The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Amazon reviewers show themselves to be powerful of this Gasoline chainsaw very enthusiastic. Most buyers use the device regularly and praise the absolutely satisfactory results in a wide variety of jobs - whether cutting branches, repairing storm damage or cutting down trees. The sawing speed and the easy handling of the light chainsaw also convince the customers.

The Amazon reviewers particularly emphasize the excellent price-performance ratio of the Scheppach gasoline chainsaw. Very few see the lack of tool-free chain tensioning, which is almost common nowadays, as a problem, especially since the saw chain apparently rarely needs to be retightened. It is practical that this inexpensive chainsaw can be put into operation quickly and effortlessly, even by beginners.

Similar to the Scheppach model, this petrol chainsaw from Einhell is also impressed by the combination of low price and high quality workmanship. Some reviewers even say the high quality surprised them given the low cost. This version is particularly recommended for lighter operations - if only because of the average length of the sword.

Purchase criteria

Operating mode

Electric: For normal garden use - i.e. for pruning and felling fruit trees - an electric chainsaw with an output of 1,300 watts is quite sufficient. Advantages are the uncomplicated application and the lower price compared to petrol chainsaws. However, you need an accessible power connection and must always be careful of the power cable when working with the chainsaw in order to avoid accidents. The cable also sometimes severely limits the range - perhaps too much in a medium-sized to large garden.

battery pack: What sounds pleasant in theory often turns out to be quite uncomfortable in practice. With most battery-operated (and therefore cordless) chainsaws, the battery runs out after an hour or a maximum of two hours and then has to be recharged for several hours. The purchase and use of a cordless chainsaw only makes sense with a (charged) second battery. In terms of power or engine power, it usually does worse than electric and gasoline chainsaws. Thus, battery versions usually only harmonize with smaller green oases.

petrol: For demanding hobby and professional gardeners, basically only a petrol-powered chainsaw is an option. It provides by far the strongest performance. In addition, it has no cable that could become a trip hazard. Due to the great advantages, it usually costs more than electric and cordless chainsaws. Important: When choosing a gasoline-powered model, choose it carefully for your own safety and because of the environmental impact, which you should not underestimate to be allowed to. Gasoline chainsaws are also very noisy.

Teeth of the saw chain

Half chisel: Most chainsaws reveal half-chisel incisors. These have rounded cutting edges and are characterized on the one hand by a low kickback effect and on the other hand by minimal material removal.

Full chisel: Full chisel cutting teeth are only found on professional chainsaws with larger cutting widths. They are not required for use in the private garden.

Sword length

Basically, the sword should be at least 35 cm long in order to be able to work sensibly. For particularly thick trees, you even need a sword length of at least 40 to 50 centimeters.

Sawing speed

The higher the sawing speed, the faster you will get with yours Gardening done. Manufacturers usually state this feature in meters per second. A good guideline is 17 to 18 meters per second.

Handling

Buy a chainsaw that is easy and convenient to use. The best way to do this is to read the experiences of other users of your desired design. The following features are significant and / or a comfortable extra:

• ergonomic handles
• lowest possible weight (not at the expense of quality!)
• Low-cost commissioning
• tool-free tensioning (tighten the chain using a knob without additional tools)
• Chain brake (prevents the chain from running, elementary for your safety)

Specific criteria depending on the type of drive

Depending on whether you choose an electric, cordless or gasoline chainsaw, you should check a few specific features.

Electric: power in watts, cable length
Battery: battery capacity, availability of a second battery
Gasoline: catalyst, tank volume, noise level

frequently asked Questions

What is a chainsaw?

The chainsaw is a versatile garden tool. Here is an overview of some typical jobs that you can do with such a saw:

• Cut off branches
• Cut down trees
• Remove storm damage
• Cut firewood

Petrol-powered professional chainsaws are also used for forest work.

The most important characteristic of the chainsaw is the multi-link saw chain, which is driven by an electric or gasoline engine and rotates on the saw bar. With a high quality chainsaw, you can actually cut entire tree trunks in a matter of seconds.

How is a chainsaw constructed?

The heart of every chainsaw is the engine. This is clad in a robust plastic housing. The latter usually has two handles (one at the top, one at the back) so that the device is easy to hold and guide.

The electric or gasoline engine is connected to an elongated metal rail, which is often referred to as a blade or sword. A groove runs along the edges of the rail. The saw chain has to be laid and clamped in this. The rail usually has a sprocket at the front. This reduces the friction.

The saw chain has sharp saw teeth on the outside. It is driven by the engine via a so-called centrifugal clutch. It is extremely important to regularly lubricate the chain with oil so that it does not wear out too quickly.

Which brands offer good chainsaws?

Some of the most famous and trusted chainsaw brands include:

• Stihl
• Dolmar
• Husqvarna
• Bosch
• Einhell
• Fuxtec
• Scheppach
• Güde
• McCulloch
• Makita
• Oregon

How much does a chainsaw cost?

Electric chainsaws from well-known brands such as Einhell are available from around 60 euros. Even simple battery and gasoline models are now available from around 80 euros. For very high-quality designs and petrol-powered professional chainsaws, however, you should assume a sum in the mid to high three-digit range.

Is there a chainsaw test by Stiftung Warentest?

Yes, the last chainsaw comparison was made by Stiftung Warentest in September 2013. The consumer magazine tested twelve models (five petrol, four electric and three cordless chainsaws).

equipment

Protective clothing

The chainsaw is a dangerous tool that can cause very serious injuries. Therefore, you should always wear suitable protective clothing when working with the device. This includes:

• Cut protection gloves
• Chainsaw protection pants
• Safety shoes
• Helmet with visor

Sharpener

The chainsaw can only perform at its best with a sharp chain. With regular use, it becomes increasingly dull. So from time to time you have to sharpen them (or have them sharpened) in order to achieve optimum sawing results over the long term. For this purpose, you simply have a sharpening device.

Here's how to properly sharpen your chainsaw: