is 3/8 inch. An increase in this indicator will require more engine power. In addition, large thickness affects the quality of the cut of the material, which is unacceptable, for example, during carpentry work.
Tire length
The depth of cut directly depends on the length of the bar. The longer the bar, the thicker the tree the electric saw can cut with one cut. The standard length for an electric saw bar can be considered 30-40 cm. This length is quite enough to solve most household problems.
Engine location
Electric chain saws differ in the location of the engine - longitudinal or transverse. A tool with a transverse engine is more convenient for vertical cutting. In other positions it is not very convenient to work with it (many models do not have high-quality balancing). Saws with a longitudinal arrangement are more expensive, but they also allow you to work comfortably in different positions and planes. Their design itself provides for better balancing.
Chain brake
Lubrication system
Most modern models of electric saws are equipped with an automatic chain lubrication system. This option greatly simplifies tool maintenance. The oil pump of the lubrication system automatically turns on with the engine and turns off with it when work is completed. The user only needs to monitor the presence of lubricant through a special window and top it up on time.
Which location is better depending on the tasks at hand?
When choosing a saw, the main thing you should focus on is the goal to achieve which the equipment is purchased.
If you plan to use the saw to form the crown of bushes or cut branches directly from trees, the choice should be made in favor of a compact model with a longitudinal slide. It is extremely mobile and indispensable when working in hard-to-reach places. It can be used at any angle and in any position.
For standard sawing of logs for subsequent chopping into firewood, a model with a transverse position is better suited. Such a saw is not only more powerful and lighter, but also cheaper in cost.
An important warning for drivers who are just learning the principles of a car and are trying to repair components and mechanisms with their own hands. Do not confuse concepts such as cylinder numbering and firing order.
Transverse engine
Saws with this engine position are on sale more than their “rivals” and, accordingly, are most common among their users. And there is a simple explanation for this: they, other things being equal, simply cost less, which often happens, and oh, how important.
Cross saw
In general, saws with a transverse engine are designed for vertical sawing. Their balancing is not ideal and in many situations the engine sticking out to the side is uncomfortably outweighed. However, as usual, in the absence of a maid, we fool the queen.
Those. a transverse engine is not a problem, but nothing more than a matter of habit and strong hands - I personally have a saw with a transverse engine position and somehow I don’t suffer too much from it. What I bought is good...
What determines the numbering of engine cylinders?
However, it is important to know that whatever the engine layout and cylinder arrangement, cylinder No. 1 - the main cylinder, always contains spark plug No. 1.
Naturally, this is the order in which the cylinders of any engine are numbered. What determines the location and numbering of engine cylinders:
- drive type: front or rear;
- engine type: in-line or V-shaped;
- engine installation method: transverse or longitudinal;
- direction of motor rotation: clockwise or counterclockwise.
The arrangement of cylinders in multi-cylinder engines is as follows:
- vertically - that is, in one row, without angular deviations;
- obliquely – at an angle of 20°;
- V-shaped - in two rows. The angles between rows can be 90 or 75 degrees;
- opposite (horizontal) – the angle between the cylinders is 180°. This arrangement of cylinders is used in bus engines, which allows the engine to be placed under the floor of the passenger compartment, freeing up usable space.
Characteristics of electric chain saws
The greater the power of the saw, the higher its productivity and the faster it will cut the same timber. But this does not mean that you should choose a saw that is as powerful as possible. Power saws are heavier and significantly more expensive, so choose a saw based on the task at hand.
If you plan to cut thick logs (30 cm or more in diameter), then you will need a saw with a long bar and a power of 2 kW or more.
If such tasks are not expected, a power of 1500 - 2000 W will be quite enough.
Saws with a power of less than 1500 W are only suitable for sawing small parts and trimming branches.
The engine location can be longitudinal or transverse. With a transverse arrangement, the drive sprocket is located directly on the engine axis - the design is simpler, more reliable and cheaper. But with this arrangement, the engine protrudes strongly to the side, which can lead to certain inconveniences - such a saw is more difficult to operate in cramped conditions. In addition, due to the uneven distribution of weight, it can be pulled to the side during operation.
Saws with a longitudinal arrangement do not have these disadvantages, but are more expensive.
The length of the bar determines the maximum cutting depth. The longer the tire, the thicker the log or timber can be cut. Of course, if the length of the bus is supported by the appropriate power.
When buying a saw from a well-known manufacturer, you don’t have to think about this - a company that values its reputation will not equip a low-power saw with a long bar. But if there are doubts about the correspondence between the length of the bus and the power, then you should be guided by the fact that the optimal power for a 40 cm bus is 2 kW, 35 cm is 1800 W. Saws with lower power are usually equipped with a 30 cm bar.
The width of the bar groove determines the thickness of the guide elements of the saw chain and characterizes the strength and wear resistance of the chain. For household saws not intended for high loads, saw chains with thin guides are used.
Chains experiencing high loads have thicker guide elements.
Chain pitch is half the distance between any three rivets. The chain pitch determines the length of the chain teeth and affects the performance of the saw and the cleanliness of the cut.
Numbering of cylinders on different types of engines
As such, there is no strict international system for the location and numbering of engine cylinders. And that's bad. Therefore, before you begin any type of repair of the engine or ignition system, immerse yourself in the Operating and Repair Instructions for your particular car.
Rear-wheel drive 4- and 6-row engines in the USA have a master cylinder number 1 from the radiator, the remaining cylinders are numbered towards the passenger compartment. But there is also reverse numbering, when the master cylinder is considered to be the one closest to the passenger compartment.
For French engines, cylinder numbering occurs on the gearbox side. And the numbering of the cylinders of V-shaped engines comes from the right side, i.e. on the torque side.
Front-wheel drive cars typically have a transversely mounted engine. Here the cylinders are numbered on one side, and cylinder No. 1 is located on the passenger side.
V-twin multi-cylinder engines have the driver's side master cylinder in the bank closest to the passenger compartment. Then there are the odd-numbered engine cylinders, and on the opposite side (closer to the radiator) there are the even-numbered ones.
Therefore, in order to ensure that you are not completely confused due to the lack of a unified international standard for the location and numbering of engine cylinders, use the manufacturer’s Operating Manual.
Good luck learning the numbering and arrangement of engine cylinders.
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How to choose a chainsaw. what to look for when purchasing and examples of good options
The chain saw has long been popular as a tool for small sawmills. To refuel it, you do not need to buy expensive fuel, as for gasoline analogues, but it is very convenient to use. This is a great option for short-term sawing of firewood or cutting branches, and the tool is always in sight and you just need to plug the plug into the socket to get started.
How to choose a saw with enough functions and not overpay extra? We will try to answer this question by considering the main characteristics of a quality tool.
Electric saw helps cut down small amounts of wood
Do you need an electric saw?
Before you start looking at specific models, you should determine if the tool is right for you. Chainsaws may be a different story. Some people like it, others don't. No. In most cases, negative attitudes are due to the wrong choice of tool type. For example, an electric saw is unlikely to cope with hours of cutting down trees. this can only be done with a professional chainsaw. Availability of cable. Another disadvantage of an electric tool is that it is tied to a power source. However, an electric saw can be your indispensable assistant in several cases:
- if you prefer to work indoors. house, barn or garage. In confined spaces, using gasoline tools that emit fumes can be dangerous.
- if you just don't want to pollute the environment with emissions from a gasoline engine. In this regard, the electric saw does not pose any threat. This is the most environmentally friendly tool.
- if the amount of work on site is small and cutting tools are not required regularly.
- if there are no problems with the length of the cord and the availability of an electrical outlet.
READ Cutting Disc for Metal on a Miter Saw
The device can be used indoors
With the above factors in place, you can proceed with choosing the right electric saw.
How to choose a chain saw based on engine power
Engine power is the first thing to pay attention to. This characteristic can vary significantly, but on average it is 1000-2100 W. Not only the performance of the saw, but also its durability depends on power. Assess the stability of the voltage in the electrical network, and if its surges are frequent, you should give preference to a more powerful device. This is because when the voltage drops, the motor will not be able to produce rated power and, as a result, will quickly overheat.
Comparison of electric Makita p.3
Makita electric saw comparison In this video we will look at the 2nd electric saw
Makita with
longitudinal
and
transverse
.
Choosing electric saws depending on engine location
AllInstrumentovy.ru will tell you about the types of chain electric pellets and their use. Title link:.
With electric parma M you don't need to worry about voltage stability
If the electric saw device provides a thermal control system, the tool simply turns off; if not, a short circuit and breakdown of the tool may occur. By the way, having this system with unstable voltage is also not a panacea, since the saw will be turned off too often, which significantly reduces work productivity. Thus, the more powerful the motor you choose, the less you will have to worry about the mains voltage. For example, the Parma M universal electric saw with a 2 kW motor does not lose its performance in the range of 198-224 V. This electric saw receives only positive feedback on its performance.
READ How much oil to pour into a walk-behind tractor engine
Is the engine design transverse or longitudinal?
The choice of electric saw may also depend on the location of the motor in the structure. With a transverse arrangement, when the axis of the engine is perpendicular to the bar, the center of gravity of the saw will be shifted. There will be a slight imbalance at work, so the balance of the saw will have to be constantly adjusted. Longitudinal arrangement
engine is more convenient. The entire design will be a flat line, which gives the saw greater maneuverability and allows you to position the bar when working at different angles. The longitudinal motor is equipped with a Gardena CSI 4020-X saw, which is perfectly balanced and therefore comfortable to work with.
Gardena CSI 4020-X with longitudinal engine
Adjusting chain tension
Caring for an electric saw requires adjusting the chain tension. Sometimes when the chain starts to sag, it needs to be pulled. This is most often done using a wrench to tighten the nuts. However, in today's modern models, the STIHL MSE 140 C-BQ has a convenient chain tensioning system. To do this, there is a lever on the side panel of the case that allows you to easily adjust the tension.
Chain tension system in the STIHL MSE 140 C-BQ electric saw
Soft engine start
When starting and braking the engine, a shock dose of current occurs through its winding, which does not have the greatest effect on its condition. To protect the engine from such extreme loads, the best electric saws from well-known manufacturers are equipped with a soft start system that reduces the dose of starting current, gradually accelerating the engine.
READ Electric Circular Saws for Wood
Choosing an electric chain saw
Using a chain device, you can easily and quickly cut a tree, prepare firewood, or trim excess branches from trees.
Electric models are lightweight, environmentally friendly and simple; chainsaws outperform them in such parameters as mobility and operating time.
Electric motors heat up quickly, so it is not advisable to use them for a long time. Electric saws depend on the availability of a network and are limited by the length of the cord, although manufacturers have overcome this disadvantage by equipping the devices with a battery.
Gasoline units can operate even in deep forests; they are not afraid of wet weather and engine overheating, but they require constant fuel costs.
One of the main requirements for any tools is their ergonomics. The power saw should fit comfortably in your hands. Otherwise, you will get tired quickly and your productivity will be quite low.
Types of power saws
Depending on the location of the motor, electric chain saws are divided into 2 types.
With a transverse engine. Such tools are mainly used for vertical cutting. A transverse engine increases the width of the device by an order of magnitude.
Electric saws with a transverse arrangement are used, as a rule, for periodic work and are characterized by low cost.
Saws with a longitudinal engine are more expensive due to the conical shape of the gearbox, but they have a long service life and greater productivity due to optimal balancing of the saw.
Such tools are considered universal: they can be used to cut wood in any direction and at any angle.
Specifications
Power . The speed and performance of the tool, as well as its price, directly depend on this parameter. The higher the power, the faster the electric saw will cope with the work. Powerful machines cut wood of any density and hardness, but some materials may be too tough for budget tools.
The power of saws can range from 1000 to 4000 watts or more. For household needs, a device with a rating of 1000-2000 W is sufficient, but for professionals it is better to buy a tool with ratings of 2000 W or more.
When using devices with a power of 1500 W or more, an uninterrupted supply of electricity with a stable voltage is required. Some electrical networks may simply not be able to withstand the requirements of modern units, and voltage surges and power reductions, if they do not immediately damage the saw, will definitely shorten its service life.
Guide bar length. The element on which the cutting chain is attached can have different lengths: most household models have tires from 25 to 40 cm long. Tires longer than 40 cm are usually installed on professional tools.
Number of chain links . Tools with a large number of links are used, as a rule, for delicate work.
Chain pitch. This is the distance between the three riveted links of the chain. The indicator is measured in inches and can vary greatly between budget and professional models. For example, chains with an indicator of 1/4ꞌꞌ are typical for cheap and unreliable tools. A chain pitch of 3/8ꞌꞌ or 0.325ꞌꞌ is found in most models from well-known manufacturers intended for amateur use. Chains with a pitch of 1/4ꞌꞌ and 0.325ꞌꞌ create less vibration, but the teeth dull quite quickly. But the indicators 3/4ꞌꞌ and 0.404ꞌꞌ are typical for expensive professional tools, with which you can perform fairly large-scale and complex work.
Cutting depth. This indicator is directly related to the power and length of the guide bar. The higher these parameters are, the thicker the logs the device can handle. In cheap models, the cutting depth does not exceed 200 mm, while in expensive professional machines this figure can be up to 450 mm.
