Here at World of Power we understand that choosing the right chainsaw is a big decision and there are many things to consider. Are you looking to save time when chopping firewood or save money pruning your own small trees around the garden, we understand it can be difficult to know what chainsaw you need especially if you have never used or owned a chainsaw previously.
Although it is tempting to think bigger is better, this is not always the case, you should select a chainsaw based on your needs which is usually the lightest, suitably powered chainsaw for the task. Bigger chainsaws are generally considerably heavier, so we suggest leaving the very large saws and trees to the professionals!
1 - Intended Use
The most important thing to consider is what you will be cutting. Are you looking to cut up logs for firewood, felling small trees in the garden or pruning small branches around your home and garden?
Domestic Homeowner General Use: A smaller, user-friendly model with sufficient power for occasional tasks like cutting firewood or pruning. Cordless or Petrol entry level chainsaws would ideally be suited to such tasks, for example, the Stihl MS162, Husqvarna 135 or Makita DUC353PT2 models are ideally suited to general maintenance around the home or garden whilst the Stihl MS182, Husqvarna 435 and Makita DUC355PG2 all offer bigger power output levels offering a more efficient cut.
Frequent Use - Investing in more powerful, durable, and high-productivity models designed for demanding environments will benefit the user here. Models such as the Petrol Stihl MS251, Husqvarna 450 and Husqvarna 455 Rancher or the Makita UC025G from their 40V XGT Cordless range, are all ideal for more demanding or frequent use.
Professional Use – A high powered machine which offers low noise and low vibration benefits amongst other user friendly features are a must here. Models such as the Husqvarna 572XP, Stihl MS391 or DUC306PT2 are all suited to more professional tasks.
2 – Wood Type & Size
Are you looking to cut smaller branches and logs or larger trees and hardwood? Each of these tasks requires a different chainsaw. Larger trees, hardwood and felling require a larger more powerful chainsaw with a longer guide bar whereas smaller branches and logs only require a lighter weight model with a shorter guide bar which is easier to handle.
3 – Guide Bar Length
The longer the bar, the thicker the wood it can cut. For larger diameter logs or felling large trees a larger guide bar is required compared to a chainsaw cutting logs at home for the log burner. Generally, 12-16” models are recommended for domestic use and are more than suitable for most tasks, leave the larger 20” + chainsaw bar lengths to the professionals!
4 - Other Key Considerations
Piston Displacement (CC) – The primary measure of a chainsaws power, the higher the number, the more power.
Engine Power (hp/kw) – A second indication of power, again the larger the number the more power.
Balance - A well-balanced chainsaw is easier to handle and manoeuvre whilst reducing user fatigue.
Vibration Levels – When using a chainsaw for prolonged periods of time vibration levels are important, the lower the vibration levels the more comfortable it is to use.
Maintenance
Maintaining your chainsaw is essential to ensure it is kept in excellent running condition for years to come. The most essential part of maintaining your chainsaw is to ensure your chain is kept sharp at all times. A dull chainsaw chain will cut inefficiently and at worst can cause the chainsaw to ‘kick back’ which can be dangerous.
You can keep your chainsaw chain sharp at home using our DIY chain sharpening kits or you can post your chain / bring your chain to our Buxton showroom where our technician will sharpen your chain and return via post or let you know when this is ready to collect. If you look at a chain, you will be able to see the sharp cutting tooth and the flat depth gauge. As the chain goes around the bar, the cutting tooth shaves off little chips of wood. The size of the chip that is removed is the same size as the space between the depth gauge and cutting tooth.
Petrol chainsaws require more maintenance and servicing levels than cordless models which is something to consider when purchasing a chainsaw but with our handy servicing kits which are designed for use at home you can quickly and easily carry out yearly servicing requirements from the comfort of your own home. Of course you can also send your chainsaw to our team who can carry out a full service for you.
Safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE) always has been and remains a must have essential when it comes to using a chainsaw. The right PPE will help reduce the risk of serious injury when using a chainsaw. All cut protective clothing generally follows the same principle based on a need to impede the moving chain of the chainsaw in the event of accidental contact with the body. Manufactured from high tech Kevlar type fibres which are arranged in layers covered by an outer layer of material, so should a chain come into contact with the top layer it will catch and pull out the fibres which will wrap around the chainsaw sprocket and quickly stop the chain.
PPE Cut Protection Class:
Class 0 Protection – The lowest protection level offering sufficient protection at a chainsaw speed of up to 16 meters per second. Ideal for working in the forest or at home.
Class 1 Protection – Protecting the wearer from chainsaw speeds of up to 20 meters per second, class 1 protection offers the best compromise between protection and freedom of movement. Generally used in forestry work and it is also recommended for home use.
Class 2 & 3 Protection – Protecting the wearer from chainsaw speeds of up to 24 and 28 metres per second respectively making them better suited to trained users in the professional sectors. The higher the class protection, the more the ergonomics of the clothing is affected making them slightly less flexible to wear.
Cordless Chainsaws
Benefitting from low vibration levels and no harmful emissions, cordless chainsaws are easy to use and ideal for those a little less confidant at starting and running a petrol chainsaw. Removing the need for pre-mixing fuel there is no risk of incorrect fuel mixing or fuel going stale whilst sat in storage. You will need to top up the chain oil reservoir of the chainsaw, most chainsaws have a transparent oil tank so you can quickly and easily see when you need to top up oil. As a general rule of thumb you should top up the oil when you swap or recharge the battery.
Petrol Chainsaws
Suitable for a variation of tasks, for beginners to professionals. Benefitting from lightweight entry level models with easy start and tool-less chain tensioning features, to higher powered, lower vibration models for the toughest of jobs. Powered by a 2-mix petrol engine, you will need to be precise when mixing your fuel and 2-stroke to ensure that your machine runs perfectly.
Electric Chainsaws
Designed for domestic use around the home and garden where there is a power outlet available. Offering convenience these chainsaws offer ‘plug and play’ where you simply plug the chainsaw into the power outlet, fill with chain oil, ensure the chainsaw chain is sharp and cut.
Stihl Chainsaws
Number 1 petrol chainsaw manufacturer in the world, Stihl know a thing or two about chainsaws. A market leader in chainsaws since 1926, Stihl are well known for their quality and unmatched power.
Makita Chainsaws
Makita are leading the way when it comes to cordless power. Their powerful battery chainsaw range include 18v/36v domestic LXT models and 40v XGT professional machines. All boasting from a 3-year warranty!
Husqvarna Chainsaws
Manufacturing powerful and reliable chainsaws since 1959, Husqvarna have a series of saws for every type of user. A well-loved brand by professional arborists and forestry workers to domestic fans around the world.
Other Brand Chainsaws
Including quality brands such as Cobra, Hyundai, Ego and Milwaukee this range offers a high quality lower priced option to the chainsaw range.
Feel The Power
Here at World of Power we know getting a feel for the chainsaw itself can offer many user benefits. We have a fully stocked showroom in Buxton, Derbyshire where you can get hands on with many makes and model of chainsaws along with a whole host of other garden machinery including hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, lawnmowers and much more. Not only do we offer an excellent sales service with our team fully trained by each manufacturer, we also have a fully equipped workshop with a trained technician on site who can cater for all your repair and servicing needs. As an authorised dealer for most of the brands we sell we can provide a warranty repair service in house offering an all round service for our customers.