A Brief Guide to Choosing a Chainsaw for Your Outdoor Jobs

After a big storm you might have some cleanup to do on your property. A chainsaw would get the job done. Find the right type of chainsaw with the power and features you need with the help of our today’s guide.

When to opt for an electric chainsaw?

The first thing to decide is do you want a gas-powered chainsaw or an electric. If you’re cutting branches just a few times a year then an electric chainsaw is a good choice. Electric chainsaws are lightweight and most cost less than their gas-powered counterparts. Moreover, they are quite easy to start. All you need to do is plug it in and pull the trigger. This type of chainsaw is great for small jobs like pruning and trimming.  

But there are some drawbacks you need to be aware prior to making your decision. A cord of an electric chainsaw keeps you tethered to a power outlet. And you’ll need a heavy-duty cord, not a standard extension cord for your tool. It’s also worth mentioning that some electric chainsaws are quite slow, which may annoy some users. 

When to opt for gas-powered chainsaw?

For bigger jobs like cutting down trees a gas-powered chainsaw is a better choice. According to experts knowledgeable about tools, gasoline saws are more aggressive that electric ones. That’s because the chain spins faster and gets the job done sooner. As a result, gas-powered saws deliver higher performance compared with electrics. 

But, as with electric saws, there are trade-offs you should consider. Gas saws are typically heavier and cumbersome. Starting the engine usually requires several yanks. Moreover, they are noisier and need more maintenance.

When to opt for battery-powered chainsaws?

It’s about time you looked at the third option, which is battery-powered or cordless electric chainsaw. They are lightweight, wieldy, and relatively quiet. Cordless saws are ideal for small projects like sculpting foliage and wood carving.

On the downside, battery-powered chainsaws are slow and have limited run time. Most battery-powered saws can make a few cuts on a single charge, which is definitely not enough for big jobs and household projects.

How does it handle?

Once you pick the right type of chainsaw for your job, you want to know how it handles.

Note that vibration can be a real issue with your chainsaw. Too much vibration can make it really tiring or even unbearable. So, make sure to factor the vibration in, when selecting your saw. It’s a good idea to measure the vibration with a meter and to become aware of what you’re in for.   

Convenience is another thing to consider. The first thing is how easy it is to fill the fluids. Different saws have different openings, some of which are really small. Ease of use also includes tightening the chain. You’re going to need to tighten your chain about every 15 minutes because it gets loose in the process of cutting. Some chainsaws boast a quick tensioning feature which can save you the bother of using third-party tools for tightening a chain. Finally, consider the weight of a chainsaw and how well it’s balanced.

Safety

And finally, safety.  Chainsaws are associated with about 30 thousands injuries per year. To stay safe, there are some things you need to know.

Kickback is the major concern when it comes to safety. It occurs when a tip of a saw contacts the wood and it lurches back at the person operating it. It’s not a secret that some chainsaws tend to kick back more than others.

Chain brakes are also a very important safety feature. If a saw kicks back, a brake will instantly shut off the chain thus protecting you from injury. Virtually all gasoline chainsaws have this break. Electrics, by contrast, don’t boast this safety feature in the majority of cases. 

Last but not least, don’t forget safety gear when working with a chainsaw. Heavy boots, protective chaps, gloves, and helmets with built-in hearing and face protection will do you much good.

 

If you have trees or branches to cut, chainsaws can save you time and effort. Hope our brief guide will help you choose the chainsaw that’s best and safest for your outdoor job.