Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Size for Chainsaw
While selecting a chainsaw for the perfect application, the right size for chainsaw matters a lot. While doing gardening tasks, it is important to have a chainsaw, which is a great helper in cutting logs for wood burners and making DIY projects. For this purpose, different types of chainsaws are available in the global market with various features suitable for multiple purposes.
For instance, many tasks that need to be completed using the stihl chainsaws are pruning small branches, trimming hedges, felling large trees, cutting wood logs, firewood, and many more. The size of your chainsaw perfectly matters a lot, which can impact its performance and overall satisfaction.
This blog discusses the primary factors to consider while choosing the right size for your chainsaw.
Selecting the Right Size for Chainsaw — Parameters Demystified
Length of the Guide Bar
The proper selection of the right size for chainsaw depends upon the length of the guide bar or blade. The metal bar, or the guide bar or blade, is a crucial component around which the chainsaw chain rotates. You can find the full measurement of this guide bar on the side of the blade, in the product manual, or in the online specifications.
If you currently own stihl chainsaws and are uncertain about their length, here’s a simple method: Using a tape measure, carefully gauge from the tip of the chain at the farthest end of the bar to the base where the guide bar enters the engine housing if the measurement turns out to be an odd length, just round it to the nearest even number, such as 14", 16", 18", and so on.
Proper Size of a Chainsaw
A straightforward rule of thumb is that the chainsaw’s guide bar should be a minimum of 2 inches longer than the thickness of the branch or tree you are cutting.
For instance, if the branch measures 8 inches in thickness, the recommended length for the chainsaw’s guide bar (or blade) would be at least 10 inches. This guideline guarantees that the chainsaw can smoothly cut through the wood in a single pass, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in cutting tasks.
Power of the Engine
In most cases, the engine’s power corresponds to the length of the guide bar on the chainsaw. This implies that a more powerful engine typically supports a longer guide bar. While many stihl chainsaws offer the option to exchange the blade for a longer or shorter one, it’s crucial to stay within one step up from the original guide bar supplied with the tool. Going beyond this limit can strain the engine, potentially compromising its performance.
Swapping the guide bar for more than two inches longer than the manufacturer’s supplied blade might overload the engine, leading to decreased efficiency and potential malfunctions. It’s important to stay within the recommended guide bar lengths to ensure optimal functionality and longevity of your chainsaw. Always consult the tool’s specifications or user manual for guidance on compatible guide bar sizes to maintain the chainsaw’s performance and durability.
Chainsaw Sizes Recommendations
A specific chainsaw blade length exists for safe cutting and other wood-cutting tasks. Depending on the tasks, different sizes of chainsaws are available for various applications and project requirements.
For different application situations, various sizes of stihl chainsaws are available for different tasks. Due to these variable sizes, there are various benefits of using stihl chainsaws apart from cutting trees as they are utilized in cutting heavy stones, concrete, and rocks.
The Best Chainsaw Size for Pruning Limbs is 6’’ to 10’’
If you typically use a chainsaw for cutting small branches or dealing with trees with relatively thin branches, choosing the right size for chainsaw with a guide bar or blade length between 6 and 10 inches is ideal. However, if the branches are only a couple of inches thick or thinner, using a small handsaw for these specific cutting needs might be more suitable. Evaluate your cutting requirements to select the tool that ensures effectiveness and convenience.
8’’ to 12’’ Stihl Chainsaws Perfect for Removing Branches
Stihl chainsaws with guide bar lengths between 8 and 12 inches are ideal for efficiently removing 6 to 10-inch thick branches. These chainsaw sizes offer a balanced combination of power and maneuverability, making the process of branch removal straightforward and effective. Whether you’re working on pruning tasks or dealing with branches of moderate thickness, these Stihl chainsaws provide the right balance to get the job done easily.
For Felling Trees, The Right Size for Chainsaw Is Having 12’’ to 14’’ Dimensions
When it comes to felling small trees in your yard or garden, stihl chainsaws with a guide bar length ranging from 12 inches to 14 inches are well-suited for the task, accommodating the thickness of the tree trunk. This size ensures that you can efficiently and safely cut through the trunk, making the tree removal process more manageable.
Choosing the right size for chainsaw for this type of job strikes a balance between providing sufficient power and maintaining ease of use, allowing you to tackle tree-cutting tasks confidently and precisely.
Splitting Firewood Requires the Right Size for Chainsaw between 14’’ to 16’’
When splitting logs for firewood, a chainsaw with a blade length between 14 to 16 inches is usually enough unless you’re dealing with very large logs. This size of stihl equipment offers a good mix of power and easy handling, making it effective for cutting logs into firewood.
Remember, the right size of chainsaw depends on the diameter and hardness of the logs, so evaluate your firewood cutting requirements to pick the best chainsaw size for efficient performance.
Felling Medium Trees Need 16’’ to 18’’ Chainsaw Size
When cutting down medium-sized trees with trunks approximately 14 to 16 inches thick, you’ll require a bigger chainsaw with a blade length of about 16 to 18 inches. This guarantees that you can bring down the tree in one simple pass.
Choosing the right size for chainsaw is essential for higher efficiency and safety. If the chainsaw is too small, it may struggle, requiring multiple attempts and increasing the risk of accidents. Conversely, a too large chainsaw can be hard to handle and lead to unnecessary strain. Selecting the appropriate chainsaw size ensures a smooth and safe cutting experience.
20’’ And Higher Size of Chainsaws Required For Felling Large Trees
Felling larger trees is a job that’s typically better suited for professionals. However, if you have chainsaw expertise and can manage a larger chainsaw safely, you’ll need a guide bar that’s a minimum of 20 inches in length. In this way, following essential tips to use a chainsaw safely will get all your things done nicely.
Cutting down larger trees requires a chainsaw with a longer guide bar to ensure effectiveness and safety. Considering your experience and comfort level with a larger chainsaw is important, ensuring you can carry out the task confidently and securely.
Trust the Experts for Selecting the Right Size for Chainsaw
A small guide is mentioned to briefly select the right size of chainsaw with various factors to consider before final application. The perfect all-rounder tool is handy for most applications and gives you the cutting applications and the capacity for any project. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking a compact chainsaw or a contractor tackling the removal of large trees, you’ll be equipped to handle the job efficiently and effectively.
Suppose you are a hobbyist and a professional looking for the right size of chainsaw for executing your different projects. You can contact Stihl chainsaw dealers in Texas, which offer various Stihl chainsaws for different applications and project requirements.
