Choosing a chainsaw can seem like a daunting task to some people. There are different manufacturers to consider, a variety of styles to choose from and they come in a variety of sizes. How is the average person supposed to know which one is the best chainsaw available? Well, with a little research and some help, it doesn’t have to be all that difficult. This guide is going to show all of you prospective buyers ten of the best chainsaw models that are currently available. In order from number ten to the number one saw, this list contains models which are sure to meet the needs of just about anyone.
10. Oregon Cordless 40-Volt CS250-S6
With the ability to cut branches two to three inches in diameter, this saw will shatter what most people think about electric saws. It has a 14-inch bar length and its motor can supply up to 2,350 RPM no-load chain speed that can power through branches and get work done quickly. It also has a built-in chain sharpener that keeps it in cutting form every time it’s used. This model also has an automatic oil lubrication system, a battery run time of 60-minutes and weighs a mere 9.3-pounds. All of which makes it an ideal replacement for any gas-powered saw.
9. Husqvarna 460 24-Inch 60cc Rancher (966048324)
Designed to be a good all-around saw that’s good for a variety of different task, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher has many of the features that people look for when they select a saw. It has a 2.62-HP 60cc two-cycle engine with an air purge system known as Smart Start which allows the unit to be started quickly, even when it’s been sitting for awhile. This model also has a low vibration feature for added user comfort and a chain brake that’s activated by inertia for safety. This saw has the power to get through a number of different tasks and is a useful tool for around the home.
8. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2cc Gas-Powered Saw
This gas-powered saw has the power and many of the features that users are looking for in a saw for cutting wood. It has an X-Torq engine that uses twenty-percent less fuel than many comparable gasoline-powered saws and as a result, has reduced emissions as well. This model also produces fewer vibrations than other models and starts up quickly and easily. Another great feature which can be found on this saw is a centrifugal air cleaning system which removes dust and debris before it even reaches the air filter. It’s a great model which can be used at home or in a professional capacity.
7. Dewalt FlexVolt 60V MAX (DCCS670X1)
The Dewalt DCCS670X1 has a number of features which make it an ideal saw for work or home use. It has a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain that make it a good choice for not only cutting trees but also for construction purposes as well. This model also has a chain brake for kickback protection, a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob and an automatic chain lubrication system. And since this unit can make up to 70 cuts per charge on pressure treated pine wood, users can rest assured that it has the power and battery life to get a variety of jobs completed quickly.
6. EGO Power+ 56-Volt 14-Inch Lithium-Ion Saw
This cordless 14-inch saw has a brushless motor that can provide up to 6300 RPM of power and allow the user to cut through a variety of different wood types. On a single charge, this saw will provide up to a hundred cuts and it is equipped with an Oregon bar and chain that’s designed to be as durable as it is strong. Manufactured using a weather-resistant design, this saw is capable of performing work all year round and has a chain kickback brake that ensures it provides the user with control and safety. Which makes this model ideal for a number of different applications.
5. Tanaka 14-Inch 32.2cc TCS33EDTP/14
Originally designed to be used by professionals, this 14-inch top-handle model has many of the features that commercial and amateur woodcutters look for in a small saw. It has a 32.2cc Pure Fire engine that starts up quickly and provides power without using a whole lot of fuel and it also has an automatic gear-driven oil lubricator that keeps the chain nice and oiled. And since it has an Oregon chain, this unit provides nice cuts with more control. Other features which can be found in this unit include a half-throttle choke with primer bulb and side-access chain tensioning for quick adjustments.
4. Black & Decker 40V MAX LCS1240
This cordless saw has a nice run-time thanks to its 40V Max lithium-ion battery that can make approximately 60 4×4 pine lumber cuts before it has to be recharged again. This unit, which is equipped with a 12-inch Oregon bar and chain, has a low kickback and provides really smooth cuts. Other great features which can be found on this saw include tool-less chain tensioning, an automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain lubricated and a full wrap-around handle that’s comfortable to use at just about any angle.
3. Dewalt 20V MAX DCCS620P1
Despite weighing only 8.8-pounds, this tool has the power needed to get a variety of different applications and has a chain speed of approximately 25.2 feet-per-second. It uses a brushless motor that’s been fine-tuned to provide the maximum amount of run-time possible. Some of the features which can be found on this model include a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening system and a 20V MAX 5 Ah battery that can provide the user with anywhere from 30 to 60 cuts per charge, depending on the material being cut. This makes it an ideal saw for a long list of different projects.
2. Makita 16-Inch UC4051A
Designed to make quick cuts and to operate without needing a whole lot of maintenance, this tool has many of the features that both professionals and amateurs alike look for in an electric saw. It has a chain speed of 2,900 FPM and has a large trigger switch that allows for ultra-smooth starts. Another feature which can be found in this model includes a tool-less blade tensioning and bar tightening system that allows the user to keep on top of saw maintenance. This unit also has a large oil reservoir, a built-in current limiter and rubberized grip handles as well.
1. Black & Decker Alligator Lopper Saw LP1000
With a 4-inch cut capacity, this saw is ideal for homeowners who are looking for an easy-to-use solution for keeping their trees pruned. It has a 4.5-AMP motor an innovative clamping jaws that hold on and cut tree branches all in the same motion. Weighing only 6.5-pounds, and with a bar length of 6-inches, this lightweight saw can be held and used by anyone from 18 to 80. And although it’s not designed to handle the same jobs that full-size saws are made to handle, it’s a saw which is sure to be welcomed into any home.
A Guide To Using Chainsaws
Without a doubt, chainsaws are some of the most powerful tools a homeowner can have in their arsenal. These machines allow the homeowner to exercise awesome control over their landscape and allows them to cut down wood faster than they ever could with an ax. However, this increase in speed and power also comes with some pretty big risks. According to the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention, approximately 33,000 people are killed by chainsaws annually. And even for injuries that weren’t fatal, the damage that can be done to a human body using a chainsaw is pretty dramatic. The average non-fatal injury caused by a chainsaw required over 100 stitches on average. These injury statistics really highlight the dangers of using a chainsaw, if they aren’t used properly.
We wanted to do our part to try to lessen these statistics, so we’ve created this guide. In this guide, we will not only discuss the proper way to use a chainsaw, but we’ll also discuss proper chainsaw maintenance. Although no guide can truly prevent an accident, we hope that we can at least bring the importance of proper chainsaw use and maintenance to the masses. Maybe in that way, there will be fewer accidents and deaths caused by chainsaws. So let’s not waste any more time, let’s just jump right into this guide with both feet. We’ll start with how some basic chainsaw safety recommendations, move on to how to start a chainsaw and then end with proper chainsaw maintenance. Sound good? Okay, let’s get started.
Chainsaw Safety Recommendations
Before even beginning to start your chainsaw, you should follow some basic safety protocols. The following chainsaw safety recommendations will ensure that you safely start and use your chainsaw.
Read The Instructions: Always read your instruction manual first and follow all safety precautions in the manual. In fact, if any of our recommendations contradict your owner’s manual, then your manual should be what you follow.
Wear The Proper Safety Equipment: It’s also extremely important to make sure that you have the proper equipment prepared and on your person. Below are some of the safety items you are going to need before you even begin to start your chainsaw.
- Steel Toe Boots
- Eye Protection
- Ear Protection
- Work Gloves
- Long Sleeve Pants
How To Start A Chainsaw
Starting a chainsaw for the first time can be as dangerous as using a running chainsaw if you aren’t following proper procedure. The following things are some things to consider when starting your chainsaw.
Activate The Chain Brake: If your chainsaw has a chain brake, then engage it before proceeding. This can usually be done by pushing it forward.
Remove The Bar Cover: With gloved hands, remove the bar cover from your chainsaw.
Set The Choke: If it’s a gasoline-powered chainsaw, then be sure to set the choke to cold start before proceeding.
Lay It On A Flat Surface: Place the chainsaw on a flat surface. Make sure that the chainsaw’s bar and the blade don’t come in contact with the ground to avoid putting yourself at risk of personal injury.
Prime The Rope: Place your left hand on the handlebar of the chainsaw and the tip of your right foot into the rear handle to stabilize the saw. Now place your right hand on the starter rope. Pull the rope until you begin to feel resistance. After feeling this resistance, pull the starter rope until the engine momentarily fires and then dies. Move the control to the half-throttle position and then open the choke.
Pull The Rope: Pull the rope until the engine rolls over. When it’s running, move the throttle position back to the normal running position.
Carefully Lift The Chainsaw: Now carefully lift up the chainsaw and maintain a firm grip on it. Turn off the chainsaw brake. Most chainsaws will make an audible click when this happens.
Check The Chainsaw’s Lubrication: Hold the running chainsaw over a sheet of paper. If it leaves black specks on the paper, then the chainsaw is properly lubricated and is ready to use. If not, then the chainsaw is going to have to be turned off and proper maintenance performed on it.
How To Maintain Your Chainsaw
A properly maintained chainsaw is a whole lot safer than one that rarely has any maintenance performed on it. In fact, one of the biggest causes of chainsaw accidents is using a poorly maintained chainsaw. The chainsaw operator can keep their chainsaw in good condition by adhering to the following procedures.
Assemble A Chainsaw Maintenance Tool Kit
It’s probably a good idea to assemble some tools together for keeping your chainsaw in the best condition possible. Many people like to assemble a separate tool kit from their main toolbox that’s used just for keeping their chainsaw in good condition. We think that’s a pretty good idea, so we assembled some recommendations for building your own chainsaw tool kit. Assembling the following items and keeping them with your chainsaw will ensure that they’re always ready when they’re needed.
- A Toolbox
- Cleaning Cloths
- Chainsaw Manuals
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Depth Gauge Tool
- Flat File
- Chainsaw lubricant
Chainsaw Maintenance Checklist
- Follow all manufacturer’s instructions before maintaining your chainsaw.
- Regularly inspect the chainsaw bar and clean it.
- Check the chain tension every time the chainsaw is used.
- Adjust chain tension immediately if it’s not properly adjusted.
- Inspect the chainsaw’s chain brake and chain oiler on a regular basis.
- Inspect the chain catcher and throttle lockout on a regular basis.
- Inspect the air filter. Clean or replace it as necessary.
- Keep the chainsaw properly lubricated at all times.
Keeping all of the recommendations in mind when maintaining or using your chainsaw will ensure that you not only get good life out of the tool but that it’s also safe to use. When a chainsaw is properly maintained and properly used, then it’s a tool that can be used safely. Now go out there and use your chainsaw with confidence—just be careful while you’re doing it.
