Hand-arm vibration from cutting different tree species using battery powered and petrol engine chainsaws

The aim of the research was to determine the magnitude of the transmission rate of hand-arm vibration levels onto the operator from using a petrol chainsaw and battery-powered chainsaw, and to specify the extent to which HAV values in these chainsaw types differ from each other on both the front and rear handles. It was also studied whether the HAV levels differ at cutting different tree species. Two chainsaws were chosen for the research with a nearly identical performance but a different type of drive system (petrol and battery). Measurements were made on six forest tree species of comparable logs diameter and comparable wood moisture content. All cuts were carried out with using the same type of saw chain and the same type of saw bar. Cutting was at all times made by the same operator. The measurements were in line with standards EN ISO 22867, EN ISO 5349-1 and EN ISO 5349-2 and performed with using an instrument certified for the given purpose. Research results showed that the highest HAV level recorded on the front handle from cutting pine with the battery-powered chainsaw was 8.8500 m/s². The lowest HAV level (0.7400 m/s²) affected the operator from cutting hornbeam with the use of petrol chainsaw. The results also indicate that HAV levels of the battery-powered chainsaw are higher than those recorded in the petrol chainsaw.