However a lot of manufacturers including Stihl, Ryobi, Bosch and Makita have batteries that can be used with other garden tools from that brand so, if you keep to one brand, you'll only have to buy one battery for most of your garden tools. If you use your cordless chainsaw a lot, it might be worth buying a second battery so that you don't have to stop working while it charges.
Manufacturers often have one or two standard batteries and chargers that can be used with a wide range of tools. Before you buy check to see if any of your existing tools has a battery and charger that can be used with the tool you are planning to purchase as this could save you a considerable amount of money.
As some people may already own a compatible battery and charger, these are sometimes not included in the price quoted for your tool, so check the small print before you buy. Alternatively, you may see it as a good chance to buy a second battery for your tools. Most corded electric chainsaws come with an 18V or 36V battery. The more powerful batteries will give you more cutting time but will cost more. See our cordless chainsaw reviews.
If you have a lot of logs to cut or heavy pruning to tackle in the garden, a petrol chainsaw is a good choice; it will cut through large logs faster than any other machine and you can use it anywhere without the hassle of a trailing power cable. It's good practice to empty the fuel tank as much as possible — and completely if not in use over winter. Petrol is better stored in a bespoke container rather than in the machine. Pros: Powerful, portable, great for chopping logs.
Cons: High maintenance, noisy, overpowering emissions, expensive. The circular motion of the chain keeps the teeth in contact with the wood, so the saw keeps cutting until it has sliced all the way through or the power is stopped.
Most petrol chainsaws have two-stroke engines, which are similar to those used in mopeds or outboard boat engines. They normally sound similar, too — just think of the noise a moped makes to get an idea of how loud these machines are.
Petrol chainsaws need a certain type of fuel, which is a specific mix of petrol and engine oil. Most petrol chainsaws run on a petrol-to-oil ratio, but check the user manual for the exact ratio your chainsaw needs. Generally, there are three categories: domestic use, heavy use and professional use.
These are the best choice for cutting jobs around the garden. If you feel like the task at hand is too much for you make sure you contact a professional to help you out. The Husqvarna e Mark II is a reliable, all-round chainsaw; perfect for homeowners with little to no cutting experience.
Features the powerful—yet environmentally-friendly—X-Torq engine. More demanding cutting jobs would require a more powerful chainsaw. With a powerful 4. Its excellent cooling and heavy-duty filtration offer great endurance and performance. Before You Get Started Before you turn the engine on and start cutting, you need to make sure the chainsaw is in perfect condition.
Scan Your Work Area Before you begin operating your chainsaw, make sure your work area is clear of any obstacles or people. When starting the chainsaw, use only cold or warm start positions. Drop-starting a saw could result in a serious injury. Watch For Kickback Kickback can happen at any time and can catch beginners off guard.
It usually happens when the bar nose hits a solid object or when the chain is too loose. Modern chainsaws, such as those made by Husqvarna, come equipped with a protective guard in front of the handle to prevent injury from kickback. Safe Operation There are only two correct ways to start a chainsaw.
Either by placing the chainsaw on the ground or by keeping it between your legs. Holding The Saw Always hold the saw with both hands, keeping it close to your body. Do not adjust the chainsaw or change your position while the engine is still running.
Cutting Habits Keeping the saw nice and steady should be your number one priority. Chainsaws are heavy machines that are not designed to be used on weird angles. Maintaining Your Saw Taking good care of your saw will extend its life and make it much easier and safer to use.
Use Protective Equipment No matter how careful you are with your chainsaw, accidents can happen. Equipping yourself with the right protective equipment could mean the difference between a minor accident and a major injury. It comes equipped with hearing protection, sun peak and neck guard. Several openings make for good ventilation, while ergonomic zippers and straps allow you to adjust your gear for a perfect fit.
If your protective helmet did not come with hearing protection, a comfortable set of earmuffs is a must. Think Before You Cut Thinking about the task before attempting to cut anything can help prevent accidents. Never cut anything other than wood and remain alert all throughout the cutting procedure.
If you feel tired at any point, turn the engine off and rest. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Print this page. Learn more. Proper preparation How to Cut Firewood There is more to cutting firewood than simply taking an axe or chainsaw to it. Proper preparation Our 7 best tips for safe, efficient tree limbing When working with chainsaws, limbing is usually the operation that requires the most time and effort. The battery can handle roughly cuts on a single charge, and the battery recharges reasonably quickly.
The tool is powerful enough to cut through limbs up to a foot thick—not too shabby for a battery model. At nearly 12 pounds, this chainsaw is a bit heavier than some lighter-duty models. A five-year warranty backs it; the battery is warranted for three years. A cord can get tangled and tiresome when working a big job with a roaring chainsaw. The Greenworks cordless chainsaw provides a lot of bite for its buck and long life between battery charges.
It slices through thick stumps with a brushless motor that has significant torque and power. Once the electric start brings it to life, the saw provides 30 percent more torque than other cordless saws of its caliber. With less twisting and turning, the saw gets minor wear and tear and will last through more seasons. An automatic oiler also prolongs the life of the chain and blade. The Greenworks has a longer running time than other cordless saws on the market, so you won't have to stop for a recharge before you're finished.
The rattle on this big handheld saw is lower than its counterparts, with up to 70 percent less vibration; that means less fatigue during the job. A minor downside, the battery and charger are sold separately; otherwise, it's a great choice. Type: Gas Bar Length: 20 inch Power: Experts laud this saw. Husqvarna is widely considered one of the best chainsaw manufacturers globally, giving it top marks for cutting speed and ease of use. It has a large inch bar and an impressive two-stroke, This Husqvarna is a low-vibration model with a low fuel-consumption, low-emission X-torq engine.
It has a centrifugal air-cleaning system that can help air filters last longer, a side-mounted chain tensioner, an inertia-activated chain brake, an ergonomic handle, and a Smart Start system that means less time spent trying to get the engine going. This is an exceptionally easy-to-use chainsaw, especially compared to other gas models. The saw weighs about 13 pounds with cutting equipment. A two-year warranty backs it. It features a inch bar that users say is robust enough to cut through large logs and limbs.
There are three basic types of chainsaws: gas, electric, and battery-powered. Electric motors are rated in amps.
Light duty electric chainsaws start at about 8 amps, but more robust models fall between 12 and 15 amps. Horsepower varies, but a mid-range chainsaw may have around 4 horsepower, with heavy-duty models packing even more power. Note, however, that gas-powered chainsaws are prohibited in many cities, and that trend will continue to grow. Battery-operated models skip the motor altogether. Instead, the power of these chainsaws is measured in volts.
Many models are available with 18 to 40 volts, but a few stretch the power up to 80 volts or more. The chainsaw bar is also sometimes referred to as the blade and serves as the guide for the chain. Bar lengths vary significantly among different models of chainsaws and range from 8 inches to 30 inches. Longer bar lengths allow you to make considerably larger cuts of wood in a single pass. However, a longer bar length requires a more powerful motor and a heavier machine, so increased caution is needed when using these heavy-duty chainsaws.
A bar length of 14 inches or less should be sufficient when shopping for a chainsaw for average homeowner use. If you have more than average yard tasks to tackle, you might need to look for a more capable model with 14 to 18 inches of bar length.
Heavy-duty chainsaws will have a bar length of 18 to 24 inches, and professional chainsaws will stretch the bar length to 30 inches. For maximum performance and maximum safety, you need to oil your chainsaw blade regularly. If you fail to do this, the blade may become dull more quickly, but the friction heat can also cause the nose of the saw to warp.
Today, many chainsaws have an automatic oiler that saves the operator time while ensuring the saw remains in optimal working condition. Automatic oilers are available with either fixed flow or adjustable flow. A fixed-flow oiler will distribute a consistent, steady flow of oil onto the chain. An adjustable flow oiling system means that the operator can adjust the setting of the oiler to release more or less oil.
This adjustable system might be good when placing more significant strain on the saw, such as cutting harder woods. Whichever type of automatic oiler you opt for, become familiar with the size of the oil reservoir and pay close attention to the oil level. Many models of chainsaws have a small window on the side that lets you easily keep an eye on your oil supply. Chainsaws are hugely helpful tools for clearing brush, cutting firewood, felling trees, and removing branches, but they are also dangerous.
Tens of thousands of people are injured by chainsaws each year, according to the CDC. Fortunately, by following basic safety tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a statistic. A dull chainsaw is an unsafe chainsaw. Here are the basics of the procedure. For even more comprehensive instructions, read our guide to sharpening a chainsaw.
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman , the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience writing about all things related to the home and in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. Essentially, the bigger the bar, the bigger the size of log you can cut in a single pass. Petrol models have longer bars than corded or cordless types, with domestic use chainsaws ranging up to 40cm.
The weight of a chainsaw is key as it influences your comfort when using it. Lighter models, such as corded and battery powered, offer greater ease of movement and increased manoeuvrability than heavier petrol ones.
Like weight, type of handle relates to usability and there are a number of different features to look out for. Opt for models with anti-vibration and ergonomic soft-grip handles to minimise discomfort, or wrap-around handles for better accuracy when cutting at odd angles.
Also known as chain adjustment, chain tensioning maintains the necessary tension in the chain to ensure its safe to use.
Some models come with a tensioning tool that allows you to tighten the chain and remove any unwanted and dangerous slackness. Kickback describes when the chainsaw tip hits another object and gets thrown up and towards the user. Many models look to minimise the risk of this occurring through an anti-kickback brake or inertia chain brake.
If kickback occurs, this safety feature automatically responds forcing the chainsaw to stop. Protective work wear must be worn at all times when operating a chainsaw. Check out our full range. With good care and maintenance, a chainsaw can last a number of years.
To keep yours in good working order, consider picking up:.
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