How to Choose the Best Chainsaw For the Job

!±8± How to Choose the Best Chainsaw For the Job

Choosing the right chainsaw is a matter of understanding what the user is going to be cutting, and finding a chainsaw powerful enough to handle it. There are a variety of different saws on the market, ranging from low powered electric models to high speed gas powered machines. It is not easy to go online or head to a store and pick up the right chainsaw without first understanding the horsepower, chainsaw blade type, and bar length.

There are three main sizes of saws. Mini saws are usually good for very light trimming work, while mid and heavy duty saws can cut down trees and other larger projects. Light duty, or mini, chainsaws range in engine power from 25 to 40 ccs, with bar lengths between 12 and 15 inches. Mid range saws have stronger engines, between 40 and 60 ccs, and longer bars that are up to 24 inches in length. This size is most popular among homeowners who will need to cut firewood, remove dead trees, or other occasional larger chores.

Heavy duty saws are often only used by professionals, due to their heavy weight and extreme power. They run between 60cc and 120cc, and the bar length can be up to four feet. If the saw will mainly be used for cutting wood, especially trees, the buyer will need to consider the size of trees they will be felling. Chainsaws can handle a tree that is about twice as wide in diameter as the bar length, and no longer. Of course, engine power also matters. A 30cc lightweight chainsaw with a 14 inch bar may still be unable to cut through a 28-inch trunk.

One of the crucial features of a chainsaw is its oiling mechanism. The friction created from the chain running along the bar can be immense, so chainsaws feature a mechanism that adds oil along the bar as the chain runs. In most chainsaws this is fully automatic, but some models have a button that the user must push repeatedly before every cut. Also, some chainsaws feature adjustable oiling systems, as well as oil saving features that prevent the chainsaw from lubricating while it idles.

Electric saws are generally less powerful, but they may still fit a user's needs if there is no heavy work to be done. These usually rely on a power cord, which can be difficult to use if the work is far away from a building or the home. A few cordless saws are available, but the battery life tends to be short and the power much lower than other electric models. They do weigh less, and offer none of the noxious fumes a gasoline powered saw emits.