Chainsaw Buyer’s Guide – Best-Rated Chainsaws

Chainsaws are perfect for felling trees, pruning branches, and reducing up logs. They’re moreover great for doing away with stumps.

How do you choose the most productive chainsaw? There are a variety of parts to consider, in conjunction with the size of the engine, the mobility of the instrument, and the weight of the spotted. You need to make a decision what type of gasoline the spotted uses. Gas-powered saws are one of the vital tough, on the other hand as well as they require one of the vital repairs. Electric models with a power cord and battery-powered cordless models (with a rechargeable battery) are the lightest and most user-friendly, on the other hand they are going to now not be tough enough for some jobs.

There is not any one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which type of chainsaw is proper for the method. That mentioned, listed here are some customary tips on opting for the right kind chainsaw for the method:

–Make a selection a chainsaw with the suitable knowledge bar length. The bar length is the distance between the end of the chain (reducing tip) and where the chain enters the engine housing as regards to the spotted care for. It’s very important to select a chainsaw with a bar length that is long enough to cut all the way through the duration of wooden–tree or division–you’re reducing.

–Make a selection a chainsaw with the facility you want. The engine duration will come to a decision the facility the chainsaw has. It’s very important to select a chainsaw with enough power to cut all the way through the wooden you’re reducing.

Chainsaws can be used for felling trees and cutting logs.
Chainsaws can be used for felling trees and reducing logs. It is a gas-powered chainsaw with a longer 20″ blade.

What are chainsaws used for?

  • Use a chainsaw to take down a whole tree.
  • Use a chainsaw to prune or remove branches more than 2 to a couple of inches in diameter.
  • Use a chainsaw to cut up logs for firewood.

Fundamental chainsaw problems to snatch

  • A chainsaw is a gas-powered, electric-powered (corded), or battery-powered (cordless) spotted with a longer blade referred to as a knowledge bar surrounded thru a unbroken chain that revolves spherical its edge.
  • The engine of a chainsaw is known as the facility head.
  • The ability head powers a reducing chain with a large number of sharp teeth. The chain is driven thru a centrifugal clutch. The chain moves spherical a groove inside the knowledge bar. The sharp teeth on the chain scale back the outdoor of the wooden.
  • Gas-powered chainsaws tend to be heavier responsibility and are available in reasonably a large number of sizes and purposes, from those for space use to professional logging operations.
  • Gas engines are rated thru displacement (measured in cubic inches running from about 1.6 to an enormous 8.3), with the higher numbers indicating additional power.
  • Corded electric-powered chainsaws are powered thru electric motors. They are easy to start, quiet, do not use volatile fuels, and emit no exhaust fume.
  • Cordless battery-powered chainsaws are powered thru rechargeable batteries. Moreover they’re easy to start, quiet, do not use volatile fuels, and emit no exhaust fume.
  • Chainsaws have 4 varieties of teeth: chipper (most common), chisel (standard on professional models), semi-chisel (a very good mixture of chipper and chisel), and automatic sharpening (for particularly supplied saws).
  • Choice knowledge bars and new chains are available.
Electric corded chainsaw is used here to cut lumber.
Electric corded chainsaw is used proper right here to cut lumber.

Kinds of chainsaw

Electric corded chainsaws

Electric corded chainsaws run on electric power. They require an extension cord and must be plugged into {{an electrical}} outlet. Corded chainsaws are lightweight and highest suited for reducing small limbs or logs, pruning small trees, and reducing small branches.

  • Pros: more cost effective, lightest weight, no gasoline, not important to re-charge batteries, easy to start, quieter, no fumes, a lot much less repairs, can be used indoors.
  • Cons: slower reducing speed, requires outlet and extension cord, range limited throughout the length of extension cord, potential electric wonder, shorter bar length, no chain brake, manual bar oiler, limited grip best handles.
  • Tip: follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for selecting an appropriate extension cord (normally a 14-gauge or heavier 12-gauge extension). Extension cords normally max out spherical 100 toes.
  • Worth: cheap $40 to $300.

Cordless battery-powered chainsaws

Cordless battery-powered chainsaws are powered thru rechargeable batteries. The batteries require a charging station that is plugged into {{an electrical}} outlet. Battery-powered chainsaws can care for a range of reducing tasks; they are limited most efficient throughout the knowledge bar/chain length and battery voltage and lifestyles.

  • Pros: very good mobility, a lot much less vibration than gas models, the motor does not produce emissions; brushless motors and high-voltage batteries give long-lasting power, and batteries could also be interchangeable with power equipment from the equivalent manufacturer.
  • Cons: worth may also be in regards to the equivalent as gas saws, run time is determined throughout the voltage and amp-hour rating of the battery (about 30 to 40 minutes of semi-continuous reducing on a single cost), battery re-charge time of about 60 minutes can sluggish your artwork.
  • Worth: cheap $180 to $330.

Gas-powered chainsaws

Gas-powered chainsaws are very versatile; they are able to take on a range of tasks in near to all places. They range in size from small models for space use to large professional models. They are the least environmentally delightful; they burn gas and oil and emit fumes.

  • Pros: highest for heavier artwork, quicker, simple reducing, massive selection of sizes and reducing capacities to make a choice from, artwork any place, additional security measures.
  • Cons: normally dearer, needs gasoline/oil mixtures, stepped starting procedure, heavier and noisier than battery or electric models and creates fumes, calls for additonal repairs.
  • Worth: Affordable worth $140 to $500.

Pole chainsaws (gas, corded, cordless)

  • A pole chainsaw is a small power spotted mounted on an extension pole.
  • Pole chainsaws are available in gasoline-powered, cordless (battery), and electric corded models.
  • The care for may also be lengthened thru attaching a solid extension piece or with telescopic poles.
  • Some come with interchangeable attachments.
A battery-powered chainsaw is used here for pruning branches.
A battery-powered chainsaw is used proper right here for pruning branches.

Questions to consider when buying a chainsaw

  • What is the primary use of the chainsaw? Pruning tree branches? Cutting firewood or thick logs? Felling trees? A spotted with a longer bar can scale back larger-diameter wooden in a single pass.
  • What kind of wooden will you be reducing? Oak and maple are hardwoods and require additional power.
  • How steadily will you use the chainsaw?
  • Can you store gas and bar oil for a gas-powered engine?
  • What does the spotted weigh? The longer the bar and the bigger the motor or engine, the additional the instrument will weigh. Imagine the weight you are able to care for from 15 minutes to an hour.
  • How does it care for? Does it in point of fact really feel comfortable and balanced to your arms? The larger the instrument the additional effort it’s going to take to care for. A smaller, a lot much less tough spotted might be additional manageable.
  • Have you considered a corded-electric or a battery-operated chainsaw? The ones can be used for reducing small trees, pruning, and trimming.

Engine duration

When choosing a chainsaw it is important to have compatibility the size of the engine and the length of the guidelines bar to the method to be completed. The larger the chainsaw the additional energy or gas it’s going to use. The larger the chainsaw the additional it’s going to weigh.

  • The engine on a chainsaw is known as the facility head. The reducing instrument on a chainsaw consists of a chain and knowledge bar. Powerheads are available a lot of sizes and bars are available a lot of lengths. Manufacturers normally have compatibility the guidelines bar length to the facility capability of the facility head.
  • The engine duration of a battery chainsaw is described on the subject of voltage.
  • The engine of corded models is described in amperage and horsepower. An ordinary homeowner’s electric chainsaw may have from one to three horsepower.
  • The engine duration of a gas-powered chainsaw may also be measured in horsepower or engine displacement in cubic inches (ci) or centimeters (cc) which denotes engine displacement. The bigger the spotted’s engine the additional power it’s going to have and the speedier it’s going to scale back.
  • The higher the volume–engine displacement, voltage, amperage, and horsepower–the additional power the spotted has.
  • As a typical rule, corded electric and battery-powered chainsaws have a lot much less power than gas chainsaws.

Bar length

  • Make a selection a bar length that can get the reducing procedure completed. Bar length is normally matched to the engine duration and power.
  • Bar length is measured from the reducing tip to where the chain enters the engine housing.
  • Space proprietor bar lengths ate frequently 14″, 16″, 18″, and 20″. There are bars as fast as 8″.
  • Skilled bar lengths are 20″ or additional.
A chainsaw with a 14" guide bar and chain is big enough for removing tree limbs.
A chainsaw with a 14″ knowledge bar and chain is huge enough for doing away with tree limbs.

Listed here are common chainsaw tasks matched to the engine duration you’ll be able to need:

  • Trimming a hedge or clearing brush: 30cc/small electric
  • Pruning tree branches: 30cc/small electric
  • Eliminating tree limbs: 30cc/mid-size electric
  • Felling a small tree: 30-40cc/mid to large electric
  • Gentle firewood reducing (underneath 10 inches diameter): 35-45cc/large electric
  • Reasonable duration tree felling (10″ to 16″ diameter): 45cc+/large gas or skilled electric
  • Large log reducing (16″ to 24″ diameter): 50cc+ gas engine

Listed here are common chainsaw tasks matched to the guidelines bar length you’ll be able to need:

  • Trimming a hedge or clearing brush: not more than 12″-16″
  • Pruning trees: 12″ or a lot much less
  • Limbing: 12″-14″
  • Small tree felling: 12″-14″
  • Gentle firewood reducing (underneath 10″ diameter): 14″-16″
  • Reasonable duration tree felling: 16″-18″
  • Medium firewood reducing: 16″-18″
  • Large log reducing: 20″+
This electric chainsaw has a front hand guard safety feature.
This electric chainsaw has a front hand guard coverage serve as.

Listed here are a variety of choices you may wish to seek for when choosing a chainsaw:

  • Front hand guard: protects the left hand and wrist not on the reason inside the fit of kickback. Chainsaws don’t seem to be manufactured in left-handed configurations.
  • Chain brake: stops the chain from shifting to help prevent injury; the doorway guard acts as a brake when it is pushed forward; pulling it once more shall we within the chain to move yet again.
  • Ignition “on/off” switch: on electric saws; turns {the electrical} instrument on or off.
  • Coverage throttle: a mechanism that would possibly not allow the reason to be pulled till that you must have a grip on the rear care for; prevent accidental chain acceleration.
  • Chain catcher: a protruding bar at the bottom of the spotted that may save you the rotation of the chain if it breaks or derails.
  • Rear care for guard: this is a widening of the once more care for; it is designed to stop hand injury if the chain breaks or derails.
  • Choke: helps get began a cold engine; restricts the air supply to the carburetor, making the air mixture rich.
  • Spring-assist starting: this reduces the pulling power needed to get began a gasoline-powered spotted.
  • Anit-vibration instrument: this is a instrument made up of each rubber bushings or coil springs between the engine and handles; the instrument reduces numbing vibration on the operator’s arms.
  • Muffler and spark arrestor: a muffler will scale back engine noise; a spark arrestor is a visual display unit that helps to keep sparks that can reason why a fire from flying from the instrument.
  • Computerized oiler: lubricates the chain as you slender in order that you don’t have to bear in mind to activate it.
  • Right kind chain/bar mixtures: use the chain duration in point of fact helpful for the guidelines bar; an flawed mixture can result in the chain not changing into the power sprocket for the spotted or the sprocket tip of the guidelines bar. An flawed length isn’t going to fit on the spotted.
  • Bar and chain scabbard: protects the bar and chain when the spotted is not in use.
  • Dressed in case: protects the spotted and makes it easier and extra protected to transport.
  • Scrench tool (all-in-one tool).
  • Chainsaw sharpening apparatus and chainsaw knowledge.

Chainsaw coverage equipment

Personal coverage equipment is always in point of fact helpful when using a chainsaw or other power equipment. This stuff are extraordinarily in point of fact helpful:

  • Eye protection with side shields.
  • Being attentive to protection: earplugs or earmuffs.
  • Boots or shoes with steel ft and nonskid soles.
  • A hard hat for protection from falling branches.
  • Chaps or cut-resistant pants to protect your legs.
  • Gloves with enhanced gripping surfaces.
  • Chainsaw helmet with face protection, neck guards, and ear protection.

Chainsaw coverage

Listed here are chainsaw running highest practices:

  • Grip gas-powered chainsaws firmly when pull-starting and keep the spotted on the floor.
  • Certainly not spotted while on a ladder or use the spotted above shoulder top.
  • Do not spotted using the top of the chain and bar; kickback towards you are able to occur.
  • Keep the chain accurately sharpened, tensioned, and oiled to speed reducing and help prevent kickback.
  • Be sure the chain is accurately tensioned; a loose chain can slip off the bar and spin against the operator.
  • Certainly not run a gasoline-powered tool indoors or in an enclosed space; they produce carbon monoxide, a gas that is probably fatal.
Sharpening a chainsaw with a file.
Sharpening a chainsaw with a document.

Chainsaw repairs

Previous than using a chainsaw do the following:

  • Search the recommendation of the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s pointers.
  • Take a look at for leaks, cracks, and harm to the instrument.
  • Test the throttle, choke, reason lockout, and stop switch.
  • Take a look at the chain brake.
  • Take a look at the chainsaw chain and the chainsaw bar for harm–bent teeth or a warped bar.
  • Be sure the chain is accurately aligned on the knowledge bar and control the chain tension as in point of fact helpful throughout the manufactuer.
  • Take a look at bar, gasoline, and oil levels.
  • While you don’t seem to be planning to use the spotted for an extended period of time, drain the gasoline and oil. Run the engine of a gas-powered chainsaw until the carburetor is dry.

The chain is dull and needs sharpening or converting if:

  • You need to make use of energy to cut into the wooden. A sharp spotted will pull itself into the wooden.
  • It smokes even supposing it is completely lubricated.
  • The sawdust is okay instead of strands or large chunks.
  • The chainsaw bounces, rattles, or pulls in one course.

Chainsaws we love

About our tick list: We spend near to every day inside the garden. We moreover spend a lot of time with other gardeners. Lots of the equipment on our favorites tick list are equipment we use or equipment we see being used by our gardening friends. We moreover chat with product sales buddies at the garden center, box store, and {{hardware}} about equipment they are selling and counsel. Our tick list is constituted of equipment everyone knows first-hand are right kind for the method and quite priced.

Chainsaws for branches underneath 4-inches in diameter

Worx WG320 20v Power Share JawSaw Cordless Chainsaw. 20v. Auto-tensioner, Computerized chain oiler. Weighs 7.9 lbs. About $170.

Craftsman Looper (CMCCS2621D1) w/ V20 4Ah Battery. About $231.

Black+Decker Alligator (LLP120), 20V Lopper. Weighs 6.8 lb. About $156.

Corded chainsaws

Oregon CS1500—Self-Sharpening Chain. 18″ bar. 15 amps/120v. Cuts 3-5″ diameter. Speedy get began, no pull cords, no-gasoline mixing, no emissions, lightweight, balanced, low vibration. Built-in chain sharpener. Weighs 12 lb. About $116.

WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw. Corded electric. 18″ bar. 15 Amp. Weighs 11 lbs.

Cordless battery chainsaws

Makita XCU03PT. 14″ bar. 18v x 2, 36v/32cc an an identical. Excellent security measures. Weighs 11.5 lbs. About $380. About $389.

Greenworks 80-volt Lithium Ion. 18″ bar. 2.0Ah. 2.7hp. Weighs 12.5 lbs.

Kobalt KCS 120-07 40 volt cordless chainsaw. 12″ bar, 2.5 AH battery capacity. Weighs 8.83 lbs. Very good for small jobs, pruning, reducing small branches. About $135.

Craftsman v20 cordless chainsaw (CMCCS620M1). 14″. 36v. 4A battery. 14 lbs. About $179.

Powerworks CS60L2510PW. 60v. battery chainsaw. 16″ bar and chain. 11.24 lbs. About $149.

Gas-powered chainsaws

Stihl 271 Farm Boss Chainsaw. 20″ bar, robust and gasoline setting pleasant. Cuts large diameter wooden. Can most efficient be bought by way of a dealer.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher. 20″ bar and chain. 55.5cc. Auto-oiler. Weighs 12.8 lbs. Great for reducing firewood. About $300.

Echo CS-310-14 chainsaw. 14″ bar. Maximum scale back diameter 25″. Be informed care for. Up to 90 B noise. Weighs 10.3 lbs.

Husqvarna 460 Rancher. 24″ bar. 3.62 hp. 104 dB. Weighs 13 lbs. About $598.

Remington RM4216. 14″ bar. 42cc engine. Low vibration. Ergonomic design. Weighs 14 lbs. About $130/

Poulan Skilled PR5020. 20″ bar. 50cc engine. 102db. Weighs 15.5 lbs. About $260.

Remington Gas Chainsaw. 62cc. engine. 20″ bar and chain. Fells 18″ trees. Computerized oiler. 5-point anti-vibration instrument.

Pole chainsaws, sometimes called pole saws

Sun Joe SWJ803E 10 inch 8.0 Amp corded Electric Multi-Viewpoint Pole Chain Spotted. About $80.

DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Pole Spotted, battery-powered. 15-Foot Succeed in (DCPS620M1). About $215.

WORX WG309 8 Amp 10″ Corded Electric Pole Spotted. About $93.

Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10″ Cordless Pole/Chain Spotted with Auto-Force (Battery & Charger Built-in). About $159.

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