If you’ve recently started looking for a new chainsaw, you probably realized that there’s a lot more to this powerful yard appliance than meets the eye. Depending on the type of yard work you need to do, you’re going to need a different kind of chainsaw.
Electric and gas-powered chainsaws are both powerful and versatile, but their slightly different qualities make them better suited to different tasks. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each kind of chainsaw!
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All About Electric Chainsaws
If you’re just looking to do some light yard work, like pruning hedges, cutting up logs for firewood, or trimming branches, an electric chainsaw is perfect for you. Electric chainsaws are also commonly referred to as corded chainsaws. Be aware; an electric chainsaw is not the same thing as a cordless, battery-powered chainsaw, which is an entirely different variety of chainsaw.
Compared to their gas chainsaw counterparts, electric chainsaws are lighter, more compact, quieter, and more low maintenance. They’re generally also less expensive and emit fewer fumes, due to the fact that they don’t require any fuel to function. Most of them need to be plugged in using extension cords, so if you’re planning on working an exceptionally far distance from an electrical outlet, electric chainsaws probably aren’t the appliance for you.
Again, they’re well-suited to handle light yard work, but will likely not be able to handle heavy-duty tasks like felling entire trees.
All About Gas-Powered Chainsaws
If the yard work you’re planning is heavier and more labor intensive, you’re probably going to need a gas-powered chainsaw. These chainsaws are cordless, making them generally easier to maneuver than a corded electric chainsaw. However, they’re also larger and heavier than electric chainsaws, so they require more upper body strength to operate successfully. Finally, they’re quite a bit louder than electric chainsaws. Gas-powered chainsaws offer a wider variety of bar lengths and feature better bar-oiling systems than their electric counterparts. Bars are the blade of a chainsaw.
The serrated chain wraps around the bar. The longer the bar, the more powerful the chainsaw. In order to properly maintain your chainsaw, you’re going to need to regularly oil the bar and maintain an appropriate amount of tension in the chain. Of course, as is suggested by the name, a gas-powered chainsaw requires fuel in order to operate. This means that you’re going to need to purchase a mix of gasoline and oil, which will create additional costs. However, these additional expenses are well worth it if you need some heavy-duty yard work done. The power and strength of a gas chainsaw are unparalleled.
Get the Best-Suited Model for Your Needs
Even once you decide you need to purchase a new chainsaw, the work isn’t quite done yet. You still need to consider the type of lawn work you need to do and determine what variety of chainsaw is right for you.
If you’re looking to do some light, occasional yard work, you don’t need to spring for a gas chainsaw. An electric chainsaw, which is generally lighter, quieter, more user-friendly, and is powered using an extension cord, is the perfect appliance for you. The only drawback is that electric chainsaws require an extension cord to function, which limits the range you can use it in depending on the length of your cord and the distance from a power outlet you’d like to travel.
If you need your chainsaw to perform hardcore, heavy duty yard work, you’re going to want to purchase a gas-powered chainsaw. These powerful machines are larger, louder, and heavier than electric chainsaws, but are also far stronger. They require a combination of gasoline and oil in order to function, but since they don’t need a cord, you can use them anywhere.
As you can see, despite the fact that these two varieties are both chainsaws, their slight differences make each one of them better suited to certain yard tasks.
Chainsaw | Recommended
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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