Outdoor Power Buddy

  • Chainsaws
  • Chipper Shredders
  • Tillers
  • Lawn Edgers
  • Lawn Mowers
You are here: Home / Blog
Man cutting wood with best chainsaw

The key to buying the best chain saw, as with most power equipment, is to take a bit of time to think carefully about what you need the chain saw to do and how you are likely to use it. You need to focus on what you need the chainsaw for, not the fact that […]

Husqvarna 960430211 yta18542 18.5hp 42inch

[toc] Introduction So, how is this post going to help you buy the best riding lawn mower? The answer is that it will give you a framework to help you direct your research towards the machines that are most likely to meet your requirements. And why might you need help with that? Well, for a […]

refurbished leaf blowers Husqvarna 125BVX

As with our refurbished chainsaws, OutdoorPowerBuddy has again partnered with VMInnovations to bring you a great selection of refurbished leaf blowers. What are ‘refurbished’ leaf blowers? These are leaf blowers that customers have returned to the manufacturer. The returns could be for all sorts of reasons – the blower wasn’t wanted, the customer changed their […]

The complete selection of new and refurbished chainsaws from our partner VMInnovations and from Amazon. VM Innovations If the price is not visible, scroll down on the individual item. Click on the individual item for full details, shipping and to order. Snapper XD 82-Volt Chainsaw and Hedge Trimmer Wood Bundle Price: $599.00 Makita 18-Volt X2 […]

Sheds are large investments and this is true whether you buy one for a home or a farm. So the last thing you would want is to spend money on a shed with a low quality build. The only problem is who can you trust to build your shed? Many companies claim to have the […]

Purchasing a corded electric hedge trimmer can turn out to be a very intelligent buy. These machines can to turn tough jobs into easy ones. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to operate. And, although there are some disadvantages to these hedge trimmers, they are an excellent choice for many homeowners. Size and power of […]

How to buy the best chainsaw

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article


The key to buying the best chain saw, as with most power equipment, is to take a bit of time to think carefully about what you need the chain saw to do and how you are likely to use it.

You need to focus on what you need the chainsaw for, not the fact that the guy down the road has just bought a beautiful XYZ123 model and you’d like one the same.

Maybe he got that model because he has a property out of town where he needs to fell a lot of mature hardwood trees and cut up firewood.

And maybe you just need to keep a few fruit trees and garden ornamentals in check.

As you can see, those are very different requirements, so very different chainsaws are going to suit each of you.

So, how should you go about working out what your chainsaw requirements are likely to be?

Well, first, for a bit of entertainment you can watch this video I produced on the subject. But the detailed information is below.

The essential chainsaw buyers’ questions (the EBQs)

There are essential questions that you need to ask yourself when you’re buying any kind of power equipment. I call them the essential buyers’ questions (or EBQs).

Here are the chainsaw buyer’s EBQs.

Work your way through the questions because they will help you get clear in your mind what your are going to need from your chainsaw.

  1. What type of cutting work are you going to do? Do you just need a chainsaw to trim or cut down shrubs or small trees or are you going to be looking to fell bigger trees and/or cut logs or good sized pieces of firewood?
  2. Best chainsaw for apple tree orchard

    Do you want the best chainsaw for trimming small trees and shrubs?

  3. If you are dealing with larger trees, will they be hardwoods like maple, oak, ash or gum or softwoods like fir or pine. Obviously, the hardwoods are harder :), so you’ll need more power if those are going to be your chainsaw’s staple diet.
  4. If you are likely to be working on small trees or shrubs, will you be near a power outlet, so that a corded electric chain saw might be an option or do you expect to be working outside the range of a power source?
  5. Will you need to undertake a lot of cutting in one go, so that you’ll need a saw that can keep going for hours, or are you more likely to do one-off jobs of short duration?
  6. Are you only going to need to use your chainsaw from time to time or is it likely to get used regularly (even if only during certain times of the year)?
  7. How physically strong are you? Again think about the stretches of time that you might be using your saw for and consider whether you have any physical limitations that might mean you should be leaning towards buying a lighter weight model. Bear in mind that the more powerful models are potentially the more dangerous ones if not handled properly.
  8. Best chainsaw for mature trees

    Or are you looking for the best chainsaw for felling mature trees?

  9. Are there any noise limitations in the area where you are most likely to use your saw which mean you should be looking at quieter models?
  10. Are you willing to carry out some maintenance on your chain saw (or have that maintenance done) or do you want a machine that is maintenance free?
  11. What is your budget? Chainsaws can range in price from under a $100 to more than $1,000 for a professional grade machine, so it’s a good idea to be clear about where your spending limits are.

Types of chain saw

Leaving aside polesaws, which are dealt with separately on this site, chain saws can be divided into two basic types – gas powered chainsaws and electric chainsaws.

There are two types of electric chainsaws – corded and cordless.

The price of chainsaws generally increases with the power of the engine or electric motor and, to some extent, the length of the cutting bar, which is the part that the chain revolves around.

On the pages listed below, I’ll look at each of the different types of chainsaw. In each case I’ll refer back to the questions above that are relevant for that particular type.

So, if you’ve asked yourself the essential buyers questions, you’ll begin to start getting a feel for the kind of model that will suit you as you make your way through each page.

Summing up

Believe me, if I’m looking at purchasing something I’m not too familiar with I can be a sucker for the latest, the shiniest, the brightest and the biggest.

I can also sometimes be a sucker for the cheapest and the easiest.

But in almost every case when I give in to those temptations, without properly thinking through what I need the thing for, it ends in frustration, disappointment and wasted money.

And usually an “I told you so” from my wife.

Of course, I’m not so much talking about garden tools and power equipment here, because I do just about manage to take my own advice as far as they’re concerned. But put me among the computers and the TVs and I’m dangerous.

So, remember, buying the best chain saw is all about:

  • weighing up your own needs,
  • working out which kind of machine will best suit both those needs and your budget,
  • then looking for the best models to fit those parameters.

The best models are likely to be those that carry the best range of features for the price you can afford, from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality and reliability.

At OutdoorPowerBuddy I don’t try to feature every model available. I pick the best in class based upon clear evidence of quality.

Recommendations

Gas powered chainsaws

If it is a gas powered chainsaw you are looking for, you won’t go far wrong with the Husqvarna 450. Read our thorough and detailed Husqvarna 450 review here.

Also, read our selection of the ‘Best of the rest’ – ten other great gas powered chainsaws, here.

Electric chainsaws

Looking for the best electric chainsaw on the market today? Read our very detailed review of the UC35350A Makita chainsaw here. The Makita UC3530A is Outdoorpowerbuddy.com’s top rated electric chainsaw.

If the Makita UC3530A isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then our feature on the 10 ‘best of the rest’ corded electric chainsaws is bound to help. Read our run down of the best of the rest here.

Cordless chainsaws

Don’t overlook cordless chainsaws. The best, such as our recommended cordless saw, the Oregon PowerNow CS250E cordless chainsaw, will surprise you with their capabilities. This Oregon chainsaw is Outdoorpowerbuddy.com’s top rated cordless electric chainsaw. Read the full Oregon CS250E review here.

If the Oregon PowerNow CS250E is beyond your budget or your requirements, we’ve got you covered with our selection of the 6 ‘best of the rest’ cordless chainsaws. Check out the list here.

More chainsaw buyers guidance

Read on for:

  • How to buy the best gas chainsaw
  • How to buy the best corded electric chainsaw
  • How to buy the best cordless electric chainsaw
  • The UC35350A Makita chainsaw – our top rated electric chainsaw




Did you find this article useful? If so, it would really help me if you could share it using any of the buttons below. How about giving it a Google +1? Or maybe a Facebook like or a Tweet?

Share

Filed Under: Chainsaws Tagged With: chainsaw guidance, Guidance

How to buy the best riding lawn mower or lawn tractor

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Husqvarna 960430211 yta18542 18.5hp 42inch

[toc] Introduction So, how is this post going to help you buy the best riding lawn mower? The answer is that it will give you a framework to help you direct your research towards the machines that are most likely to meet your requirements. … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Riding Lawn Mowers Tagged With: Guidance, Lawn mower guidance

Refurbished leaf blowers: up to 50% off Husqvarna, Ryobi, Poulan Pro

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

refurbished leaf blowers Husqvarna 125BVX

As with our refurbished chainsaws, OutdoorPowerBuddy has again partnered with VMInnovations to bring you a great selection of refurbished leaf blowers. What are 'refurbished' leaf blowers? These are leaf blowers that customers have returned to … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Leaf Blowers Tagged With: Refurbished

Chainsaw Selection

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

The complete selection of new and refurbished chainsaws from our partner VMInnovations and from Amazon. VM Innovations If the price is not visible, scroll down on the individual item. Click on the individual item for full details, shipping and … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Chainsaws

Why you should only buy sheds from ShedSafe accredited companies

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Sheds are large investments and this is true whether you buy one for a home or a farm. So the last thing you would want is to spend money on a shed with a low quality build. The only problem is who can you trust to build your shed? Many companies … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Sheds

How to Buy the Best Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Purchasing a corded electric hedge trimmer can turn out to be a very intelligent buy. These machines can to turn tough jobs into easy ones. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to operate. And, although there are some disadvantages to … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Hedge Trimmers Tagged With: g, Guidance

How to handle lawn weeds

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Dandleion - lawn weed

You love your lawn. You should, you’ve put a lot of effort into it. You’ve ensured that it’s survived through the harsh winter months, and you’re mowing it regularly during the summer. It’s taken effort, but you … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Blog

Chain saw safety

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Chain saw safety worker

Whether you are driven to get your chainsaw out by the effects of autumn storms or because you have some specific jobs that need doing, it is paramount that you take all possible precautions so that you work safely with a chain saw. In this post … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Chainsaws

Getting your home and yard ready for winter

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Gutter blocked by dry leaves

An important part of making your property winter-ready is the need to clear away all the debris that accumulates during fall. Whilst I've recently looked at the task of clearing leaves from you lawn and paths, it's worth thinking about the other … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Blog

Clearing autumn leaves – tips, tricks and tools for the job

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Once autumn starts turning to winter it makes sense to try to finish all the autumn jobs you can before the weather gets too bad. If you do, you'll make winter (and spring) in your garden that little bit easier for you. In this and the next few … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Blog

Refurbished pressure washers – Cheap but not nasty – like new but a fraction of the price

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Black Max pressure washer BM80915

Good gas powered pressure washers don't come cheap. That is a simple fact. But there is a way that you can get some real value if you are looking for a quality gas pressure washer, but at an affordable price. And that is to buy a refurbished … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Pressure Washers Tagged With: Gas powered, Refurbished

How to buy the best pressure washer or power washer

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

When you are looking to buy a pressure washer, it’s vital that you get the right pressure washer or power washer for your needs. If you don’t, you will waste money, either by buying a pressure washer that can’t perform to your requirements, or by … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Pressure Washers

How to Make Your Garden Furniture Last Longer – A Survival Guide

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Garden furniture

It’s hard enough keeping indoor furniture in great condition – especially when you have young children running amok with biros and scissors –the idea of keeping garden furniture looking great can seem like an absolute impossibility. But a garden … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Garden Furniture Tagged With: furniture

How to Buy the Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Best cordless hedge trimmer: Toro model 51496

Hedge trimmers are easy-to-use tools for homeowners that take the time and hard work out of trimming and maintaining hedges and bushes. Some people prefer gas-powered models, but they can be noisy and unhealthy to the environment. Others like … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: Hedge Trimmers Tagged With: Guidance, Hedge trimmer guidance

How to buy the best gas string trimmer: gas string trimmers and brush cutters under the spotlight

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Gas string trimmers are powerful tools that can capably and efficiently help you trim the areas of their properties which can't be reached easily by lawnmowers, as well as helping you achieve a beautiful and manicured look to the edges of your lawn. … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: String Trimmers Tagged With: String trimmer guidance

How to buy the best cordless string trimmer

By Ashley For disclosure regarding product links see the disclosure box at the end of this article

Best cordless string trimmer Black and Decker LS220

If you like to keep your lawn manicured, but you currently do so using hand tools, then it might be time to purchase a string trimmer. These machines are easy to operate, and they can cut your yard work time down considerably. For maximum … [Continue reading]

Filed Under: String Trimmers Tagged With: Guidance, String trimmer guidance

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 5
  • Next Page »

Categories

  • Blog
  • Chainsaws
  • Chipper Shredders
  • Garden Furniture
  • Hedge Trimmers
  • Lawn Edgers
  • Lawn Mowers
  • Leaf Blowers
  • Log Splitters
  • Pressure Washers
  • Reviews
  • Riding Lawn Mowers
  • Sheds
  • String Trimmers
  • Tillers

Buying a garden tiller 101

Best garden tiller resource page ad

Outdoorpowerbuddy recommends:

  • Mantis Tillers
  • Troy Bilt Tillers

Follow OutdoorPowerBuddy

Facebook Twitter YouTube RSS Feeds

Recent posts

  • How to buy the best riding lawn mower or lawn tractor
  • Refurbished leaf blowers: up to 50% off Husqvarna, Ryobi, Poulan Pro
  • Chainsaw Selection
  • Why you should only buy sheds from ShedSafe accredited companies
  • How to Buy the Best Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
  • How to handle lawn weeds
  • Chain saw safety
  • Getting your home and yard ready for winter
  • Clearing autumn leaves – tips, tricks and tools for the job
  • Refurbished pressure washers – Cheap but not nasty – like new but a fraction of the price

Like it?

Updates and offers

how to buy the best lawn mower - Honda image

OutdoorPowerBuddy.com

About OutdoorPowerBuddy.com

Contact OutdoorPowerBuddy.com

Sitemap

Legal

  • Advertising and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2022 · Outdoorpowerbuddy.com

Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the affiliate disclosure page
  • Chainsaws
  • Chipper Shredders
  • Tillers
  • Hedge Trimmers
  • Lawn Edgers
  • Lawn Mowers
  • Lawn Vacuums
  • Leaf Blowers
  • Log Splitters
  • Pressure Washers
  • String Trimmers
  • Garden Furniture
SHARE WIDGET

http://www.share-widget.com