While searching to understand vibration and its harmful effects, scientists have discovered that some vibrations are worse than others. In order to measure these effects, engineers have taken the spectrum of vibrations that are generated during chainsaw use and broken them down into groups of frequencies called “frequency bands.”

It is now known that some frequency bands, mainly in the lower frequency ranges, are the most likely to injure you. An internationally recognized method for measuring chainsaw vibration has been developed which uses “weighting factors.” The weighting factors are applied to each frequency band while doing a vibration test on a particular saw. At the end of the test, engineers get not only a mathematical measurement of the saw’s vibration levels, but also information on the saw’s potential to cause injury.

From Raynaud’s Phenomenon, to White Knuckle Disease, to the modern name “Vibration-induced White Finger” or “VWF,” what is known about the condition is that it reduces the hands’ ability to feel and regulate temperature. Blanching of the fingertips, or of whole fingers, and painful sensitivity to heat or cold are common. The leading research on VWF says that a “reduction in” or a “cessation of” exposure to vibration has a beneficial effect on the symptoms.

Now, it’s probably not an option to just “cease” using a chainsaw. But one can make a significant “reduction in” the risk of injury by using OREGON® Vibe-Ban™ chain.

As each cutter’s working corner impacts the wood, three things happen almost simultaneously:

1. The cutter is momentarily stopped by becoming trapped between the wood and the bar rail, releasing a tremendous jolt of energy.

2. A portion of that energy is transmitted through the heels of the cutters and opposing tie straps into the bar, the saw, and finally — into the hands of the operator.

3. Another portion of the energy is transmitted directly through the chain as a shock wave, into the drive sprocket, the powerhead, and once again — into the hands of the operator.

The secret to reducing the vibration produced by the chain lies in reducing the transfer of energy from that initial jolt, which OREGON® has done by eliminating the way the cutter is trapped.

By yourself, you can’t.

In the last two decades, chainsaw manufacturers have made remarkable improvements that do help isolate users’ hands from vibration caused by the saw’s engine. But these improvements are generally not as good at reducing the frequency bands generated by the cutting action of the saw’s chain. It is possible to feel the tingling sensation in your hands which often follows periods of chainsaw use. But one big problem with vibration is that even when using saws with modern anti-vibration features, it is not usually possible to “feel” the difference between the best saw and the worst. To do that you have to use sophisticated test equipment.

Over twenty years ago, OREGON® began using state-of-the-art equipment to measure vibration. In that time, chain designs and test-equipment technology have advanced, but now, the results are in. OREGON® Vibe-Ban™ chain reduces the level of vibration by 25% — or more.

We’ve removed a small amount of material from the bottoms of the heels on cutters and tie straps. This allows the rear of these chain parts to “float” above the guide bar rail. This small space between the chain and the bar lets the chain act like a shock absorber. When the cutter’s working corner impacts the wood, the cutter has room to rock back slightly rather than being momentarily trapped between the wood and the bar rail. Much of the energy is dissipated by the chain so it never even reaches the bar, the saw, or -most importantly - the operator.

Pioneered by Electrolux in Sweden the Low Vibration concept was developed and tested together with OREGON® engineers. Now applied throughout the OREGON® range, Vibe-Ban is a perfect example of the fruit of cooperation between the company and one of its major business partners.

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