Choosing a chainsaw can be complicated, especially if you’re not used to using this type of tool. There are different types of chainsaws, from electric to thermal and pruning, to suit all budgets, with prices ranging from €70 to €1,700. We take a look at the different chainsaw brands on the market, and the selection criteria you should consider when choosing your chainsaw.
The main chainsaw brands
There are a number of chainsaw brands on the market, most of which offer a wide range of products to suit all uses and budgets. Here is a list of the brands most renowned for the quality of their chainsaws:
- Husqvarna, a Swedish brand
- Stihl, a German brand
- Echo, a Japanese brand specializing in electric and motorized chainsaws
- Makita, a Japanese brand specializing in thermal and battery-powered chainsaws
- Ryobi, a Japanese brand
- McCulloch, an American brand
- Dolmar, a German brand specializing in thermal chainsaws
- GT Garden, a French brand specializing in thermal chainsaws
- Oleo-Mac, an Italian brand specializing in battery-powered chainsaws.
As you can see, the choice is wide, with many players on the market. Rather than deciding on a brand or a price, you’ll need to compare chainsaws on the basis of a number of criteria.
What are the criteria for choosing a chainsaw?
There are 3 different chainsaw models, depending on their motorization:
- Thermal chainsaws
- Mains-powered electric chainsaws
- Battery-powered chainsaws
Thermal chainsaws are more powerful, but also more difficult to handle, so they should be reserved for the most experienced users.
In addition to your level of experience and your budget, there are other criteria to take into account.
Chainsaw use
The first and most important criterion to consider is how you intend to use your chainsaw. Each model is specifically adapted to a particular use. Depending on what you’re going to use it for, you can opt for an electric or thermal chainsaw, battery-powered or corded, and so on. The power and size of the chainsaw will also depend on how often you use it, and the type of work you’re going to do with it.
For felling work, you’ll need to invest in a powerful, large-diameter chainsaw; whereas for cutting and limbing work, a smaller, easier-to-handle chainsaw will suffice. For pruning work, you’ll need a cordless (battery-powered) model for greater maneuverability and flexibility of use.
Chainsaw operating comfort
Comfort of use is essential, especially if you’re just starting out. You need to feel at ease with your chainsaw to get the job done properly, but also to avoid injury! So don’t choose a model that’s too heavy, which you’ll find hard to carry for long periods of time while gardening, or one that’s too light, which may be too fragile on large branches. You need to be able to carry your chainsaw comfortably with both hands, without tiring too quickly, and above all without being dragged backwards or forwards while working.
To maximize user comfort, especially if you’re going to be using it for a long time, opt for a chainsaw with anti-vibration or low-noise handles.
The type of wood to cut
Choosing the right chainsaw depends not only on the type of work to be done, but also on the type of wood to be cut! The thicker and denser the wood, the more powerful the chainsaw will need to be. For example, beech and oak are reputed to be dense and difficult to cut, so you’ll need to invest in a powerful model, whereas for cutting birch or pruning fruit trees, for example, a low-powered model will suffice.
Where to buy your chainsaw?
To buy your chainsaw, you can choose between :
- In-store: the advantage is that you can benefit from the advice of a salesperson, but fewer brands and models will be available. If you’ve scouted online beforehand, via a comparator for example, you may not find the model you want;
- Buying online on a generalist site like Amazon or on the manufacturer’s website: to help you make your choice, you can read customer reviews. While there are advantages to buying online (no need to visit a store, a wider choice of models, often more attractive prices), there are a few disadvantages, not least delivery times.
