Bosch AKE 40-17 S Chainsaw

I've owned one for a couple of years and it really is a terrible design - the chain comes off as another reviewer has said and it's a real pain to put back together. The tensioner design is a disaster and it really is poorly constructed. I would never touch one again.

Bosch AKE 40-18S

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I have used 2 stroke petrol chainsaws ( stihl ) they were good but noisy.

For : Ideal for remote working without mains power.

Against : Fresh 2 stroke mixture is required, quite heavy, noisy,can be prone to carb, starting problems.

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By comparison the Bosh chainsaw is almost silent, yet powerfull, the anti kick back chain blade cuts effortlessly.

As with any chainsaw let the blade do the work, dont force the cit and you will be OK.

Is the mains cable a problem ?

NO,when working at height you must always `set yourself up' for the cut, know were the pressure is going to close the cut etc. To move the cable out of the way is not that much trouble.

I am 58 and found setting the chain up not that problematic.

It cuts VERY well, and has a good balance point, and grip.

The chain cover is a bit thin and plasticy, thats my only negative comment.

Plus you won't be able to cut down a 80ft oak tree, but come on would you expect to ?

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If you have NEVER used a chainsaw AND are not the sort to say change the oil on your car, dont buy a chainsaw of ANY type.

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posted by FreeSaxon

I've owned and used one of these for about 3 years now, it has successfully cut down and logged numerous trees (mostly conifers to a height of about 40') with no real problems. Tensioning the chain can be and is a pain to get right, but it does cut well once done. You must make sure that the oil level is always toped up as the last bit does seem to get used quickly (shape of resevoir). It is light and easy to use but you have to remember to make sure that you keep the cable free IF it snags around a branch you could have big problems - this is true of all electric saws obviously. After use you should remove the tensioner cover and remove impacted sawdust. Good price and has been (touch wood) reliable enough for me.

I have 5 chainsaws, including one of these. I actually think it's pretty good. My Stihl 023 is the daddy of the pack, but the electric Bosch is always there for backup. They are about equivalent in terms of torque. I did have to buy a new tensioner for it at one point, but I don't believe that will happen again now that I'm used to how it works properly. All in all, this really does trump the JCB/McCulloch petrol chainsaw that I've got, which is powerless, and a pain to maintain, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want or need a petrol saw.

Great tool. Mine doesn't have the plastic gears that one reviewer mentions. Yes the chain will come off if you don't read the instuctions. The chain tension has to be checked and tightened at frequent intervals as with any chain, even on a bike, they stretch with use. I found it would cut soft or hard wood to about 6" diameter quite easily. Of course it won't have the performance of a good quality petrol saw but its only supposed to be for light gardening work not lumbering. Much lighter than a petrol saw.

One draw back - spare chains are expensive (about £20) so don't force the cut or let the saw dig into soil or it will blunt more quickly

Dont buy this product,is only a toy compared with a petrol one.You have to be as careful with an electric saw as a petrol,each can be as dangerous.The fault i had with mine which was only nine months old was it went on fire when cutting a two inch branch.Through it in the bin and bought a petrol one which for me i find safer.

The Bosch AKE 40-17 S Chainsaw is inexpensive,feels safer than a petrol saw. Construction is not really up to anything other than small softwood branches. The internal plastic drive gear is very poor design, mine has stripped twice when cutting only 150mm logs. I am surprised that such a basic design fault has not been rectified.

It was not possible to buy replacement parts direct from Bosch Service Dept,but were only obtainable through an independant dealer.

With hindsight I would certainly not have bought this saw.

For the price the Bosch AKE 40-17 S Chainsaw is a great garden tool for light logging & doestic use. Simple to set-up & chain tensioning is easy. New chain cuts very well - even an oak branch almost as thick as the bar length. It does feels a bit lightwieght & plastic.

Would recomend this Bosch AKE 40-17 S saw as it works very well. I believe that the latest model has an improved chain tensioner.

The Bosch AKE 40-17 S was a good choice for small domestic jobs. Doesn't feel as dangerous as a petrol saw. Used to cut old fence posts for firewood, and it has handled 6 inch posts with ease. A bit lightweight in conctrcution, but treat it with respect and it should last.