Choosing the Right Saw
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MYSTERY!
(Buying the right chainsaw for you)

Each week a new customer visits our Retail Store looking for a 20-inch chainsaw. We are more than happy to provide a 20" saw, but the question is similar to visiting a department store asking for a blue shirt. More information is needed. In the department store you will need to know the size of the person to get the right fit. In our store, the size of the job will help. The reason being, of the 30+ models of saw at our retail store, 20+ can be equipped with a 20-inch bar. It is critical to size the saw engine to the job.

Generally, there are three broad categories of chainsaw that include the Trimming Saw, the Ground Saw and the Multi-purpose saw. Within each of these categories a brand may have different levels of performance and duty, ie; homeowner, mid-duty and commercial.

Trimming saws are normally used by professionals to trim-out the tops of trees. They are very light, compact and have both hand-positions located on the top of the saw. They are often called "top-handle" saws. Capable of one-handed operation, these saws are highly maneuverable when cutting limbs of trees, and potentially, your own limbs! These saws should be used with caution. Although they appear to be a small, light-weight "starter-saw", that is not the case. The trimming saw is for an experienced chainsaw user.

Ground saws are for cutting up large tree trunks, normally in commercial tree clearing, logging or firewood operations. These saws can operate with bars from 20 inches up to 48+ inches. Keeping in mind that you can cut through one side of a tree trunk and then move to the other side of the tree to complete your cut, you can actually cut down a 48 inch diameter tree with a 24 inch bar. These saws are heavy, powerful and if you use one daily, you won't need to visit a gym to stay in shape.

Multi-purpose saws are the majority of purchases. They are normally set-up with bars from 14 to 20 inches, with 16 to 18 inches being the most common. They include a rear handle position, where the throttle trigger is located, that allows for leverage when cutting through larger logs. The multi-purpose saw has a large variety of versions relating to the engine size and horse power and intended duty.

The questions a Power Equipment professional would ask might include; "What are you going to be doing with the saw and how often?" A helpful answer might be; "I have 3 acres and my wife and I are clearing cedars on weekends, from sunrise to sunset". With this information a Chain Saw or Outdoor Power retailer can narrow your choices from 30+ saws down to +/-3 in the multi-purpose category. In this specific case, a 3HP, rear-handle, 16 to 18 inch multi-purpose, mid-duty saw would be a place to start.