How to Easily Choose a Great Chainsaw for Yourself

Choosing a new chainsaw can be an exciting prospect, but it can also be daunting, especially as a first-time buyer because there are so many options and factors to consider. Buying a chainsaw can be a costly affair, so you will want to make sure that you get it right the first time.

Here are 5 things to consider that will help you decide on a great chainsaw for yourself. 

1. What Type Of Cutting Will It Be Used for?

First things first, you have to know what your chainsaw will primarily be used for, for example, if you are planning on cutting logs then you will need to invest in a higher quality saw than if you were planning on just using it for garden maintenance. The purpose of the chainsaw will also help you figure out what kind of weight will be best for you. If you are going to be using it all day every day then you will want to opt for a lighter option as it will be easier for you to control. Avoid going for extreme lightweight options as these will have less power. Ideally, you want to find a chainsaw that has a good power to weight ratio so that it is both practical and comfortable. 

2. Petrol Or Battery?

The next thing to consider is whether you want a petrol or battery-powered chainsaw. Over the years battery-powered chainsaws have significantly improved and are typically used for challenging gardening jobs. The battery tends to be a lot quieter compared to petrol-fueled chainsaws, so if you are in a residential area this might be something you have to consider. What’s more, the bonus of using a battery chainsaw is that they do not emit any emissions. However, if you live in an area that is not very residential or if you own large amounts of land then you might prefer a petrol chainsaw as battery chainsaws can be limited to chord length and battery life – making them impractical for bigger jobs. Petrol chainsaws are usually more powerful, but this can also mean they can be harder to use if you do not have the personal fitness and strength to control the chainsaw. 

3. What Chainsaw Features Do You Need?

Another key factor to consider is what chainsaw features you will need. For instance, chains, chain oil, file kit to protect the chain, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear while using the chainsaw. When it comes to PPE you do not want to take any chances and at BackyardMike.com they have accumulated a list of the best chainsaw chaps and pants to keep you safe while using your chainsaw. No matter how experienced you are with using chainsaws, you should always use PPE, and the other basics include wearing gloves, a helmet (ideally with a visor), and ear defenders. Aside from PPE, it is useful to have a spare chain because if something happens to the chain in use mid-job then this can be extremely frustrating.

4. Consider Your Budget

Before exploring the vast options out there, you should have in mind a realistic budget. This will help you to narrow down your choices and it will also prevent you from overspending. Take into consideration the costs of maintenance, fuel and potential repairs of a chainsaw model before committing to it. There is no point in buying a cheaper chainsaw that is particularly expensive to fuel and maintain. Be prepared to take on some costs, particularly when it comes to high-quality PPE, but consider it a long-term investment as the high-quality chainsaws will last longer than the cheaper ones that break easily and need to be replaced. 

5. Remember To Read Reviews

Another way to help you choose a great chainsaw for yourself is to check out the reviews on any models you are considering. This should give you a fuller picture of what to expect and whether or not it will live up to its expectations. While this part of the process can seem trivial it can potentially save you from wasting your money on an ineffective chainsaw. Try to cross-reference reviews so that you do not fall for any fake reviews from bots/fake users. Make sure you invest the time into researching and reading reviews because this will help you work out what is best for you. Especially if you find individuals similar to yourself, whether you are a newbie or a well-seasoned pro, you can focus on the reviews that are relevant to your experience and job purpose.

Now it is over to you, make sure you consider each of these 5 points and you will be sure to find the right chainsaw for you.