The Makita stand at this year’s APF will feature Makita EA3500 chainsaws powered by environmentally friendly, 35cc 2-stroke motors that deliver 2.3hp and high torque. They are very compact and lightweight which makes the complete machine, at just 4.9kg, a light and comfortably controllable saw for forestry operations. The two-stage air filter system protects the engine, provides long service life and simple tool-less air filter cleaning. These Makita chainsaws are fitted with catalytic exhaust converters to meet the toughest European exhaust emission standards.

The chainsaws are available with either 35cm bar length with tool-less chain tensioning system, or with 35cm or 40cm bar with traditional lateral chain tensioning system. Both machines feature the well proven Makita M2M vibration damping system which effectively isolates the motor and drive from the chassis and handles to substantially reduce the transmission of vibration to the operator’s handgrip controls.

Rapid starting is achieved by a single on-off choke combination switch which automatically activates the decompression valve, sets and locks the throttle to half open, with the choke on full, for easy starting. This one-touch switch also stops the machine and then puts it to ready again for the next starting routine. The fuel primer bulb is conveniently placed on the motor body immediately adjacent to the rear handgrip. An automatic oil pump for the chain lubrication shuts off supply from the 0.28 litre tank when the saw is running at idle and the chain is not motoring. This reduces oil use and means the machine is not spilling oil making it as ecological in operation as possible.

All Makita chainsaws provide the important safety feature of chain brake system. This can be activated both manually and by inertia. The integrated chain brake with external socket makes it much easier to change the chain and keeps the brake hub clear of wood chips. The top mounted chain brake actuator is simply flicked forward whilst still maintaining a controlling grip on the top handlebar and the chain is brought instantly to a safe halt.

The advanced, high power farming-class EA3601F 35.2cc chainsaw will also be on display. This 2-stroke machine develops a strong 2.4hp and with a Stratified Air Scavenging combustion system has the cleanest possible exhaust emissions and very low fuel consumption.

The centrifugal air cleaner enhances intake performance and reliability and the spring assisted recoil starter reduces cord pull. A primer pump makes hot or cold starting easy while an anti-icing valve bleeds warm air to the fuel lines to ensure winter reliability.

This Makita chainsaw is well balanced and compact weighing just 4.2kg making the EA3601F comfortable and easy to handle and manoeuvre in operation. It is fitted with a 35cm long bar and 3/8th pitch, 0.050” gauge multi-link chain and has a 0.26L chain oil tank with automatic oiling.

Chain tension adjustment can be carried out swiftly with the tool-less system while the chain brake can be engaged manually and automatically on kickback. This saw has ultra-low vibrations thanks to the Makita M2M vibration dampening mountings that effectively separates the engine and drive system from the chassis and operator handles. The EA3601F chainsaw comes complete with bar, chain, chain cover and socket wrench.

Various models featuring Makita’s twin-battery power system, that utilises two 18v Lithium-Ion batteries in combination to deliver 36v power, will also be on exhibited. This innovative is being increasingly used in the expanding range of Makita grounds maintenance, landscaping and gardening tools. Two 18v batteries are directly installed on the machines to supply energy to the powerful 36v DC motor.

As Autumn approaches, Makita MM4 blowers are essential for maintenance operations. Being showcased will be the EB7650TH 4-stroke back-pack blower plus the BHX2501 4-stroke hand held blower. Both machines are powered by the MM4 engine which bristles with design innovations that deliver more horsepower, more torque and more reliability than the same capacity 2-stroke motor whilst at the same time dramatically reducing exhaust emissions, cutting fuel consumption, lowering noise and limiting vibration.

Members of DART – Disaster Arborist Response Team – will be demonstrating the chainsaws on the stand. DART was formed whilst carrying out disaster relief work in the Philippines in the immediate aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in 2013. DART’s objective is to provide teams of rapid response, experienced and qualified arborists, equipped to support disaster relief operations worldwide, so that trees that have become a danger are treated or removed and wherever possible continue as a vital source of food, shelter and raw material.

Also on the stand will be David Vickers from Drivelink Training which offers forestry, arboriculture, tree surgery and chainsaw courses.

In addition to all of this special show offers will be available throughout the three days so head to the Makita stand.