You'll find a lot of variety available when you're shopping for a gas chainsaw. Gas-powered saws are made for every kind of user, from the first-time homeowner to the seasoned logging pro.
What all the gas saws you see have in common are power and durability.
Gas chain saws come in three different types:
Which type is right for you? Take a look at the chart below, and read on to learn more about each style!
| GAS CHAINSAWS | Homeowner | Farm & Ranch | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Use: | Occasionally | Weekly/Monthly | Daily |
| Number of Trees: | Few Per Year | Several Per Year | Several Per Day |
| Maximum Bar Length: | 18" | 24" | 48" |
You'll generally be able to tell if a saw is designed for homeowners from a few key measurements and features:
Because they're so lightweight, homeowner or consumer-grade chainsaws are designed to be used with bars no longer than 18".
However, don't think that homeowner saws are lacking in benefits. In addition to being more affordable than other types of gas saws, homeowner saws have features like automatic bar and chain oilers, which keep the bar and chain continuously lubricated so that the chain can turn smoothly while you work.
What can you expect from a chainsaw made for farm and ranch use?
Farm and ranch chainsaws can use slightly larger bars than homeowner saws can, so you can expect to cut larger trees and branches. If a saw that can use up to a 24" bar interests you, then you might find a prosumer chainsaw interesting as well.
But it's not just about comfort. Professional gas chainsaws boast other features that allow them to take on heavy-duty work such as felling trees:
Depending on the saw, you might also find features like tool-less filter change systems or inertia-triggered chain brakes for safety. These features will come with a higher price tag, but for the arborist or groundskeeper who uses a chainsaw daily, the convenience these features provide might be worth it.