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, great for the big 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
 

• A more powerful chainsaw • Different bar lengths available for different size jobs • No electric cord to get in your way • Has a better bar oiling system • Good for bigger jobs or more frequent use

Choosing the right bar length
 

Despite living in a metric world in New Zealand, chainsaw bars are often referred to 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.

Keep it safe!
 

• Remember that a chainsaw is a very dangerous tool – it can be harmful to yourself and others around you.

• Before using a chainsaw make a thorough safety check of both the equipment and the work area. If you have any concerns seek advice.

• Keep the work area free from obstructions.

• Read the operating manual and familiarise yourself with the equipment and safety procedures.

• Consider the possible impact on the wood you are cutting to yourself and the immediate area, the possibility of chips flying, or the possibility of a falling branch.

• Wear safety goggles, suitable footwear and gloves.

• Wear earmuffs to protect your ears from possible noise damage.

• Ensure any bystanders are well out of reach, or wearing safety goggles and earmuffs, and helmets if there is any danger of falling debris.

• Do not use a chainsaw while standing in an unstable position. If you are cutting something at a height you need stable footing.

• Do not use a chainsaw in a position where your arms are over-extended or where you are leaning – you will not have sufficient control over the tool.

• When using an electric chainsaw we recommend using an RCD – and ensure the cord is kept away from your feet and away from the chain.

• Have a safe drop zone – a clear safe space where you can drop the tool if you need to let go. Keep bystanders out of this area.

• Always take care with the storage and use of petrol and oil.