Choose the right chainsaw bar length based on experience, usage frequency and the size of wood you plan to cut.
Chainsaws are powerful portable machines to trim trees, prune branches, and cut firewood. A chainsaw’s bar length depends on how much power it can generate. And different chainsaws have different bar lengths. So, if you’re planning to buy a chainsaw, it’s important that you pick the right bar length for your needs.
For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use a chainsaw with a bar length around 2 inches longer than the thickness of the wood you are cutting.
In this article, we will discuss the best chainsaw bar length, depending on your job.
Should I Purchase A Larger Chainsaw?
Well—absolutely no.
If you buy a bigger chainsaw with a large bar, you’ll be wasting money if you don’t have an exact need for it. Plus, you won’t enjoy using it either. See, the bigger the chainsaw, the heavier and harder it becomes to handle it properly during work. Conversely, using a chainsaw with a 20-inch bar for smaller tasks is difficult because it’s too cumbersome. So, choosing the right chainsaw bar length for the task at hand is important.
Unlike what most people think, you actually don’t need a bigger chainsaw to cut large trees. The recommended bar length for a chainsaw is 2 inches longer than what you’re cutting. For instance, if you’re cutting or trimming a tree that is 10 inches thick in diameter, any chainsaw with a 12-inch bar will get the job done.
However, this is only necessary if you need to cut it in one go. You can also cut trees with diameters above 10 inches, but you need to cut the tree from both sides.
How Do I Know Which Size Chainsaw Bar I Need?
To choose the right size of chainsaw, the first thing you need to consider is the workload. If you plan to take on big trees, you’ll need a larger saw, but a smaller one will suffice if you’re just pruning. Similarly, if you’re cutting down trees for firewood or cleaning up brush, the size of the chainsaw will vary accordingly.
That said, you should consider three fundamental factors to determine the right chainsaw bar length:
- The experience level you have using chainsaws
- The usage frequency of the chainsaw
- The size of wood you’ll be cutting
We advise you to get a chainsaw with a smaller bar if you plan to use it for slight to larger jobs from time to time. However, if you’re a professional and use chainsaws frequently, it’s best to choose the chainsaw with the largest bar. This way, you can also use the chainsaw for smaller jobs.
We mentioned earlier that larger chainsaws are difficult to handle due to their weight. Additionally, if you don’t have adequate experience working with chainsaws, you should avoid using them as they can lead to severe injury. So, if you’re buying a chainsaw regardless of its bar length, consider your experience level when purchasing.
Speaking of experience, if you are unsure of your abilities, do not attempt to do any wood-cutting project. Instead, seek assistance from professionals. Trees, regardless of their size, can pose a danger to you and your property. However, it is essential to remember not to belittle small chainsaws. They are as powerful as their larger cousins and can cause injuries if mishandled.
To make it easier, if you’re not used to operating a chainsaw, it’s best to go for a smaller chainsaw bar. For instance, if most of the trees you’ll be cutting have a diameter of 10 inches, a 12 to 14-inch bar will suffice. You can still handle trees with a diameter up to 20 inches wide. The point is to purchase a chainsaw compatible with most trees you’ll be cutting.
Ideal Chainsaw Bar Length For Home Use
If you only need a chainsaw for occasional yard work, opt for a smaller bar. A 12 or 14-inch bar is sufficient for trimming small tree branches. However, you may need a slightly longer bar for cutting larger branches on larger trees. In this case, a 16 to 18-inch bar is enough. You can also use the same chainsaw to cut down small trees or shrubs. For cutting firewood, use a chainsaw with an 18-inch bar.
Ideal Chainsaw Bar Length For Farmers
If you work on farms, we suggest using an 18-inch bar chainsaw. This size can cut down trees up to 32 inches in diameter by cutting from one side and then the other side. It also works well for pruning branches. If you need to cut even larger trees and don’t have any issues handling heavier chainsaws, a 20 or 22-inch bar may be a good alternative.
Ideal Chainsaw Bar Length For Arborists
Arborists spend most of their time above the ground when working on trees. This is why they need a chainsaw that is easy to handle and lightweight. Climbing a tree while carrying a longer bar can be dangerous and uncomfortable. For this reason, it’s recommended to use an 18-inch bar chainsaw for pruning tree limbs while in a tree.
Arborists may need to cut large, mature trees that require a chainsaw with a longer bar length than the standard 18 inches. In such cases, bar lengths between 22 and 36 inches are ideal, but these are typically used only by professionals. If you have a job that requires such a large chainsaw, it’s best to hire someone with the necessary training and experience to do it safely and effectively.
Final Words
When choosing the right chainsaw for your needs, consider the workload, the balance between the weight of the saw and the length of the bar, and your strength and abilities. It’s also important to remember the type of work you will be performing. You should always select a chainsaw size suitable for your needs and experience level rather than merely choosing the one you desire.
Said that, a smaller chainsaw with an 18-inch bar is suitable for most jobs. No matter what size you choose, safety always comes first. Make sure to wear protective gear and follow all safety precautions when using a chainsaw.
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