Whenever you are in the process of buying a chainsaw, you obviously want the very best there is on the market. But what makes the BEST chainsaws better than the rest?
Several features set the very good chainsaws apart from the rest of the pack, and this is what you should be looking for whenever you are shopping for chainsaws.
These features will be very important when you’re buying a chainsaw. Not only will you be able to make the best decision, but you will also be able to select a chainsaw with all the features you need.
In the following sections, we look at some of the features to look for when purchasing a chainsaw. This information will be very useful when you are in the market for a chainsaw, and it’ll help you to make the most informed purchase.
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How to choose a Chainsaw [Infographic]
Choosing which type of chainsaw you need is arguably the most important decision to make, as it will cut down your choices drastically. There are 3 main types of chainsaw, each with their own pros and cons:
1. Cordless Electric Chainsaw
If portability is a key factor but you don’t want a gas powered chainsaw, a cordless electric chainsaw may be the best choice. These are powered by a rechargeable battery that is simply plugged in and you’re ready to go.
Clearly, batteries have a limited operating time before they need to be re-charged, so it’s best practice to have a spare battery you can use while the other one is charging. Most cordless electric chainsaws have the option of purchasing a second battery with the saw.
Cordless electric chainsaws are usually the more expensive option but they generally have less power than gas-powered chainsaws. The plus side is the quiet operation of an electric motor rather than a gas engine.
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2. Corded Electric Chainsaw
The beauty of a corded electric chainsaw is endless battery life – but you sacrifice portability. Unlike a cordless model, this quiet and lightweight choice plugs straight into a power outlet, allowing you to saw until you’re done with your project.
It has similar power to low and mid-tier cordless chainsaws, but is generally less powerful than a gas chainsaw. A corded electric chainsaw is usually the cheapest option available because they don’t require fuel or batteries, but you need to be near a power outlet to use one.
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3. Gas-Powered Chainsaw
Gas-powered chainsaws are the daddy of the bunch and offer the most power. A gas engine produces much more cutting power, and with longer bars than electric models, they provide the means to deal with the toughest of jobs. The downside of that powerful motor is a much louder and heavier tool.
That said, gas-powered chainsaws are mobile, versatile and probably the most effective tool for the price.
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Chainsaw Size
The size of the chainsaw is an important determining factor when you are making a purchase. You need to look for a comfortable size for you to handle – not too heavy or too large for your own requirements.
Depending on the projects you need to undertake with the chainsaw, you might prefer a slightly smaller chainsaw, or maybe you need a beast! A small chainsaw is easier to handle, which means that you will be able to work with it for a prolonged period of time. Bigger ones take a bit of getting used to, and require strength and practice to handle comfortably.
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A smaller, more manageable chainsaw means that working on complicated projects will be easier. You will be in more control whenever you are handling the chainsaw, and as such, you will be able to produce accurate results relatively easily.
The chainsaw should always be comfortable for you to handle while working on your project, and your preferences will be based on how much you can handle and how long you will be using the chainsaw at a time.
With a lighter chainsaw, you will be more in control, which means that the chainsaw will be a lot safer to handle – Safety is critical when using a chainsaw, and when you have a smaller chainsaw, you are less likely to get hurt even when you get tired or sluggish.
You MUST be confident about the size of the chainsaw before you can move on to the other factors, which are just as important when looking to purchase a chainsaw for personal use. Once you decide on the size, you can then look at the other factors but always ensure that you are comfortable with the size before anything else.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel is expensive. The fuel consumption of the chainsaw you are buying should be at a range that is comfortable and affordable for you. Some chainsaw brands are known to use up more fuel than you would expect, and as such, you’ll clearly spend more money to keep it going.
Clearly this only applies to gas powered-chainsaws. If you opt for an electric powered model, fuel costs do not apply.
Make sure that you go for the brand that is known to make the most efficient use of the fuel available. A fuel-efficient chainsaw means that your projects will have fewer interruptions, allowing you to be more productive and get a lot more work done in the same amount of time.
With this in mind, it is essential to look at things such as the capacity of the tank in the chainsaw, which is a good indicator of how much fuel that your chainsaw can hold at a time. Larger tanks will allow you to work for longer periods without re-fuelling.
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Cutting Efficiency
A chainsaw is designed to cut through things! The efficiency with which it can perform this task is important. A chainsaw that can easily cut through trees and logs will be able to get you exceptional results without having to try too hard.
This is especially important if you are going to be working on hardwood trees that are much sturdier and require a lot more cutting effort to get the results you want.
When the chainsaw can get through the hardwood easily, you will have less problems with your project, and you will also be able to get a lot more work done in the same amount of time.
The ease of cutting is an important factor and one that you should consider when you are looking for a chainsaw. Some have been designed with a more efficient cutting mechanism which means that they are capable of better performance when they are put into use.
A gas-powered chainsaw is often the most efficient at cutting, but you have to weigh up the fuel cost vs efficiency factor. Electric chainsaws – cordless or corded – can be perfectly suitable to your own specific needs.
Ease of Handling
The handling capability is made possible by the design of the chainsaw. A chainsaw with a safer design is easier to handle, and as such, you will be able to achieve the best results.
The chainsaw will also be safer to use, and you will perform better with it. Some of the features include shielding from the debris produced during the cutting process and more effective handles to hold on when using the chainsaw.
These features are important for someone who wants to buy a new chainsaw, and they will determine the much that they will be able to achieve when they are cutting wood. Ease of handling also means that you will be able to use the chainsaw for longer hours, and as such, you will be able to get more work done without feeling fatigued.
An ergonomic design makes the process more effective, and you can cut through a lot more with much ease when the design is meant to support your working style and cutting process.
A chainsaw that is easy to handle also means that you will enjoy the experience of using it, which is important as it will also make you love using it. It helps to have the determination and confidence you get with top quality tools to ensure you get the best results.
Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty is one of the features that you should be keen on whenever you are looking to buy a chainsaw. A longer warranty duration means that the manufacturer is confident about their work and the quality of the chainsaw.
As such, you will be likely to get reliable service from this chainsaw for much longer, and you will not have to worry about the cost of maintenance and the times that you will have to take it for repairs and other expensive checks.
Always check for the warranty that is available with a product before making a purchase. It is a sign of the quality of the product and the duration of service that you can get from it when you purchase it. A longer warranty means that you will have more time to test the chainsaw.
If you notice any defects in the early stages of using it, you will be able to take it back to the manufacture for a full refund or replacement. It is important to take advantage of such features when they are available, and whenever you are shopping for a chainsaw, do not forget to look at the available warranty.
Conclusion
The process of buying a chainsaw is an important one that requires that you are fully informed about what to expect and what to look for. The features listed above are the most important ones for determining the best chainsaw.
When you are out shopping, these should guide the purchase process and enable you to buy the best chainsaw to give you the best service and cutting results that you can be confident about.
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