Chainsaw is a powerful tool used in felling trees, cutting up woods into smaller, manageable pieces, trimming branches, and so on. However, there are different kinds and sizes of chainsaws depending on the intended use. In this post below, I have discussed what size chainsaw do I need for different jobs.

Chainsaws are useful around the house to keep the lawn well-tended, cutting firewood, and chopping logs into smaller pieces. Also, there are commercial and professional chainsaws used for heavy, industrial jobs such as cleaning up the aftermath of storms, professional clearing, and logging. Discover here and read through the professional and commercial chainsaw reviews for home and business owners.

Unless you’ve used a chainsaw before, it’s very difficult to figure out which model is the right size. You may like a good looking small sized chainsaw and at the same time want to finish a large job. Relatively, buying the biggest chainsaw may not be the best choice or the smartest solution always. So think diligently, what do you want to do and what size do you need for your job?

However, this measuring guide will be able to show you the best chainsaw for your needs. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the size of the chainsaw you need. Whether for home or commercial use, here are a few factors to consider before choosing the right size.

Know the Different Types of Chainsaw

Generally, there are two types of chainsaws; the electric-powered and the gas-powered. The electric chainsaw is powered by a rechargeable battery that is lightweight and relatively easy to use, it runs quietly, and handles light to moderate tasks efficiently. It could either be cordless or corded and on average has a chainsaw bar ranging between 8 to 18 inches.

The gas-powered chainsaw has a 2-cycle engine powered by a mix of gas and fuel, it is relatively heavy and used for heavy/ industrial jobs. The length of a gas-powered chainsaw bar ranges between 16 to 24 inches. With the variance in engine size and capability, some professional chainsaws can have a bar length greater than 5 feet depending on their intended use.

Understand How a Chainsaw Size is Measured

The size of a chainsaw is basically measured by the length of the bar which the chain spins around. The chainsaw bar length is measured from the tip to the end where it joins the body of the machine. The length of this bar is usually between 10 – 20 inches averagely, it could however be shorter or longer in some cases. Another measurement metric to look out for is the engine size of the chainsaw – generally, a bigger engine generates more power.

Chainsaw Weight

Choosing the perfect chainsaw size is usually a trade-off between the power, weight, and size of the machine. A big-sized, gas-powered engine chainsaw might be more powerful than an electric-powered chainsaw. However, it is also heavier than the light electric chainsaw which makes it difficult to hold and use over a long period of time.

Consider Your Physical Strength and Experience with Chainsaw

Go for a chainsaw that you can comfortably handle without getting tired quickly, it could be dangerous to use a chainsaw you are not strong enough to handle. Also, if you are inexperienced in using a chainsaw, using a big and heavy chainsaw can result in unforeseen accidents.

Type of Use

This is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the size of the chainsaw to purchase. Choose the best tool that combines and provides both enough comfort and efficiency when handling the kind of job you need it for. These types of work include:

• Casual, light-duty use: The best type of chainsaw for light-duty work is the electric chainsaw. The bar length is usually around 14 inches or less and it is very useful in pruning and trimming shrubs with small branches. This tool is perfect for home gardening works.
• Moderate, medium-duty use: A general purpose chainsaw, usually gas-powered is appropriate for this category of work. It is effective in cutting through logs, medium-sized trees and shrubs. It is heavier and generates more vibrations. The bar length is typically in the range of 16 to 20 inches.
• Heavy duty use: Heavy duty jobs such as felling of large trees, professional logging, etc. require a chainsaw with a powerful engine designed to cut through the thick diameter of the wood. This type of chainsaw is useful for most industrial purposes and have bar lengths ranging from 24 inches to as high as 36 inches or more.

Whether you are a homeowner, farmer, logger, or a professional company, the infographic below can assist you to pick the right sized chainsaw. Please check out the infographic for your chainsaw size guide.

If you are not comfortable using a chainsaw and have to do some work, you may consider getting a professional to finish your work.

Please feel free to email me if you want to create an amazing product infographic for your niche site. I am happy to discuss your requirements, you can pm me to discuss further.