Chainsaw buying guide

Before investing in a chainsaw, it's important to know how you're going to be using it. The type and model of chainsaw that you would need to cut some wood once a year before winter will not be the same as the one you would need if you're cutting down trees day in day out. Here are a few things to consider before making your choice.

Pruning and trimming

If you're only using a chainsaw for occasionally pruning and trimming a small number of trees in the garden, you will need a pole pruner or an electric pole pruner. If you're using it frequently and require more freedom of movement, you'll want to go for the cordless model. You can therefore get those hard to reach branches and cut them easily. Also, your tool will require minimal maintenance (just chain tensioning and lubrication). It has a power of between 600 and 800 W.

Pruning and frequent tree maintenance

For frequent use with lots of trees and branches, you'll need the petrol pole pruner. It has a 20-35 cc engine (800-1500 W), with a 20-35 cm guide bar. For ease of use and efficiency, the telescopic pole saw is the best option.

Frequent and intensive pruning

There is no longer any need to work from the ground up with a pole. For regular and intensive pruning, you will need an electric pole pruner. The length of the guide bar is up to 35 cm and has a 25 - 40 cc petrol engine (1000-2000 W). These pole pruners are designed for one-handed use, so go for a light model (3 to 4kg). Be aware that pruners are aimed at experienced and professional chainsaw users and come with many risks and potential hazards that can lead to accidents due to their one-handed operation (bar recoil, kickback, injuries to the free hand, etc.)

Cutting, maintenance and occasional tree felling

For small-scale tree pruning and trimming or for cutting firewood for the winter, there is no need to buy a very powerful chainsaw. An electric chainsaw will get the job done. Choose a universal guide bar (between 35 and 45 cm) with a power output of at least 2000 W. For cutting down the odd tree with small branches, a chainsaw like this will do just the job. Be careful not to underestimate its power and make sure you have the necessary level of skill to take on large trees. The only maintenance that is required is chain tensioning and lubrication.

Cutting, maintenance and frequent felling

Electric models aren't designed for frequent use, so it's better to choose a petrol chainsaw if you're going to be using it regularly. Opt for a relatively powerful engine (>35 cc) and a universal guide bar (up to 45 cm). A certain level of expertise is required for a chainsaw like this, in terms of both how it is used and how it is maintained (fuel levels, spark plugs, chain, filters...)

Cutting and intensive tree felling

For intensive felling, you need something hardcore! Obviously no electric model will suffice - you simply must go for a petrol chainsaw. Depending on the type of felling that you will be doing, choose a suitable guide bar: 45 to 55 cm for trees with small to medium sized branches and 55 cm and above for large trees. Likewise for the engine power; you will need a minimum of 40 cc. The felling chainsaws available on the market have powerful enough engines that match the guide bar length. Choosing this type of chainsaw means you know exactly what you're doing; you're either a very experienced chainsaw user or a professional. But that doesn't mean you should take any risks whatsoever with regards to both cutting the trees and them falling down. So make sure you are well-prepared!

How a chainsaw works

All chainsaws have the same basic function. An electric or petrol-powered engine activates a metal chain with saw blades, or teeth, which moves around a guide bar. The longer the guide bar, the more powerful the chainsaw. The sharper the teeth, the easier it is to cut but the more dangerous it can be (kickback, chain jumping).

More modern chainsaws generally come with different safety measures (having to operate them with both hands, chain brake, anti-kickback function, anti-vibration system, etc) but even so, using a chainsaw requires careful attention and the appropriate safety equipment.

Each type of chainsaw is designed for a specific use.

Pole chainsaw: a chainsaw for pruning high branches

Very practical for reaching high branches without having to climb up the tree or up a ladder with the chainsaw. Whether electric or petrol-powered, the engine is located near the handle, while the chain and guide bar are situated at the end of a pole. Some poles are rigid and others are telescopic. The chainsaw heads are usually adjustable. The power ranges between 600 and 1500 W. Not to be confused with the pole pruner where the engine is located at the end of a pole, which makes it more cumbersome to use.

Pole pruner

Both electric and petrol pole pruners are light, easy to use and have a cutting capacity of less than 35 cm. Used for a specific type of cut and branch, it is operated with one hand, making it very practical but also more dangerous for novices. Its power output is usually in the range of 1200 to1800 W.

Standard chainsaw: cutting and everyday use

The all-purpose chainsaw with a 45 cm guide bar is designed for frequent use. Electric or petrol-powered, it's perfect for cutting wood, cutting back branches and felling trees with small branches. It is operated using two hands and requires care and attention, particularly with the most powerful models (>2500 W).

Felling chainsaw

The felling chainsaw with a guide bar of >45 cm is aimed at professionals and most suited to intensive jobs, particularly tree felling. With a heavy to use petrol engine with high power (2500-6500W), some experience is necessary for safe use. Cutting length ranges from 45 to 80 cm. Due to its weight and size, it is not suitable for trimming hedges and pruning.

Electric chainsaw

Electric chainsaws are used for pruning, cutting back branches, occasional pruning of younger trees and cutting firewood for the winter. Electric engines with a power output of 1200 - 2000 W don't require much maintenance, are less noisy and produce less pollution. However, corded electric chainsaws are much less powerful and the cable poses some disadvantages: limited distance, getting tangled in the branches and limited movement.

Electric chainsaw or cordless chainsaw?

Convenient and easy to use, battery-powered chainsaws are less powerful and have a weaker overall performance. Equipped with with an 18V Lithium-Ion battery (Li-Ion), the ampere hours (Ah) determine the battery life (the higher the ampere hours, the longer it will last). Their weight varies from around 2 to 5 kg and the guide bar measures about 10-25 cm. Cordless chainsaws are used primarily for pruning.

Petrol chainsaw

Chainsaws with petrol engines allow for much greater power and freedom of movement. However, they require much more regular maintenance (oil, spark plug, filters) and they are heavier to handle. Petrol chainsaws are much noisier, weigh around 5-7 kg and have guide bars of 20 cm in length (pole chainsaw) and 90 cm (felling chainsaw). Petrol chainsaws generally have two-stroke engines and have a much longer lifespan. They have 20-120 cc engines and, depending on the model, a motor output of between 0.5 kW and 6.5 kW, or between 1 - 9 hp (horsepower).

To accommodate the different types of wood - softwood and hardwood - there are different types of chains.

What are the chain links of a chainsaw?

Square

45 cc chainsaws have square chain links, designed to cut hardwoods such as oak, acacia etc. Used in woodcutting, the square links quickly become blunt. Sharpening them is not easy and requires some expertise. At Oregon they are known as "chisel or super chisel" and at Stilh they are listed as simply "super".

Round

Ideal for softwoods like pine, birch etc, round chain links are easy to sharpen and can be found on less powerful chainsaws. Its soft attack makes it hard work for cutting the harder woods (oak, acaia), and requires regular sharpening. At Oregon, round chain links are called "shipper" and Stilh lists it as the "standard".

Square tooth round grind

Square tooth round grind can be used for chainsaws with any amount of power. Good for cutting both hardwood and softwood, it is easy to sharpen. Listed by Oregon as "speed guard" and by Stilh as "micro".

Sharpening chainsaw chains

Remember to check the teeth regularly. Sharpen them as and when is necessary with the help of a chainsaw sharpener. This will reduce the risk of an accident and allow you to get the best out of your chainsaw.

Chain brake

The chain brake is a safety feature that helps avoid kickback by stopping the chain's movement.

Kickback reducing system

To prevent kickbacks, the guard links have hooks that grip the wood. The gauge is the thickness of the drive link where it fits into the bar groove. Depth gauges filed too low make the chain grab at the wood and may negate the benefits offered by a safety chain. The purpose of the hooks is to reduce the impact of a potential kickback.

Starting your chainsaw

This is only relevant to petrol chainsaws. Also known as the choke, this allows you to start up the chainsaw. Pull the handle attached to a cable (the choke) which starts the engine.

Two-stroke engine

With a two-stroke engine you must mix the petrol and the oil before putting it in, unlike the 4-stroke engine where the mix is separated into two different compartments.

Engine power

The greater the power of the engine, the less times the motor needs to turn for the same output. Measured in cubic centimetres (cc), performance of the chainsaw depends on the power of the engine.

Chainsaw chain

The chainsaw chain has three components: drive link, tie strap and cutter. The chain must be sharpened correctly and the speed is determined by the length of the links.

Guide bar

The guide bar supports the chain and determines the cutting length of the chainsaw. Its length is measured in centimetres (cm).

Other engine characteristics

Some manufacturers will give out all sorts of information including the engine bore size and piston displacement. A bit of advice: don't worry too much about these little details. The engine power and the length of the guide bar are the most important things to consider with any chainsaw.

Chainsaw maintenance in 4 steps

1. All chainsaws require adjustment of the chain tension; this must be done each time you use it. The same goes for checking the oil level and chain lubrication.

2. When using it for long periods of time (two hours or more) check the tension of the chain regularly.

3. Lubricate the sprocket nose on the end of the guide bar and make sure there are no burrs, which could cause the chain to jump.

4. Check regularly for burrs and tears in the guide bar.

Petrol chainsaw maintenance

With petrol chainsaws, as well as doing all of the basic maintenance steps, you need to be even more on top of the engine maintenance. You must keep an eye on the oil level in the engine, the spark plug, the air filter and the petrol. Do this at the beginning and the end of the season and depending on how much you are using the chainsaw. However, you must do an oil change at the beginning of the season. Also, refer to the manufacturer's user manual for your specific chainsaw as each model has its own characteristics and maintenance requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using a chainsaw

A chainsaw is quite a noisy tool (because of the petrol engine) and can be dangerous if used incorrectly. To avoid damaging your ears wear noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs. Using a chainsaw should be done with a minimum of:

• Protective gloves

• Safety shoes, preferably with support;

• a safety visor.

Cut-resistant clothing

It is possible to buy protective clothing, or "cut-resistant clothing", particularly trousers in case of an operational error. A helmet is very practical and is always an essential item for protecting your head from falling or protruding branches.

Using a chainsaw: 3 important recommendations

1. Avoid trying do a balancing act at the top of an unstable ladder while using a chainsaw.

2. Before you start the engine each time, make sure the chainsaw is in good working condition and read the user manual to avoid the risk of any injuries, (no loose screws or pieces) and make sure the chain brake is engaged.

3. If you're using the chainsaw for renovation purposes, like carpentry jobs for example, be careful not to cut the tips or you may have to sharpen the chain sooner than expected.

More information

• Petrol-powered chainsaw buying guide

• Circular log saw buying guide

• Branch cutter buying guide

• Woodworking saw buying guide

• Hedge trimmer buying guide

• Log splitter buying guide

• How to prune your trees and shrubs

• How to trim a hedge