A chainsaw is a compact, portable saw that runs on gasoline, electricity, or a battery and has a set of teeth connected to a revolving chain that is moved along a guide bar to cut. It is utilized for tasks including tree felling, limbing, bucking, trimming, cutting firebreaks for putting out wildland fires, and gathering firewood. Concrete is cut during building projects using specialized chainsaws. Ice may be cut with chainsaws in a variety of applications, such as ice sculpture and winter swimming.
Classifications:
1. Gas/Petrol Chainsaw –
The traditional model of chainsaw that has been in use the longest is the gas powered variant. They are renowned for their strength, portability, and loudness. It is because of the gasoline engine they run, which, in comparison to its electric equivalents, can create more cutting force and power. This makes it easier to cut huge trees. The fact that electric or battery models cannot match the cutting performance and speed of gas chainsaws is one of the key factors in people choosing them. However, the strong motor also brings heavier equipment and considerably louder noise. Because the gas chainsaw is cordless, it can be taken anywhere. They can keep running as long as there is fuel in the tank, but bringing an extra can of fuel is considerably easier than bringing a backup battery.
2. Electric/Corded Chainsaw –
These chainsaws are powered by electrical motors instead of engines. Electric chainsaws must be plugged into a power outlet to operate. This restricts their portability and utility. Electric chainsaws, on the other hand, are very lightweight and have a wide range of bar sizes. A corded or electric chainsaw can be a good option if you’re prepared to give up portability for never ending battery life. Because these saws are electric, you can cut them until your arms get tired. It has comparable power to low and mid-tier battery powered models, but it is generally less powerful than a gas model. Because they do not require fuel or rechargeable batteries, corded models are commonly the most affordable option.
3. Battery/Cordless Chainsaw –
A rechargeable power supply, which is primarily a lithium-ion battery, powers these chainsaws. If you haven’t used a battery-operated chainsaw for a while, don’t forget to charge the battery a few hours before you need to begin cutting. Manufacturers of rechargeable chainsaws have different battery life parameters. Depending on the amount you use at once, you might be able to stay out in the field for longer. Chainsaws with batteries often have less power, which makes them ideal for clearing brush in locations where a wire won’t reach. With a battery-powered type, you may enjoy all the benefits of a gasoline chainsaw without having to worry about purchasing fuel. The disadvantage is that rechargeable chainsaws are the costliest model. They spend a lot of money on the lithium-ion batteries they use. However, because you don’t have to buy fuel to run them, the overall price of ownership is less expensive.
4. Pole Saw/Chainsaw –
A chainsaw mounted on a shaft is what a pole saw is. In order to trim limbs and remove branches, you can reach high into the trees using these tools. Because it can’t serve as your main tool, a pole saw is an excellent secondary saw to have. Despite not being considered chainsaws in the strictest sense, pole saws function very similarly. Certain pole saws are simply reciprocating or handsaws with longer handlebars. The most often used pole saw models, nevertheless, are designed on chainsaws.
5. Pneumatic Chainsaw –
A chainsaw with fewer moving parts can be even more strong and more effective than a gasoline chainsaw in terms of power. Landscaping projects are unlikely to require the usage of a pneumatic chainsaw because they are far more popular in industrial applications. Most people buy these saws from the manufacturer directly. Pneumatic chainsaws are propelled by air pockets at extreme pressure. They are advantageous for construction activities because they can generate enough force to cut straight lines in metal and concrete. They produce no emissions, unlike fuel-operated chainsaws. To prevent the blade from overheating, some feature systems that deliver oil or water.
How to Maintain a Chainsaw?
Although your chainsaw may look to be one of your most sturdy tools, it still does occasionally need some care and maintenance to be in good and proper working condition. However, chainsaw maintenance is rather simple, allowing you to spend more time cutting through wood than cleaning it. Here are a few quick suggestions for maintaining chainsaws so they work well all year long:
1. The more frequently you run a chainsaw, the more probable it is that you may notice residues, such as oil slicks, sap, and sawdust. You must clean it if you want it to remain functional as effectively as possible. However, each element requires a slightly different cleaning method, so be prepared to treat each part separately.
2. A dull chainsaw is ineffective. Sharpening the blade is thus a necessary part of routine chainsaw maintenance. If you’re doubtful about whether you need to sharpen your blade, keep an eye on how your chainsaw has been performing lately. The blades may need to be sharpened if it frequently releases sawdust instead of saw chips. Additionally, if using it causes it to feel like it jumps, the blades might be overly sharp.
3. To reduce contact between the guide bar and the chain on your chainsaw, give it a good oiling. The chain won’t revolve as quickly as it should if there is insufficient oil, which could cause the whole tool to overheat.
Chainsaw maintenance is important if you want to extend the life of this power equipment. Any other power tools you have at home should also be maintained properly.