An Introduction to Buying a Chainsaw

Chainsaws are a great tool for a variety of tasks, but if you’re new to owning a chainsaw, you might be overwhelmed by the options. From different brands to varying bar lengths, there really is a lot to choose from! Our team at Morgan Power Equipment has put together a great buying guide to help you decide. We are located in Halifax, MA, and proudly serve the Brockton and Taunton areas. 

Gas vs. Electric Powered

Chainsaws are either gas-powered or electric, and there are pros and cons to each of these options. 

Gas-Powered

Gas chainsaws tend to have faster chain speeds, allowing them to cut quickly and smoothly. They are best for heavy-duty work and can be beneficial for newer operators because they require less pressure to make a clean cut. However, they are also heavier and noisier than electric saws, so keep that in mind. To start it, you will need to yank on a pull cord, similar to starting a lawn mower. 

Gas saws require fuel costs and regular maintenance. Because these saws have an engine, you should service it regularly. Also, note that these models will emit exhaust fumes. Homeowner models tend to have 16 to 18 inch chain-bars, but you can find longer lengths in professional models.

Electric 

The majority of electric saws will be corded, requiring access to plug-ins for power, and a 14-gauge or 12-gauge cord to provide the correct amount of amps. These models weigh less, but have slower saw speeds. This makes them the perfect choice for lighter tasks, like trimming small limbs or hedges. 

Another electric option is battery powered saws. This prevents the hassle of being connected to an outlet, but does impact how much you can get done in a set amount of time. Run time is dependent on the voltage and amp-hour rating of the battery, but in most scenarios you can expect 30 to 40 minutes of power on a single charge. 

Knowing the Right Size to Choose

Before you decide which chainsaw is best for you, it’s important to have a general idea of how you intend to use it. A basic guide for choosing the correct size is that the bar should be at least two inches longer than whatever is being cut through. Let’s say a 10 inch thick branch needs to be cut into pieces; your bar should be at least 12 inches long so it can be cut in a single pass. 

Keep in mind that the size of the chain bar should also reflect the size of the engine or amp power. While most models allow you to replace the blade for a longer or shorter one, it should stay proportional to the available power so you don’t encounter any problems. 

In general, if you will be using your chainsaw for pruning limbs, you should only need a six to ten inch saw, but if you need to fell large trees, you should consider something more than 20 inches. 

Hopefully now you have a stronger idea of what chainsaw would work best for your needs. If you have any additional questions, our team would love to help! Morgan Power Equipment is located in Halifax, MA, and we are happy to serve our customers in Brockton and Taunton areas.