What Is The Most Preferable Size Of Chainsaw For Cutting Wood?

It can be quite an arduous task cutting wood, especially if you are a first-timer with no knowledge of what size of chainsaw to choose. It can be described as a task a lot of people don’t enjoy because of how hard it is or can be.

Before chainsaws became more popular and ownership in domestic households increased, people often relied on swinging an axe. After they became more popular, knowing which one to choose for the task at hand has become the next step in determining which one is the most appropriate for the task at hand.

Chainsaw Requirements – Casual User vs Professional

The kind of chainsaw you’ll end up purchasing should largely depend on if you’re a casual or professional user. A professional tree surgeon will often prefer bigger chainsaws with extra functionalities than the casual user.

Casual users will more or less need basic chainsaws that are capable of doing all the fundamental things very well.

 

Which is Better Kind for Cutting Wood? Electric Chainsaws vs Gas-Powered Chainsaws

This question largely depends on what you intend to use it for. I’d recommend you get a gas chainsaw if you’re looking for a lot of flexibility. Gas-powered chainsaws are suitable for logging and the majority of heavy-duty work.

A cordless chainsaw will also work is you decide to purchase a smaller one that will be easier to handle for the casual domestic user.

For tree-cutting tasks that are not heavy duty in nature, choosing a chainsaw with a bar between 16 – 18 inches will often be sufficient.

 

1. Husqvarna Rancher II Gas-powered Chainsaw

This chainsaw is a very effective and powerful machine manufactured by one of the best chainsaw makers in the world.

It has a guide bar of 20 inches that is suitable for cutting wood. It will be able to seamlessly cut down a tree with a diameter of up to 24 inches.

The engine of this chainsaw is very powerful and fuel-efficient at the same time. It’s pretty uncanny. As a result of its ergonomic design, users find it very comfortable to use for an extended period of time. Users are also assured of a two-year warranty pertaining to parts and labour.

 

Pros

• Its powerful X-TORQ 50.2cc engine.
• It has a chain and guide bar of 20 inches.
• It is straightforward to start.
• It was designed to produce minimal vibration.
• It weighs a respectable 13.4 Lbs.

Cons

• It has no significant downsides.
• Its extra capabilities might not be too useful for casual users.

 

McCulloch CS 35S Petrol Chainsaw

This particular chainsaw is powered using a 1400w engine. This engine is powerful enough to do most cutting jobs. It can also cut through and buck large trees without any fuss.

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Even with this engine, the chainsaw consumes a minimal amount of fuel and also has low emission. In comparison to other chainsaw manufacturers, this particular product is cost-effective.

It can also hold its own in terms of similarities in power – while also being half the price of most of the rest.

Pros

• The Soft Start system reduces the resistance in the starter cord by up to 40  Percent
• Its design and make-up is very user friendly.
• Although limited, its warranty is for 2 years.
• It is great value for its price.

Cons

• At 4.5kg, you might need to take breaks between use.

 

This top handle chainsaw is quite great at trimming small trees as well as cutting firewood. Its effective 0.7kw power rating in its engine is also fuel-efficient.

It has great balance thanks to its top handle as well as the 14-inch bar and chain.

With its half throttle choke, users can be able to easily start it. Starting the engine of this small chain saw is always easy thanks to its choke and primer, and there is even an additional digital ignition for extra support.

It was designed to have low vibration when being used. It is also lightweight, which makes it ideal for extended use. As for its warranty, it comes with an outstanding consumer warranty of 7 years, while the commercial warranty is 2 years.

 

Pros

• It is simple to switch on.
• Robust claw stop made of metal ensures safe.
• Comes with integrated anti-vibration system.
• The chain is lubricated automatically by a practical, automatic chain lubrication system.

Cons

• It isn’t ideal for jobs of a heavy-duty nature.
• Its top handle isn’t suitable for everyone.

 

Best Electric Chainsaws for Cutting Wood

These kind of chainsaws are quite good an option for the task of cutting wood – but it all depends on if you’re making use of a cordless version or if you’re near a power source.

It is important to note that these models are getting really popular and some of them are already rivalling their gas-powered counterparts.

Depending on how, where or what you want to use the chainsaw, you will have to choose between a corded or cordless model. In my opinion, here are some of the best electric chainsaws on the market.

 

Oregon Corded Electric Chainsaw

This corded electric chainsaw has a self-sharpening feature so uncommon with other models. Its bar is 18 inches, with brilliant cutting power. It is also great value for money.

This particular model is a suitable option for cutting wood and light trimming across the yard. Another good thing is its quiet nature. Users will be able to make use of it without having to worry about smell or even pollution.

Pros

• With its instant start, users won’t have to pull any cord.
• Its self-sharpening chain is one of a kind.
• It is easy to use.
• Ergonomic design to remain lightweight and balanced

Cons

1. Its chain has a tendency of slipping off the bar if it isn’t regularly checked.
2. The cord limits the range of the chainsaw.

 

Black + Decker Electric Chainsaw

This electric chainsaw was designed to provide excellent power to cut wood as well as provide safety to its user. It can also be used to do other jobs like cutting and trimming smaller trees.

Its design is ergonomic that ensures that users can spend long periods of time with the chainsaw. It is straightforward to put on as you don’t need to pull like in a gas-powered machine. It is also eco-friendly as it doesn’t emit any fumes.

Pros

• Fast and easy to start due to the fact that there isn’t any pull cord.
• The power automatically cuts out within 0.15 seconds if the chainsaw kicks back.
• It has a clear window for easy visibility.
• Low kickback chain

Cons

• The trigger doesn’t have a variable speed.
• The cord limits the chainsaw’s range.

Greenworks Cordless Battery-Powered Chainsaw

This cordless chainsaw is the one to go for if you are looking for clean and smooth cuts – making it quite suitable for cutting minimal amounts of firewood.

There are a handful of advantages when making use of a cordless chainsaw. One of them is that they can be as flexible as the gas-powered chainsaws – only that in this case, the user will not have to mix oil and gas.

The Greenworks chainsaw comes with tool-less chain tensioning for speed and convenience.

Pros

• Users just need to push a button to start the chainsaw.
• Its battery (40V Lithium-ion) is durable.
• Its window is clear for easy visibility.
• The chainsaw unit utilises a powerful 24 Volt Lithium-Ion battery
• It has up to 75 cuts for every charge.

Cons

• It doesn’t have a chain brake.
• Its power is quite limited by its battery.
• It doesn’t have the kind of power that a gas-powered chainsaw has.

 

Chainsaws meant for Professionals Tree Surgeons

Professionals take up serious work and so, will need machines that can effectively handle that kind of workload. You can imagine how hard it would be trying to fell large trees with the wrong tool. Professionals will need tools that are easy to maintain, durable and of high performance.

The most preferred kind of chainsaw by arborists, forestry workers and firewood processors are gas-powered chainsaws. In that light, here are some of the best gas-powered chainsaws meant for professionals.

 

Husqvarna Rancher Gas Chainsaw

This chainsaw comes with a 60.5 cc engine that has a 3.62 HP power output and a maximum speed of 9000 RPM. As a result of its X-Torq technology, users can get maximum power while also knowing that the machine consumes little fuel in the process.

Its ergonomic design also ensures that users are comfortable while using the chainsaw.

They can use it for a long time because of the design. The machine’s handlebar is coated with rubber – which is helpful in reducing vibrations. This is also a reason why it can be used for a long period of time.

Pros

• It has a powerful engine.
• Its bar and chain are 20 inches.
• It is easy to start.
• Its ergonomic design ensures low vibrations.

Cons

• It is quite expensive.

 

DEWALT DCM575X1 XR Flexvolt Chainsaw

This is a gas-powered chainsaw that has a bar and chain of 18 inches – which means it is suitable for a lot of professional loggers.

It comes with a safety valve throttle which helps to prevent any accidental starts. As well as being easy to start, it also comes with anti-vibration features that make it very comfortable to operate.

If you need a powerful, yet affordable chainsaw, then this should be your number one priority. This is because it has virtually all the features that the more expensive chainsaws have.

Pros

• High-efficiency brushless motor
• 40cm Oregon Bar and Chain
• 15 m/s Chain Speed
• Variable speed trigger – No pull starting and improved control in operation.

Cons

1. Does not come with a supply of internal oil.
2. Its instruction manual is quite poor.

 

Echo Pruning Chainsaw

A lot of chainsaw owners are quite familiar with this particular brand of chainsaws. They are known for their versatility, reliability and general quality when it comes to their chainsaws.

This Echo chainsaw falls squarely in this category. It was designed with a bar and chain of 20″ which makes it very suitable for cutting firewood and felling large trees.

It comes with the basic features like the automatic chain boiler and the anti-kickback feature. It also has a fuel tank that is transparent so it is easy to monitor the level of the fuel. Its design and weight are also good.

Pros

• Ultra-light but powerful.
• It has a simple chain tensioning.
• The best weight/power ratio of the chainsaws on this list.

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy-duty tree cutting activities

 

Chainsaw Safety Features

It is important that you look for these safety features when you want to purchase a chainsaw:

• The on and off switch should be marked and positioned.
• A manual chain brake or inertia should be present to stop the chain and prevent kickbacks.
• A chain catcher that stops the chain from moving backwards should be present.
• Your fingers need to be protected from coming close to the chain. A front hand-guard assures this.
• Accidental throttle operation is prevented by a throttle lock.
• The stop button should be rightly placed.
• Exhaust should be designed with muffler so as to reduce the level of noise and redirect any harmful gas that gets close to the operator.
• A scabbard should be present as it prevents any injury whenever the chainsaw is being transported.

 

Conclusion

To help you decide on the kind of chainsaw you want to get, we’ve looked at 9 different chainsaws that are available on the market. Recommendations regarding the chainsaws ideal for casual work or professional work have been given. However, it is important that you know what you want before purchasing a chainsaw.

This is only a guide. You’ll need to do your own research to determine just what you want to buy. I recommend that you buy a chainsaw of high quality so that you don’t spend time and money trying to fix it.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API