If you are an avid fan of home improvement projects, then you would know how handy a chainsaw can be. It is probably one of the most versatile tools out there that every DIY enthusiast should own.
It is one of the most important tools to have in your arsenal if you want your garden to look good and maintain well.
But with so many different types of chainsaws available in the market, it’s very difficult making a decision on which one to buy.
So before buying any type of chainsaw, read our guide carefully to understand each type of this tool more comprehensively.
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How to Choose the Right Chainsaw for You
No matter what you may have heard, chainsaws are not just for lumberjacks. In fact, there are many different types of chainsaws that can be used by a wide range of people. So how do you choose the right chainsaw for you?
The first thing to consider is your intended use. Do you plan to only use the chainsaw for cutting logs or does it have the ability to also handle other tasks, like trimming branches or cutting down small trees?
If you will primarily be using the chainsaw for logging purposes, then you will want to get a saw with a large chain and plenty of horsepowers.
However, if your main goal is to trim branches and smaller trees, then you will want to get a saw with a smaller chain and less horsepower.[1]
Get Familiar With the Different Types of Chainsaws- Which One is Best
1) Gas Powered Chainsaws
This type is considered to be on top when it comes to both power and convenience. These saws run using two-stroke gas engines and are capable of producing very high power.
The fact that they run on gas means you can use them anywhere during all seasons. Another good thing about this type is that since the motor is an external part, it will keep running even when the chain stops moving – which is not the case in most types of chainsaws.
Gas-powered saws offer a lot of benefits and people who own one do not feel like replacing their old one anytime soon. However, they also have some limitations; most importantly they produce extremely loud noise and most models weigh more than 20 pounds (9 Kg).
If you are someone who likes working outdoors then investing in a powerful 2-stroke gasoline chainsaw might be a good idea but if your work involves a lot of close quarter cutting, then you might want to consider a different type.
Check out our guide on the best gas chainsaw.
2) Electric Powered Chainsaws
This type of chainsaw is powered by electricity and is available in corded or cordless models. The corded ones tend to be more powerful as compared to the cordless but the latter is more convenient to use.
One big downside of electric chainsaws is that they can only be used when there is an accessible power outlet nearby. If you have a large garden with lots of trees, then an electric chainsaw would be the perfect choice for you as it will help you save time on having to constantly move an extension cord around.
Check out our guide on the best electric chainsaw.
3) Battery Powered Chainsaws
Similar to electric-powered chainsaws, battery-powered saws come in both corded and cordless models. The big difference between the two is that battery-powered saws use a rechargeable battery as opposed to electricity. This type of chainsaw is ideal for people who want the convenience of a cordless saw with the power of an electric saw.
The only downside to battery-powered chainsaws is that the battery might not last very long if you are using it for heavy-duty projects. So if you are someone who likes doing DIY projects regularly, then investing in a good quality battery might be a good idea.
Check out our guide on the best battery-powered chainsaw.
4) Manual Chainsaws
This type of chainsaw does not require any power source and is instead powered by human muscle. It is perfect for people who want a chainsaw but cannot afford the expensive ones.
Perhaps the best thing about manual chainsaws, however, is that they are less likely to cause injury than electric or gas chainsaws. This is because there is no engine or chain brake to malfunction; in fact, the most dangerous part of using a manual chainsaw is the possibility of getting your hand caught in the chain.
Overall, then, if you are looking for an inexpensive, lightweight chainsaw that is less likely to cause injury than electric or gas chainsaws, buy a manual chainsaw.
Manual saws are ideal for pruning small branches and usually have a safety handle in front to prevent the user’s hand from slipping.
5) PTO Chainsaws
PTO stands for power takeoff, which is a mechanism that uses a part of an engine to power another machine. More specifically, this type of chainsaw runs on the motor of a tractor.
PTO chainsaws are equipped with an automatic oil injection system which provides lubrication to all moving parts at all times keeping them intact for a longer period of time. These saws are easy to maneuver inside dense forests due to their lightweight design. No need for gas or exhaust fumes makes these small machines eco-friendly too!
It is good for people who do not have enough space in their garden or garage but want high-powered chainsaws that they can rent when needed.
6) Pole ChainSaws
This type of chainsaw is perfect for people with tall trees in their garden as it allows them to cut high-up branches without having to climb on ladders. Pole saws usually come with an extendable pole that can be adjusted to different lengths.
A chainsaw will give you big chunks of wood ready to burn. A handsaw will leave long shreds of wood that require substantial splitting before burning. Splitting is hard work, especially if the wood is green and still has leaves attached!
The result with either saw makes many small pieces burn, which creates more ash than heat, all while restricting airflow through the stack of wood that may be two feet wide by ten inches deep.
If you have ever tried to split wood by hand, you know how tiring it can be, and how easily the wood can slip out of your grip. You also know that a good swing with an axe can make short work of splitting a piece of wood. That is because the axe is designed to cut into the wood, not pull it apart like a handsaw.
Check out our guide on the best pole chainsaw.
7) Chainsaw Mills
This type of chainsaw is perfect for people who want to make their lumber from logs. Chainsaw mills are available in both electric and gas-powered models and are capable of cutting through large logs very quickly.
Chainsaw mills offer a number of benefits over conventional sawmills. First, they are much more portable, so you can take them anywhere you go. Second, they are much easier to use, making them ideal for novice woodworkers.
Third, chainsaw mills are less expensive than conventional sawmills, making them a more affordable option for home users. Finally, chainsaw mills produce a relatively smooth finish, which is great if you’re milling boards for furniture.
Summary
In conclusion, there are many different types of chainsaws on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
When choosing a chainsaw, it is important to consider the specific needs of the user and select the model that best meets those needs. With the right tool for the job, chainsaw users can accomplish a wide range of tasks with ease and safety.