Buying guide for chainsaws

Buying guide for chainsaws

As with most products today, chainsaws are divided into different categories for specific applications. This is a great advantage, because you can get a chainsaw that suits you and your application perfectly. The disadvantage is that there will be a lot of different models to choose from, which can create confusion and decision anxiety. Therefore, we have chosen to create an informative buying guide so that you can easily find out everything you need to know before your purchase. Further down the page, we present ten different models in our chainsaw best in test, which undoubtedly are the best that can be found on the market today!

Chainsaw License
There are some rules about chainsaw driving licenses that you should oversee before you buy a chainsaw. In some cases a documentation is required on an approved chainsaw test, where we recommend that you contact the nearest training center for more information.

Chainsaw driving licenses are not needed when use is made for private use, such as folding trees and cutting wood for own account. There are also exceptions for those who are self-employed and work in private forest, as well as for family members who work in your forest. However, all employees outside the family must obtain a driver's license, since the forest owner receives employer responsibility. If you work together with a neighbor on one's property, a chainsaw driving license is required from both, as one can hurt each other at a common workplace.

Gasoline, battery or electric chainsaw?
The gasoline-powered chainsaw has dominated for years, but nowadays it is becoming increasingly common with battery and electric models. You should primarily choose the chainsaw for use, as there are some advantages and disadvantages to being aware of.

The gasoline-powered chainsaw is the most powerful on the market, suitable for the heaviest jobs and long working days in the forest. You can choose between a two-stroke engine and four-stroke engine, where the latter has the highest performance and is suitable for the toughest jobs. A two-stroke engine is enough for an average homeowner, who can handle most jobs without any problems. The disadvantage of gasoline-powered chainsaws is that they have a high noise level and vibrate relatively much. Long-lasting vibrations can cause wear on the body in the long term, so be sure to choose as low-vibrating chainsaw as possible.
An electrically powered chainsaw is a climate-smart option, where you avoid both gasoline vapors and battery times that are not enough. You can work for several hours without interruption, provided you have electricity in the outlet. Electric chainsaws are both lighter and quieter than gasoline-powered models, which makes them suitable for those who live in a densely populated area. The disadvantage is that the cord limits you, where you need to stay close to the house.

A battery-powered chainsaw is perfect for those who want a smooth and climate-smart alternative, without unpleasant gasoline vapors and cords that get in the way. As with an electric chainsaw, these are both quieter and lighter in weight. The disadvantage is that they do not handle particularly heavy jobs and can rarely get through the largest and hardest woods. Unfortunately, the battery life is relatively short, with a driving time of up to two hours. We therefore recommend that you buy an extra battery that you can switch between.

Models
Chainsaws come with many names, which makes it important to define them from the beginning. A hobby or all-round saw is made for the smaller needs, which are often easier to handle and neat in the model. This makes them perfect for those who do not have a large arm strength, which means that they can work with for longer periods of time. They are made to cut smaller trees and hedge trimmings as well as wood cutting and the like.

With a folding saw, also called professional saw, comes with a longer sword and has a powerful engine power. These can handle really heavy jobs and can cut many and large trees with hard tree species. The disadvantage is that they are heavy in weight, which requires a large arm strength. They also cost considerably more than a hobby saw.

Security
Chainsaws can be really dangerous in case of improper use. If you are not used to handling chainsaws, we recommend that you take a chainsaw license even if it is not required by law for private use. Many chainsaw suppliers also provide free tips and advice on how their machines are used. In addition, you should always be sure to have proper protective equipment when handling chainsaws. At testarna.se, we recommend that you use special gloves, protective trousers, hearing protectors, helmets and dental boots for as safe use as possible.