It was about this time last year that I reviewed Proyama’s 62cc 22″ chainsaw.
You can find that review –> HERE.
I’m back with another Proyama, this time their 68cc 24″ chainsaw.
Like last time, I wanted to start fresh with a chainsaw directly out of the box, and then put it through its paces for a few hours to tell you what I think.
Saw Setup
Proyama packs a lot in the box. The whole kit includes:
24″ bar and chain
20″ bar and chain
gaskets
scrench and basic assembly tools
file
fuel mixing bottle
bar cover for storage
face shield
gloves
ear muffs
Getting the 24″ bar bolted on was nothing taxing. If you’ve spent any time around chainsaws, you’ll be able to get the chain untangled and installed.
You will want to fill the bar oil up, as well as the fuel (40:1 mix ratio) once you set the chain tension.
Like their 62cc saw, the 68 has a prime bulb. They have specific instructions, but it’s basically like most saws:
push chain brake fully forward to lock
push the prime bulb 3-5 times until bulb is full of fuel
flip the on/off switch up to “ON”
pull the choke knob out
pull the starter cord a few times until the engine first catches
My saw started right up with no issues. It was around 81 degrees F, springtime has sprung!
Features
Proyama claims 4.5 hp for this thing, at a running speed of 13k rpm.
You can compare that to their 62cc saw I looked at last year at 3.5 hp and 12k rpm.
It has a 0.6 liter fuel tank. They claim this is good for up to 45 mins of work, but at full throttle that seems optimistic.
Oil capacity is 9.2 oz.
The handle does have a rubber grip to help with vibration. It might even be the same grip/handle as their 62cc saw.
Weight is listed as 14.5 lbs. They use a magnesium frame to help reduce weight and operator fatigue.
The engine air filter has a quick release mechanism for easy cleaning. And they also use filters for their air injection to reduce how much sawdust, dirt, and gunk get sucked into the cooling passageways.
My Review
The saw really was easy to put together.
You are supposed to use a gasket between the chain cover and the bar oiling mechanism to reduce leaks. They include two in the kit.
They do include a little stamped piece for the bucking spikes. It’s odd that it’s just part of the kit, but they include two fasteners and even a wrench that fits them, so it’s no trouble to bolt it on there.
Either I’m getting smarter (ha ha) or I just got lucky with the 24″ chain because it was not very kinked up, and I had it installed and tensioned in literally minutes.
Unlike some saws, you do need a tool to tension the chain. It’s easy to just use the flat blade on the opposite end of the scrench. I don’t mind using a tool, but if you are scatter-brained you have to remember to take this with you if you’re travelling with the saw.
It starts just fine, warm or cold. Use the purge bulb, follow their instructions and you won’t have any trouble.
It cuts really well. The saw is pretty well balanced, and cuts straight.
It has a lot of power. I would compare it to the 4.2 hp Supmix I reviewed a while back, except with more!
More power, more torque, and of course a much longer bar.
I spent quite a bit of time cutting through some pretty aged trees, up to maybe 30″ in diameter. This thing really just powers right through them.
When I stopped for lunch, I did pull the file out of the Proyama tool kit and touched up the chain. It’s cool that they included this.
My only real complaint is with the chain brake.
It works. I mean, it does what it’s supposed to. But it feels very notchy and rough. It pops back and forth only with some vigorous encouragement. Obviously not a deal breaker for a saw at this price point, but I’m just being honest with my review.
There is a fair amount of vibration and noise, but with a 68cc engine and 4.5 hp, you are not dealing with a little kid toy. Make sure you wear your hearing protection, either using what they included in the kit, or buying your own.
Overall, I’d give the Proyama 68cc saw two thumbs up!
