How to choose a petrol chainsaw
With powerful motors, long bars, and rugged metal construction, petrol chainsaws are the perfect choice for frequent and heavy outdoor work.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a petrol chainsaw
How powerful should a chainsaw be?
If your plan to cut branches and trunks up to a diameter of approx. 20 cm, or prepare firewood, then a hobby chainsaw with an output of 1-1.5 kW will be sufficient. For working with large amounts of wood, however, you'll need a professional chainsaw with a power output of 3-4 kW.
What size chainsaw bar should I choose?
This depends on the thickness of the material you intend to cut. Longer bars can cut wider diameters; for example, to cut a 50 cm piece of timber you need a 40 cm bar.
What safety features should a chainsaw have?
A chain brake is a vital safety feature. Placed on the top handle of a chainsaw, it stops the chain rotating immediately in the event of kickback. A chain catcher is another important safety feature. In the event of a broken chain, the chain catcher stops the chain from being thrown back towards the user, thus preventing injury.
Important parameters
Bar length
Petrol chainsaws vary in bar length from 35 to 50 cm, with professional models being the largest. A bar length of 30-35 cm is sufficient for cutting of wood for the fireplace, with 35 cm or more recommended for cutting thicker pieces of wood.
Use
Petrol chainsaws can be divided into the following variants: hobby, farm, and professional. All feature a petrol tank and an oil tank. The petrol is used to power the motor, whereas the oil is used to lubricate the chain.
Hobby saws
Hobby saws are the cheapest variant and are suitable for light work in the garden, e.g. cutting branches and pieces of wood up to 20 cm in diameter. This makes them ideal for preparing firewood. They generally feature plastic construction, a bar length of 30-35 cm, and an output of 1-1.5 kW.
Farmers saw
Farmer saws are more powerful than hobby saws and are designed to cut larger quantities of wood. Some models feature a metal structure, with a bar length of around 40 cm and an output of 1.5-3 kW.
Professional saws
Professional petrol saws are the most powerful type of chainsaw (3-4 kW) and feature superior construction. They are designed for professional use and cutting large quanitites of wood throughout the year.
Glossary - Chainsaws
Bar
The length of the chainsaw bar determines the diameter of the material you can cut, with longer bars able to cut greater diameters of material.
Chain
When choosing a chainsaw, make sure it is one of those where you can quickly replace the chain without any tools. The chain speed is another important criterion. The general rule is that the higher the speed, the more wood you can cut. In terms of safety, it is important to note whether the saw has a chain catcher. The chain catcher helps prevent the chain being thrown back towards the user if the chain breaks, which can prevent terrible injuries.
Anti-vibration handle
An anti-vibration system designed for comfortable and safe use of chainsaws. Anti-vibration handles soften the force of vibrations using springs or dampers.
Performance
Petrol chainsaws are designed for heavy use throughout the year. They are characterised by a longer bar and higher performance. Hobby chainsaws generally have 1-1.5 kW of power, with professional models boasting 3-4 kW.