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If you have been looking to buy a chainsaw, you probably are not surprised to find that there are countless options available in the market.
Since there are so many variables and factors that go into purchasing the right one we wanted to put together this comprehensive chainsaw buying guide to make your decision easier.
After you have gone through it and have a better idea of what you are looking for make sure to read our detailed chainsaw reviews so you can quit guessing and buy the ideal one for you!
But first we'll take a look at what to look for when buying a chainsaw, along with the different types available, of course some safety tips and finally some specific clothing you might want to add to the mix.
So let's get started...
What to Look For When Buying A Chainsaw
Determining What You Need It For
If you have a large backyard and you are the do-it-yourself kind of person, an electric chainsaw will take care of most of your needs.
That is if you feel you are only going to need it a few times during the year.
If you’re someone who likes working in the woods or needs to work on medium-sized trees, you should consider a chainsaw that is slightly more powerful.
You will be better off with something like a chainsaw with a 45cc engine, or maybe even bigger.
Do you own a large backyard that has many trees, big and small? In that case, you might want to consider a gas-operated chainsaw because it allows you a lot of freedom.
We say this because electric chainsaws are restricted by the length of the cord they are tethered to and would need an electrical plug point in close vicinity. Even if it is a cordless chainsaw, it is limited by its battery life.
Furthermore, if you are going to be working on trees such as maple, beech, birch, dogwood or oak, you are better off with a gas-powered chainsaw.
If your goal is to simply cut branches and softwood, any other type of chainsaw would suffice.
Have You Used a Chainsaw Before?
If the answer is a resounding “No!”, then you should look for the most compact chainsaw you can find.
For this purpose, a guide bar length of around 12” is recommended, but I would say around 16” is manageable as well.
Anything above that is typically used by people with more experience with chainsaws.
Also, if you are only going to be using it a few times a year, as I said earlier, go for an electric chainsaw because then you will not have to worry about maintenance.
Their bigger counterparts, namely the gas-operated chainsaws, require more regular maintenance and are used by people who like to tinker.
You should also keep in mind the weight of these machines to ensure you can handle them safely.
A chainsaw that is around 10-12 pounds may not sound like a big deal if you are a fit person, but bear in mind that holding it in your hands for longer periods will eventually cause fatigue and increase the risk of injury.
How Much Power Do You Need?
Gas powered chainsaws will be your most powerful option. More power will equal more weight so that will be something to think about.
These engine sizes are measured in cubic meters or inches, and most of the chainsaws that you would want to consider fall between 22cc to 46cc.
Electric chainsaws are usually lighter and easier to handle than the gas versions and come in different power versions measured in amps.
Similar to the gas varieties when trying to decide on how much power you will need remember that the bigger number will equate to more power.