Even the most beautiful landscape design is short-lived without proper maintenance. Although we often hear about the numerous mental and physical health benefits gardening brings to the table, it’s undeniably hard work. To keep your shrubs and trees thriving, you need to dedicate several hours a week to tending your garden.
Luckily, the right equipment can take some effort off your hands. They say “there’s a tool for every job”, and indeed, there is. But if you invest in tools and machinery for every little task, you’ll eventually spend a small fortune and might even need an additional storage shed in your garden.
That’s why it’s wise to get your green thumb on versatile, multipurpose tools such as chainsaws. Yes, operating one of these bad boys might seem a bit challenging at first, but with a little know-how and a choice from the safe and easy-to-use tools available nowadays, you have nothing to worry about.
What Can You Use a Chainsaw for?
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Although the first thing that comes to mind is chopping logs for firewood, this powerful tool can come in handy in various other backbreaking chores and DIY projects – from pruning trees and shrubs to encourage new healthy growth to cutting down branches that get in the way or block your view. You can also use a power saw to build your own environmentally sustainable garden furniture, fencing or decorations. When shopping for chainsaws, you’ll come across various types to suit different needs and applications.
How Do I Know What Chainsaw to Buy?
Generally speaking, you can choose between petrol and electric tools with the latter featuring both corded and battery-powered models.
Petrol
If you’re looking to save maximum time and effort on bigger jobs such as cutting wood or felling trees, petrol-powered saws are a solid choice. Featuring a two-stroke engine that drives a chain with teeth around a guide, this type is the most powerful of the bunch and allows you to work away from a power source.
But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Petrol engine saws require great vigilance and experience on your end to be safely operated. In addition, they’re louder and heavier than their electric counterparts and need regular service and maintenance to function properly. Moreover, it can’t go without saying that gasoline and engine oil can add to the overall cost of a petrol engine saw.
Corded
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Corded electric chainsaws are well-suited for smaller jobs and less experienced users. These units are lighter and more compact, offering greater manoeuvrability and user comfort. Another benefit of electric models is that they’re relatively low maintenance and quiet compared to their petrol counterparts.
In the past, electric tools had a reputation for being weak and flimsy compared to their rugged, petrol cousins. However, some of the modern electric power chainsaws of today boast impressive technical specs that come really close to petrol engines. Although they may not be the most suitable choice for cutting down large and tall trees, clearing large branches and smaller trees won’t be a challenge.
One of the drawbacks of corded electric saws is that they need to be plugged into a mains socket which restricts the freedom of movement. Although this issue can be partially solved with an extended cable lead, you still won’t be able to work without a power source.
Cordless
Versatility at its finest, you can take a cordless handheld chainsaw virtually anywhere. These lightweight, yet mighty units are powered by rechargeable batteries to give you the freedom of petrol engines and the convenience of electric models. User-friendly with a low environmental impact, cordless power saws are suitable for various garden tasks.
If you’re considering a cordless tool, you have the option of buying a full kit supplied with a battery and charger, or skin only, with the latter being more affordable. Be advised, you should only use batteries and chargers from the same battery platform to protect your tools and yourself from malfunction.
How Safe Is a Chainsaw?
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A chainsaw is only safe as its user is cautious. Although you don’t need a special permit to buy or operate a power saw, extra caution is advised for both new and experienced operators. Since not all types are the same, the first thing you should do after buying your tool is carefully read the user’s manual.
Once you get familiar with all the parts and features of your new powerful toy, take the time to tension the chain properly to avoid safety hazards or malfunction. Proximity to other objects should be limited at all times, and you should never touch the chain, even when it’s not moving.
You may also need to buy additional eye and hearing protection equipment to minimise the risk of noise-induced hearing loss or debris blowback eye injuries. For gasoline-powered tools, you should limit the operation to outdoor areas to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Closing Thoughts
When the job calls for a capable cutting tool, you now know what to look for in your local hardware store or online. It doesn’t matter if you go for an electric, petrol or battery-powered solution, thanks to the constant technological advancement, each type can provide reliable and efficient performance, provided you buy from trusted, reputable brands in the industry.
