Chainsaws: Complete Buying Guide

Types of chainsaws

Among the chainsaws available on the market there are:

• Pruning chainsaws
  These chainsaws are more compact and lightweight than those used for tree felling. It's essential that they are manageable during pruning operations, so their main feature is the short bar, ideal for cutting small diameter branches. For better handling, there are also battery-powered models that are generally lighter than gas-powered models.
• Felling chainsaws
  These are larger and more powerful chainsaws than pruning chainsaws because they are generally equipped with a gas engine. These professional models are designed to fell trees and cut larger logs. The power of the two-stroke engine allows them to handle more demanding jobs and cut through harder woods more easily, making them versatile tools for professional forestry workers and loggers.

Power source

The power source of a chainsaw affects both its operation and its field of use:

• petrol blends-powered chainsaw
  The most common engine among chainsaws for heavier work is the two-stroke engine. The petrol blends chainsaw is the most widespread model due to its greater power relative to displacement and is typically used for professional and/or felling work.
• Battery-powered chainsaw
  The battery chainsaw is lighter and suitable for both pruning and felling small trees. Compared to gas chainsaws, it requires less maintenance, is quieter, more eco-friendly and generally has reduced weight.

There are also, though less common, 4-stroke engine chainsaws and electric chainsaws with power cords.

Power

The power of a chainsaw, and therefore its intended use, is determined by its engine displacement. Making a general division, we can distinguish between:

• Chainsaws from 18 to 40 cc
  These chainsaw models are ideal for pruning and light cutting work. Easy to grip, manageable, comfortable to use thanks to their excellent power-to-weight ratio. Ideal for hobby cutting work and pruning orchards, olive trees and other trees.
• Medium felling chainsaws 40-49 cc
  These are professional chainsaws with high power that allow for more demanding cutting and felling work.
• Powerful chainsaws from 60 cc
  These are the largest chainsaws on the market, ideal for demanding tasks. They feature a robust structure and solid handle designed to ensure a firm and secure grip.

Bar

Type and length of the bar

The chainsaw bar can generally be of the following types:

• Standard Bar: This is the most common type of bar. With a rectangular shape and rounded tip, it's suitable for felling small and medium logs. This bar is 35 or 40 cm long.
• Long Cutting Bar: Longer than a normal bar, very useful for large logs or branches. About 60 cm long.
• Short Cutting Bar: Makes the chainsaw lighter and more manageable. A chainsaw with a short bar is ideal for precision cuts and pruning and for cutting thinner branches.
• Carving Bar: Special bar characterized by a narrow and short shape with a sharp tip. Designed for precision and detail work like wood carving and artistic engraving, it offers precise control during cutting. Also useful for pruning.

The length of the bar of a chainsaw determines the cutting width. By cutting width we mean the part, with bar mounted, that protrudes from the chainsaw body. This data is indicated in inches and centimeters.

Here are some references for the most common measurements:
8" = 20 cm | 10" = 25 cm | 12" = 30 cm | 14" = 35 cm | 16" = 40 cm | 18" = 45 cm | 20" = 50 cm | 24" = 60 cm

The longer the bar, the more easily the chainsaw will be able to fell large logs.
Some usage guidelines:

• For logs of Ø 10 cm: 40 cm bar recommended.
• For logs with Ø greater than 30 cm: bar at least 50 cm long recommended.

Elements for choosing a bar

Among other elements to consider when choosing a chainsaw bar are:

• Groove thickness: The chain thickness must match that of the bar groove. Among the most common thicknesses are:
  4 = .043" = 1.1 mm | 0 = .050" = 1.3 mm | 8 = .058" = 1.5 mm | 3 = .063" = 1.6 mm
• Chain pitch: Refers to the distance between each chain link of the chainsaw, measured as the distance between the chain's rollers or teeth. This parameter determines the chain's compatibility with the bar and the chainsaw's sprocket. Among the most common pitches are:
  A = 1/4" (10 sprocket teeth);
  B = .325" (10 or 12 sprocket teeth);
  D = 3/8" (9 or 11 sprocket teeth);
  E = 3/8" (7 or 9 sprocket teeth);
  F = .404" (10 sprocket teeth);
  G = .325" (12 sprocket teeth);
  H = 3/8" (11 sprocket teeth);

• Length (generally in inches)
• Chain thickness
• Bar type
• Pitch / Number of teeth
• Bar mounting type

Chain

The chainsaw chain is a fundamental component that transmits movement from the bar to the cutting surface. It consists of a series of links connected by hinges and sharp teeth that sink into the wood during cutting.

Each chain link consists of three main parts:

• Cutting tooth
  This is the component that penetrates the wood to make the cut.
• Guide
  Upper part of the link that slides along the bar, providing stable, smooth support during cutting.
• Pitch or connection
  Section that connects the links together, allowing the chain to form a continuous loop.

Proper chain maintenance, including tension adjustment, chain lubrication and tooth sharpening, is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety during use.