10 Different Types Of Chainsaws & Their Uses (With Pictures)

Chainsaws can do project work very quickly, which will take all day with any hand saw. So, they are a handy tool. There are many chainsaws available on the market that will suit your needs perfectly. But, you may have a hard time deciding which model to buy.

As there are lots of options from where you can choose from. Even a single brand offers a variety of options. For this reason, we are here to inform you about the different types of chainsaws. Confusion will ultimately become easier once you understand what kind of chainsaw you are looking for. So let’s begin the discussion with us!

If we look at the types, we will see lots of variety. In today’s post, we simplify the classification to learn quickly. Chainsaws can be categorized according to the power options, widespread use, or design. It is important to remember that this category is not completed here.

You will find more types that are always available in the market. But, they are not as crucial as our outlined chainsaws. Therefore, we will discuss these based on their use. So, take a look at this!

Types Of Chainsaws

Based on Power Options

1. Electric Chainsaw

An electric chainsaw is a valuable tool that can save your energy with little maintenance. Homeowners use them for cutting different materials. And with heavy cutting power, they are great for any yard work. In addition, with the lowest noise, they do not require fueling.

But they are not suitable for any big project. Apart from this, it is challenging to cut any larger branches of trees. However, they are available in two types, corded and cordless electric saw. Both operate in a similar way of compelling the chain.

Corded chainsaws require electricity from the PowerPoint.On the other hand, cordless chainsaws conduct with battery power. All-electric chainsaws are conducted by electrical motors that don’t have moving parts. But the gas engine has moving parts.

Pros

Perfect for yard work.
Easy to carry for lightweight.
Does not require fueling.
Needs little maintenance.

Cons

Not suitable for heavy-duty work.
Running time is very short in battery-powered saws.
Corded electric saws are not ideal for long-range work.

2. Gas-Powered Chainsaw

A gas chainsaw is an excellent option for any big project. It has a long-running time; therefore, it can be used for cutting the larger branches of trees. You can use them for a long time only with refueling. But they are not easy to transport because of the heavyweight.

This saw is two types, 2-cycle and 4-cycle forms. The only difference is that 2-cycle chainsaws need to mix gas or oil with gasoline. But, 4-cycle chainsaws don’t require this. However, these saws will produce a loud sound. So, some people find it troublesome to use. Moreover, they emit smoke, not environment friendly at all.

Pros

Faster and more powerful.
Perfect for cutting any large branches of trees.
The running time is very long.

Cons

Produce more noise.
Emit gas and oil fumes.
Difficult to carry.

Based on Overall Design

3. Pole Saws

It is a small pole saw attached to one end of an expansion pole. You can use these saws for cutting, trimming, or eliminating thick and small limbs. In addition, they are handy for cutting high-tree branches. If you remove the extension pole, it will be converted to ordinary chainsaws. Pole saws are available in battery pole saw, corded-electric pole saw, or gas-powered pole saw.

Pros

They are small and lightweight.
Suitable for cutting any small materials.
Available in gas-powered, electrical, or batteries.

Cons

Not suitable for cutting any large materials.

4. Top-Handle Chainsaws

The fuel tank or engine is situated right below the handle in these saws. You can safely and comfortably use them for the limbing operation at any extreme height. They are designed for use with a single hand. Although, they are not suggested to cut anything on the ground. These saws are incredibly maneuverable, compact, and lighter.

Pros

They are compact and lighter.
Can use with a single hand.
Safe and comfortable.

Cons

Not suitable for cutting anything on the ground.

Based on The User’s Need

5. Commercial or Professional Grade Chainsaw:

If your occupation involves intricate or frequent woodwork, you need a professional chainsaw. These saws have more power, durability, and capacity than ordinary chainsaws.

Pros

Have a strong capacity and power.
The best option for professional users.

Cons

Expensive.
Not suitable for beginners.

6. Small Or Lightweight Chainsaw:

If you want a chainsaw for some occasional and light-duty yards to work, like trimming or pruning thorny hedges or thin branches, a small and lightweight chainsaw will be a great option.

Pros

Portable and easy to use.
Inexpensive.
It can use for cutting or trimming any small branches of trees.

Cons

Not suitable for any big projects.

Other Types Of Chainsaws

7. Hand-Powered or Manual Chainsaws:

They require no electricity or fuel to run. But, they have a limited power capacity compared with motor-driven or engine chainsaws. Generally, you can use them for cutting firewood or trimming wood for camp. But, it would help if you had serious efforts to use this, which is tiresome sometimes.

Nevertheless, the manual chainsaw is convenient, highly portable, and affordable. And it is environmentally friendly too because they don’t produce any noise.

Pros

Can run without any power.
The environment is friendly.
Affordable, highly portable, and convenient.

Cons

Have limited capacity.

8. Traditional or Standard Chainsaws:

They have both front and rear handles with the engine or motor housing. But, you can get some variations. They are great for any kind of heavy-cutting work. But you can also use them for any light-duty work. Although these saws are very powerful, they have minimal reach. So, you have to use the ladder to trim the high tree branches.

Pros

Suitable for both heavy and light work.
More powerful.

Cons

Has limited reach.

9. Safety Chainsaws:

They have a set of enclosures or jaws that surround the cutting bar. This particular design will provide additional safety from the chain. In addition, the teeth of the jaw will help to grip the cutting materials.

Pros

Safe to use.

10. Metal Cutting or Concrete Chainsaws:

Gasoline engines or hydraulic motors power them. For any demolition or

construction works, these saws are widely used. They allow cutting through the concrete walls quickly.

Pros

It can use for cutting any metal or concrete.

Cons

Expensive.
I need the skill to use it.

Conclusion

So, this is all discussion about types of chainsaws. We hope this post will help you find out the perfect one for you. Before buying, consider both advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, you should view your work or project. And then pick up anyone accordingly!

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