As a homeowner purchasing your first chainsaw, the selection can seem daunting. First, you can narrow it down by brand. Richardson Saw & Lawnmower carries chainsaws from Stihl and Echo – two of the most reliable brands on the market. You could choose any of our saws and be sure you’re selecting a quality piece of equipment. That still leaves a wide range of choices, but it’s actually easier to narrow down the selection than you might think.
Handle Position
One thing you can immediately decide on as a homeowner is the handle position. Chainsaws are available in rear-handle and top-handle models. The top-handle chainsaws are specifically designed for in-tree, professional use. For homeowners cutting trees and logs on the ground, a traditional rear-handle chainsaw is the best choice.
Bar Length
As a general rule, your chainsaw bar should be two inches longer than the diameter of the wood you want to cut. That means to cut a 12-inch tree you’d need a 14-inch guide bar. You can also cut larger wood in two passes, but it’s best to choose a bar length that will let you cut the majority wood you’ll be handling in one pass.
For most homeowners, a 14-inch chainsaw is enough to limb-up trees, cut down small trees, and cut firewood. If you’ll be cutting mid-size trees and firewood, a 16-inch or 18-inch bar is the better choice. Many of our chainsaws are available with variable bar lengths, so if you find a model you like you can choose the bar length you prefer or even have two different bar lengths on hand for different cutting tasks.
Electric vs. Gas
The choice between an electric or gas powered chainsaw largely depends on how you’ll use the saw. The gas powered saws are more powerful and versatile, but they’re also noisier and require more maintenance. Electric saws are highly portable and low-maintenance, but the application is more limited and they’re either corded or have a battery that typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes (depending on the model and battery). If you’ll be doing small amounts of cutting in-town, an electric saw is a great choice. If you’re planning to cut down trees and cut larger quantities of firewood, a more powerful gas powered saw will work best.
Essential Features
Modern homeowner chainsaws feature an automatic bar oiler, so you don’t have to worry about stopping the chainsaw and oiling the bar manually. Another feature you’ll want is a vibration reducing system. Most homeowner chainsaws are equipped with this feature, which makes it easier to cut for longer periods of time without wearing out your arms. You’ll also want a chain break on your saw. This stops the saw chain from spinning if the saw kicks back.
Another feature to look for is an easy-starting system like Stihl Easy2Start and Echo’s i-30 system. You might spend a little more money for saws with this feature, but it can be well worth the cost to minimize frustration when starting the chainsaw. If you’ll be cutting in winter, you’ll also want to look at saws with a heated carburetor so you can cut in freezing temperatures without the saw freezing up.
A Chainsaw for You
Even if a chainsaw is reliable and of good quality, it won’t be worth much if you can’t use it safely and comfortably. You have to be able to control whatever saw you select. Before purchasing a saw, come into our showroom and try handling several different designs. You want a chainsaw that’s the right weight for your fitness level with a design that feels balanced in your hands. While you’re here, our experts can answer any questions you have and provide hands-on assistance in choosing the best saw for your needs.
