When you’re thinking about buying a chainsaw, your first decision to make is whether to choose a petrol or electric model. Users find that the two suit different tasks electric chainsaws are lighter and easy to start while petrol chainsaws are more powerful and great for bigger jobs.

Features and benefits of Petrol and Electric Chainsaws:

Electric Chainsaws

Light
Easy to start
Less expensive
Doesn’t require petrol or oil in order to use
Good for smaller jobs

Petrol Chainsaws

More powerful chainsaw
Different bar lengths available for different size jobs
No electric cord to get in your way
Better bar oiling system
Great for bigger jobs or more frequent use

Choosing the right bar length

Chainsaw bars are measured in inches. The basic rule is that the bigger the wood you’re cutting, the larger the bar length –however don’t choose something that is much bigger than you need as it will be harder to manage. And check the weight of the unit –what you gain in power you may lose in muscle fatigue from holding onto it.

14 inch/350mm suits occasional light duty use –e.g cutting up a small tree –width up to 300mm
16 inch/400mm more general garden/home use –e.g. cutting up a small to medium tree
18 inch/450mm large jobs or farm or rural use –e.g. where you are regularly chopping trees for firewood
20 inch/510mm heavy duty, frequent usage e.g. large diameter wood cutting

The engine size will normally increase with the larger bar lengths.