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Type C Chainsaw Trousers Buyer's Guide
Type C chainsaw trousers provide full wrap-around leg protection for aerial arborists and tree surgeons working with a chainsaw at height. This guide covers why Type C is mandatory for climbing work, how to choose the right class rating, and the full range from Arbortec, Pfanner, STEIN and specialist brands — including women's Type C options.
Why Type C for Aerial and Climbing Work?
Type C chainsaw trousers provide all-round wrap-around leg protection - covering both the front and rear of both legs. This is the mandatory specification for any arborist ascending a tree with a running chainsaw, where the rear leg is exposed during climbing, limbing and aerial cutting operations. UK HSE guidance and AFAG 305 specify Type C trousers as the correct standard for aerial chainsaw work. If you climb with a chainsaw, Type C is not optional.
Class Ratings for Aerial Work - Why Class 3 is Recommended
For aerial arborists using professional chainsaws, Class 3 (tested to 28 m/s chain speed) is the recommended minimum. Professional top-handle chainsaws including the STIHL MS 201 TC-M and MS 193 T run at chain speeds that require Class 2 or Class 3 protection. Class 1 trousers are only appropriate for domestic-speed saws. When cutting in the canopy - where reaction time and saw control are reduced by working position - the additional protection of Class 3 is a sensible professional choice regardless of the minimum requirement.
Arbortec Type C Chainsaw Trousers
Arbortec produce the most widely worn Type C chainsaw trousers on UK arborist sites. The Arbortec Scafell Lite Type C is a lightweight Class 2 climbing trouser engineered specifically for aerial arborists - with articulated knees, a lower bib cut for saddle comfort and reinforced seat panels. The Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Type C is available in Class 1, 2 and 3 in a stretch-fabric construction for maximum mobility during climbing. Arbortec also produce a women's Type C range in a female-specific pattern across standard and long leg lengths.
Pfanner Type C Chainsaw Trousers
Pfanner produce a professional Type C range including the Pfanner Ventilation Type C - a lightweight, highly breathable wrap-around trouser for summer arborist work in Class 2 and Class 3. The Pfanner Gladiator Type C is a more robust four-season trouser for ground and aerial work in demanding conditions. Pfanner Type C trousers are distinguished by their durable outer fabric and European manufacturing quality, and carry full EN ISO 11393 Type C certification across all class ratings.
STEIN, Montbell and Specialist Type C Trousers
STEIN produce the Sentinel Type C chainsaw trouser range - a professional, robust option for UK arborist and grounds maintenance teams in Class 1 and Class 2, offering strong value at a professional price point. Montbell produce a highly specified lightweight Type C trouser for professional arborists prioritising weight reduction. Clogger and ArbPro also offer Type C options with specific technical features for climbing arborists, all stocked at Gustharts in standard UK sizes.
Women's Type C Chainsaw Trousers
Women's Type C chainsaw trousers are cut to a female-specific pattern with a higher waist, narrower hips and adjusted thigh and knee positioning - ensuring correct protective panel placement for different body proportions. Arbortec produce the most comprehensive women's Type C range in the UK market, including the Breatheflex Pro Women's Type C in Class 1, 2 and 3 and the Scafell Lite Women's Type C for aerial work. All women's chainsaw trousers at Gustharts carry full EN ISO 11393 Type C certification.
EN ISO 11393 Type C - What the Standard Means for Aerial Arborists
EN ISO 11393 is the current international standard for chainsaw protective clothing, replacing the earlier EN 381-5. Type C under this standard requires wrap-around protection covering both the front and rear of both legs through a full 360-degree arc. All Type C trousers must pass a chain contact test at the relevant class speed. The certification code on the label reads EN ISO 11393 Type C, Class 1, 2 or 3. UK arborists are required under PUWER and HSE AFAG 305 to wear Type C trousers when using a chainsaw at height.
Pairs Well With
- Type A Chainsaw Trousers — front protection for ground-based work
- Climbing Harness Accessories — saddles and harnesses for aerial arborist work
- Chainsaw Helmets — PROTOS Integral and certified chainsaw helmets
- Chainsaw Boots — EN ISO 17249 certified, Class 1, 2 and 3
- Chainsaw Clothing & PPE — complete arborist PPE range








