Chainsaw Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Option

There are a ton of chainsaws on the market, but how do you choose the best one? Firstly, it comes down to a few key factors like performance, durability, and price.

Secondly, it depends on what your needs are and it is important to choose a chainsaw that matches your needs.

We will be looking at all the main factors that make up a good chainsaw. We will also be discussing all the different options available so that you can use this guide to find your perfect chainsaw.

The Usefulness & Benefits Of Chainsaws

Chainsaws are very powerful tools that can save countless hours of back-breaking manual labor.

They make it easy for anyone to cut down big trees, chop logs, or clear away branches. They can also be used to speed up smaller jobs like general garden maintenance or garden clearing.

Battery Chainsaws vs Gas Chainsaws

When comparing different chainsaws, a big difference comes in the way that they are powered.

There are electric chainsaws that are battery powered and there are gas-powered chainsaws. There are a few differences between them and depending on your needs, one might be better than the other.

Cost

In terms of cost, both types have models that range from less expensive to more expensive. In general, battery-powered tools are expensive, but with chainsaws, you are more likely to pay more for the gas-powered option. This is because of the quality difference.

Efficiency

Both battery and gas-powered chainsaws are very efficient. When we talk about efficiency, we see what the machine can do with the amount of power it uses. The battery-powered option is probably more efficient because the technology is constantly being upgraded.

How Power Is Measured

Battery-driven machines are measured in voltage while gas-driven machines are measured in cc. This gives us an idea of the amount of power that it has. The power output of both types can also be measured in horsepower.

Performance

When we compare them in terms of performance, the gas-powered machine has a big advantage. Electric chainsaws, and especially battery-powered chainsaws, do not compare against the power and performance of gas machines.

Battery Powered Chainsaw Pros And Cons

Pros

•  Easy to recharge.
• Low noise level.

Cons

• Does not have a high power output.
• Batteries run out quickly and take time to charge.

Gas Driven Chainsaw Pros And Cons

Pros

• The most powerful machines you can get.
• By carrying extra fuel you can work for long amounts of time.

Cons

• A lot of noise is made when they run.
• These machines are much heavier in weight.

Who Should Buy Each?

The best person to buy a battery-powered machine is someone who does small jobs every now and then, normally in the garden or around the house.

For the gas-powered machine, is it good for those who need to cut big trees or who need to go out into the forest for big jobs. This video also does a good job of explaining which chainsaw is best for each person.

Corded Vs Cordless Chainsaw

Corded chainsaws are electrically driven while cordless chainsaws can be gas or battery driven.

The main difference is that they do or do not have a power cord that needs to be connected to a power supply. Depending on your needs, you might prefer a corded or cordless option.

Corded Chainsaw Pros And Cons

Pros

• These are very lightweight because they do not have to carry their own power.
• The price will be cheaper compared to cordless options.

Cons

• The cord will always limit how far you can move and use the machine.
• Power output will be much lower compared to gas machines.

Cordless Chainsaw Pros And Cons

Pros

• Mobility is the ultimate bonus with a cordless machine.
• Quick to use.

Cons

• To use for extended periods you need extra fuel or batteries.
• Much heavier than corded machines.

Different Types Of Chainsaws To Consider

Manual Chainsaws

Overview

According to Remodel or Move, a manual chainsaw is a sharp blade that connects to a handle and is manually pulled to cut wood.

Selling Points:

• Cheap.
• Uses no power.
• No expertise required.

Key Features

Consist of only a handle and a blade.

Who Should Buy

If you do not want to use power tools, this is an alternative option.

Pros And Cons

• Pro – Cost effective.
• Con – Takes a long time.

Pole Chainsaws

Overview

A saw that is mounted on a pole to extend reach.

Selling Points:

• Great for hard-to-reach places.
• Easy to use.
• Cheap.

Key Features

Consist of an electric or gas saw that is mounted on a pole with controls at the bottom of the pole.

Who Should Buy

If you have high trees that are hard to reach.

Pros And Cons

• Pro – Can trim trees from the ground.
• Con – Not very versatile.

Pneumatic Chainsaws

Overview

These chainsaws are powered by highly pressurized air pockets. They are even more powerful than gas-powered machines and they have no emissions.

Selling Points:

• Emission-free.
• Very powerful.
• Simple design.

Key Features

Uses pressurized air to operate.

Who Should Buy

Specialists who require this type of machine.

Pros And Cons

• Pro – Emission-free
• Con – Expensive.

What Wattage Do We Need In Our Battery Chainsaw?

The wattage required in a battery-powered chainsaw depends on what it will be used for. It also depends on the voltage that is used, for example, 20 volts to 80 volts. For general use, a wattage of between 2000W and 3000W is a good place to start.

20v Vs 40v Vs 80v Chainsaws

Battery-powered chainsaws are rated in voltage. 20V, 40V, and 80V are the most common options. The voltage alone does not give a clear picture of the power. You need to look at the amps as well as the volts to see how much power a machine has.

How Powerful Do We Need Our Gas Chainsaw To Be?

Gas chainsaws have a power output that ranges anywhere from 2 horsepower to 4 horsepower and their gas engines can range from 30cc up to 60cc or more.

Depending on what type of job you need to do, you might need to stronger or less strong machine. The stronger it is, the bigger the trees that you can cut and the faster it will cut.

For general use, a 50cc and 3-horsepower machine is good.

Chainsaw vs Hedge Trimmer

While a chainsaw is primarily made for cutting down big trees, a hedge trimmer is made for cutting back and trimming hedges. The two machines look and seem similar, but there is a big power and performance difference. A hedge trimmer could never cut through a tree trunk, but a chainsaw can technically be used to trim hedges.

	Chainsaw	Hedge Trimmer
Pro	Powerful	Can get accurate cuts
Pro	Versatile	Less expensive
Con	Expensive	Less powerful
Con	Uses a lot of energy	Limited in its uses

Chainsaw vs Pole Saw

A pole saw is basically just a saw that is mounted on a long pole so that it can be used to reach places that would otherwise be out of reach. A chainsaw always needs to be handheld so you need to get close to whatever you want to cut.

Chainsaw vs Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw is also a very common and versatile tool. In many ways, it can be used to do jobs that a chainsaw can do, but it does not have the power a chainsaw has. It trades off power for versatility so you can use it for many different purposes.

What are the Key Considerations When Buying a Chainsaw?

How Much Power/Size Of The Area

The power should be relative to the work you want to do.

Energy And Efficiency

A good chainsaw has a good energy output compared to the energy it uses. You want something that works efficiently.

Durability

Durability is one of the biggest aspects. These are expensive machines and they will work hard so it needs to be very durable.

What You Are Using It For

Depending on what you are using it for, you might choose a specific machine. If you are preparing firewood in the forest for winter when a big gas-powered machine is the way to go. Alternatively, if you are just trimming your garden, a smaller electric option is better.

Cost

Cost is always a key consideration. Choosing the correct machine will mean you pay for what you need.

Overall Performance

Overall you want a well-designed and well-balanced machine that performs well.

Is A Chainsaw Worth Buying Overall?

Chainsaws are great investments. They can make big jobs quick work and they can cut down on labor hours like almost nothing else. It also depends on how often you need a chainsaw, if you only use it once a year, then you are probably better of renting or borrowing one.

Do higher amps mean more power?

Higher amps do not always mean more power. The amps depend on the voltage. Together they create the wattage that will give you a clearer picture of how much power a machine really has.

Chainsaw Pros

Durability

Chainsaws are designed to keep running through the most hardcore of jobs.

Power

The main purpose is to cut through big tree trunks so absolute power is a key component.

Simple Design

By keeping things simple, you are able to fix and fault find without too much trouble.

Chainsaw Cons

Maintainance

A lot of regular maintenance is required to keep this strong machine functioning properly.

Noise

There are not many machines that are as noisy as a gas-powered chainsaw.

Weight

Operating a chainsaw required strength and extended use can strain the body.

Chainsaw Common Issues

Some of the most common chainsaw issues are in regard to safety. These are very powerful machines and if you are not very cautious, you can get seriously injured. Some other common issues include maintenance problems and part failures.

Best 5 Chainsaw Brands

1.   Stihl

Stihl is definitely one of the best brands on the market. They offer both gas and electric machines in consumer and professional grades. They have a wide selection of machines.

2.   Ryobi

A brand that is very commonly known for its power tools. They have great battery-powered machines, but also good corded and gas-powered options.

3.   Ego

Ego is one of the largest manufacturers of battery-powered tools. For a battery-powered chainsaw, they are probably the best option.

4.   Craftsman

Another well-known brand for quality chainsaws is Craftsman,

5. craftman chainsaw

Husqvarna is a leading manufacturer of gas-powered chainsaws. They make a variety of options for both consumers and professionals.

Our Best Chainsaw

There are so many options on the market. To simplify things, we have chosen what we believe to be the best chainsaws on the market. Our choices are supported by product testing done by our friends at Reviewed.

Echo CS-400 – Best Overall Chainsaw

A professional-level chainsaw with a 40cc motor that cuts through almost anything.

Pros:

• Powerful
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Price

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Kobalt KCS 180B – Best Battery Powered Chainsaw

A large machine with an 80V battery to perform on par with gas machines.

Pros:

• Powerful
• Size

Cons:

• Weight

Overall Score: 90/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ryobi RY3716 – Best Gas Chainsaw

A great gas-powered option with a 37cc motor that can do any job.

Pros:

• Price
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Might lack some power for bigger jobs

Overall Score: 90/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Electric Chainsaws Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best electric chainsaws to buy?

The best electric chainsaw to buy is either a corded or a cordless machine. A cordless machine will be battery-powered like the Kobalt KCS 180B.

How many volts do I need for a chainsaw?

The voltage will depend on the size and quantity of the batteries, but anything from 20V to 80V is good.

How many amps is a good chainsaw?

A good chainsaw should deliver between 10 and 12 amps, but they can go up to 15 amps or higher.

What should I look for in a chainsaw?

The best things to look for in an electric chainsaw are durability, affordability, and efficiency.

Is it worth buying an electric chainsaw?

Electric chainsaws are definitely worth buying if you have the need for them. If you have regular work that can be done with an electric chainsaw then it will save you a lot of time and effort.

Are small electric chainsaws any good?

Electric chainsaws are getting better and better every day. Right now they are even able to compete with gas-powered machines.

Is it better to have more amps or volts?

In general, it is better to have power tools with higher volts and lower amps to get maximum power.

Do higher volts mean more power?

To calculate the power of a battery-powered chainsaw, you multiply the volts with the amps. So normally higher volts mean more power, but it also depends on the amps.

Gas Chainsaws Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I choose a gas chainsaw?

The best way is to research what type of machine will best meet your needs (size, power, etc.) and then look for the best-rated machine.

What are the best gas chainsaws to buy?

There are many good options. A good approach is to stick to a highly trusted brand. We would recommend the Ryobi RY3716.

How do I know what size chainsaw I need?

The bigger the trees you need to cut, the bigger machine you need. A 40cc chainsaw is a good mid-level choice.

What is the most dependable brand of chainsaw?

Stihl has made a name for itself as the most dependable brand.

Is a 14 or 16 chainsaw better?

The size refers to the bar size. A 16-inch chainsaw can make a bigger cut compared to a 14-inch chainsaw so normally the 16 will be more powerful as well.

What is the most common size chainsaw?

The most common size chainsaw is 16-inches.

What is the best size chainsaw for cutting firewood?

The best size for cutting firewood will be 16-inches.

Chainsaw Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I need to know before using a chainsaw?

Before using a chainsaw it is important to be properly instructed in the safety procedures.

What are the 5 safety features of a chainsaw?

According to Aces, safety features include the chain brake, chain catcher, spark arrestor, trigger and throttle interlock, and the right-hand guard.

What should you not do with a chainsaw?

You should never operate a chainsaw without the proper safety equipment.

What safety precautions are needed when using a chainsaw?

In addition to proper safety equipment, a chainsaw should be inspected before use to see if it is in a functional condition.

What is the safest chainsaw?

In general, battery-powered chainsaws are safer because they are less powerful and also they have more safety features.

What is the correct way to use a chainsaw?

The correct way is the start it while on the ground and then use it facing away from your body.

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

The Spruce Tools explain that the chain should be a little loose from the guide bar but not so much that it can get disengaged.

What are the parts of a chainsaw called?

Depending on the type of chainsaw, there can be over 26 parts. You can read about all of them here. In general, the most important parts are the guide bar, the chain, the chain brake, the engine, and the throttle.

How do you use a chainsaw for beginners?

The best way for a beginner to use a chainsaw is to attend a safety and procedure workshop where they properly instruct you.

Which way is the brake on a chainsaw?

The brake sits on top of the machine and it gets pulled towards the user to activate.

Conclusion

After looking at all the different aspects that make up a quality chainsaw, and discussing all the different types of machines, we hope that you are able to use this buying guide to find the perfect chainsaw for your needs.

Chainsaws are one of the most exciting and powerful tools you can use. In the end, there is no one machine that is the best, they all come with their own strengths and weaknesses. It is up to you to choose a machine that has all the features you need.