Operating a chainsaw can be dangerous and difficult, so you must be fully protected. Chainsaw boots are essential to your personal protective equipment, and you must wear some when using a chainsaw.
While wearing chainsaw boots is crucial when performing arborist tasks, you also need to know how to care for your boots to ensure they offer maximum performance for long periods.
At Gustharts, we tell you why chainsaw boots are essential when operating machinery, how to care for your boots and the difference between each of the chainsaw boot classes.
Table of contents
- What are chainsaw boots?
- Why do I need chainsaw boots?
- Benefits of chainsaw boots
- How to care for your chainsaw boots
- What are the chainsaw boot classes?
What are chainsaw boots?
Chainsaw boots are specialised protective boots that provide excellent protection to arborists or individuals working with chainsaws. Chainsaw boots are an essential part of arborist safety equipment to help avoid injury to your feet or legs.
They are designed with various protection features, such as steel toes and puncture-resistant soles, to protect you against hazards while working. You must wear chainsaw boots to protect your legs and feet when operating a chainsaw.
Why do I need chainsaw boots?
You must wear chainsaw boots when using a chainsaw to prevent damage from the extreme cutting force of your machinery. Chainsaw boots adopt the principle of chain slipping, where the saw slips off the material of your boots rather than cutting through it. When buying chainsaw boots, ensure you buy a pair with a steel toe cap.
Chainsaws cannot cut through steel toe caps, compared to composite toe caps, which can be cut through. Always look for chainsaw boots that meet EN safety standards, ensuring you invest in high-quality and durable boots.
Although chainsaw boots are primarily designed to protect against contact with a chainsaw, there are many other reasons you should invest in a pair of chainsaw boots when operating machinery.
A good pair of chainsaw boots will provide outstanding grip and stability, which is essential to ensure you don’t lose control of your chainsaw in tougher conditions. Chainsaw boots’ waterproof properties allow you to operate your chainsaw safely in poor weather without worrying about slipping or discomfort.
Investing in a pair of waterproof chainsaw boots minimises the risk of exposure to contaminated surfaces and the contraction of potential infections.
Benefits of chainsaw boots
Excellent protection
The main purpose of chainsaw boots is to provide excellent protection against potential cuts and lacerations when operating your chainsaw. If your chainsaw ever comes into contact with your boot, the blade will slip off and prevent you from cutting yourself. Steel toe caps ensure that the chainsaw can not cut through your boot.
Steel toe caps will also protect you from crushing injuries, such as large objects falling on your feet. Felling trees and branches may result in large branches falling from a height, so steel toe caps are crucial. Opting for chainsaw boots equipped with anti-perforation soles will protect you from sharp objects piercing your foot when stepped on.
Chainsaw boots are primarily waterproof, enabling you to work in harsh weather conditions. They also prevent water from getting inside your boots, essential for reducing the risk of potential infections.
Can be used in various conditions
Although chainsaw boots’ primary function is to provide protection when operating a chainsaw, another benefit is that they can be worn in various weather conditions.
Chainsaw boots are often waterproof, which allows you to complete tasks safely and without discomfort in wet conditions. Comfort is key when choosing chainsaw boots, as you don’t want to be distracted when operating dangerous machinery.
Chainsaw boots are designed to have outstanding grip, allowing you to operate in uneven and slippery terrain. Excellent grip is essential for maintaining stability when handling a chainsaw, reducing the risk of slipping and injuring yourself.
When not handling a chainsaw, your boots can be used for other activities, such as hiking and gardening. Your feet will be protected from hazardous objects and difficult terrain due to the sturdy construction of the boot.
How to care for your chainsaw boots
Regular cleaning and waterproofing are required to help maintain the longevity of your chainsaw boots. Gustharts stocks various chainsaw boot cleaning and aftercare products that enable you to maintain your boot’s performance for long periods.
Cleaning
Firstly, use an old brush to remove any loose dirt and debris before removing the laces and insoles. Your boots’ laces and insoles can be hand-washed separately. Once you have removed the laces and insole, use an old brush to remove any excess dirt.
If you do not have any boot cleaner solution, mix some dish soap with warm water and apply it to your boots with a sponge or cloth. Ensure you avoid any harsh chemicals that may damage your boots.
Use the cleaning solution to thoroughly clean away dirt and debris from your boots before rinsing away any excess cleaning solution. After cleaning your boots, leave them to air-dry naturally. Boots can lose their shape when left to dry, so stuffing newspaper inside can help to retain its shape. Ensure you keep your boots away from any heat sources and out of sunlight to avoid damage to the material.
Aftercare
After cleaning your chainsaw boots, you must properly maintain them to help extend their longevity. Before applying the waterproofer and boot balm, wait until your boots are fully dry. Waterproofer ensures your boots remain impervious, while boot balm is applied to keep your boots in top condition. Browse the latest Pfanner products for essential boot care to help maintain maximum performance.
What are the chainsaw boot classes?
Class 1 chainsaw boots
Class 1 chainsaw boots are recommended for those who moderately use a chainsaw and are designed to handle speeds of up to 20m/s. They are ideal for those undertaking light arborist tasks where some flexibility is needed. Class 1 chainsaw boots should only be used for tasks that require moderate chainsaw use.
Class 2 chainsaw boots
If you often engage in frequent, rigorous chainsaw work that requires a dependable and tough pair of boots, class 2 chainsaw boots are the perfect option. Class 2 chainsaw boots are designed to deal with speeds of up to 24m/s, perfect for arborists needing reliable protection over extended periods.
Class 3 chainsaw boots
Class 3 chainsaw boots offer the highest level of protection and are tailor-made for professionals and heavy-duty tasks. Whether working in intense conditions or undertaking demanding jobs, class 3 chainsaw boots are ideal for those needing the utmost protection. Class 3 chainsaw boots are manufactured to withstand chainsaw speeds of up to 28m/s.
Stay protected with chainsaw boots at Gustharts
Whether you use a chainsaw moderately or are a professional arborist, our guide will help you establish the benefits of chainsaw boots and the importance of properly caring for and maintaining them. If you need to buy some chainsaw boots, follow this guide to determine which boots to buy depending on how you will use your chainsaw. Are you on the lookout for extra chainsaw boot accessories? Shop the latest range of chainsaw boot laces and insoles.
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