Are you looking for a chainsaw and don’t know which one suits your needs? Do you need it mainly for light tasks, such as pruning, or for more demanding cutting of wood and logs? Let’s take a look at their main features and which of them you should pay more attention to, based on the use you want to make of it.

The basics:

The length of the chainsaw bar is one of the main factors to consider before making a purchase. In general, longer bars (50cm and above) are suitable for heavier tasks, such as cutting trees, while shorter bars (25-30cm) are better for simple tasks, like cutting branches.

Additionally, the power supply plays an important role as for lighter tasks, you can get the job done with a battery or electric chainsaw, while for demanding and long-lasting tasks or professional use, you will need a gasoline chainsaw.

If you choose a gasoline chainsaw, pay special attention to the engine size, which is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). In general, the larger the engine, the more powerful the chainsaw. For light tasks, an engine up to 30-40 cc is sufficient, while for more demanding tasks, an engine of 50 cc or more may be required.

Do you know the use? We know what you need!

So, let's see according to the need or the task you want to perform which is the ideal chainsaw for you and what are the features it needs to have!

1. For garden pruning

If you want a chainsaw for garden pruning and light-duty work, choose a pruning chainsaw, battery-powered or electric, with a bar length of approximately up to 38cm. With such a tool, you can prune everything from very small branches and ornamental plants, such as rose bushes, to shrubs and trees up to 25 centimeters thick, such as lemon trees, orange trees, or even olive trees (small areas). This is a more lightweight option - usually up to 3kg, which combines flexibility and power, allows you to handle it easily, and is ideal for gardening tasks. Such a chainsaw is usually quiet and does not emit exhaust fumes, making it suitable for use in urban areas, where houses are very close together and you worry that you might disturb the neighbors.

2. For demanding pruning in a field

If you are looking for a pruning chainsaw for more demanding tasks, such as in a field, it is also a good idea to choose a chainsaw suitable for pruning. Due to the higher demands, prefer one that runs on gasoline and specifically a chainsaw with an engine displacement of up to 35cc is a good choice for such tasks. It offers enough power to cut both medium-sized trees, such as olive trees, and trees with thick branches, while allowing unlimited flexibility. It provides great autonomy and is ideal for long hours of use that may be required for work in a field, which is clearly larger than a home garden.

3. For light wood cutting

If, on the other hand, you are more interested in a chainsaw for basic wood cutting, such as cutting wood for your fireplace, then you can choose a portable battery-powered chainsaw with a bar length from 26-50cm. You need a light and reliable tool that allows freedom of movement and is powerful enough to cut large trees and logs, up to 40cm thick, into pieces. Prefer a chainsaw with a battery voltage of 20V and above, so you can achieve better results on larger trees and wood.

4. For demanding wood cutting

Finally, if you need a chainsaw for demanding wood cutting and professional use, choose one with a gasoline engine, with an engine displacement of about 50cc or more and a long bar length of 45cm and above. Since in this category chainsaws are heavier in order to cut tree trunks such as pine or cypress, you need to find the balance between power and ease of use. But what you need to remember is that for this kind of heavy professional work, which requires many hours of chainsaw use and cutting very large trunks from 40 centimeters and above, you will need a tool with great autonomy and power.

Extra features

Looking for something more from your chainsaw? Check out the additional features below that you can look for in a chainsaw to get the best results from its use based on your needs.

• Choose a chainsaw with easy start - that is, with an easy-start system - which requires less effort from the user when starting the engine, if you struggle with the traditional method. The process becomes much easier, faster, and more comfortable!
• If you choose a solo chainsaw, you should know that the battery and charger are not included in the package. It may be useful if you already have a tool from the same manufacturer and can use its accessories for your new chainsaw as well.
• A chainsaw with carving bar is designed so that it can be used for cuts that require precision. Such a bar is usually thinner and has a pointed tip, allowing precision cuts in hard-to-reach areas. It will be useful for tasks such as wood carving and pruning or cutting branches and wood with detail and precision.
• Choose a brushless chainsaw for higher performance, longer lifespan, and quieter operation. Such a chainsaw uses a brushless motor, increasing efficiency and requiring less maintenance compared to brushed chainsaws.
• Finally, a chainsaw with automatic lubrication system will make your life easier, since the chain is lubricated during the operation of the chainsaw, without needing to stop what you are doing.

Don't forget! Many times there can be a difference in a product, based on its overall characteristics and construction. Before you decide, read the reviews of other users to see their opinions too!