Having a huge beast of a chainsaw might be good for your ego, but the best advice is to resist the urge to buy one that is too big and to choose one that is more suited to the work you need it for instead. How to determine the right length of chainsaw for you. You should also think about whether you need a gas-powered chainsaw or perhaps an electric chainsaw or battery powered chainsaw. “Consider carefully the work you need your chainsaw for and choose one that is appropriate. Calculate the diameter of the wood you need to cut and add 2” to work out the best length of bar – and try to avoid buying a chainsaw that is much bigger than you need.
If you’re thinking about buying a chainsaw, then you’re probably wondering what size chainsaw do I need? Should you just go for the longest chainsaw length you can afford or is a shorter chainsaw really a better buy? To help you find the best chainsaw for your budget, I’ll help you figure out how to select the right chainsaw size for your needs. The answer to the question, “What size chainsaw do I need?” depends mostly on the length of the guide bar. “If most of your chainsaw needs involve pruning small branches or trees with relatively thin branches, a 6″ to 10″ chainsaw is the tool for the job. Cutting down medium size trees with a trunk of about 14″ to 16″ will require a larger chainsaw of about 16″ to 18” to fell the tree in one easy pass. For simpler, detailed work, it’s important that your chosen chainsaw be a manageable size to allow you to cut or prune just what needs to be removed and nothing else.
The second step to figuring out the perfect chainsaw size for your property is to think about the work you typically do. If you want a general, all-purpose chainsaw that you can use to cut through thick branches and tree logs, you should chainsaw sizes between 16 and 18 inches. Not only does your chainsaw bar’s size determine the extent of wood you can cut, but it also relates to control.
A gas-powered chainsaw with a bar length of 20 inches or more is most effective for felling large hardwood trees such as oak, spruce, birch, beech and hemlock, many of which can be 30 – 36 inches in diameter. If you happen to be cutting small – diameter trees such as poplars or small spruces, then an electric or battery – operated chainsaw is fine. After reading this article, you should have a greater understanding of how the diameter of the trees you need to cut will determine the guide bar length of the chainsaw you ultimately purchase.
The biggest thing that will determine the size of the chainsaw you need is the kind of work you’re doing. If you need a chainsaw for pruning limbs or cutting down saplings or small trees of the softest wood, you’ll want to get a small chainsaw. Figuring out the size of chainsaw you need starts with knowing a little about how chainsaw sizes are determined.
what size chainsaw for large trees Related Question:
What size chainsaw do I need for big trees?
If you want a general, all-purpose chainsaw that you can use to cut through thick branches and tree logs, you should chainsaw sizes between 16 and 18 inches. Alternatively, rural properties can often be better suited with a heavy-duty and larger chainsaw.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
What size tree can a 16 chainsaw cut?
Felling medium trees – 16” to 18” Cutting down medium size trees with a trunk of about 14″ to 16” will require a larger chainsaw of about 16″ to 18” to fell the tree in one easy pass.
What size tree can you cut with 18 inch chainsaw?
How Big of a Tree Can an 18 inch Chainsaw Cut? An 18 inch chainsaw can cut a 16 inch diameter tree in a single pass. This is because your chainsaw bar should be 2 inches longer than the tree’s diameter if you are cutting it in a single pass. But if you cut from both sides, an 18″ chainsaw can cut a 32 inch tree.
Is a 14 inch chainsaw big enough?
If you are a casual home user who only needs it for light-duty work like trimming small branches or general pruning work, a less powerful chainsaw with a shorter bar will be enough. For this kind of work, something of around 14” will be enough.
Can an electric chainsaw cut down a tree?
Although electric chainsaws are smaller and easier to carry, most lack the power and stamina to cut down large trees. If you have big trees on your property that you want to remove or cut into firewood, a gas model is your best bet. Electric chainsaws come in two types: corded and battery-powered.
How do I choose a chainsaw size?
To find the called length of your chainsaw bar, measure it from its front tip all the way back to the cutter closest to the body of the saw. Round this measurement up to the nearest even number in inches. For example, a bar that measures 18 3/4″ will actually have a called length of 20″.
What is a 14 inch chainsaw good for?
In chainsaw descriptions, the term “light use” covers pruning trees and shrubs, and general maintenance. Light-use chainsaws’ cutting bar typically is under 14 inches long. Pruning ornamental trees and shrubs that don’t have thick branches is simple with these novice-friendly models.
How many cc do I need in a chainsaw?
The larger the displacement, the more power generated by the explosion of the compressed fuel/air mixture that drives the piston. If you’re harvesting and working up several cords of firewood a year, you’ll want a saw with between 45 and 55 cubic centimeters (cc) of displacement.
Is Poulan Pro a good chainsaw?
The Poulan Pro is a good budget chainsaw for the newbie who wants a good introduction to gas-powered saws. It might also be useful to note that Poulan is owned by Husqvarna. It offers a simple, reliable starting set up and good power for most small to medium suburban jobs. It’s easy to clean too.
Do I want a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw?
Why would you choose a 16 inch rather than an 18 inch? Well, that 2 inches can actually make quite a lot of difference in terms of ease of handling. Not only does it add weight to the bar but the extra weight to the chain and other components, and may need a more powerful motor to get it up to speed.
Can I put an 18 inch bar on a 20 inch chainsaw?
Changing the bar and chain on your 18-inch chain saw to a 20-inch size will enable easier cutting of larger trees and branches. Larger chain saws cut through thicker trees and limbs. Put work gloves on to protect your hands and fingers.
Which chainsaw brand is the best?
1. Stihl. About the Brand: The best-selling chainsaw brand in the world, Stihl offers a full spectrum of high-quality saws for homeowners and professionals. Stihl is a German manufacturer of chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other outdoor power equipment.
Can I change the bar size on my chainsaw?
Replacing your chainsaw bar will require a few measurements. Most chainsaws can operate up to three different bar sizes. Guide bars are measured in length, from the tip of the bar to the heel, and range in size from 14 to over 40 inches.
How long should a chainsaw bar be?
The most common chainsaw bar sizes are 12 to 20 inches, but they come in sizes as large as 72 inches, typically for professionals. The longer the bar, the heavier the chainsaw.