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There are many different types of chainsaws available in the market these days and they all are used for different purposes. Choosing the right chainsaw will largely depend on your requirements and needs. Buying one that is too heavy for handling small things around the house or getting a chainsaw that does not have enough horsepower to handle the larger tasks is only going to be a waste of money. Not to mention the fact that it can dangerous too. This is why you must choose a chainsaw carefully. Here are a few pointers that can help you in choosing the right chainsaw for yourself.
The Difference Between Gas-Powered and Electric-Powered Chainsaw
Choose between a chainsaw which is gas-powered or electric-powered. A gas-powered engine makes the chainsaw heavy and requires more maintenance than an electric-powered one. This is why for small tasks around the house, an electric chainsaw is considered to be the ideal choice. With the gas-powered chainsaws, however, you don’t need to worry about finding an electrical outlet to plug the machine before using it.
Another reason why electric chainsaws are often a good idea for residences is the noise level and pollution levels. Electric chainsaws are low on noise and you also don’t need to worry about any emissions, unlike a gas-powered engine. You can easily buy lightweight and inexpensive chainsaws from brands such as Stihl, Ryobi, and LiTHELi, which are suitable for light work around the house.
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The Different Chainsaws For Various Jobs
Choosing the right chainsaw will depend on what you plan to cut. For cutting big trees, you will need a powerful gas chainsaw with a heavy-duty engine and a bar of around eighteen inches or more. The Husqvarna and SALEM MASTE brands offer gas-powered models with an engine size of 40-62 cc and with guide bars ranging from 14-20 inches that are suitable for such heavy-duty work. If you plan to cut smaller trees and firewood, a heavy electric model with a smaller bar will be able to do the task well. For smaller chores, a good electric motor with around a twelve-inch bar will be sufficient.
For cutting a few small branches or small firewood, you can even try a cordless portable model. However, the duration for which you can use these models will depend on their battery charge and these will not be suitable for performing any heavy-duty work.
For occasional light-duty work, a twelve to fourteen-inch bar is efficient enough. For heavier chores around the house, a sixteen-inch bar is more than enough. However, if you need the chainsaw for larger jobs, the bar should be at least eighteen inches long and this can go up to twenty inches, depending on the diameter of the wood that needs to be cut.
The Price of Chainsaws
As far as the price goes, the electric models are usually cheaper than the gas models. The price will increase depending on how powerful the engine is.
While choosing the right chainsaw, you must pay special attention to safety. You should choose a model that will be easy for you to handle. Taking the advice of an expert can ensure that you choose a safe model that is suited for your needs. Almost all chainsaw models come with operational safety instructions and you should carefully read and follow them.
Advantages of Electric Chainsaws
More and more people are buying chainsaws for carrying out small jobs around the house on their own. With the demand for these machines increasing, manufacturers are rolling out easy-to-use yet powerful models. Although some people prefer the gas-powered models, electric chainsaws are becoming popular because of the ease in use and maintenance. Here is a look at some of the advantages of electric chainsaws and some of the brands selling these models.
Electric Chainsaw Features
Electric chainsaws are much easier to operate since all you need to do is plug them into a power source and turn the switch on. With a gas-powered engine, you need to pull the cord to start the engine. You should also not forget that gas-powered machines have to handle the extra weight of a gas tank, which makes them heavier than their electric-powered counterparts.
The lighter weight also makes it safe to use since you can do the cutting and trim for a longer time without tiring yourself out. Fatigue due to the heavyweight of the machine is one reason that chainsaw accidents happen.
Kickbacks are another reason why electric chainsaws are better. When the blade tip runs into an object, it forces the device to kick back at the operator. Electric chainsaws have safety chains that reduce these kickbacks.
You don’t have to worry about the overflow of the gas or getting the right mixture of gas to oil. All you need to do is plug an electric chainsaw and it is ready to start. The noise generated from an electric unit is also much less than the gasoline unit. In a residential neighborhood, noise plays a big factor, and excessive noise is not good for your ears. An electric chainsaw can be easily operated without worrying about the noise creating too much disturbance for your neighbors.
Maintaining an Electric Chainsaw
Maintaining and storing an electric chainsaw is also much easier. Most brands deliver them in storage cartons which make it easier to store them and transport them anywhere you want. With the gas-powered chainsaws, you need to remove the gas and oil for long-term storage.
All the major chainsaw brands offer electric chainsaws and these can easily be bought at your nearest store or online. The popular brands include Stihl, Husqvarna, Ryobi, Makita, Oregon, and Greenworks. All of them come with their distinctive features and you can choose one that suits your budget and purpose.
All the other major brands are now selling various electric chainsaw models with different sizes and different power engines. The more the engine power and the more the additional features, the more expensive will be the model. Depending on your personal preferences and your budget, you can choose an electric chainsaw that can help you handle tasks around the house and on your land.
Advantages of Petrol Chainsaws
Petrol chainsaws or gasoline chainsaws run on petrol and use spark plugs along with a mixture of petrol and air to run. Many people prefer petrol chainsaws over their electric counterparts due to their portability and the fact that they allow more powerful cutting. They are especially preferred for professional and semi-professional uses where it is required to cut a large number of big trees regularly. Here is a brief look at some of the advantages of petrol chainsaws and some of the models available.
Petrol Chainsaw Features
The big advantage of petrol chainsaws is their portability. You do not have to worry about finding a plug point to start your chainsaw which makes it easier to use anywhere.
Electric chainsaws are not as powerful as their petrol counterparts. This is why people prefer using gas-powered machines to handle large amounts of cutting and felling trees. Loggers who need to clear a large area of land regularly prefer using a petrol chainsaw rather than an electric unit since it offers faster and more powerful cutting – the time is money.
Petrol chainsaws are available in different sizes, so you can choose one depending on the power and frequency that you require. A 15-inch guide bar is appropriate for simple trimming and shaping and occasional lightweight work around the house. Saws with 18-inch guide bars are often used for heavier work or semi-professional uses. These are not very heavy, however, they have a greater cutting versatility. Petrol chainsaws with 20-inch guide bars have low vibration, usually with a high torque engine and are good for professional and heavy-duty cutting and felling.
Brands Who Sell Petrol Chainsaws
Different brands offer petrol chainsaws with different size guide bars and different power engines. Depending on your usage and budget you can choose the right chainsaw for you.
For example, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher has a 20-inch guide bar with a 56cc 2-stroke engine. It only weighs about 12 pounds and has additional features such as dual action chain brake and low vibration which makes it safe and easy to use. It is easy to start and quite easy to maintain. Appropriate for landowners who need to clear their land regularly.
Brands such as SALEM MASTER, Poulan Pro, and Makita also have powerful and lightweight petrol chainsaw models available. Depending on your purpose and on how often you will be using it, you can choose a model that you think will work best for you. Just make sure to do some research and pick one that is ideal for your use and also falls within your budget range.
Choosing The Right Chainsaw Bar
What is the Chainsaw Bar?
The chainsaw bar is the long bar with a round end and its size can range from twelve to thirty-six inches. The length of the chainsaw bar depends on your requirements and needs.
Chainsaws were once only used by professionals for felling trees and cutting logs. However these days, chainsaws are available in small lightweight models and they are increasingly becoming popular with more and more homeowners. They are being used by homeowners to prune trees, cut firewood, and even for cutting wood for fences, etc. The chainsaw bar plays an important role in how effective a chainsaw is and while buying this machine, special attention needs to be given to this important part. Here are a few things that you should know about chainsaw bars that will help choose the right one according to your own needs.
Chainsaw Bar Sizes and Purpose
If you are purchasing a chainsaw for occasional use around the house and for doing light-duty work, a bar length of twelve to fourteen inches is sufficient. If you plan to use it often and for chores that are slightly heavier such as cutting the branches of trees or firewood, you should look for a sixteen-inch bar. Felling small trees around your house will require an eighteen-inch bar length. A twenty-inch chainsaw bar is required for work that is done frequently and is heavier.
Professional Chainsaws Bar
If you need to do large diameter cutting, you should go for a larger bar. For professional use, the length of the chainsaw bar is more than twenty inches and this can go up to thirty-six inches. These professional chainsaws are usually used by foresters and local authorities with engines with a displacement of more than 50cc.
Chainsaw Bar Length?
The bar length should not be too short and it should be sufficient to cut a trunk or limb of the average diameter. If the chainsaw bar is long, the engine should be given special attention. Your chainsaw engine should have the power to handle a longer bar length or else it will become unbalanced and difficult to control. This can prove to be a safety hazard, so make sure to buy a chainsaw with a motor capable of handling the length of the bar.
Chainsaw Bar Maintenance
Chainsaw bars require regular maintenance and should be inspected for any kind of damage. There should be no uneven wear on the bar rails and the nose tip sprocket should move freely. The anchoring rivets of the bar should be tight enough and make sure to clean the groove of the chainsaw bar clean of any debris. Proper lubrication of the chainsaw is important and this is why the oil holes at the tail should be clear.
It is a good idea to flip the chainsaw bar after about ten hours of operation since it increases the life of the bar. Make sure to read the operation manual and follow the instructions for taking proper care and replacing the chainsaw bar.
Excessive wear and tear on the chainsaw bar should be a sign that it needs to be replaced. All the leading brands offer chainsaw bars and these can be used to replace the defective blade. Just make sure to buy a bar that can be supported by the power of your chainsaw motor.
Protective Clothing For Chainsaw
Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous tools and you must exercise extreme caution while operating one. Besides using a chainsaw equipped with all the essential safety features, it is also necessary that you protect yourself with chainsaw protective clothing. These ensure that you are protected from the cutting power of the chainsaw as much as possible. Here is a brief look at some of the protective clothing that you should use while operating a chainsaw.
Chainsaw Safety Helmet
In case of a kickback, the chainsaw safety helmet protects the head of the operator. It also protects the head from falling branches while you are cutting or felling a tree. Often, the helmet comes integrated with a visor for protecting the eyes and the face and with ear protectors.
Protective Chaps For Chainsaw
protective chaps for chainsaw or leggings cover the area from the groin to about 2 inches above the ankles. Some of these are designed for protecting the calf area as well. These are usually made from cut-proof synthetic fabrics and help prevent the saw chain from coming in contact with the legs of the operator. You can also buy pants made from the same material for easier protection.
Eye protection
A visor with your helmet or hard hat or a safety goggle will help prevent the chips from entering the eyes and causing injuries. Some chainsaw users prefer using safety goggles with side shields and consider them as safer options for preventing flying wood chips, sawdust, and twigs from causing injuries to the eyes.
Ear plugs
Chainsaws generate a lot of noise and exposure to a 90-plus decibel noise level can damage your ears and cause hearing loss. This is why you will need a good pair of earplugs to protect your ears from the noise.
Chainsaw Operator Gloves
Most chainsaw injuries to the hands occur on the back of the left hand and this is why most chainsaw gloves have cut-proof fabric protection on the back of the left hand. It is necessary to have flexible work gloves for better grip and operation of the chainsaw. Therefore, the amount of padding is limited on these gloves.
Boots
Chainsaw boots have steel toecaps and layers of chainsaw protective fabric on the front surfaces that are exposed to the chainsaw. Steel toecaps protect the feet from injuries due to falling limbs or logs and from contact with the moving chain. A non-skid sole on the shoes or boots makes them safer to wear while operating the saw.
Oregon and Husqvarna are two of the popular brands as far as chainsaw protective clothing is concerned. Husqvarna especially has a wide range of gloves, hard hats, boots, eye and ear protective gear, and chaps or trousers for different weathers and can be used by anyone, whether you are a professional logger, an arborist, or a homeowner. So, make sure to wear chainsaw protective clothing while cutting or felling a tree on your land or while cutting firewood around the house.
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