ISO 13772:2018

Overview - ISO 13772:2018 (Portable chain-saws chain brake performance)

ISO 13772:2018 defines a standardized method to check the functioning and performance of the non-manually actuated chain brake on portable hand‑held chain‑saws powered by electric or gasoline engines. The standard specifies the test principle, required test rig and instrumentation, preparation and test procedure, and the content of the test report. It applies to production saws fitted with guide bars up to 500 mm and includes battery‑powered saw considerations (lightest/heaviest battery packs).

Keywords: ISO 13772:2018, portable chain‑saws, non‑manually actuated chain brake, chain brake performance, forestry machinery, safety testing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: A drop mass strikes a rocker to accelerate the mounted chain‑saw; drop height is increased until the automatic chain brake actuates.
• Performance acceptance: Actuation accelerations (horizontal ax and vertical ay) must be below threshold levels defined for different saw types and sizes (see Figure 1 of the standard).
• Test rig: Detailed design and mounting requirements, including rocker dimensions, mass and moment of inertia, drop mass (15 000 g ± 20 g), vertical guide rod alignment, and adjustable pulley/cord geometry.
• Pulse characteristics: Energy input pulse length t_y is specified as 11 ms ± 2 ms; conical disc spring configuration is provided as an example to meet this pulse.
• Instrumentation: Accelerometers must be lightweight (≤ 50 g total), mounted so transfer function is flat up to 300 Hz, and signals processed through a low‑pass filter per Annex A. Measurement accuracy (excluding mounting/filter) is ±5% in 0–300 Hz.
• Preparation: Preconditioning, cutting/operational run‑in, accelerometer placement relative to guide bar tip, and specified positioning/forces for attachment points and supports.
• Procedure and reporting: Stepwise drop‑height protocol, repeatability criteria (five consistent actuations), averaging of measured ax and ay, and required test‑report content (saw description, measurement setup, and results).

Applications - who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of portable chain‑saws for design verification and production quality control.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies performing safety and conformity testing.
• Safety engineers, product managers and procurement teams assessing chain‑saw safety performance.
• Regulators and standards committees referencing test methods for forestry machinery safety.

Related standards

• ISO 6531 - Portable chain‑saws - Vocabulary (referenced)
• ISO 5348 - Accelerometer mounting guidance (cited for mounting considerations)
• ISO 16063‑1 - Calibration methods for vibration measuring equipment (accuracy)
• ISO 6535 - Chain brake release force (used in reporting)

ISO 13772:2018 is essential for consistent, reproducible evaluation of automatic chain‑brake actuation and helps manufacturers and test labs demonstrate compliance and improve saw safety.