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.
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.
Although a chainsaw’s size is important because it relates directly to the thickness of wood it can cut, other factors come into play when choosing the right saw. Weight is important because holding a heavy saw can become tiresome. Chainsaws with long cutting bars are often heavy, as are chainsaws with a high engine displacement, which indicates a gasoline engine’s size.
how big of 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).
How do I know what size chainsaw I need?
The usual guideline is to choose a chainsaw with a bar that is two inches longer than the diameter of what you need to cut. For example, if you need to cut a tree that is 10” across, you will need a chainsaw of 12”.
What is a good size chainsaw for a homeowner?
If you plan to use a chainsaw for jobs more moderate than occasional light cutting, then consider a chainsaw with a 16- or 18-inch-long cutting bar. Sometimes such a model is considered a general-purpose chainsaw, ideal for homeowners who will use the tool to cut through thick tree branches and logs.
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 big of 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.
How many cc chainsaw do I need?
Your work will determine the type of chainsaw you purchase. Heavy work: If the task requires long hours felling trees, consider a professional chainsaw powered with a 65 to 110 cc engine and a guide bar of 16 to 20 inches. Moderate work: Cutting logs for firewood only needs a 55 cc engine with a 16 inch guide bar.
How do I choose a chainsaw chain?
To determine the pitch (chain size), you’ll need to measure the distance between any three consecutive rivets, then divide the result by 2. The rivets are the small, round pegs/studs that hold the chain segments together. Measure from the first to the third, then divide that number in half to get your chain pitch.
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.
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 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.
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 tree can a 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.
Can electric chainsaw cut trees?
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.
What makes a chainsaw powerful?
Chainsaw Buying Considerations and Cost For DIYers, the primary consideration is power and usage. A more powerful saw will require a gas motor, while a less powerful, more mobile one can be driven by an electric motor.