Manufacturer Echo is backing Awarding body Lantra’s Respect your Chainsaw safety drive, as it extends its PRO range with a bigger battery model.
“We’re proud to support Lantra in its campaign to highlight the critical importance of chainsaw safety,” it states.
“Safety has always been a core principle in our chainsaw design. Features such as the chain brake, front hand guard, and guide bar nose guard are designed to help reduce the risk of kickback,” the company adds.
Its top-handle saws also include the patented QuickDraw hook, “enabling safe, efficient, one-handed hooking and unhooking”.
However, choosing a chainsaw with built-in safety features is only the first step, Echo points out. “We strongly advocate the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including chainsaw trousers, goggles, ear protection, helmet, and gloves.
Comprehensive training
“We also actively promote comprehensive training across all disciplines within the sector. Safe use of chainsaws requires both the right equipment and the right knowledge.
Regular maintenance and basic safety checks are essential, the company stresses, “not just to help prevent accidents but also to ensure your chainsaw remains in top working condition for longer”.
Chainsaw safety is more than just being cautious, “it’s about being a responsible operator. Following proper safety practices reduces accidents, minimises downtime and ensures every job is completed safely and efficiently”.
Echo concludes: “We sincerely hope this campaign will encourage safe, responsible use of chainsaws throughout the UK and significantly reduce the number of injuries caused by these machines.”
Top handle chainsaw tackles bigger jobs
In Echo’s latest offering, the 56V DCS-3500T top handle chainsaw joins its acclaimed ‘2500T’ in an extensive 56V professional line-up.
Available from Echo dealers nationwide, the DCS-3500T is capable of taking on bigger jobs than its smaller sibling because of a longer 35 cm (14 in) bar and, by swapping to the 252 Wh battery, more power.
But it is still lightweight and compact in design, making it highly manoeuvrable. Switching to the larger battery also means longer runtimes – handy when climbing.
With safety in mind, Echo has introduced a 2-step, single-finger throttle lockout safety system which prevents accidental activation. Additional safety and comfort comes in the form of the patented QuickDraw hook enabling hooking and unhooking with one hand, while the reduced gap between the roller chain catcher and the sprocket guard prevents accidental climbing rope damage.
Other useful features include an air inlet filter that prevents dirt and dust from entering the cooling passage, electronics and motor compartment, providing less maintenance and longer lifetime. A drop prevention nut and side chain access tensioner come as standard for quick chain adjustment.
www.echo-tools.co.uk