Thank you Dick White at Living Woods Magazine for this fantastic independent review of our Rotatech Chainsaw Chains.*Full Text Below*
Rotatech Chainsaw Chains
Dick White see’s Rotatech Chains in his futureHaving spent eighteen months working with the manufacturer developing and testing these chains, Rotatech now market them under the Rotatech banner, their ‘house’ name, perhaps most commonly associated with their range of chipper blades.Rotatech chains are distributed exclusively in the UK, and although they are actively seeking to widen their distribution network outside of the UK, there are no plans to make the chains available through other outlets within the UK.Perhaps the most striking thing about the product is the price. Typically a Rotatech chain will come in at no more than half the price (maybe even less) of a big brand alternative (such as Husqavna, Stihl, Oregon). According to Rotatech, the fact that they are sole suppliers – no ‘middle-men’ wanting a slice of the cake – is the main reason why they can sell the chains at these prices.But, although important, price is not the only factor which is why users take into account. There is nothing more frustrating than having a task interrupted by equipment failure, and while different types or users will have different views on the price/quality/reliability equation, those who earn their living using power tools will usually be prepared to pay a bit more to have a product they can rely on.So how do Rotatech chains shape up in use? The chain I tested was supplied in a re-sealable plastic pouch and unfolded into a loop smoothly – no wrestling with untwisting the thing. The chain was lightly oiled and flexed easily at all joints, seeming nice and pliable. (Please be sure to wear sturdy gloves if trying this at home!) I fitted the chain and tightened it up to my usual level of tension.First job was to cut up and remove a couple of fairly big laurel stems which had come down across the access track at one of the woodlands I manage. One of the benefits claimed for these chains is that they have been “pre -stretched”. As is my habit, I always give the chain a bit of a pull when refuelling and although there was a little bit of slackness after a couple of fuel-stops, my subjective feeling is that it wasn’t as significant as with other makes.From new, the chain kept its edge well, even though it had to contend with logging-up some very muddy ash which had been lying in a field for several months waiting for the ground to dry enough to allow it to be moved. In common with other makes, after the first few sharpenings, the edge seems to ‘go’ more quickly – maybe it is the way the cutters are hardened during manufacture or perhaps the repeated heating and cooling of the metal somehow softens it?So are Rotatech chains better than other better-known brands? Not particularly. On the other hand, based on my experience, I cannot see that they are worse in any way, which bring us back to where we started: if you have chain doing the job just as well as any other, but at half the price, why would you want to pay more?Dick White is a self-employed woodland manager and is also woodlands.co.uk local manager for Cornwall and West Devon. Biography: Rotatech Chainsaw Chains come in a wide range of specifications and prices. The range includes chains, chain reels, files, bars and oils. Living Woods Magazine is a tree lovers magazine that comes out quarterly.