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Tanaka Chainsaw Review [Model: TCS33EDTP/14]

The Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 Chainsaw Review

4.8/5
Our Rating
Tanaka TCS33EDTP review

SUMMARY

The Tanaka TCS33EDTP is a top handle chainsaw, available in either 12-inch or 14-inch bar and chain. Built with a commercial grade 2-stroke 32.2-cc Pure Fire engine, this chainsaw is able to deliver powerful performance with less fuel consumption and hence reducing the emission level to the environment. 

The throttle is designed on top of the tool instead of the usual rear-positioned. As this provides more maneuverability when you are up in a tree, this power tool is highly recommended for arborists. The Tanaka is relatively lightweight at only 12.4 lbs, suitable to be used for long hours without stress.

The chainsaw is easy to operate thanks to the automatic gear-powered oiler. It also features a half throttle choke with purge primer bulb that helps the machine to warm up faster, able to start quickly just on the first pull.

In addition, the sprocket nose bar with Oregon chain provides added control to make cuttings easier. With the inertia activated chain brake, it eliminates the chance of kickback. The designed side access chain tensioning provides more convenience and easy access for quick adjustments.

It comes with an ergonomic cushioned handle with vibration dampeners to reduce vibration levels, and built with a lanyard ring for easy climbing. In short, the Tanaka TCS33EDTP is sturdy and powerful, highly recommended for someone who is looking to handle professional heavy-duty tree projects.

What Makes This Chainsaw Stands Out?

  • Perfect to be used for trees-pruning
  • It is cordless for more versatility
  • Warm up and start up really fast
  • Comes with a semi-transparent gas tank so that you will know how much gas are still left
  • Offers a very generous 7-years consumer warranty; 2-years commercial and 1-year rental warranty

SPECIFICATIONS

Cylinder Displacement: 2-stroke 32.2-cc Pure Fire engine featuring 2 piston rings

Power Output: 1.6 hp

Bar & Chain Length: 14-inch

Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.8 oz

Manufacturer of Chain: Oregon 

Weight: 12.4 lbs

The Manufacturer

Naturally, when you are deciding on a new purchase, you want to go with a reputable brand.

The Tanaka company has a long history, as it was founded back in 1918. Ever since, it has maintained a steady line of developing its range, not least with the latest PureFire engine featured on this chainsaw.

In 2007, Tanaka became part of the Hitachi company. It delivers on its promises, namely providing a versatile professional power tool for a very reasonable price. Other brands can be found here.

Last but not least, the manual that comes with the Tanaka TCS33EDTP contains very useful information by the manufacturer.

Besides detailed instructions on how to operate your chainsaw, it concerns safety and maintenance.

Therefore, as always, we advise you to read and follow it carefully.


Features Of The Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14

1) Engine

The TCS33EDTP/14 comes with Tanaka's trademarked 32.2cc two-stroke PureFire engine.

With its design, the manufacturer strives to achieve lower emission rates and comply with current standards. 

Despite this being a gas-powered chainsaw (which usually means higher emission rates), Tanaka has accomplished its goal.

Perhaps more importantly, they have managed to do so without compromising the power of this unit.

Namely, the chainsaw is able to produce 1.6 horsepower, which translates to a 23 m/sec chain speed.

All in all, this is a rather impressive feat for a compact and light model such as this one.

The engine can achieve 12,000 rpm as its maximum speed while consuming fuel at a rate of 534 g/kWh.

With the fuel tank capacity as we have described it in our Specifications section, this means that one full tank provides some 20 minutes of cutting action.

Finally and most importantly, unlike some gas chainsaws, this model starts quickly and reliably.

The well-balanced overall construction and its half throttle choke are some of the features that help achieve this.

Also, the purge primer bulb helps the saw start and warm up fast.

Speaking of the engine, it is worth noting that gas-powered chainsaws do come with a downside. Namely, as a rule, they can produce a significant level of noise when compared to electric chainsaws.

Depending on your particular circumstances, this is something that can be only a minor hassle. However, in some cases, it could also be a deal-breaker.

It is up to you to decide, of course. Using ear protection when operating the saw is most welcome and advised by the manufacturer.

2) Bar and Chain

This specific model comes with a 14" Oregon sprocket bar and chain. The sprocket system ensures that with this unit, you get more control and better cutting action.

In terms of maintenance, this also means that you will have to occasionally grease the tip of the bar.

The relatively short bar is designed so as to match the size of the engine. Thus, it accounts for the entire unit's stability and well-balanced construction. 

One could argue that the shorter bar makes this chainsaw appropriate for smaller cuts rather than larger chunks of wood or even whole logs.

However, this is not necessarily the case as the unit is capable of felling trees, as well.

As for the chain, it is an Oregon Low Profile chain with low kickback and standard 52 drive links.

Its speed of up to 23 m/sec is a superb performance for a relatively lightweight chainsaw.  

Before putting it to use, you should properly tension the chain. Using the scrench tool that comes with your unit, you will adjust the side screw on the chainsaw.

The operating manual details the exact procedure. If you follow it carefully, you won't have to worry about whether you got it just right.

And lastly, bear in mind that a 12" bar model from Tanaka is also available. Accordingly, it is cheaper and worth checking out if you need a smaller chainsaw.

Editor's note: In a nutshell, a light and relatively small chainsaw. But with enough power to handle all your needs. A commercial-grade engine in a user-friendly package.

3) Design, Construction Quality, and Ease of Use

The TCS33EDTP/14 features a solid and reliable construction, with aluminum and solid plastic as the predominantly used materials.  

With much attention to detail, the manufacturer emphasizes its anti-vibration system. Its purpose?

Making your experience with this saw an easy and enjoyable one. 

That is particularly important during long periods of use or professional application.

In those cases, you want your power tool to be of help, rather than a burden.

As we have mentioned in our Overview section, this is a top handle chainsaw. With such a design, it gives you more control when preparing and positioning for a cut.

Thus, the large and ergonomic top handle is conveniently placed and offers the necessary stability.

The lockout button and throttle trigger are located on the handle. The front handle contains a practical hand guard which also doubles as a chain brake.

On the whole, we have found it comfortable and easy to navigate and operate this Tanaka chainsaw.  

Another feature that will help you achieve a stable position while using the saw is the addition of metal bumper spikes.

Moreover, several other features and design solutions illustrate the practicality of this saw.

For example, the procedure of refilling it with oil, i.e. gas is very effortless, as both tank caps are close to one another.

A muffler which lowers the engine noise level is located on the right-hand side of the unit.

In addition, you will find a chain catcher on the lower side of the saw. As its name suggests, it will hold back the chain if it should ever fail.

4. Accessories and Safety

With the purchase of this model, you will also get a protective cover for the saw's bar and chain.

Acting as a protective transportation measure, it is mainly a safety precaution preventing any possible injury.

Thus, it is a very welcome addition by Tanaka. Especially since not all companies offer this as a free accessory.

The other free accessory with your unit is the scrench tool which, as we've mentioned, will come in handy when you’re fitting and adjusting the bar and chain.

5. Warranty

For this model, Tanaka offers a 7-year warranty. In case of commercial use, the warranty is limited to 2 years, and for rental purposes - 1 year.

So, if you are a homeowner looking to purchase a chainsaw for personal use, the 7-year warranty is a major plus.

6. Even More Features

  • The Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 has an automatic oiling system. Such a setup will make sure that the bar and chain are oiled whenever you are using the chainsaw.
  • The saw features an integrated lanyard ring. That allows for easier climbing for those trained for more demanding chainsaw work.
  • The air filter is located in the rear part of the unit and is very easy to access.

The Pros and Cons

PROS

  • Versatility. Whether you're a regular homeowner or a pro, this chainsaw will likely handle any task you put before it.
  • The price. At less than $300, this model is very affordable and, with its all-around performance, it easily beats many pricier competitors.
  • Security. A very generous warranty, especially the full 7-year period if you do not plan on using the unit for commercial purposes. It truly illustrates the manufacturer's confidence in the product.
  • Ease of use. We have found this saw a joy to operate. It starts quick and even after hours of operating, its ergonomic design caused hardly any fatigue.

CONS

  • Maintenance. This is one that relates to all gas-powered saws. If regular maintenance such as replacing the air filter or cleaning various parts of the unit bothers you, then you could view this as a flaw. Otherwise, check out the verdicts of electric chainsaws.
  • Noise. As we have mentioned, this is another common trait of gas chainsaws.

Final Verdict

Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 Chainsaw

We hope that our comprehensive Tanaka chainsaw review has been helpful to making your decision.

Our take? It all comes down to your needs and requirements. But if an affordable, compact, powerful and easy-to-use chainsaw is what you are looking for, we recommend you to give this model a try.

Its engine and design makes it suitable for both the hobbyist as well as the professional user. That is the main advantage of this model.

Its versatility is unmatched even by much pricier models on the market. And, in the case of the Tanaka, the versatility comes at less than $350.

For all of those reasons, and despite some minor flaws, we rate this model 4.8/5.


4.8/5
Our Rating

What we Liked:

  • Compact and light
  • Powerful
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable

What we Disliked:

  • Not for ground level use
Tanaka chainsaw review

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    Jeremy Delores

    Jeremy is here to help you get the right tools and equipment for your yard and garden. Being obsessed with them for almost a decade, he knows how important quality and reliability is when using them. For this reason, he will focus on creating and sharing content that not only cover the latest information and trends but also his insights on the best products that will suit your needs and requirements.