Chainsaws are super handy for cutting down trees, removing large branches, chopping up wood, and other similar projects. But with so many options for chainsaws on the market with such a wide range of sizes the big question is, “What size chainsaw do I need?”

The size chainsaw that will be ideal for your project depends on how deep or thick the wood is that you’ll be cutting. For most projects, you’ll want a chainsaw that extends approximately 2-4 inches beyond what it is you’ll be cutting.

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For example, if you’re cutting a tree trunk that is approximately 12 inches wide, a 14″ or 16″ chainsaw would be ideal.

It’s ideal to get a chainsaw that will work best for the most frequent tasks you plan to do, but since chainsaws are so versatile and able to be used for so many projects, there’s a bit more to consider when choosing the ideal size for your next chainsaw. Keep reading to learn more.

How Is A Chainsaw’s Size Measured?

A chainsaw’s “size” measures its effective cutting length, meaning how long the part of the chainsaw bar is that can cut something. The size is determined by measuring from the very tip of the chainsaw to the last chain rung before the powerhead (but biggest part of the unit).

This measures how long of a span the chainsaw can cut, but again remember that you should sutract 2-4″ from that length to get its ideal real-world cutting length. It’s not practical to expect to cut a tree trunk that spans from the very tip of the chainsaw to its powerhead; there’s simply not quite enough room for that.

What Is A Good Size Chainsaw For A Homeowner?

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The ideal chainsaw size for a homeowner of course depends on what that homeowner will be using the chainsaw for.

Most homeowners would benefit from a chainsaw between 14″ and 20″, depending on the most common types of projects they have on their property.

For example, a homeowner with a relatively small yard that needs a chainsaw only on occasion to trim branches and occasionally chop down very small trees or large bushes, a 14″ chainsaw could be sufficient.

On the other hand, a homeowner with a couple of acres of property with trees on their land might be better suited for a 20″ (or longer) chainsaw, which would be more ideal for cutting down small and medium sized trees, as well as logs for fireplace wood.

Ideal Length For Cutting Down Trees

A tree’s width is typically measured at approximately 4-5′ up from the surface of the ground. Fully grown trees typically have a width (diameter) of approximately 14″-16″ on the small side up to 20″-22″ or more on the large side.

Going off the recommendation of using a chainsaw with an extra 2″-4″ of length beyond the width of the tree, the ideal length chainsaw for cutting down trees would be between 16″-24″.

Ideal Length For Pruning Tree Branches & Limbs

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Tree branches and limbs are much smaller in diameter than a tree’s trunk, so you don’t necessarily need a very long chainsaw to prune a tree. Tree branches are typically small, around 1″-3″ in diameter, and tree limbs typically average between 5″-8″ in diameter. So even a small 10″ or 12″ chainsaw would be sufficient for most tree pruning jobs.

What If My Chainsaw Is Too Long?

While it may seem appealing to get a very long chainsaw so it can be used for cutting very large tree trunks, if you won’t need it to cut down large trees and you plan to mostly use it for smaller projects, it’s best to get a smaller sized chainsaw that’s more appropriate for your typical projects.

Why not get the largest size? Well, using a chainsaw that is significantly longer than what you are cutting means the chainsaw is more likely to kick back and either push you backward quickly or slip out of the tree trunk and cut you or something else by accident.

Aside from the safety risk, using a long chainsaw on a small project can also simply be more difficult because more effort and strength is required to compensate for the extra vibration and weight of the chainsaw.

What If My Chainsaw Is Too Short?

If your chainsaw is much smaller than is needed for the job, this doesn’t necessarily pose as much of a safety risk compared to if it was too long, but it can still be an inconvenience.

For example, if you have a 10″ chainsaw because you mostly need it for small projects but out of the blue you need to cut down a tree with a 16″ diameter, it’s still possible but you’ll have to get creative. Since the 10″ chainsaw is more than half the width of the tree’s 16″ diamater, you can cut from two or three sides of the tree trunk to meet in the middle. It will take a little extra effort, but it’s possible. Just make sure you take safety precautions to ensure the tree falls on the side where you want it to fall.

Looking For A New Chainsaw?

Here at Eagle Turf & Tractor, we have a wide selection of chainsaws for almost any kind of project. If you live in Chester County or Berks County or close by, you can visit our store in person to get help selecting the perfect chainsaw for your needs.

Source: https://t-tees.com
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