Cutting back trees with battery powered chainsaws.

[@williamwilliam728]

Your advice on the PPE and especially the face shield was awesome. I used to coach ice hockey and one of the kids fathers' chainsaw bucked backward and hit his face. He sustained over 150 stitches to his cheek and eyebrow. Life changing event from a traumatic experience and from a cosmetic aspect. Chainsaws don't just cut, they tear or rip apart the material, flesh included!

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

LOL! Stuart: starting at ~10:35, you turn around to the camera and say, "this is a bigger job than I expected". Thing is, when you showed us earlier what was back there, I thought to myself, "Whoa! THAT'S a quagmire of interwoven chaos!" It's not just the abundance of branches, it's how they interlace and tangle each other that REALLY adds the "fun" in such projects. (Been there, done that). Oh, and I immediately doubted the battery life of those saws would get you through in one go.

[@robertmadden7536]

Great video, nice explanation of compression and tension. In my job in Australia we use the three cut method of pruning trees. We start out along the branch, first cut under the branch to ease the compression and to stop the bark ripping along and down the trunk. Then top cut to remove the branch and most of the weight. Last cut is a clearing cut back close to the trunk for a nice finish and also allow the healing wood to grow over the scar for the trees ongoing protection.

[@johnwilson3967]

Stuart. Regarding chainsaw safety, having sharp teeth is important. I have a small Stihl petrol saw and need to file the teeth around twice for every three petrol fills, depending on what I am cutting. Stihl makes a handy sharpening file for this purpose.

[@simonr1568]

Hi Stuart. The rotten timber is second to none as a wildlife habitat. It could be stacked up and shoved in a dark corner of the garden next time. Love your videos!

[@crazykittenvideos855]

I have a small electric chainsaw and was given some training from a neighbour who has worked with petrol chainsaws for many years. He was actually very impressed with the electric one because of the noise reduction as not running continuously. Mine is a mains corded one so not as convenient as yours but great for me. I was told to hold the chainsaw close to a surface to see the oil getting thrown from the blade, just checks it is flowing correctly before cutting. Chain tension should be checked regularly as can change once everything is hot or if something has moved at all with use. Great video , keep them coming!

[@kroneditor9266]

We use Stihl Battery products now in preference to the 2-stroke options. We have a battery mower, strimmer, hedge trimmer, blower and a couple of the higher power batteries. Fantastic kit and works just as well without the noise and hassle. Just brilliant and can't recommend highly enough.

[@jandudl74]

Don't know about stihl batteries, but i had a stiga battery leaf blower and lawn mower. After about 4 years both batteries broke and i could not buy them anywhere! The new types did not fit in the older ones. So i coulth throw away both! I am a Makita fan, have a bunch of 18v batteries of them. So next time when i needs something battery powered, i buy Makita stuff. They wil sell these battteries for ages!

[@jonnygb4902]

Hi Stuart, enjoying your content, checking your hedges and trees for birds nest, at this time of year, before you start trimming, is really important, it helps or dwindling bird population. I'm sure you did. Next time you do any trimming I would be grateful if you would mention it to your views. From a Bird fancier of all kinds! Keep you the great DIY !

[@AndyHasAdventures]

Fantastic content as usual Stuart! Excellent advice on the PPE and the proper education before handling a chain saw. Keep up the great work!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@emdotdee]

I like how even though this is basically an advert that you actually show you using the product and properly completing a task with excellent advice. Certain other channels just show off the fact they’ve been given some nice freebies and devalue their channels in the process.

[@tepidtuna7450]

Great video. Very good bit of kit. I thought I'd share a little of my own experience. I've used chainsaws on and off for about 40 years. I've used 2 stroke chainsaws and they can be cantankerous and heavy but do have good power. I last used an Ozito electric chainsaw, about 1800W, approx. 2.5 HP. While not hugely powerful, the torque of the motor pulled through everything. Power is speed through a log, so unless you are charging a customer by the hour this was a cheap and cheerful solution. It ran on the mains and got through the work quickly. I now have a Stihl electric lawnmower, professional grade, with a motor to drive the wheels when required. I'm so happy with it as it gets through everything and takes 10 mins to recharge. I will certainly buy a Stihl chainsaw when I next need one.

[@DiHandley]

I’m very impressed Stuart. Some absolutely rock solid advice on how to use a chainsaw. Especially concerning tensions in branches you plan to cut. We live on a large Australian farm and using a chainsaw is a weekly chore. Trees across fence lines, firewood etc. my favourite chainsaw used to be my 40cc Husqvarna. But these days my AEG battery chainsaw is my go to tool of choice. Happy chopping!

[@welshbumble]

Used chainsaws for over 50 years, always treat them like the enemy. Never had any serious accidents.

[@ProperDIY]

That is a good way of looking at them

[@a5pin]

you typed that very well, with the three fingers you have left 🙂

[@welshbumble]

@@a5pin When I started in the forestry in the 70s health and safety hardly existed, sometimes we would be dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon, if anything happened we would be f--d. These days I would not use a saw without all the ppe on.

[@richardphillips3303]

Thanks for the video and really useful advice around the tensions within the wood. Look like great bits of kit and a lot lighter than the petrol equivalents for those who are post prime! 😀

[@earlyriser8998]

We use a cheaper Ryobi hand saw and pole saw to do the same thing and they work fantastic. I use the big petrol saw for big trees and these battery saws for everything else. I love the convenience of just grabbing the saw and a battery and going to work. No cord pulls, no mixing gas/oil. None of that required.

[@anthonyb8208]

Great vid Stuart, I just wish it had been longer, really enjoy watching you work on the new property.

[@leslieaustin151]

Good video, and I echo the PPE warning - where I worked (years ago) a farmer was taken to hospital because he was hedging with a small chainsaw and got it across his leg... with no chainsaw trousers. Only then did the family start looking for protective gear!! If you’re going to keep anything of value in that shed then I suggest you lay or replant the hedge and make it a good thick one. With a road alongside the shed you’re inviting “visitors” if its easy to get in there. Les

[@ProperDIY]

Good points here!

[@tonywoodhouse6988]

I've just bought a Dewalt cordless chainsaw to remove some conifers at the bottom of my garden. It's absolutely awesome to use. I've used the cut timbers to edge woodland type paths and raised beds.

[@bogsdolics]

Hi Stuart, great video, using the chainsaw is good the hard work is clearing the cut branches, I think that yellow tub you put the chainsaw on was a Vicon Lilly fertilizer spreader, probably rusted beyond use, keep up the good work, G.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Very smart explaining how things are in compression and tension, nice one Stuart. When you've done the hard work, it would be great to do some research into the history of the place.

[@843thebear]

Nice tools and great video. Always a good idea to check for birds nest when cutting at this time of the year, and leave some piles of cut branches on the ground for wildlife.

[@t5jerry]

what a great channel, i came across you totally by chance, but i`m so glad i did, you explain everything at a sensible speed, clearly and concisely, your opinions seem very honest, overall you can`t be faulted.

[@Styrola]

Someone might have mentioned this. But anyway. Always activate the chain brake when you're not cutting. If you accidentally pull the trigger scarry things might happen. Even if you just taking a few steps you could get to experience the efficiency that the chain have on your clothes or in the worst case scenario you flesh.

[@martinmorgan9]

Excellent suggestion👍 - whilst clearing as in Staurts situation it's easy to snag boots on Bramble trailers and be tripped up, losing balance and control, with potentally unexpected consequences.

[@joaquim02]

I am a fan of your channel. Excellent comments on the safety of chainsaws!

[@colingoode3702]

Another good one Stuart. I switched to battery garden tools a few years ago. I have a 48v Mountfield battery mower, strimmer, pruning saw & hedge trimmer. So far so good & not having to worry about power cables is marvelous. Two batteries does everything I need to do & charge time is around 1hr. TBH I haven't used the pruning chain saw much preferring to use hand saws when I can.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one

[@eastunder55]

I have watched a few channels where guys used a battery electric chainsaw for the first time. All the users were won over either by the power, battery life or quiet running. Some of the heavy duty users still reserved their 40 inch bar saws for big cuts but would use the battery saws for trimming. I purchased a Harbor Freight battery chainsaw a couple years ago and as a casual, homeowner user it is fine for me. My batteries are getting shorter lived now and should be replaced but the saw is still going strong. As an electrical engineer I'm not surprised by the instant torque and power of the electric motors but it is always amusing to hear people not familiar with electric motors express their surprise when comparing electric motor to gasoline engine performance.

[@philquinn6375]

Look forward to the videos each week great advice and clear information on the tools and equipment used. You are right about the pole saw being top heavy , feel it in your forearms next day. Lol Cheers Stuart.

[@IgnatiusZaaijman]

Great advice on using a chainsaw and what to look out for if you're a novice. Thanks!

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you dear, i must say Stihl products are excellent, so well done for choosing them…..so sorry we cant be there to help you, you really do need a couple of extra hands there. Thank you….take care as always….from south africa

[@swbjackson]

Nice to see you using the correct PPE but I have one criticism of your chainsaw technique. You are releasing the top handle of the saw without activating the chain brake. If your finger slips you could activate the chain. When I did my chainsaw qualification we were taught to always activate the chain brake when taking one hand off the saw when the engine is running. With a cordless saw it is as though the engine is always running.

[@SteveMonk1956]

Well Stuart I learnt a lot from that, not that I have every used or intend to use a chainsaw, it was very interesting. Thank you.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@daniel__clark]

I have a lot of the Stihl AP range including the pole pruner. with the pole pruner I have cut through 8" of oak with little fuss. the hedge trimmer is very good too. the battery is good on all the tools although the leaf blower gets through the batteries (AP300) quickest. mind you, it is a beast of a blower.

[@AlicanteTrailCam]

The AP stuff is more powerful than AK. Also a lot more expensive.

[@stevenszarvas-jones9626]

I really appreciate your messages about safety. Just had a minor skirmish with a bench top plane. I never thought I was complacent but I realised that you do sometimes just make errors that can have huge impacts. You cannot be too safety conscious. Great job. Thanks.

[@SxmTech101]

Good job on this one

[@johncollins8304]

Thanks. I know those things are going to be read -- several hundred pound dear. But I'm thinking about it; because I have 2-stroke stuff but they are a pita: they don't start... they require an inordinate amount of maintenance. Watching you working reminded me of another thing: release the trigger -- the chain stopped and you could safely pull at the cut branch without a second thought for safety. With a petrol machine you'd have to let go of the branch, stop the machine, find somewhere safe to put it down, put it down and return to pull out the branch. Then to continue working start up the damn machine again, but it won't start. Thanks for the lesson. Seen a few vids, now subbed, looking forward to part two of accessing the shed...want to see how you handle those dangling branches ready to scratch your face up.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That pole saw looks very cool for hard-to-reach trees!

[@ProperDIY]

It is Vikkie but a bit top heavy for more than 5 min work! Nice mitre stand by the way!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

@@ProperDIY cheers, Stuart. I'll bear that in mind.. we may have a lot of trees to sort out soo !

[@UltimateAccuracy]

I've done a lot of DIY tree work and generally prefer to use a good quality manual pole saw. Yes you have to physically cut things, but the low weight and longer reach offset the weight of a powered pole saw. Wolf Garten are a good upper tier home owner brand, "World of Wolf" in the UK are usually keen on price. 2.4-4m pole and a pruning saw attachment meant my powered pole saw almost never gets used. HTH

[@iamie153]

Well done in your video. I also went down the battery route a couple of years ago with the EGO brand and have been very pleased with it. I actually started with their self-propelled mower but have since added quite a number of other garden tools. There are some very impressive batteries available now. I still have some petrol powered things, e.g. Waterblaster, chipper, and big chainsaw as battery power just isn't up to driving those both from a power needed and the length of time you want to run them for.

[@awantamta]

great start to clearing the trees and great advice.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@petermcfadden9426]

Sound safety advice. My local Stihl dealer (which is the largest in north Wales) says they sell more battery tools than petrol now. My favourite power tools are my Husqvarna battery chainsaw and my Husqvarna pole pruner.

[@paulp96275]

Nice piece of kit ,my Christmas tree supplier showed me the uses of the chain saw in a confined space great tool thanks Stuart 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@terrytopliss9506]

Interesting video,just shows that new tech as it’s place.👍👍

[@adamlawonphotography5219]

Brilliant content Stuart as always and brilliant advice. Loving your channel.

[@essentialhandyman]

I can tell I'm gonna love this 'paddock development' series Stuart. Looking forward to the next one!

[@jandudl74]

Neighbour here gives me thick branches from his tree with every storm. He refuses to trim his tree, so i bought a petrol chainsaw to cut the branches in pieces. Only when they are sitting in their garden to enjoy the beautiful weather ofcourse! Its a big mess in their garden, so they don't care about their tree! If i had kind neighbours, i would surely bougt an electric chain saw. (i bought a 2-stroke stihl leafblower too!)

[@murdomackay7438]

I've had battery polesaw for a while from lidl had plenty use,handy bit of kit

[@DavePawson]

A good advert for Stihl.

[@criticalfriend2300]

The chainsaw scene in Scarface would've been a much more refined affair with one of those

[@dy1an]

Another bonus is the lack of the petrol smell!

[@lombard71]

Really good video Stuart....I always learn something...keep them coming! As for chainsaws....I've never used one! I use a bow saw....less danger and quiet!😉

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@Loosehead]

Great video Stuart. Presumably if you intend to store equipment there, and I feel a situpon mower coming, with that location away from the house and next to a road, there will be a video on security products and an extension to your house video camera system.

[@freakeystyley34]

Completely agree on the convenience of battery powered, but cost is a factor. The Stihl battery chainsaw is £280 and I picked up a little two stroke titan chainsaw from Screwfix for closer to £100. Noisy but it made quick work of even some big 12" diameter logs I had to cut up and at least it's cordless too!

[@kiwifruitpoo]

I have a few titan tools but they are nothing like Stihl. I have a Stihl Chainsaw and Brushcutter and have cleared acres of land with them. If there’s a problem the local dealership will sort it out. If the Titan breaks, it goes in the bin. Depends how much you need to use them.

[@Russ1007]

Nice video Stuart, batteries have came on so much, 90% of my tools are batteries, good for the diy'er 👍

[@ProperDIY]

I suppose thats always been the limiting point. If we can now have battery powered cars then I suppose a chainsaw is straight forward!

[@mrt8694]

Those brick pillars in your workshop are just brick on brick 😂

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Love my wee DeWalt chainsaw. Same XR batteries and so much safer than my petrol saw.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm sure it's good

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

@@ProperDIY Best thing is the motor stops dead even if it barely detects a kickback so tons of protection. Never come close to using the kickback guard even on awkward stuff.

[@stuffbyneilsmith]

Looks like you really enjoyed yourself with chainsaws. If you are going to be putting equipment in that shed are you concerned about the road being nearby with expensive gear that could be pinched?

[@keithl4779]

Thanks for this excellent video

[@thewoodjunki]

Them electric tools are interesting 🛠️

[@mikegreen7902]

Hi Stuart, could you place the cut branches on the boundary line to improve security from the road?

[@andrewhead6267]

I bought a corded chainsaw to cut up some large branches into firewood. in the end (having looked at lots of how to videos), that it was overkill for what i needed and the risks of an accident for some firewood was not worth it. So i passed it on to my daughters father in law who is experienced with chainsaws and he uses it now in his small holding workshop. In the end i cut my firewood with a bow saw. Took forever, but it did the work ok. ~So i think the point is be careful to use a tool that you feel confident with, that is appropriate to the task. Take time to ensure you have all the safety equipment and know how to use the tool before setting out on your work.

[@ProperDIY]

Good advice

[@feargach2107]

Hard work but loving it.

[@williamwales6619]

Thank you for educational vid.Just so happens i was going to use a battery Chainsaw today.Rain stopped play. Doing it next dry day. Later

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one

[@jamesfarrer5087]

Other important health and safety tip... if you have young children, store tools and battery separately where appropriate and keep one half locked (or if there's an 'ignition key' then keep this separate and hidden)

[@ProperDIY]

Good tip

[@IPC0101]

I found with my 2/ chainsaw it was very difficult to start as it would go months without use, the battery option is much more practical for me

[@AndrewKenmare]

Great video thanks Stuart. Should have done it in the winter 🤣🤣🤣

[@AlicanteTrailCam]

I'd be interested how well the 140 copes with a decent size tree.

[@davidtaylor4975]

A good pair of chainsaw gloves would have improved your PPE Stuart!

[@garulusglandarius6126]

You don’t like a day off do you Stuart 😂🤣 Can’t believe you don’t have at least a million subscribers, by far one of the best channels on KZbin. Much respect and thank you for another informative enjoyable video 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Wow, thanks. No day off - especially with weekly Patreon only videos as well

[@seagreenspiral]

I think if your deep in the Amazon Rainforest a big petrol powered Sthil chainsaw is the best. But where you are an electric one is perfect, might get one now.

[@SeRaPh-2]

Love it if I'm there and work with you ، am sure I will learn much from u ، always good work

[@andypedroza]

I want to know what's in the overgrown garage!

[@oskarsmillers]

Does chainsaw comes with his own Stihl battery or you can use bosch(green) batteries, from all in one battery family ? And another thing -chains. For petrol version recommended is chain change for sharpening by specislist or sharpening yourself on every full tank used, how is with battery one ?

[@ronanmc2112]

Tree pruning during nesting season?

[@adwol48]

I think for the average home owner DIYer battery garden tools make far more sense than petrol tools. I have some aldi ferrex 20v40v lawnmower and chainsaw and although no where near the quality of stihl they have done a very good job for me. Would you swap you lawnmower for one of the new Allett Stirling 51 (20'') Battery Cylinder Mower

[@ProperDIY]

I would but the Stirling is a lot more expensive

[@andykg73]

Was expecting you to break out the song I'm a lumberjack! At the end 🤣

[@olson.pamela]

I have a similar Stihl saw and love it! But I don’t have a face shield. I am going to get one!

[@ProperDIY]

Pamela its worth it as bit fly everywhere. You could also use a perspex face shield then also use it in the workshop

[@andrewhunt4532]

Just asking for a vice which is the best nail gun to buy to fit in your carpet so when you press on carpet nail gun issue into the carpet I got one but when I press it it doesn't work all the time

[@benpennington7532]

Hello Stuart, what is the maximum size of branch that you think the pole saw would be able to manage?

[@darz3]

Stihl also produce a 16 and 20 “ battery version I believe

[@trolleyproblem7195]

9:05 letting a chainsaw hit earth is going to blunt it very quickly. I couldn't see how thick was the layer of leaves there, but you looked very close.

[@garyl5128]

I learnt that the hard way - I leant a brand new electric chainsaw to a friend who wanted to cut out some tree roots that were above ground, and when I got it back it was blunt and very hard work to cut the branches I'd bought it to cut. It needed resharpening or a new chain.

[@C4sp3r123]

@@garyl5128 Should be able to re-sharpen it fairly easily and quickly unless he has been hitting stones in the soil. My preference for roots is to use a reciprocating saw and a knackered blade. They are great for the job. I would only use a chainsaw if I really had no other option and then I would dig around the root well and rinse with water the day before to wash off the soil. Though 90% of the time a recip saw is just fine.

[@garyl5128]

​@@C4sp3r123 Thanks for that info - had I known I wouldn't have loaned him the chainsaw for that particular job, but it's a lesson learned. It was very blunt so needs sharpening. I recently picked up another electric chainsaw for £30 which works well and has saved me trying to sharpen the blunt one, but I'd like to have a go at sharpening it.

[@wakayama1991]

@@garyl5128 they are dead easy to sharpen up, mate. do yourself a favour and go look at bucking billy ray's vids on sharpening. You'll do it once, and then wonder what all the fuss was about, and your saw will be good as new.

[@garyl5128]

@@wakayama1991 Thanks, I'll do that.

[@dwoodog]

One thing I've learned is trying to trim branches with a reciprocating saw sucks. These little battery chain saws look perfect for light duty work.

[@bikerjon153]

Don't suppose stihl was sponsoring this video by any chance. Seen their stuff but never used any. Looks decent enough

[@carlhobson1578]

Interesting! You do have your work cut out for you in the paddock though.

[@trafficface]

If I use a chainsaw that's too small on a big tree stump and the tip goes inside the stump, will it kickback?

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

Any thoughts on the fact that every single tool manufacturer has their own custom battery design and plug mechanism?

[@David-xc4us]

“so this job is turning into a bigger job than I thought”….that’s every DIY job I do 😂

[@ProperDIY]

That's DIY for you!

[@neilballam8701]

Great video. When are getting to that workshop right at the back??!

[@ProperDIY]

Very soon!

[@nigellambert511]

I've got the Stihl MSA 120 C fantastic saw, if anyone knows how to make a chain saw its got to be Stihl!

[@247ADIE]

that needs more than a new roof m8

[@jimlepeu577]

I reckon you could get a pretty hedge if you coppice it and it will be secure too.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, another project I think

[@jimlepeu577]

@@ProperDIY 👍✔️

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Yep big job. Hard to see wood for the trees

[@Lord-Panda2112]

I love your account and think your knowledge, content and video editing is great. Very respectful grumble, I loved the early content - you made and/or 'did' something. Very recently you've been product review heavy, I've watched less. Still a fan.

[@Lord-Panda2112]

@@wangjingyu Well said.

[@ewancook]

It’s not really a product review though. I feel it’s more of testing wether battery power can be as good as petrol powered tools, as he stated.

[@johnthresher259]

Excellent content as always Stuart. I have a plug in electric chain saw which has been useful oner the years. The chain is a bit blunt now so am considering a Ryobi cordless since I already have a few of their "One Plus" tools.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm sure the Ryobi would be good.

[@joshuaguenin9507]

Ryobi Days just started, big sale going on

[@pandraus]

Great video, Stuart. Learned a lot about chainsaw today, even having a Ryobi battery one. I don't use any PPEs and now I'm ashamed by it! Also, I read somewhere that you shouldn't use it near the ground so it doesn't get dirty inside. Is that true?

[@ProperDIY]

Touching the ground can blunt the teeth very quickly and get it dirty. Having said that, even just cutting green wood gets it very dirty inside as well!

[@jasonoliver9549]

What about a woodburner install as the next project ;)

[@Old_Man_Pete]

So you are converted to battery power garden tools, does this mean your petrol lawn mower will be put on the scrap heap and a battery powered one will take it's place?

[@dogbreath6974]

Strange how the safety boots changed colour, from brown in the field to black on the bench.🤣

[@mikerobson3328]

G'day Stu if you are interested take a look at the Stihl GTA 26 very handy electric pruner with a smaller chain I found it better and easier than the conventional pruners cheers from downunder

[@christopheryoung5480]

Sod the chainsaw get a Hymac good video

[@simonsharkey7017]

stuart lovely job ur doing have u ever used the chainsaw disc that can attach to an angle grinder now they are seriously dangerous but with respect they come in handy also especially on the bayyery operated grinder

[@ProperDIY]

I haven't but would like to - maybe soon

[@kiloromeo7653]

@@ProperDIY Lots of calls for those things to be banned, if they already haven't been. Watch Stumpy Nubs video where he used one and nearly lost his hand to see why.

[@jamesfarrer5087]

They are already illegal for sale in the UK www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-safety-alert-issued-for-angle-grinder-chainsaw-disc-attachment

[@DarkDioStudio]

🤣🤣🤣 you’re such a cutiepatootie! I really enjoy your videos. Always puts a smile on my face. Hello from South Florida ❤️

[@ProperDIY]

😊 thank you. Nice to see you watching from the US