After those high winds and gales blew in from the Atlantic recently, many people’s outdoor space is now strewn with storm debris that needs to be cleared away and turned into free firewood. Now, you could tackle the job with a traditional handsaw, but realistically, you’re going to need a chainsaw. If you’ve never bought one before, the process of selecting the most appropriate one from the hundreds of different models available can be rather mindboggling. With that in mind, here’s a brief chainsaw buying-guide, with information mined from our garden-machinery experts at MowDirect!
Chainsaws vary hugely, from smaller, lighter mains-electric models designed for pruning, smaller-scale felling and construction; through to larger, more powerful petrol-driven machines for forestry, logging and other heavier-duty applications.
Petrol Chainsaws
Petrol chainsaws are portable and can be used anywhere, making them ideal for work in woodland and at the furthest reaches of large gardens or estates. By the way, when I say ‘can be used anywhere’, it’s a given that petrol chainsaws should never be operated in enclosed spaces, due to the toxic exhaust-emissions they produce.
Petrol chainsaws are generally more powerful than electric chainsaws, and the bigger models will take dense hardwoods and substantial, large-diameter branches in their stride. If you’re looking to fell fully-grown trees, we recommend you choose a top-end pro-use saw, like this one from Echo.
Cordless Battery Chainsaws
Cordless battery chainsaws have come-on leaps and bounds in recent years, with many of them now offering performance levels comparable to those of the more powerful petrol models. They’re emission-free, and are much lighter and smoother-running than their petrol equivalents.
What to Look For in a Chainsaw
There are some basic features you’d expect to find on any chainsaw, whether battery, mains-electric or petrol. Here’s a comprehensive list that will give you some idea of what to expect and what you might look for.
Power-to-Weight Ratio
You need to think about how powerful a chainsaw you need for the type of work you’re going to be undertaking. Higher-powered engines have a negative weight-implication, and it’s dangerous to wield a chainsaw that’s too heavy for your frame or strength.
Chain Speed
The faster the chain speed, the cleaner and smoother the cut will be.
Handguard
This protects your hands and is a mandatory safety feature.
User Comfort
An optimised centre of gravity and a vibration-damping system will enable you to work for longer with less strain on your hands and arms.
Chain Brake
Inertia-triggered, manually-triggered or both, the chain brake stops the chain if there’s a problem such as ‘kick-back’, where a chain tooth strikes a knot in the wood. The quicker the brake bites, the safer the saw.
Physical Capability
You need to be reasonably fit and alert to use a chainsaw – especially a petrol one – but if you follow safety guidelines and pick the right one, you’ll have no problems, and will be able to meet whatever woodcutting challenges you’re faced with head-on.
Operator Safety
You should make sure you wear the appropriate safety gear when using your chainsaw. Heavy-duty gloves, a hardhat and eye- and ear-defenders are a must. Protective boots, jackets and leggings are also available.
Special Offer – Feider PRO 40 Petrol Chainsaw
Incredible value: Feider Pro 40 Petrol Chainsaw.
The Feider PRO 40 Petrol Chainsaw is a serious domestic-use chainsaw combining powerful performance with lightweight handling and rugged build-quality. And at £130 below the suggested selling-price, could you do better? We don’t think so!
If you need further advice, do call us on 020 3026 8712, and one of our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team will be happy to help.
