Chain Saws > Makita Chain Saws

Advantages: managable power
Disadvantages: takes a little more effort

...I don't actually use the Makita 120, but I do use a similar model, so I'll tell you about that. I've had a couple of Makita chainsaws and found them to excellent tools when used in the right place and enviroment. The petrol engines seem to be fairly smooth and the power delivery is quite even, which is quite unusual for any two stroke engine. The Makita I use is not the lightest of tools, but it is of durable construction and has, I hate to admit ...
...shop kind of way. The Makita is a little more subtle, not as powerful, but more subtle. When working in a paying customers garden, the last thing you need a tool that just rips through things with brute force. I have on occasion, if I've left my loppers in the pick-up, used the chainsaw on the tops of conifers with very neat results. Maintainance is very simple; all the relevant oiling points are well marked (it is of course up to you to keep it ... Read review

Advantages: none
Disadvantages: no customer service at all if things go wrong

I'd never buy another Stihl anything again after the way I've been treated. Very Briefly. Bought a chainsaw in 2005. Used it sparingly for domestic use cutting a few branches for my log fires. It broke. Wouldn't oil the chain. Was told by service agents that a bearing had broken and this had hit the casing, cracking it, causing oil to flow out and not into lubricating the chain. Cost as much to replace casing as buy new one. I phoned Stihl, they ...
...bearing and clutch parts. Stihl eventually picked up saw for checking. 3 months later and they still haven't told me what's wrong with it. I even had an email 11 days ago saying that it had come back from the workshop and I'd have another email in the next day or two......... I've sent emails requiesting an update they just get ignored. I've been without my saw for over 6 months now. I emailed the MD, he deleted my mail without even opening it. Stihl ... Read review

Advantages: Safety features & detailed instructions.
Disadvantages: Electric, therefore needs extension leads or nearby power supply

...my garden fence. I chose Bosch because I have other products mady by this company and they have appeared well designed and reliable. The 1800 watt motor was more powerful then I had expected and the instructions were extremely good covering the safe use of the chainsaw. I am pleased I bought this model with 40cm blade and not the shorter version at 35 cm. The chainsaw has 2 excellent safety devices, the first requires two buttons to be operated to ...
...is an anti kick back device which applies a brake to the chain if the chainsaw is thrown upwards in the process of cutting a tree or branch. I also like the fact that you do not need spanners or tools to tighten the chain, it has a built in tensioning device which is easy to use. It is also relatively quiet compared to some chainsaws I have heard. I have cut my fallen tree into manageable pieces and I am looking forward to trimming some overhanging ... Read review