Whether you want a chainsaw for personal or professional use, you must ensure that you are investing in the right one. In this way, you would make the most out of this power tool. Picking the right chainsaw for your task takes some forethought and research. Here are a few tips to ensure that you are choosing the best chainsaw for your needs.
1. Consider the Use
Think about your chainsaw and how you intend to use it. Finding the right chainsaw ultimately depends on your needs. If you are unclear on what you want, you are unlikely to get the right one.
If you intend to use it for heavy tasks like felling trees, you need a professional chainsaw. Its guide bar should be 16 to 20 inches and the engine should be 65 to 110 cc.
For light tasks like pruning branches, your chainsaw may be powered by a 31 to 34 cc engine. Moderate tasks like cutting logs require a 55cc engine chainsaw.
2. Safety Features
The right chainsaw should have enough safety features. You should be able to work with it without fearing for your safety. According to the experts at https://workshopedia.com/the-best-chainsaw/, most manufacturers will include standard safety features in their chainsaws. Here are a few safety features to look for in your chainsaw:
- Chain Catcher
If a chain gets derailed or breaks, it is likely to spin and swing towards you. If you have a chain catcher, you can avoid getting hurt. It will catch the chain before it reaches your hand.
- Chain Break
A chain brake allows you to stop the cutting chain while you are between cuts. It ensures that you do not have a free-spinning blade. If there is a kickback, a chain break will clamp the cutting chain down and prevent accidents.
3. Engine Type
Different chainsaw engines are appropriate for different situations. Chainsaws have two main power modes: electric and gas.
- Gas Engines
These engines generate power using gas and are mostly used for heavy tasks. You can use them anywhere as there is no need to connect cords. Even though they are more convenient than electric engines, they are heavier and require more effort in maintenance. They are louder than electric engines.
- Electric Engines
Electric engines do not require as much attention as gas engines. They are much lighter and quieter. However, some of them come with cords that must be plugged into outlets. This makes it difficult to use them outdoors. Fortunately, there are cordless options.
4. Your Yard Maintenance Habits
If you are really diligent about pruning your yard and keeping it in top shape, you may need a battery-powered electric chainsaw. You can get an average of 40 minutes between charges which should be enough to handle your tasks. If, however, you only maintain your yard a few times, a gas-powered model would be great. It can complete a lot of work and you do not need to waste time waiting for the battery to charge.
5. Brand
Some chainsaw brands are better than others. They are more durable and you can find a variety of bar lengths to suit your needs. With the right brand, you do not need to worry about frequent breakdowns.
6. Ergonomic Design
Choose a chainsaw with a simple and ergonomic design. Chainsaws have lots of engine components but that should not make them too heavy to handle. Whether you are getting a chainsaw for professional or personal use, check to ensure that the design is ergonomic. You should be able to work with it for long hours. If you can’t hold a chainsaw comfortably, it isn’t the right one.
The best saws have a high power-to-weight ratio. The design is generally balanced and they have a system to reduce vibration.
7. Convenient Maintenance
Maintaining your chainsaw does not need to be difficult. Most chainsaws, especially those used professionally, need regular maintenance. Manufacturers understand this and therefore, they make saws with features that promote peak performance.
In gas saws, the air filter is one of the most important features that need maintenance. If you want your saw to function well at all time, look for the following features:
- An air filter with a large surface to minimize the number of contaminants getting through
- An air injection cleaning system to get rid of dust and debris
- An air filter cover that is easily removable
There are many chainsaws in the market and each one of them is suitable for a different use. When trying to find the right one, keep your needs in mind. Pick one that offers an ergonomic design, easy maintenance, and safety features.