Comparison Procraft PKA33 vs Procraft PKA42Li

The location of the motor in the electric portable saw (see "Type").

- Longitudinally. The longitudinal arrangement allows you to achieve a good balance, allowing you to work comfortably in different positions; this is especially true for cutting branches from trees and other similar work, where the cutting plane can be located at different angles. In addition, such a tool has a smaller width and a longer length, which can make it easier to work in hard-to-reach places. On the other hand, such saws are more expensive than cross-cut saws.

- Transversely. The transverse arrangement of the engine slightly worsens the balance compared to the longitudinal one and makes it difficult to saw along an inclined plane, at an angle to the vertical. In addition, the length of such saws is noticeably shorter. However, for the simplest work with sawing from top to bottom, they are no worse than longitudinal ones, but they are much cheaper. Yes, and a small length in some cases can also be a virtue.

The highest speed that the saw engine is capable of delivering in normal operation.

We emphasize that this parameter should not be confused with the maximum disk speed (see below) — here we are talking exclusively about the speed of rotation of the motor shaft. It can be specified for all types of saws, not only for models using discs. However, in general, engine speed is more of a reference than really significant information. In fact, it is needed mainly for some specific tool maintenance tasks; when choosing, it is better to focus on indicators that are more “close to life” — engine power, cutting depth, chain / tape speed or disk speed, etc.

Regular chain pitch for which the chain saw is designed (see "Device"). A step is the distance between two adjacent chain teeth; the greater this distance, the higher the productivity of the saw, however, for a large step, higher power is required, and the cut is rougher. Therefore, this parameter largely determines the class of the saw and the specifics of the work for which it is designed. The current standard options are:

— 1/4". The smallest size, found in a low power tool — 1-1.5 hp. It has not received wide popularity due to poor performance.

— 0.325 ". One of the most popular options among amateur-class tools. Saws for such a chain have a power of up to 3 – 3.5 hp, they are suitable for both cutting branches and felling trees of small thickness.

— 3/8 ". He is 0.375". Slightly larger pitch than 0.325" is better suited for rough scale work. Also considered a household and semi-professional option, very popular.

— 0.404 ". The largest tooth pitch in modern chain saws. Rare, used in the most powerful professional tools designed for heavy work — for example, logging.

Note that it is allowed to install chains on saws with a finer pitch than the regular one, but not with a larger one. The latter is fraught not only with a decrease in the quality of work, but also with a critical increase in loads, with the possibility of tool breakage.

The maximum speed of the chain relative to the material that a saw of the appropriate design can provide (see "Device"). Higher speed allows to achieve faster and cleaner cuts, but requires more engine power; low speed, in turn, reduces productivity, but allows you to achieve good traction with a relatively low engine power. More detailed recommendations regarding this parameter can be found in special sources.

A function that starts the engine smoothly without a sudden jerk and gradually brings the tool up to working speed. It makes the start safer and more comfortable because the saw doesn't jerk in your hands at the moment of activation. In practice, soft start is convenient when you need to make a precise cut in mid-air, work in an awkward position, or simply better control the tool from the first seconds. Compared to models without such a function, the load on the hands, gearbox, and power network is lower. This is especially useful for powerful circular, reciprocating, and chain saws, where a sudden start is felt most strongly.

The protective mechanism of the chainsaw, which almost instantly stops the chain in a dangerous situation. Most often, it is activated during kickback or when pressing the front hand guard. The main purpose of this function is to reduce chain rotation time and minimize the risk of serious injury. The chain brake is especially important when trimming branches, cutting firewood, and any work where the saw may suddenly jerk upward or sideways.

A feature that quickly stops the saw's attachment after releasing the button or trigger. Depending on the type of tool, this could be the blade, blade, or chain, which stops rotating noticeably faster than with a regular stop by inertia. Motor brake enhances safety because after finishing the cut, the working part doesn't spin for extra seconds. Compared to saws without a motor brake, the tool becomes more convenient for frequent short operations and hand position changes. In practice, this is especially useful for precise cuts, working on a workbench, and in situations where it's important to quickly put away the saw after cutting.

The name of the battery platform supported by the device. A single battery platform is used to combine various power tools of the same brand into one line (screwdriver, grinder, circular saw, etc.). Devices on the same platform use interchangeable batteries and chargers. Thanks to this, for example, there is no need to select a battery for each individual model of a power tool, because one purchased as a spare battery can be used in various power tools, depending on the situation or as needed. Batteries of the same platform basically differ from each other except perhaps in capacity.

The noise level produced by the saw during operation. Note that this parameter is rather approximate, because in fact, the “loudness of the work” depends not only on the tool, but also on the material being processed and the characteristics of the environment. Nevertheless, the data given in the characteristics make it possible to assess the comfort of working with the tool. The lower this indicator, the less discomfort the noise will cause, and at high values, even special hearing protection may be needed.

Note that the noise level is usually measured in decibels, and this unit is not linear: for example, a difference of 3 dB corresponds to a difference of 2 times, 10 dB — to 10 times. Therefore, it is easiest to evaluate the noise level using comparative tables. Here is a simplified version of such a table for the range in which modern saws operate:

70 dB — loud conversation of several people in close proximity;
75 dB — a cry in the immediate vicinity;
80 dB — truck engine, mechanical alarm ringing;
85 dB — loud scream;
90 dB — freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
95 dB — subway car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
100 dB — industrial shop;
110 dB — tractor engine;
120 dB — demolition hammer, thunder from a close lightning strike (pain threshold of auditory perception).