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. “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.
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.
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.
Chainsaw shopping for the first time can seem like a bit of an overwhelming task, and once you have your electric versus gas chainsaw picks all lined out, you’ll need to decide on the size of the saw you need for your job. As a general rule of thumb, you want to choose a saw that has a length of approximately 23 inches longer than the diameter of the tree or limb you need to cut. You can most definitely cut a larger tree in more than one pass, and there is no need to purchase a separate, larger saw simply because you are faced with a 16-inch tree every now and then.
The size of jobs will determine what size chainsaw and bar length you require. To get experience using a chainsaw under safe conditions, I recommend taking classes on chainsaw use and safety through a local extension office. You will want to reduce your working time and lessen your chances of fatigue by getting a chainsaw with a larger bar size to make your cuts in a single pass.
what size chainsaw do i need Related Question:
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 is a good size chainsaw for home use?
A saw with a longer bar can cut larger-diameter wood in a single pass. The best chainsaws for home use typically have bar lengths that range from 6 inches on smaller, electric saws to 20 inches on larger, gasoline-powered models. Professional-grade saws have bar lengths greater than 20 inches.
How do you determine what size chainsaw to use for a job?
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″.
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.
How do I choose a chainsaw?
Check for safety features like an inertia chain brake, side chain tensioning and a chain catcher. A saw that is comfortable to use is safer to use. Find a well-balanced machine with a good power-to-weight ratio: light enough to handle with the power to do the job. Ease of use is another deciding factor.
How big a tree can a 16 chainsaw cut?
16 chainsaw would cut through a 14″ tree diameter. 10 inch chainsaw for 8″ in diameter. 6 inch chainsaw can cut a 4″ diameter.
What size chainsaw do I need to cut firewood?
Many homeowners find that a 14- to 16-inch chainsaw is a good length for them. That’s long enough to limb-up trees, cut down small trees, and cut most firewood, but it’s also short enough that it’s easy to control the saw.
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.
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.
What size bars does STIHL make?
STIHL guide bars range from 10″ (found on our tree-trimming pole pruners) to an incredible 59″ (used in extreme felling operations).
Is an electric chainsaw any good?
Electric chainsaws are great for all your residential cutting, pruning, trimming, shaping, or simply for clearing branches. They’re safer and much healthier for the environment than a gas-powered chainsaw. These chainsaws are easier to operate and handle due to their lightweight.
What is a 16 inch chainsaw good for?
In general, you should choose a chainsaw bar length that is about two inches longer than the diameter of whatever it is you need to cut. Therefore, a 16-inch chainsaw will make quick work of trees with trunk diameters up to 14 inches. This kind of chainsaw will make quick work of any kind of wood you have lying around.
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.
What are the different sizes of Stihl chainsaws?
Pitch of the Chain Stihl typically sells chains with one of three pitch measurements: 3/8-inch, . 325 inches or . 404 inches. Stihl uses a coding system that consists of a single digit or letter and that describes the chain’s characteristics.
Who makes the most reliable chainsaw?
STIHL are still the number one selling chainsaw brand in the USA. The Stihl 271 Farm Boss is a great saw for the small farm owner, or if you have a larger section of land with mature trees, and you need a reliable saw that can handle big jobs on a regular basis.