Choosing the Right Chainsaw

When you need to cut and clear brush, a chainsaw is a necessary tool. However, it can be challenging to determine which chainsaw is right for you and right for your job. That’s why we’ve created the following guide with all of the considerations you need to make before buying a chainsaw. 

Keep reading to learn more! When you’re ready to check out some chainsaws for sale near Middleborough, Massachusetts, stop by Morgan Power Equipment in Halifax. We proudly serve Brockton and Taunton too. Give us a visit before your next big outdoor project!

Gas or Electric

One of the first considerations to think about when buying a chainsaw is the power source. Do you want a gas model or an electric one? Gas will offer the highest performance and is a better choice for larger projects. However, you’ll need to make sure you have gas and oil on-hand. Gas options will also have more noise pollution and will usually be heavier. 

Electric models, on the other hand, are lighter and don’t need fuel. However, these tools are limited by battery life or an extension cord. Electric chainsaws are a good choice for smaller, short-term projects. 

In general, picking gas means getting a powerful and fast option, but also a heavier, louder, and harder-to-maintain machine. Electric ones are easier to use and maintain, quiet, and economical, but they are limited by their performance and size.

Size and Personal Capabilities

Next, you’ll need to think about what size chainsaw suits you best. When handled incorrectly, chainsaws can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious injuries. Your ability to hold, handle, and maintain control of the chainsaw will determine which model you choose. Your personal fitness level and the power level of the chainsaw will decide which ones are right for you and which ones may be dangerous for you. If you can’t comfortably hold and control the chainsaw, you need to check out a different one. This could mean going with a lightweight electric option or a smaller gas one.

Guide and Bar Length

Another important consideration when choosing a chainsaw is the guide bar length. This length is measured from the tip of the chain to where it enters the equipment housing. Bar length is the active cutting area and is the largest length of wood the chainsaw can cut in a single motion. Larger pieces of wood can be cut with a smaller chainsaw, but you’ll need to perform multiple passes. A general rule of thumb is that the bar length should be around two inches longer than the wood.

When choosing the guide and bar length, you want to consider what kind of wood you’re cutting. If you find yourself having to make multiple passes with your current tool, it may be time to get a model with a greater bar length. It’s important to note that longer chainsaws are harder to handle safely. Minor work like trimming and limbing won’t need anything over 14 inches while felling and firewood cutting may need up to 18 inches of bar length. Bucking should be the only task you’ll need a bar length longer than 18 inches.

Types of Chainsaws

Finally, you want to decide which type of chainsaw you need. Some options to choose from include homeowner, landowner, or professional models. Homeowner chainsaws are more compact and easy-to-use. As the name suggests, they are designed for residential use. Landowner chainsaws are built for performance and durability and are preferred by ranchers for clean-up and firewood cutting. A professional chainsaw is made for loggers and arborists. This type of tool offers maximum performance and is built for full-time use.

We hope this guide was helpful! When you’re ready to look at some chainsaws for sale, visit us at Morgan Power Equipment in Halifax, Massachusetts. We proudly serve Brockton and Taunton too. Stop by when you need an equipment upgrade!