PRODUCT TESTING


Pellenc Excelion


EGO Power Plus STX3800


Makita DUR365UZ


that has been offset - potentially useful information for local authorities and their contractors.


Chainsaws


As the school’s certificated operator was not available on the day of our test, manufacturers either demonstrated their saws or discussed them with the groundsmen.


Husqvarna 520iRX


Power and performance of the Makita, STIHL, Ego and Husqvarna models shown impressed our team - Husqvarna’s 535iXP model operates at 20m/sec, comparable to a similar petrol model. The groundsmen also commented on the light weight and balanced handling of the saws. Pellenc’s Selion powered pruner also drew a lot of interest - originally designed for specialist pruning in orchards, it offers a powerful alternative to a lopper, but does not require a chainsaw certificate. Pellenc’s range includes a top handled chainsaw, but as this design is aimed at professional arborists for tree climbing work rather than groundsmen, it was not presented on the day.


Andy envisaged one drawback of the compact, benign appearance of the electric chainsaw.


STIHL FSA 130


“Petrol chainsaws look quite daunting so an unqualified operator is unlikely to pick


CHAINSAWS Manufacturer


EGO Power Plus Husqvarna Makita STIHL 68 PC June/July 2019


electricity, whilst also showing the amount of C02


one up and ‘have a go’ - these look a lot more ‘friendly’ so you’d need to secure them in the workshop or out on site so that staff or even a member of the public didn’t get tempted.”


Brushcutters and trimmers


Makita’s split shaft DUX60Z and DUR 365UZ twin 18v brush cutters were praised for their simple design and light weight; both have an integrated battery so are easy to put on and wear. The two different handle systems - loop and cowhorn - appealed to different operators, and handling was slightly different as the twin 18v has the motor in the base. Two-button control was said to be easy to use, and the powerful operation was also singled out.


Good balance and ease of use were also picked out as features of the EGO STX 3800 and BC3800 brushcutter, the former with loop handle and the latter with cowhorn and both with backpack battery. One operator chose these as his overall favourite for its power, and the light weight was universally praised.


The complexity of the STIHL models when using them for small jobs was mentioned, but the well designed, comfortable harness made up for the extra weight. Some operators found that the blade got caught up in heavier material. Powerful operation was one of the


Model CS1400E 535iXP DUC355Z MSA 200


Weight (Kg)


3.7 2.6 4.7


Run time (mins)


<450 cuts <135 <550 cuts


3.3 45* 200**


Sound pressure dB(A)


86 93 87.7


Rated voltage


56 36 36


Bar length (cm)


35 35 35 84 36 35


Price (£) 165.83 300 132.50 258.33


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