Best Chainsaws

When deciding which chainsaw to buy, the most important factors to consider are what you'll be using it for, where you'll be using it (such as urban, noise restricted areas or out in the country ), and how often. Knowing these answers will help you get an idea of your ideal guide bar length, as well as the most suitable power source.

Electric Chainsaws must be connected to a power cable, and offer easier handling than traditional petrol chainsaws. They are quiet in operation, require little maintenance or set-up, and are most effective when used for light cutting and trimming. Limited portability is the main drawback of an electric chainsaw, so keep that extension cord handy.

Petrol Chainsaws are popular and powerful. With proper maintenance of its two-stroke engine, a petrol chainsaw can do heavy duty cutting anywhere. Though these saws are considered very high quality and well-performing, their maintenance requirements and loud, grating noise are reasons why they might not be right for you.

Battery-Powered Chainsaws are cordless, electric machines, affording them good manoeuvrability, portability and power. They are easier to use and maintain than petrol chainsaws, but like any battery-powered garden tool, its downfall is the need to recharge. They are typically the most expensive model of chainsaw.

Generally, for light pruning the bar length be only needs to be up to 40 cm (16"). Medium chainsaw work, like small tree felling, hedge trimming and cross-cutting, should use a bar up to 50 cm (20") in length. For all other heavy sawing, like tree-felling, log splitting, saw-log prep and milling, aim for a bar longer than 50 cm to get the job done.

Safety is an important consideration, no matter how your chainsaw is powered. Make sure you're properly equipped with head, eye and ear protection, and have a pair of gloves to operate your saw. Additionally, making sure your chainsaw is the right weight for you is critical to using it safely.