How To Buy A Chainsaw! – On the House
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How To Buy A Chainsaw!

By on June 30, 2018
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Chainsaw Power Options

Gasoline-powered chainsaws combine power and mobility. They range from light-duty models to professional-grade saws that can fell large trees. A gasoline-powered chainsaw cranks with a pull-start and has a two-cycle engine that operates on a mixture of oil and gasoline. You mix the fuel yourself or purchase premixed fuel.

Electric chainsaws are good for small jobs — trimming, pruning and light cutting — requiring less power. They’re quieter than gasoline-powered saws, easier to start and require less maintenance. You’ll find both corded and cordless varieties.

  • A cordless saw offers better mobility, and recent improvements in voltage and batteries have greatly improved performance. But the battery still adds weight and limits operating time. You may need to recharge the battery or swap it with a fresh one, depending on the amount of work you’re doing.
  • A corded saw is lighter and doesn’t require you to refuel or recharge. It does require a suitable extension cord that reaches the work area, so you may need to factor this into the cost. Your work area is limited by cord length, and you have to keep the cord out of the way as you work. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for selecting a compatible extension cord and see Power Cord Safety Tips.

Good to Know

Maximize your outdoor toolbox with cordless tools that use the same battery and charger.  This outdoor power “family” includes chainsaw, mower, leaf blower and trimmer/edger.

Shop for Kobalt 40-volt cordless outdoor power equipment

Shop for Kobalt 80-volt cordless outdoor power equipment

 

Standard Chainsaws

The standard chainsaw design features front and rear handles on an engine / motor housing and a cutting bar that extends from the housing, but there are variations. Traditional chainsaws are best for heavier work, like cutting down entire trees and thick limbs, but they can also be used for many lighter jobs. Although these types of saws are typically the most powerful, they have the shortest reach and require the use of a ladder to trim high tree branches.

Shop Gas Chainsaws

Shop Electric Chainsaws

Shop Battery Chainsaws

 

Pole Saws

A pole saw is a small saw mounted on an extension pole. It increases your reach for pruning and removing small tree limbs. It’s available in gasoline-powered, cordless and corded models. The handle of some models can be lengthened by attaching a solid extender piece while others models have telescopic poles, allowing the operator to choose the desired length for maximum versatility. Also, some pole saws can convert to standard chainsaws, and pole saw attachments are available for some string trimmers.

Shop Gas Pole Saws

Shop Electric Pole Saws

Shop String Trimmer Attachments

 

Other Chainsaw Designs

Some chainsaw designs feature an enclosure or set of jaws surrounding the cutting bar. The enclosure offers additional protection from the chain. Teeth on the enclosure help grip the material you’re cutting. Some models use a scissors-like action to clamp the material as you cut. These electric saws are good for pruning and light cutting.

Finding the Best Chainsaw for Your Needs

Before you shop for a chainsaw, consider the work you plan to do. The size and type of the wood you need to cut and your experience using a chainsaw are all factors in selecting the right saw.

Bar length is one way to judge a saw’s size and the work it can handle. A saw with a longer bar can cut larger-diameter wood in a single pass. Bar lengths for most homeowner saws range from 6 inches on smaller electric saws to 20 inches on larger, gasoline-powered models. Professional-grade saws have bar lengths greater than 20 inches.

Engine displacement (gasoline-powered models), voltage (cordless models), amperage (corded models) and horsepower also relate to power and capability. The higher the numbers, the more power the saw has. Power matters most if you’re working with large trees and branches or cutting hardwood timber such as oak or maple.

A longer bar and bigger motor or engine mean increased weight — something to consider if you need to use the saw for extended periods. Larger saws also create more vibration, take more effort to handle and increase safety concerns. A smaller, less powerful saw will be more manageable, particularly if you don’t have much experience.

Caution

Read and follow the chainsaw manufacturer’s instructions for use, maintenance and safety.

 

Chainsaw Features

While size and power help you determine the best chainsaw for your work, a saw’s features can improve comfort, safety and efficiency as you cut:

  • Anti-vibration features make using a saw more comfortable and reduce fatigue. These systems are especially helpful if you have a lot of cutting to do.
  • Spring-assist starting reduces the pulling force needed to start a gasoline-powered saw.
  • An automatic oiler lubricates the chain as you cut — you don’t have to remember to activate it. Proper chain lubrication is necessary for safe and efficient cutting.
  • A chain brake is designed to stop the chain when the saw encounters an abrupt movement or impact. On equipped models, you can also manually activate the chain brake.
  • Low-kickback bars and chains help reduce the risk of the saw being unexpectedly forced back and up.
  • Tool-less chain adjustment allows you to change the cutting chain tension quickly and easily.
  • An air-cleaning feature extends air filter life by removing large pieces of debris before they reach the filter.
  • A carrying case protects the saw and makes transporting it easier and safer.

Shop for Chainsaws

Shop for replacement saw chains and guide bars

 

Good to Know

You may notice chain pitch and gauge specifications. Pitch is the spacing of the rivets on the chain. It must correspond with the spacing of the teeth on the sprocket at the end of the bar. Gauge is the thickness of the chain. It must fit the groove in the bar. Make note of these measurements if you want to purchase a spare chain.

 

Chainsaw Safety Equipment

Personal safety equipment is necessary for using any power equipment. In addition to standard gear, there is specialized safety equipment for use with a chainsaw:

  • Leg protection such as chaps or cut-resistant pants
  • A hard hat for protection when cutting and trimming overhead
  • Gloves with enhanced gripping surfaces and cut resistance
  • Eye protection with side shields
  • Hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs
  • Boots or shoes with steel toes and nonskid soles

For more information on using a chainsaw safely, see Chainsaw Safety. Making sure a chainsaw is in good working order is also a part of chainsaw safety. How to Use and Maintain a Chainsaw provides information on sharpening the chain and other practices to keep a saw running properly.

Shop for Chainsaw Safety Equipment

Good to Know

One type of hard hat includes built-in hearing protection and a face shield.

 Source: https://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/chainsaw-buying-guide/project 

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