Are you looking for a chainsaw to buy? Before you begin your hunt for a new tool, it is important to understand the type of chainsaw and its advantages and disadvantages.
Chainsaw types
There are three types of chainsaws typically found in the modern-day that consumers can purchase: petrol-powered, electric or battery-powered. It is important to know which type you require before investing in a chainsaw.
Petrol-powered chainsaws
Petrol-powered chainsaws are the most common type because they are powerful, easily available and relatively affordable. They run on gasoline or petrol which is burned through an engine to create power. This makes them the heaviest type of chainsaw with gas being more flammable than other options. The process by which they are started must be carried out carefully to avoid accidental fires. Gas-powered chainsaws are also the loudest type of chainsaw.
Gas-powered chainsaws are best used in large unenclosed areas with enough space for fumes to dissipate without causing hazards, which is why they are most often found in farming or forestry industries. They can cut through tree trunks and other large pieces of wood quickly.
Gas-powered chainsaws are recommended when there is loose earth, sand or gravel nearby because it can easily get in the air and cause an explosion. This is also the best type for cutting down trees in heavily populated areas as gas fumes dissipate relatively fast into the atmosphere.
Electric chainsaws
Electric chainsaws, as their name suggests do not run on a combustion engine or gas. They are corded and plugged into a power source making them more environmentally friendly than gas-powered chainsaws. Electric chainsaws have no fire hazards but require being close to an electricity supply at all times which makes them impractical for use in remote areas or forests that are far away from power sources.
Electric chainsaws are recommended for use in backyards and other small spaces where the lack of ignition potential is not a problem. They can be used safely around people without requiring much space since there is no risk of radiating harmful fumes or noises.
Battery-powered chainsaws are safer than gas-powered chainsaws due to having no combustible fuel that can emit harmful fumes but are weaker than electric chainsaws. Batteries are rechargeable making them useful for small spaces where there is not a constant source of power available. They also have the advantage of being low maintenance compared to other types of chainsaws.
Related: Best Electric Chainsaw on the UK market
Battery-powered chainsaws
Battery-powered chainsaws cannot be left running unattended, since the battery can run out if it is not recharged in time. This limits their use to small jobs that do not require a lot of work in a given session.
Battery-powered chainsaws are recommended for cutting smaller trees or branches and using them at short term events where there is no power source available. They should not be used for heavy-duty work like felling trees or cutting thick wood since they are weaker than other types of chainsaws.
Related: Best Cordless Chainsaw in the UK in 2021: Top 3 Reviews
Conclusion
It is important to consider the type of work you will be using your chainsaw for before purchasing one. The level of experience with handling power tools, etc.
The most popular type of chainsaw among consumers is the petrol-powered chainsaw. This is due to it being readily available, powerful and relatively affordable.
Electric chainsaws are the safest type of chainsaw because they do not run on combustion engines or gas while still remaining powerful.
Battery-powered chainsaws are weaker than other types of chainsaws but are also safer than them because they do not run on combustible fuel. They should only be used for cutting smaller trees or branches and short term events where there is no power source available.
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