The chainsaw is a practically indispensable power tool when you have to cut down a tree or to cut firewood, it is also extremely useful in case of non-ordinary pruning, in which you have to saw good-sized branches. For woodcutters, woodcutters, and gardeners it is a tool of daily use, but also farmers and hobby growers may need to buy a chainsaw to carry out various cutting jobs independently. Choose the best professional chainsaw.
On the market we can find numerous models and different types of chainsaws, having to choose it may be useful to have some guiding criteria that can guide the purchase towards the model that best suits the needs of the buyer.
Those who make professional use of the chainsaw will look for a powerful and reliable tool, while those who are beginners will have to pay particular attention to choosing a handy chainsaw, perhaps less suitable for demanding jobs but easier to maneuver and therefore more suitable to become familiar with this tool without getting hurt. The prices of chainsaws also vary a lot according to the characteristics of the machine and the power of its engine.
Choose the type of chainsaw
The choice of the type of chainsaw depends primarily on the intended use of the tool. If the chainsaw is used to cut small branches on trees, perhaps working on a ladder, you need to take a small pruning chainsaw, which is also useful for limbing plants that have already been felled. To make wood in piles with logs of good diameter, you need to take a medium-sized model, while to cut down large trees you need a powerful chainsaw with a long bar.
Types of chainsaw
We can identify different types of chainsaws, based on the type of use for which they were designed.
- Professional chainsaw. These are tools designed for the professional: they are chainsaws suitable for many hours of consecutive work, they guarantee durability and reliability, as well as high performance. They are extremely ergonomic, suitable for any use depending on the power of the chosen machine.
- Intermediate chainsaw. When the chainsaw is designed for a demanding user, not necessarily a professional, we are talking about an intermediate type. They are also valid chainsaws for prolonged use, but in any case with lower performance than professional ones.
- Chainsaw for home use. Those who use the chainsaw sporadically for small house and garden jobs do not need great performance. Instead, you will be looking for a low-cost and easy-to-use machine. Compared to professional tools, chainsaws of this type last less and are not suitable for cutting large logs or for being used for prolonged periods. However, they have a much lower price, affordable by the hobbyist.
- Pruning chainsaw. They are small and light chainsaws, designed to work even using one hand. They are ideal for limbing felled trees or for taking care of trees with plant interventions.
What power or displacement are needed
The power that the chainsaw engine must have depends on the diameter of the logs it will face and the type of wood that will be cut, in fact, there are softwoods and woods that are harder and more difficult to cut. Try to avoid subjecting the chainsaw to excessive stress, which stresses the engine and wears it quickly. If a chainsaw is purchased for demanding jobs it is good that it has adequate power. For this reason, it is necessary to avoid the purchase of a too weak chainsaw. However, the purchase of an oversized tool would also be an unnecessary expense, given that the more powerful a chainsaw is, the more expensive it will be, as well as having a greater bulk and greater weight.
The power of a chainsaw is measured in horsepower (Cv) or kilowatts (kW), another technical characteristic relating to power, to be taken into account when choosing, is the engine displacement, which is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). At the time of purchase, these metrics are given to look carefully, it is advisable to first get an idea of the desired size, then compare the different models with similar power and evaluate the quality and price of each. This way you can try to make the best choice.
How long should the bar be
The bar is the metal part that guides the chain, it is the element of the tool that together with the toothed chain enters the trunk of the tree. The length of the cutter bar guiding the chain must be proportionate to the work to be done and the power of the engine. The short bar is comfortable because it is easy to handle, the long bar allows you to deal with large diameter logs, but requires a powerful engine. If you use the chainsaw often, it is worth having two bars, of different lengths, so that you can mount the most suitable guide for the job to be done.
Evaluate quality and ergonomics
After choosing the size you have to orient yourself on the many proposals offered by the market: among the many brands and models of chainsaws available you must try to select one that has a good cost ratio, but also that is well designed and durable. The best thing is to see live and to be able to try the tools, even if it is not always possible.
Reliability of the brand and the retailer
It is not certain that the famous brand always offers the best tool, but it is true that buying a chainsaw of a known brand is a valid guarantee, generally, it allows you to avoid sensational rip-offs and bring home short-lasting engines. There are companies that have specialized in the design of the chainsaw, guaranteeing a durable and reliable product, the best known of these is certainly STIHL, founded by that Andreas Stihl who in 1929 patented the first “portable” chainsaw with an internal combustion engine.
In addition to the reputation of the brand, it is also useful to evaluate the reliability of the retailer. You can buy chainsaws online with just a few clicks, but it must be taken into account that it may be wise to contact those who, in addition to the sale, also guarantee an assistance service. Being able to contact the seller after the purchase means having a trusted maintenance technician who can follow the customer throughout the life of the machine.
Leave a Reply