A method of manufacturing a chain (1), such as a cutting chain for a chain saw, includes providing or pre-assembling a plurality of chain sub-units (10). At least a sufficient property and/or a sufficient functionality of each chain sub-unit (10) are tested. A head-to-tail coupling is combined with the plurality of chain sub-units (10) provided with the sufficient property and/or sufficient functionality of the testing step to make a chain (1) of a predefined length.

A method of manufacturing a chain (1), such as a cutting chain for a chain saw, includes providing or pre-assembling a plurality of chain sub-units (10). At least a sufficient property and/or a sufficient functionality of each chain sub-unit (10) are tested. A head-to-tail coupling is combined with the plurality of chain sub-units (10) provided with the sufficient property and/or sufficient functionality of the testing step to make a chain (1) of a predefined length.

A machine tool separating device, in particular a handheld machine separating device, includes at least one cutting strand and at least one guide unit. The cutting strand, viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to a cutting plane of the cutting strand, has a maximum dimension less than 4 mm.

A machine tool separating device, in particular a handheld machine separating device, includes at least one cutting strand and at least one guide unit. The cutting strand, viewed along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to a cutting plane of the cutting strand, has a maximum dimension less than 4 mm.

A machine tool separating device, in particular a manual machine tool separating device, includes at least one cutting train that comprises at least one cutter-support element and at least one connecting element that is integrally formed with the cutter-support element. The cutter-support element has at least one transverse securing element that is configured to secure the cutter-support element against a transverse movement relative to another cutter-support element of the cutting train to the greatest extent possible in the assembled state.

A machine tool separating device, in particular a manual machine tool separating device, includes at least one cutting train that comprises at least one cutter-support element and at least one connecting element that is integrally formed with the cutter-support element. The cutter-support element has at least one transverse securing element that is configured to secure the cutter-support element against a transverse movement relative to another cutter-support element of the cutting train to the greatest extent possible in the assembled state.

A cutting assembly of a chainsaw includes a saw chain and a guide bar (4) for guiding the saw chain (3) along a peripheral edge (5) of the guide bar. The saw chain (3) has drive links (6) having drive bases (7) which with their side surfaces (8, 8′) are slidingly guided between the side walls (9) of a guide groove (10) of the guide bar (4) with the formation of a friction pairing. Lubricant pockets (11) are formed in the side surface (8). The lubricant pockets (11) are only open toward the corresponding side wall (9) of the guide groove (10) and are otherwise closed. Offside the lubricant pockets (11), the side surface (8) has a flat sliding surface (12) which slides on the side wall (9) of the guide groove (10). The lubricant pocket (11) has a mean diameter and a maximum depth. The ratio of the mean diameter to the maximum depth lies in a range of 5.0 up to and including 25.0.

Improved chain saws, components for chain saws, methods of making chain saws and components, and methods of using chain saws and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, a chain saw comprises a saw bar and a plurality of links, wherein a first link has a hook that engages a recess of a second link, thereby coupling the first link and the second link and allowing them to articulate without decoupling. The saw bar may have a rail, and the links may have grooves such that the links straddle and ride over the rail. The rail may have a projection and the grooves of the links may have notches accommodating the projection such that the projection prevents dislocation of the links. The links may have conical or pyramidal cutting teeth. The chain may be bidirectional. Robotic and automated operation of saws and other instruments are also disclosed.

Improved chain saws, components for chain saws, methods of making chain saws and components, and methods of using chain saws and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, a chain saw comprises a saw bar and a plurality of links, wherein a first link has a hook that engages a recess of a second link, thereby coupling the first link and the second link and allowing them to articulate without decoupling. The saw bar may have a rail, and the links may have grooves such that the links straddle and ride over the rail. The rail may have a projection and the grooves of the links may have notches accommodating the projection such that the projection prevents dislocation of the links. The links may have conical or pyramidal cutting teeth. The chain may be bidirectional. Robotic and automated operation of saws and other instruments are also disclosed.

A vegetation pruning device includes a pair of pivotably coupled handles and a motor having a rotary output drive for driving an endless flexible cutting chain. A guard is moved relative to the chain by pivoting of the handles relative to each other to grip vegetation between the guard and the chain. The motor is actuated by pressing each of a pair of elongate triggers at any position along the length of the triggers.