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FAQ's
Chainsaw Courses
My guide bar is not 15” long – does that matter?
Lantra Awards Basic Chainsaw courses and NPTC assessments CS30, 31 and 32 all have a 15” guide bar as the standard size. Up to guidebar length means a tree when de-buttressed with a diameter at ground level of around 15” or 380mm. Small variations are acceptable, (in the NPTC assessment at the Assessors discretion) it’s probably not worth spending on a new bar & chain unless they are in poor condition and you would have had to replace them anyway.
However, anything outside 14 or 16” is likely to be unsuitable, for obvious reasons with a smaller guide bar – you will run out of capacity at the top end of the tree range, and a larger bar may be less accurate and too wide for boring cuts on a smaller tree.
Do I really need a spare spark plug, my saw is brand new?
The list is comprehensive, and it covers most of the items we’ve needed to replace on trainees saws over the years. Be sensible and bring spares in proportion to your saws condition! There is also a good Stihl & Husqvarna main dealer within 3 minutes of the training site so we often arrange to meet there on one morning of the course anyway.
What about the felling tools, levers, wedges and winches do I need to bring these?
No. All this equipment is provided and included in your course fee, although you may have to share a timber tape and a large felling lever. Some trainees bring their own felling levers and timber tongs or purchase them when they see how handy they will be for their future work. A small plastic wedge won’t cost a great deal and is a handy bit of kit for felling.
Do I have to bring my own saw and PPE?
No – it’s all available to hire at modest costs (please advise before course) and it can be useful to try a range of equipment before committing your own money. Some items of PPE really are personal and for modest cost would be worth getting in your size – such as gloves.
The list is comprehensive, and it covers most of the items we’ve needed to replace on trainees saws over the years. Be sensible and bring spares in proportion to your saws condition! There is also a good Stihl & Husqvarna main dealer within 3 minutes of the training site so we often arrange to meet there on one morning of the course anyway.
