Chainsaw Buying Guide

Chainsaws can be used for such a wide variety of applications - DIY; chopping firewood, limbing; felling; pruning, etc - that you may need a few pointers to choose the one that best suits your requirements. Important features to look out for include an automatic chain-brake, which stops the chain instantly in the event of kick-back; automatic chain-oiling; which extends the service-life of the chain by ensuring that it is constantly lubricated; and tool-less chain-tensioning, which allows you to make quick and easy adjustments, without the need for a spanner - particularly handy if you are halfway up a tree.


Budget Electric Chainsaws

Clean-running, easy to maintain and inexpensive, budget electric chainsaws from brands such as Ryobi, Victus and Bosch are ideal for light-duty applications around the home and garden. The 1900w Victus VT2000-E offers an extra-high chain-speed for a clean, precise cut; while Bosch's AKE-4019 also offers a 1900w motor, but is rather more solidly built and features a stay-sharp chromium chain.


Quality Low-noise Electric Chainsaws

Low-noise electric chainsaws are high-quality machines, equivalent in power to many of the cheaper petrol machines. Their quiet-running engines and lack of exhaust emissions make them ideal for use in enclosed spaces, such as around the home and in the workshop. They are also less likely to irritate your neighbours, if you live in a built-up area. Models range from powerful Husqvarna electric chainsaws to the excellent 2200w Stihl MSE-220, which is capable of felling trees of up to 30cm in diameter.


Budget Petrol Chainsaws

Usually priced between £100 and £200, budget petrol chainsaws offer similar performance levels to the better electric machines, but free you from the restrictions of the mains cable - very important given the nature of many chainsaw applications. Their robust design allows them to cope with the inevitable bumps and scrapes that occur during transportation and outdoor use. Manufacturers such as Handy, McCulloch, MTD, Al-Ko, Victus and Ryobi all produce powerful and durable mid-range machines, which represent outstanding value for money.

Quality Petrol Chainsaws

These top-of-the-range non-professional machines provide the sort of power and torque that will allow you to deal with the toughest applications around the farm, garden or smallholding. They may also prove a good choice for the budget-conscious local authority. Superb build-quality, very high levels of performance and comprehensive safety measures characterise this type of chainsaw. Leading brands Efco, Stihl, Husqvarna and Tanaka all produce fine examples of these chain saws.


Professional Chainsaws

With their hugely powerful engines, professional chainsaws can often be heavy and rather unwieldy, so should only be used by experienced arborists. To make them more comfortable to use, these machines generally have a computer-optimised centre-of-gravity; a comprehensive anti-vibration system and ergonomic handles with sensibly positioned controls. Look out for models with manual chain-oiling - this allows you to adjust the oil-flow to the chain to maximise performance in differing densities of wood. Prices vary greatly, from the cheaper 50cc Husqvarna 346XP; through to the mid-range 64cc Stihl MS390; right up to the monstrous 101cc Efco 199.


Long-reach Pole Pruners

Essentially a chainsaw bar fitted to the end of a very long pole, long-reach pole pruners allow you to trim and prune high branches without the need for ladders. Some models, like the Echo PPT265ES have a fixed shaft; others such as the Stihl HT101 have a telescopic shaft, which allows you to work with greater precision, and saves space during transport and storage. Ryobi also produce an inexpensive electric version.