Chainsaw Buying Guide

With the many types of chainsaws on the market today, shopping for your new power tool might feel a bit overwhelming – but with the right chainsaw guide, you can easily cut through the noise and confusion to find the perfect saw for your next job. 

This chainsaw buying guide offers all the tips and information you need to keep safety and efficiency in mind while finding the chainsaw features that’ll get the job done, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned logger. 

ECHO is the industry leader in outdoor power equipment, with a range of chainsaws and other tools for any job. Read on to learn about the different types of chainsaws ECHO offers, and how to pick the best one for your needs.

Types of Chainsaws

Not all saws are right for all jobs. Knowing what to look for and which types of chainsaws are right for each use is key in making sure you get the right option. From electric buzzers to gas-powered beasts, picking the right chainsaw ultimately depends on the task at hand and knowing the differences between chainsaw uses and styles. 

Top Handle

Top handle chainsaws are compact, agile, and easy to balance, making them a superior choice for off-the-ground applications. These lightweight tools are arborists’ go-to choice, with one-handed operation that makes using them simple, whether you’ll be climbing or on a lift.

Top handle chainsaws have an intentional design that offers maneuverability and control to make tree care and carving a snap. With the right top handle chainsaw, pruning with precision is safe and fast.

Rear Handle

Rear handle saws ensure the type of solid control and high-performance power you need for safety when doing ground-based cutting. These saws are incredibly durable, with a firm, waist-level grip that’s ideal for even those challenging tasks, like chopping firewood or felling trees. 

When searching for a rear handle saw, look for a blend of ergonomic comfort and relentless performance. Balanced weight distribution is essential too, as it helps combat arm fatigue, even during extended use. 

How to Choose a Chainsaw

The most critical part of choosing a chainsaw is ensuring you end up with the right tool for the job. The type of wood you’ll be cutting is the first thing to consider. For example, if you need a chainsaw primarily for light yard work trimming or crafty cutting projects, an electric model might do the trick. These quieter options typically require less maintenance, but remember, they’re tethered to a power source or have battery life limits, which could be a drawback, depending on the job. 

By contrast, gas-powered options can offer freedom from cords or charging without sacrificing power if you frequently use a chainsaw to tackle or down larger trees. However, they do come with added weight and a need to refuel – something to keep in mind.

To pick the right type of chainsaw, think about:

• Size of the job – guide bar lengths are important to understand; shorter bars will be lighter and easier to use, whereas longer guide bars are for larger trees
• How often will you use it 
• Type of wood you’ll be cutting
• Your experience – novices might benefit from a smaller, lighter, easier-to-maneuver saw
• Budget – the cost of a chainsaw can widely vary, ranging from as low as $50 all the way up to $1,000 or more, depending on chainsaw features and brand you’re looking at
• Do you want to have to charge a battery, plug it in, or fill your chainsaw with gas  

Gas-Powered Chainsaws

You won’t go wrong with a gas-powered chainsaw for tough, large jobs that demand optimal power. These saws have a hearty roar and robust design and build that doesn’t shy away from bigger trees or thick branches. 

Significant benefits to the gas-powered chainsaw include freedom from cords and charging, smooth operation, and fast starts. Many of today’s models even offer low-vibration and air-cleaning technology, making comfort and reduced wear and tear another plus. 

Battery-Powered Chainsaws

If you’re looking to cut the cord, the ease of battery-powered chainsaws might be your solution. These quieter alternatives to gas or corded saws offer top-tier performance that won’t ever bog you down. 

Battery-powered saws are easy on the ears but tough on all-day chopping. They are lighter than gas saws and fit snugly in your grip, creating a comfort-meets-capability scenario. Most of today’s low-maintenance battery saws also have a longer battery-life between charges.
 

Chainsaw Safety

Safety should always be a priority when choosing or using any power gear. Make sure you have proper safety equipment and wear it appropriately when using your chainsaw (or any other power tool). 

Chainsaw safety equipment:

• Hearing protection: Quality ear protection – like earplugs or earmuffs – will protect ears from damage over time.  
• Eye protection: Your eyes are priceless, and they’re also vulnerable to exposure and damage. Use eye protection with side shields every time you fire up your saw.
• Leg protection: Cut-resistant pants or chaps will fend off flying debris. 
• Work boots: Boots or shoes with steel toes and nonskid soles are essential when working with any power equipment. 
• Helmets: Helmets with safeguards like face and hearing protection and neck guards can offer premium protection. 
• Gloves: Look for gloves that have reinforced gripping surfaces and are cut-resistant to prevent accidental slips and slices.

Find the Right Chainsaw

Though figuring out how to choose a chainsaw takes some know-how, a comprehensive chainsaw buyers guide is all you need to get started. 

First, think about power, size, and where you’ll be using your new chainsaw. Will you be on a ladder, in a tree, or on the ground? Will you be tackling dense forest trees or trimming bushes in your backyard? You should also think about what a saw weighs, and, of course, don’t forget about safety. 

Consider these factors and more to help guide your decision when choosing a chainsaw since, as we’ve seen, not all saws are fit for all jobs. 

Ready to purchase your new chainsaw? ECHO has a wide selection of chainsaws, ensuring you get the right one for your needs. Check out ECHO chainsaws today to get started.