The Influence of the Direction of Wood Cutting on the Vibration and Noise of Chainsaws

Abstract

Chainsaws generate high levels of vibrations and noise during work. Regardless of the type of their drive (electric, combustion) chainsaws excel TLVs (Threshold Limited Values) of vibration accelerations and the A-weighted sound level specified for eight-hour working day. The intensity of a vibro-acoustic impact of chainsaws on their operators depends on many factors. One of them is the type of the drive. This is due to significant differences in chainsaw design (inter alia characteristics of the drive, rotational speed, quasi-constant for an electric drive and variable for a combustion one). For chainsaws of the same or alike power and different type of the drive levels of vibrations and noise may vary. In this article noise levels and frequency weighted vibration accelerations for different direction of cutting kerf have been compared. Tests were performed with the same interchangeable cutting set (guide bar, cutting chain). The repeatability of conditions of the cutting process was ensured.

Keywords

• chainsaw
• cutting direction
• noise
• vibration