Bosch chainsaw

The best chainsaws from Bosch

The traditional German company Bosch is one of the market leaders in many industries and has extensive expertise in the field of engine technology. In the chainsaw segment, the company is not as broadly positioned. A Bosch chainsaw is primarily used in the private garden. It is powered either by a power cable or a rechargeable battery. Accordingly, the models are all quite quiet and have a low-wear motor. In addition, the handling is easy and intuitive.

In the following, we will show you which Bosch chainsaw is recommended. You will also find out what you should bear in mind in this context. We hope to be able to help you with this guide.

Bosch chainsaw – 3 models in the presentation

Bosch UniversalChain 18

Compact battery chainsaws can be used virtually anywhere and promise particularly carefree handling. One recommendation in this context is the Bosch UniversalChain 18 .

The saw is delivered optionally with or without accessories. It is powered by an 18V rechargeable battery. Together with a 2.5 Ah battery, the device weighs approx. 3 kg, which is why women and senior citizens can also expect energy-saving handling. Commissioning is straightforward because there is no need to use a separate tool to tension the chain. Since the guide bar is only 20 cm long and there is a steel hook for attaching it, you can guide the saw confidently at any time.

This model is particularly suitable for limbing. However, you can also successfully produce moderate amounts of firewood. Large wood diameters, on the other hand, cannot be cut through quickly. The remaining battery capacity is displayed at all times via a practical LED. In addition, you can see the oil level in the 80 ml tank from the outside because there is a viewing window.

Bosch UniversalChain 35

Even though Bosch cannot draw on such a wealth of experience in the chainsaw segment, the devices are continuously developing here as well. A new electric chainsaw from the manufacturer is the Bosch UniversalChain 35 .

This saw is delivered together with a guide bar and chain from the world market leader Oregon. The guidebar is 35 cm long and specially coated to prevent it from scratching and catching rust. The 1800-watt motor ensures a chain speed of up to 12 metres per second. Accordingly, you can successfully fell even small trees with this saw. To avoid interruptions, the oil tank has a capacity of 250 ml.

In addition, the saw is very comfortable to use. This is mainly due to the slim design and the moderate weight of 4.3 kg. In principle, the electric chainsaw can be operated completely intuitively. This begins with the tool-free chain tensioning (SDS system) and ends with the easy-to-clean cover.

Bosch AKE 35 S

Some Bosch chainsaws have proven themselves for more than a decade. A good example is the electric chainsaw Bosch AKE 35 S .

Here, too, the motor has an output of 1800 watts. The chain speed, however, is somewhat lower, at 9 m/s. The oil tank also has a smaller capacity of 200 ml. On the other hand, the saw weighs a few hundred grams less than the UniversalChain 35 model. Bosch also relies on the US market leader Oregon for the guidebar. It is 35 cm long and well suited for producing firewood, cutting small trees to length and limbing.

The chain can be tensioned and released via 2 intuitive metal knobs. The recoil brake, which is triggered when the hand guard moves forward, ensures a high level of safety. Admittedly, the hand guard is not as wide as it is on the new models.

Bosch chainsaw – You should always pay attention to the following

Drive

In general, the Bosch chainsaws on offer can be divided into 2 categories: Battery models and electric models. Externally, of course, there is also the classic petrol saw. All models have advantages and disadvantages.

A battery-powered saw combines the freedom of movement of a petrol engine with the advantages of an electric motor. The devices are often compact and can be guided effortlessly. You can go directly to any place of your choice. The motor is quiet in operation and does not emit any unpleasant odours. The disadvantage is the rather limited power capacity, which is why this design is primarily used for limbing. Compact logs up to 20-30 cm in diameter can also be cut to length very well.

An electric saw with a mains cable is the cheapest choice for all manufacturers. You can start using the saw almost immediately via the outdoor socket. All you need to do is fill it with chain oil and provide an extension cable. After that, you can master small and medium tasks with the low-wear motor. Because electricity is needed, the use here is rather limited to the home garden.

Because Bosch does not currently offer petrol saws, the manufacturer is not considered for various areas of application. Petrol chainsaws still have the most power, which is why they are the first choice for felling large trees. Even if a lot of wood is to be cut to length and trimmed, this is best done with such a model. The disadvantages are the high noise level, the exhaust fumes and the increased maintenance requirements of the engine.

Blade

The guide bar is one of the most important parts of the chainsaw. It must be robust and its length must be suitable for the intended use. The longer it is, the larger the diameter that can be cut. The prerequisite for this, however, is an equally increasing engine power.

The bar of a Bosch chainsaw is between 20 and 40 cm long. As a result, the devices are well suited for small to medium requirements. An electric model is generally well suited for the following applications:

• Felling small trees in the home garden
• Cutting wood to length
• Making firewood (from moderate log diameters)
• Limbing trees
• Carving sculptures

A Bosch chainsaw is usually equipped with an Oregon blade made of solid steel. This material is considered to be extremely durable and torsion-free. In some cases, Oregon also applies an additional coating that provides particularly reliable protection against corrosion and scratches.

Power & range

Of course, performance is an important factor. It doesn’t have to be overly pronounced, but at least it has to fit the conditions on site. Depending on the drive, there are different indicators that indicate the potential power.

Because Bosch chainsaws are exclusively electric, they naturally have a high torque. In addition, the power consumption, which is shown in watts, is a promise of the power that can be called up. Although it primarily defines the power consumption, a high power consumption/unit of time can also go hand in hand with more power.

Furthermore, a high chain speed is useful when overcoming large resistances. With a Bosch chainsaw, it ranges between 9 and 13 metres/second. This is a good compromise for removing even thin branches cleanly and in a controlled manner.

With a battery-powered chainsaw, the battery voltage is also a promise of performance. Bosch uses the same 18V battery here that can also be used in the manufacturer’s other DIY battery tools. A voltage of 18V tends to be sufficient only for small diameters.

The possible runtime of your chainsaw is also important. It determines how efficient the work is. A large oil tank, for example, contributes to the fact that you have fewer interruptions. Corded saws can be powered more or less permanently, but their range is limited by access to electricity.

With a cordless chainsaw, the running time depends on the capacity of the battery. This is expressed in the unit Ah (ampere hours). The higher the value, the longer the battery will last in continuous operation. With a Bosch chainsaw you can use batteries with 2.5 to 6 Ah. However, the higher the capacity, the more expensive and heavier the battery. In addition, the runtime can be extended at will by purchasing several batteries, because the battery is replaceable.

Handling

Handling should of course be as comfortable as possible. If this is the case, using a chainsaw can sometimes even be fun. Bosch strives to do you this favour.

First and foremost, a light weight contributes to effortless handling. A Bosch chainsaw often weighs between 3 and 4.3 kg, which is why women and senior citizens can also expect a high level of comfort. The manufacturer’s mini chainsaw even weighs a feather-light 900 g, but is also only suitable for very delicate work.

The Bosch handles are also ergonomically shaped and usually have an extra rubber coating. Rubber coatings prevent the feeling of pressure and the formation of calluses in the palms of the hands.

Another convenient feature is the fact that the chain can be tensioned without the use of a separate tool. The same applies to a change. Instead, you only have to adjust the corresponding dial. Incidentally, the chain lubricates itself automatically.

In general, electric chainsaws are particularly easy to operate. You don’t have to tediously tighten them, but can get started at the touch of a button. In addition, the motor does not need to be maintained. If it stops working at some point, it often only makes sense to buy a new one in this segment.

Volume

Depending on the environment, the noise level can be very important. In residential areas in particular, there are relatively strict rules regarding noise pollution. If your chainsaw is too loud, your neighbours are likely to feel disturbed and you may even have to call the police.

You can generally classify a Bosch chainsaw as quiet. However, the manufacturer cannot completely claim this for itself. It is simply also due to the electric drive. This is always quieter than petrol engines.

In general, adults should wear hearing protection as soon as a sound level of 85 dB or more reaches the ear. Children’s hearing is more sensitive, which is why they should not be near the running saw.

Safety

The safety aspect is also important. No matter how high the quality of a chainsaw, there is always a certain risk of injury. To reduce this to a minimum, both the manufacturer and the user can do a few things.

A Bosch chainsaw comes with various safety features. A plastic hand guard is certainly the most obvious. This also serves as a chain brake. If it is pushed forward in the event of a kickback, the chain stops within a very short time.

In addition, you should always wear appropriate safety clothing. This includes work shoes, cut-resistant trousers and safety goggles. If there is a risk of branches and the like falling on you, a helmet with visor is also a must. Gloves should always be worn when handling the chain.

Of course, your saw itself also deserves the best possible protection. If you use it properly, it will thank you with a particularly long service life. If you notice that the motor and/or battery are overheating, you should take a break to prevent excessive wear.

Bosch chainsaw – There are advantages & disadvantages

A Bosch chainsaw has a number of advantages to offer you. First of all, the models in the DIY series are all quite inexpensive. They are also quiet and environmentally friendly in operation. Handling is easy on the hands. However, not every demand can be met here. So that you can quickly weigh up the pros and cons, we have provided you with an overview below:

Video: This is the UniversalChain 18