For professional arborists tasked with scaling, pruning, and dismantling trees, a specialized best top handle chainsaw is an essential piece of gear. Unlike conventional rear-handled saw designs, the unique top handle configuration provides key advantages that make these compact saws ideally suited for treetop chainsaw work.
Here's a look at why best arborist chainsaw universally feature a top handle design:
Enhanced Control and Maneuverability
By locating the grip at the top of the saw directly behind the cutter bar, arborists enjoy unparalleled control over the direction of the moving chain. This nuanced control is vital for precision pruning cuts.
The top handle orientation also balances and centers the saw's mass directly in line with the operator's hands for easy handling in precarious positions. Saw manipulation becomes instinctual.
Reduced Arm Fatigue
Standard rear-handle chainsaw designs require continually extending the arms away from the body to make cuts. But a top-handle saw minimizes arm strain by keeping elbows tucked close to the torso.
Less fatiguing arm posture becomes critical when tasked with hours of continuous treetop saw work. An arborist's arms stay fresher and safer.
Comfortable Body Positioning Options
Unlike rear handles forcing the operator's hands together, a top handle allows hand separation for more ergonomic and adaptable grip choices. This flexibilty aids stability and comfort in challenging tree work.
Common top handle grips include overhand, underhand, finger-wrapped, and palms pressed or cupped. The user adapts their hold as needed.
Quick Reaction and Kickback Control
With hands positioned immediately behind the cutter bar, an arborist can react and adjust to dangerous kickback forces exceptionally fast to maintain control.
Close top handle proximity also allows using the arm as an additional braking lever against the torso for resisting kickback rotation. This supplemental braking boosts safety.
Ideal for Climbing Use
When scaling trees for rigging or aerial pruning, a rear-handled chainsaw becomes cumbersome. But a compact top-handle saw with integrated lanyard ring can easily be tethered to the climber's harness for safe ascending and operation.
The light weight and ergonomic top handle grip facilitate one-handed chainsaw control while clinging to branches or ropes.
FAQ
How are top handle chainsaws operated compared to conventional saws?
Most use a one-handed grip unless seated in stable rigging. Runs are shorter to avoid arm fatigue. Two-handed rear support aids larger cuts.
Can a top handle saw buck logs on the ground?
It's not recommended. While possible for smaller logs, standard rear-handled saws are better suited for extended ground sawing.
Are most top handle saws battery or gas models?
Top handle saws were traditionally gas powered but today battery electric models are widely used for their light weight and low maintenance.
What safety precautions apply specifically to top handle chainsaws?
Extreme caution when cutting above shoulders. Always brace securely and keep limbs clear of potential kickback zones.
Are top handle saws designed for novice homeowners?
Not at all. Only trained professional arborists should attempt using these specialized saws aloft. High risk of injury exists.
Conclusion
Thanks to greater control, reduced fatigue, and climbing adaptability, it's easy to appreciate why arborists overwhelmingly choose top handle chainsaws for treetop rigging work. The unique grip orientation and compact profile create a highly specialized tool optimized for sustained overhead cutting scenarios. In the hands of trained tree professionals, top handle chainsaws enable safe arboreal sawing not possible with standard equipment.
