Stricter emissions standards and increasing safety concerns have radically changed the chainsaw market in the past 20 years. RedMax has responded with cutting edge technology, building powerful two-strokes that are smog legal and handles with better vibration control. While they’re a well-known brand among landscaping professionals, they also build models that are perfect for residential users who need to cut branches and chop firewood.
Strato-Charged Technology: Two-Strokes with Modern Performance
Introduced 20 years ago, the Strato-Charged engine design addressed common emissions and starting issues with two-stroke engines. The carburetor injects a pulse of pure air before the air-fuel mixture, preventing fuel from exiting the cylinder before it can be burned. This alone is enough to keep emissions low enough to meet stringent regulations. Professional models are EDP A certified, which means they’ll conform to EPA emissions standards for at least 300 operating hours. They also meet CARB emissions requirements, so they’re 50 state legal.
The advantage of this design doesn’t stop there. By using better piston rings and a hemispherical combustion chamber, RedMax’s engines are able to use 20% less fuel than regular two-strokes and weigh 20-25% less than 4-strokes. They’re also easier to start than most two-strokes thanks to a self-purging carburetor.
Vibration Control: Keeping You On the Job
Experiencing constant vibrations through your hands and arms can cause permanent nerve damage, and few devices make more vibration than a chainsaw. The latest studies by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends limiting exposure for an 8-hour shift to vibrations of no more than 5 m/s². Most RedMax chainsaws are below this threshold. However, there are a few models that should be used with vibration-dampening gloves on one or both hands.
Residential Models
GZ360
The smallest saw in Redmax’s lineup has a 35.2cc engine making just over 2 HP. It weighs 8.6 lbs. It’s only compatible with a 16-inch bar. The chain oiler is adjustable.
Vibration: 8.0 m/s² at the front handle, 5.2 m/s² at the rear handle
GZ381
RexMax’s most basic model has a 40.9 cc engine that produces 2.5hp. It weighs 9.5 lbs and can be used with a 16 or 18-inch bar. It has a fixed flow chain oiler that stops automatically when the engine is at idle.
Vibration: 2.9 m/s² front, 4.3 m/s² rear
GZ500
Need more power than the GZ381? A 50.2 cc increases power to 3.2 hp, but weight also increases to 11.2 lbs.
Vibration: 3.4 m/s² front, 4.0 m/s² rear
GZ550
For bigger jobs, this saw works with a 20-inch bar and has a 55.5cc engine making 3.49 hp. It weighs 12.8 lbs. The chain oiler is adjustable.
Vibration: 2.8 m/s² front, 3.4 m/s² rear
Commercial Models
All commercial chainsaws come with an adjustable flow chain oiler.
GZ3500T
This commercial counterpart to the GZ360 has the same engine and works with bars ranging from 12 to 16 inches. It weighs 7.5 lbs.
Vibration: 5.1 m/s² front, 4.6 m/s² rear
GZ4350
A 43.1cc, 2.95 HP engine, and compatibility with bars ranging from 13 to 18 inches make this a good limb saw. It weighs 9.92 lbs.
GZ5000
This model is right at the center of the range with its 50.1cc, 3.35 HP and compatibility with 16 and 18-inch bars. It weighs 11.02lbs.
Vibration: 4.4 m/s² front, 4.3 m/s² rear
GZ7100
A 70.7cc, 5.6 HP engine, and compatibility with bars ranging from 18 to 28 inches make this one of the most versatile saws in the lineup. It weighs 14.1 lbs.
Vibration: 4.0 m/s² front, 5.9 m/s² rear
G9000
Need serious tree-cutting power? The 87.9cc engine is RedMax’s most powerful at 6.44 HP. It works with 18 to 28 inch long bars. However, at 16.1 lbs, you may want to look for something smaller unless you’re sure you need the extra capacity.
Vibration: 4.3 m/s² front, 6.7 m/s² rear
Warranty
RedMax guarantees the GZ381, GZ500, GZ550, and GZ360 for two years of residential use or 90 days of commercial use. All other chainsaws are guaranteed for two years of residential use or one year of commercial use. When used for rentals, all chainsaws are guaranteed for 90 days.
Shank’s Lawn Equipment is Your Chainsaw Headquarters
Shank’s Lawn Equipment sells and services all types of outdoor equipment from UTVs and mowers to chainsaws. As an authorized RedMax dealer, we don’t just sell these chainsaws, we also have the accessories and parts you need to keep them running. If you need a new saw, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. We’re just one mile from I-81.
Need parts for your RedMax? Visit our website, www.shankslawn.com. We can ship what you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.
