Chainsaw Buying Guide: Important Considerations

The first thing you need to know: what do you plan to use the chainsaw for?
Cutting hard wood or soft wood? Hard wood requires more power to cut. Will you be away from an electrical outlet or will it be too cumbersome to have the chainsaw attached to an electrical cord? In this case, you will need a gas powered chainsaw. Most important for safety, consider how large and powerful of a chainsaw can be safely handled by those who will be using it.

Electric vs. Gas Powered
Gas powered is easier to move around (no cord to follow behind you or trip over). Gas powered is also generally more powerful than electric chainsaws. Electric is easier to maintain, and you do not have to mix gas and oil like you do to power a gas chainsaw. Electric is also quieter than gas powered.

Pole Saws - impress your neighbors with this specialty chainsaw
Pole saws are smaller chain saws that are mounted on an extension pole. This may be helpful for cutting limbs from trees that you cannot otherwise reach. This also may eliminate the need for an extension ladder. Pole saws could be great for those who are afraid of heights, but typical pole extension length is up to twelve feet, so you will still need a ladder for limbs higher than that.

Chainsaw Size - two terms you need to know:
1. Engine Displacement
This complicated sounding term simply indicates the size of a gasoline engine. The size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc's) or cubic inches (cu. in.). The higher the number, the more power the chainsaw has. Models designed for homeowners generally range from 1.5 to 2.8 cubic inches.

2. Bar Length
Bar length describes the length of the cutting area of the chainsaw. This is the area from the place the chain enters the housing out to the cutting tip. The important thing to know about bar length is to get a high enough bar length to cut through the thickest wood you plan to cut. A chainsaw can cut through wood that is up to twice the size of the bar length. For example, most homeowner chainsaw's bar lengths are 14, 16, 18, or 20 inches. Accordingly, a 16-inch bar length chainsaw can safely cut through a piece of wood that is no more than 32" in diameter. Remember, the larger the size, the more difficult the chainsaw is to safely handle.

Buy standard size chain pitch and chain gauge for more convenient and less expensive chain replacement in the future.
Normal chain pitch is 3/8 of an inch. Chain gauge describes the chain thickness. Check that the store where you buy your chainsaw has a steady supply of chain replacements for your specific type of chainsaw.

Additional features for comfort and convenience that are most worth considering:
Quick start electronic ignition - if you are considering a gas-powered chainsaw, this feature will make the chainsaw easier to start.

Muffler - anyone who has heard the loudness of even distant chainsaws being used knows that a reduction in noise can save your ears and your relationship with your neighbors.

Anti-vibration - if you plan to use your chainsaw to cut wood for long periods of time, this feature can increase your physical comfort.

The environmental factor
Emissions regulations for chainsaws have improved in recent years. For those of you concerned about pollution, be sure the chainsaw you are considering has a cleaner running internal combustion engine. This may be a reason to buy a newer model rather than a used model.