Determining the type of cutting that you will be doing

Before purchasing a new chainsaw, you need to first determine the type of cutting that you will be doing.  

• Will you be cutting, hardwoods like oak, softwoods such as pine and what tasks will you be doing most.
• Will you be felling, bucking and limbing or thinning, and controlling brush?

Next, you have to consider what size of wood you will be cutting. A good rule of thumb is the larger the tree, the larger the chainsaw you will require.

Another issue you will have to consider is how long your chainsaw will be in use. If you are a tree farmer, logger, or arborists, and will be running your chainsaw for several hours everyday of the week then it would be beneficial for you to invest in a chainsaw built for professional use. Though it will cost more initially, Pro saws will pay for themselves as far as having fewer repairs and less down time. Homeowners who only use their chainsaws on occasion should consider consumer models.
 

Pro vs. Consumer Chainsaws:

Many people are under the misguided information that the difference between a pro chainsaw and one for casual use is the size of the length of the bar. Though it is true that consumer chainsaws generally only have bars lengths of 20 inches or shorter, however countless pro chainsaws also only have bar lengths of this size, too.

Another widely accepted differentiation is engine displacement, is the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle. This is usually stated in cubic centimeters. Chainsaws that have less than 62 cc (or 3.8 cubic inches) are considered for consumer use. One reason for this is because the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires such chainsaws to have anti-kickback features, which are designed to protect the user. However, this do not assume that every chainsaw of this size will automatically have an anti-kickback features. There are a few companies who sell private-label pro chainsaws without this feature.

When buying a chainsaw, always make sure that the one you purchase has an anti-kickback feature. When buying a chain saw everyone should be familiar with ANSI B175.1-2000 safety standard for chain saws. This requires chain saws up to 3.8 cubic inch to pass a test limiting the kickback of a saw and making at least two separate anti-kickback devices a part of each saw. The standard is aimed at reducing the potential harm to the operator. Many manufacturers are meeting this standard by employing a low-kickback chain and one other device such as a tip guard, chain brake, or low-kickback bar. Saw chains, which comply with ANSI B175.1-2000 are identified as low-kickback saw chain and carry the UL Classification marking.


 

©, Chopping Chain Saws.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always read instructions before using any chain saw equipment and follow manufacturers recommendations. The content on this site is the authors opinion only.

Disclaimers

Chain Saw Online Book

Where to buy