The right size chainsaw depends on what you plan to cut and how often you plan to use it. For small yard work, a smaller electric or battery-powered saw is often enough. If you need to cut large trees or process a lot of wood for firewood cutting, a larger gas-powered saw will be necessary.
Factors Affecting Chainsaw Size Selection
Picking the right chainsaw involves looking at several key areas. You need to match the saw’s power and size to the job at hand. Ignoring this can lead to frustration or, worse, unsafe situations. This guide will help you match the machine to the task.
Considering Your Chainsaw Use Case Guide
Your main goal dictates the type and size of saw you should buy. People use chainsaws for many tasks. Knowing yours narrows the field quickly.
- Light Yard Cleanup: Trimming small branches, cutting up fallen limbs after a storm, or clearing brush.
- Homeowner Use: Cutting small to medium firewood rounds, pruning medium-sized limbs, or cutting small trees around the house.
- Serious Firewood Processing: Regularly cutting large amounts of wood, often from larger trees, for heating or long-term storage.
- Professional Logging or Tree Felling: Taking down large, mature trees, limbing large trunks, or commercial work.
Deciphering Chainsaw Power Requirements
Chainsaw power tells you how much force the saw can exert to cut through wood. This is usually tied to the engine type and size.
Electric vs Gas Chainsaw Size Comparison
The power source heavily influences the saw’s size, weight, and overall capability.
| Power Source | Typical Bar Length Range | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corded Electric | 10 to 14 inches | Light trimming, small limbs | Light, low maintenance, quiet | Limited range, less power |
| Battery (Cordless) | 12 to 18 inches | Homeowner use, small firewood | Portable, good power burst, quiet | Battery life limits runtime, needs large batteries for big jobs |
| Gas | 14 to 36+ inches | Heavy use, tree felling, large wood | Maximum power, unlimited runtime | Heavy, noisy, requires fuel/oil mix, high maintenance |
The Importance of Chainsaw Bar Length Guide
The bar is the long metal piece the chain runs on. Its length is the primary indicator of a chainsaw’s size. A simple rule exists: The bar should be slightly longer than the thickest piece of wood you plan to cut routinely.
Bar Length and Cutting Capacity
- 10 to 12 Inches: Good for pruning and removing small branches. Excellent for beginners or those prioritizing light weight.
- 14 to 16 Inches: This is a great range for the average homeowner chainsaw guide. It handles most tasks, including small to medium firewood cutting. This length lets you safely fell small trees (up to 14 inches in diameter).
- 18 to 20 Inches: Essential for serious firewood processing or cutting medium-sized trees. If you are processing logs 16 to 18 inches wide regularly, this bar is a minimum requirement.
- 24 Inches and Up: Reserved for large-scale tree felling or very large diameter wood. These saws are heavy and demand high engine power.
Safety Note: Always ensure your chosen bar length matches the power of the engine. Trying to run a long bar on a small engine will strain the motor and lead to chain binding and kickback risks.
Analyzing Engine Power and Displacement
For gas saws, the engine size matters most. This is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). This metric helps in selecting chainsaw displacement appropriate for your work.
Sizing Based on CCs
The CC rating relates directly to the engine’s potential power output. More CCs mean a bigger, more powerful engine, capable of pulling a longer chain and cutting harder wood without bogging down.
| Engine Size (CC) | Typical Bar Length (Inches) | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40cc | 10 – 14 inches | Pruning, light homeowner tasks |
| 40cc to 55cc | 14 – 18 inches | General homeowner use, firewood cutting |
| 55cc to 70cc | 18 – 24 inches | Mid-sized tree felling, heavy-duty firewood |
| 70cc and Above | 24 – 36+ inches | Professional logging, large tree felling |
Relating Power to Wood Hardness
Harder woods (like oak or hickory) demand more power than softer woods (like pine or cedar). If you are cutting dense hardwoods, you need a saw with a higher CC rating, even if the tree diameter seems manageable for a smaller saw. This prevents the saw from stalling when the chain is deep in the cut.
Specialized Saws and Power Options
When choosing the right chainsaw, you must consider the specific features of different power types.
Grasping Electric and Battery Performance
Electric saws excel in specific areas but have inherent limitations compared to gas models.
- Corded Electric: These are typically the lightest saws. Their power is consistent as long as the cord is plugged in. They are best suited when you have continuous access to an outdoor outlet and never need to cut anything thicker than 14 inches. They are very low maintenance.
- Battery Powered: Modern battery technology has dramatically improved these tools. A 40V or 60V system can often compete with smaller gas saws for homeowner use. They offer portability without the fumes. However, for demanding tasks like sustained chainsaw for tree felling, battery swaps become frequent, making gas more practical for long sessions.
Choosing a Gas Saw for Heavy Jobs
If your primary need is for chainsaw for tree felling or processing a full winter’s worth of firewood, a gas saw is usually the answer.
When selecting a gas saw, look beyond just the CCs. Consider the power-to-weight ratio. A very powerful saw that is too heavy will tire you out quickly, making the work less safe and efficient.
For heavy-duty work, aim for:
1. A bar length that allows a safe margin over the largest diameter you expect to cut.
2. An engine displacement (CCs) that provides enough torque to handle the wood density without overheating or stalling.
Practical Scenarios: Matching Saw Size to Job
To simplify the decision-making process, let’s look at common scenarios using our chainsaw use case guide. This helps in choosing the right chainsaw for your needs.
Scenario 1: The Weekend Gardener
Job: Pruning large shrubs, cleaning up fallen branches after minor storms, maybe cutting a small, dead tree (under 10 inches diameter).
- Recommendation: 10- to 14-inch bar.
- Power Type: Corded electric or a 40V battery model.
- Why: Weight is critical here. You need something easy to maneuver overhead or hold for short periods. Power requirements are low. This fits well into the homeowner chainsaw guide category.
Scenario 2: The Firewood Processor
Job: Cutting medium to large rounds (12 to 18 inches thick) from felled trees to prepare for splitting. This is a consistent, demanding task.
- Recommendation: 16- to 18-inch bar.
- Power Type: Gas (45cc to 60cc) or high-power 80V battery system.
- Why: Consistency and torque matter most for chainsaw for firewood cutting. A gas saw runs all day without battery swaps. The 18-inch bar provides the necessary reach for common log sizes.
Scenario 3: Property Maintenance with Larger Timber
Job: Felling occasional mature trees (18 to 24 inches diameter) on your property or managing a wooded lot.
- Recommendation: 18- to 20-inch bar, possibly 24 inches if you anticipate larger cuts often.
- Power Type: Powerful Gas Saw (60cc+).
- Why: Felling requires significant cutting depth and sustained power. A smaller saw risks binding in the cut, which is very dangerous during felling. This size pushes into the light professional category, requiring careful attention to the chainsaw bar length guide.
Scenario 4: Professional or Commercial Use
Job: Daily felling of large timber, bucking logs over 24 inches, heavy limbing.
- Recommendation: 24-inch bar minimum, often longer (28-32 inches).
- Power Type: High-displacement Gas Saw (70cc+).
- Why: Professionals need maximum durability, power, and capacity. They require saws designed for extended, high-stress operation.
Safety and Maneuverability: Sizing Trade-offs
When selecting the size, you are always balancing power against handling. A bigger saw is more powerful but harder to control.
Weight Distribution and Ergonomics
A heavier saw leads to faster fatigue. If the saw is too heavy for the operator, muscle strain increases. This often leads to poor cutting technique and higher risk of accidents, like unwanted kickback.
Remember: The total weight includes the bar, chain, oil, and fuel (for gas saws). Always test lift and balance if possible before purchasing.
Kickback Risk and Bar Length
Kickback occurs when the tip (the kickback zone) of the bar hits something solid or pinches in the wood. Longer bars have a longer kickback zone, increasing the potential severity if kickback happens.
Crucial Link: Shorter bars (14-16 inches) are inherently safer for beginners because they reduce the distance the saw can whip violently towards the operator during a kickback event. This is a major reason why the homeowner chainsaw guide strongly recommends sticking to smaller bars unless the job strictly requires more length.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs Related to Size
Larger chainsaws are not just more expensive upfront; they cost more to maintain.
Consumables and Parts
- Bars and Chains: Longer bars and chains cost significantly more to replace than shorter ones.
- Fuel Consumption: Larger chainsaw engine size means they burn more fuel and bar oil.
- Sharpening: While all chains need sharpening, a larger, heavier chain often takes more time and effort to sharpen correctly.
If your work volume is low, investing in a massive, high-CC saw just for the occasional large cut might be financially unwise due to higher running costs and storage space needed.
Selecting Chainsaw Displacement for Longevity
If you plan to use a gas saw only a few times a year, a saw at the low end of the recommended CC range for your task will likely last longer with less stress than a saw pushed to its absolute limit every time it runs. High-performance saws are built with better cooling and stronger components to handle constant high RPMs. If your use is intermittent, a mid-range saw handles the occasional hard use better than an undersized one.
Essential Checks Before Finalizing Your Selection
Once you have a size range in mind, confirm these details to ensure you have a complete and functional system.
Checking Chain Pitch and Gauge
These specifications define how the chain fits the bar and the drive sprocket. They must match perfectly.
- Pitch: The distance between drive links. Common pitches are .325″ or 3/8″. Larger, professional saws often use 3/8″ or Low Profile 3/8″ for more power transmission.
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive link that fits into the bar groove. Common gauges are .050″, .058″, or .063″.
Always verify that the replacement chains you buy match your current bar and drive sprocket setup. A good chainsaw bar length guide will also note the required pitch and gauge for that specific bar size.
Assessing Battery Voltage and Amp-Hours (For Cordless)
If opting for battery power, the voltage (V) dictates power, and the Amp-hour (Ah) rating dictates runtime.
- For basic trimming (light work): 40V, 2.0 Ah might suffice.
- For serious homeowner work (firewood cutting): Look for 60V or 80V platforms, paired with at least 4.0 Ah batteries, ideally two so you can keep cutting while one charges.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Chainsaw
Choosing the right chainsaw is about honesty regarding your future workload and existing skill level. Do not overbuy based on what you might need someday. Start small and safe, especially if you are new to operating these powerful tools.
If you find yourself consistently struggling to cut through wood, or if the saw stalls often, you already know the answer: you need a saw with a larger engine size, meaning higher chainsaw displacement, and likely a longer bar for efficient cutting. This process of selecting chainsaw displacement should be driven by the wood you cut, not just the size of the house you live near.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a very long bar on a small electric chainsaw?
A: No, you should not. Manufacturers design a specific maximum bar length for each saw model based on the motor’s power output. Installing a bar longer than recommended will severely strain the motor, cause it to overheat, cut very slowly, and dramatically increase the danger of chain derailment or binding.
Q: What is the main difference between a homeowner saw and a professional saw?
A: Professional saws are built for continuous, heavy use. They feature better cooling systems, higher-quality internal components (like forged vs. cast parts), better anti-vibration systems, and significantly higher displacement (CCs) to handle large timber day after day. Homeowner saws prioritize lighter weight and lower cost over extreme durability.
Q: Does bar length affect how fast the chain moves?
A: Yes, indirectly. A more powerful engine (larger chainsaw engine size) can spin a chain on a long bar faster than a weaker engine can spin a chain on a short bar. If you put a long bar on a weak motor, the motor will struggle to maintain chain speed, making the saw feel slow and weak under load.
Q: Is a shorter bar always safer?
A: Generally, yes. Shorter bars minimize the reach of the kickback zone, making the saw less likely to violently strike the operator if the tip contacts wood. However, safety also depends on proper technique, ensuring the chain is sharp, and using the correct cutting style for the wood type.
Q: How do I know if I need to upgrade my bar length for chainsaw for firewood cutting?
A: If you frequently have to cut logs by making two or more passes (plunge cut, then turn and cut from the other side) because the bar cannot slice through the entire log in one go, it is time to increase your bar length by at least 2 inches.