Were you thinking of cutting a tree or a stubborn piece of wood? You might need a cutting mechanism for artistic purposes. No judgments! What you need is a chainsaw. It is a good investment – a one-time investment. Instead of calling a professional to your home, buy a chainsaw. The question is – What are the types of chainsaw available in the market? Before we dig into the details, let’s understand what purpose does it solve!
Also, this elaborate post on chainsaws consists of the top products in each category. Gear up as this post is going to be very informative and useful!
At a Glance: Top Chainsaw Type
- ELECTRIC CORDED CHAINSAW
- BATTERY-POWERED CHAINSAW
( Cordless ) Our Favorite
- GAS-POWERED CHAINSAW
Why you need a Chainsaw?
For starters, you must know that a chainsaw is more than just a chain attached to a ‘metal guide bar.’
Since there are four different types of chainsaws, you would need to pick the right one. Every kind of chainsaw solves different purposes. A chainsaw is used for cutting sturdy materials such as wood or ice. The cuts are precise and can be used for pruning, bucking, limbing, tree felling, and even harvesting wood.
Wood is used for multiple purposes – making a house, furniture, designing a swing, and even making paper.
When you move the teeth of the chainsaw around the material such as a tree or ice, you get precise and quick cuts. Well, that’s the purpose of chainsaws.
Types of Chainsaw Available In The Market
The market offers four main types of chainsaw. These are corded (electrical) chainsaws, battery-powered chainsaw, manual chainsaw, and the gas-powered one.
We spent a considerable amount of time finding the best ones for you. So, without further ado, take a look at the different types of chainsaws and the top products in each category.
ELECTRIC CORDED CHAINSAW
Electric corded chainsaws
In case you are opting for the cordless version, you can power it up with batteries. Else, the corded one runs with electricity. The two main selling points of electric corded chainsaw is:
- They are affordable, and the maintenance cost is low.
- The corded electric ones do not make a lot of noise.
Here’s a list of the top 3 products that we have reviewed just for our readers! Why? Because you are valuable to us, and we want our readers to make informed decisions!
#1 GreenWorks 20222
Greenworks 20222 Electric Chainsaw 14 inch
Greenworks 20222
Why we love it?
- Cuts easily
- Cuts fast
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Affordable
Hold that thought! We have two more options for you.
Oregon CS1400 Corded Chainsaw
Image Credit – Amazon.com
Another product that caught our attention is the Oregon CS1400
The built-in oiling LubriTec feature keeps the chain oiled. No human intervention needed here! The product is quite easy to assemble, and users can tighten the product’s chain quickly without professional help.
Why we love it?
- The brand has a good reputation.
- Low-maintenance
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Hang in there!
There is one more to go.
Makita Chainsaw 16 Inch Bar
If you have a slightly higher budget and are looking for comfort and easy cutting, the Makita 16 inch chainsaw
There is a large switch (trigger) that makes the machine start easily. The heavy-duty product cuts fast and with full precision too.
Why we love it?
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Heavy-duty product
- Smooth start-up
- Automatic chainsaw oiler
- A massive oil-reservoir
- Tool-less chain and blade adjustment
If you do not fancy buying a corded chainsaw, you can opt for battery-powered chainsaws.
BATTERY-POWERED CHAINSAW
We talked about the corded chainsaws, and the cordless ones are known as the battery-powered chainsaws. The only difference is that one has a cord, and a battery powers the other.
BLACK+DECKER 20V (LCS1020)
Say hello to the lightest chainsaw BLACK+DECKER 20V (LCS1020)
Apart from being the lightest chainsaw in the market, BLACK+DECKER gives you fast, smooth, and comfortable cuts.
Why do we love it?
- Lightest chainsaw in the market
- Automatic oiler
- Easy and fast adjustment (tool-free) with chain tensioning
- Fast
- Easy to use
Greenworks 20672
Let’s call it a ‘pole saw
Thanks to the chain tensioning system, the product’s chain can be tightened without much hassle. The product has an automatic oiler, which keeps the chain well-lubricated.
Why do we love it?
- Automatic oiler
- Allows you to trim branches easily
- Cord-less system
- The aluminum shaft can be extended up to 8 ft.
- Lightweight
DEWALT DCC S690 M1
DEWALT DCC S690 M1 has a 16-inch bar (and chain). It is known for its perfect size for almost all the cutting jobs out there!
The most fantastic feature is a chain brake because it offers kick-back protection. The product has auto-oiling, which means it will stay lubricated whenever you put it to use.
It is powered with a 40v Lithium battery (4AH). Most importantly, it has a speed trigger that you can utilize effortlessly.
Why we love it?
- Chain brake for kick-back protection
- Perfect size for all types of cutting jobs
- Speed trigger to change the speed
- Low noise
- Less maintenance
GAS-POWERED CHAINSAW
Experts will tell you that a gas-powered chainsaw
Well, let’s put it this way – Gasoline or gas-powered chainsaws are great at cutting bigger trees and wood pieces. Since the weight is on the heavier side, experts do not recommend it for home use. As the name suggests, you would need to fill in gas or fuel to power up this baby!
Yes, it is slightly more expensive than an electric one. Gas-powered chainsaws are not for the faint-hearted. If you get irked by loud noise, skip purchasing gas-powered chainsaws.
Nonetheless, it is excellent for those who have heavy-duty works to be done. If you are cutting down a tree or making furniture out of wood, consider investing in a gas-powered chainsaw.
SALEM MASTER 6220H 62CC 2-Cycle
If you wish to cut firewood, then SALEM MASTER PRO 6220H is the best choice. This gas-powered chainsaw has an auto-oiler and an ergonomic design.
There is a quick stop brake that enhances the overall safety of the user. Just so you know, there is a safety switch in case the machine starts accidentally.
Additionally, the low-kickback bar, as well as the chain, can be used for multiple cutting errands.
Why we love it?
- Safety throttle
- Best for heavy-duty cutting
- Auto-oiler
- Low-kickback bar (and chain)
- The handle is non-slip
CRAFTSMAN 41AY4216791 S165 42cc Full Crank 2-Cycle
The engine of this mean beast provides enhanced power and less vibration. It has a 16-inch bar and is equipped with quick-start technology. Starting this machine is quite easy and stress-free. No matter what the outdoor project is, the CRAFTSMAN chainsaw
The handle is comfortable to hold and offers greater balance. A stable product is much-preferred to cut wood easily.
The Polymer Chassis in the product is specially built for prolonged use and excellent performance. It is lightweight as well as durable.
Why we love it?
- Balanced ergonomic design
- Poly chassis is durable and lightweight.
- Easy to start
- Best for heavy-duty cutting
- Auto-oiler
MANUAL CHAINSAW
Also known as ‘pocket chainsaws,’ these babies are old-school. They are primarily known for their portability. You can store them in the tiniest room!
There is a double-sided chain and handles on both sides. If you have watched old movies, this type of chainsaw requires you to move the handle back-and-forth. Yes, it requires physical efforts, but there are quite a few people who still invest in it.
If you have a smaller tree to cut or wish to chop the limbs, the manual chainsaw is ideal. Is it worth spending money on a manual chainsaw? Perhaps not in this world!
How to Use A Chainsaw (Safely)?
While a chainsaw can give you precise and quick cuts, it could be dangerous as well. It is a dangerous activity if you do not know how to operate it.
Since the teeth are incredibly sharp, the user has to ensure they are reading the manual before using the product.
Here’s a quick look at the safety gear you need:
- Always wear a helmet while using the chainsaw. Protect your eyes with goggles and the helmet.
- Chainsaws can be extremely noisy. How about wearing earplugs to keep your ears safe from noise pollution?
- When lumber is flying across the room, you may get injuries. Wear a long-sleeves T-shirt, sweatshirt, and chainsaw chaps. These will protect your arms and legs!
- Most importantly, wear gloves to keep your hands protected from the undeniably sharp teeth.
What’s your pick? Now that you are aware of all types of the chainsaw in the market, it is time for you to decide which one sails the boat.
Pick the right types of chainsaw on the basis of the errand. If there are taller and bigger trees to cut, opt for gas-powered chainsaws.
In case the job requires you to cut smaller trees or has household use, opt for electrical cordless or corded chainsaws.
